Before attending the “party of the summer”, I did not know what to expect. I didn’t know what to bring or what not to bring. The Faster Horses website has helpful FAQs to get you through basic questions but you learn the best from those who have gone before. Here’s some helpful tips and tricks to maximize your experience.

1. Bring water, fans, water, fans, and more water.

It will be the hottest weekend of the summer. Regardless of if it’s cloudy, rainy or sunny, it will be hot. Fans are a necessity, specifically the squirt bottle fans, they will be your best friend. Being in the constant sun for 3-4 days takes a toll on your body. It’s so crucial to keep your body hydrated especially if you are consuming alcohol. Don’t drink the whole day through. Pace yourself and mix in some waters when you can. They provide water stations scattered but it’s a good idea to just spend the money and get a fresh ice cold water.

2. Get into the venue early.

As the day goes on, the artists get better. With that being said, everyone is going to pile in for the top artists and you could get stuck far from the stage. There isn’t a bad “seat” there but if you have the chance, why not be up front? It’s better to go early and open yourself up to some new artist’s and grab that front row spot for your favorite country artist.

3. Everyone loves everyone.

When at faster horses you will meet more people than you can even imagine. You won’t remember their name or anything about them afterwards but it’s fun while it lasts. Different campsites will be playing games or dancing to music and everyone’s invited. Don’t be afraid to stop in wherever because I guarantee they’ll treat you like family.

4. Get there the day before.

Faster Horses Festival starts the second you get there. It doesn’t matter that the concerts haven’t started yet, because the party has. I recommend getting there the day before to set up your campsite and get settled in. That way you can explore everything, meet your neighbors, and be rested for the best three days of the summer.

5. The food is great.

It’s a good idea to pack your own snacks but don’t be afraid to spend the money and get fresh dinners too. It is not too overpriced at all so don’t worry about dropping $8 on a hot dog because that won’t happen. There’s a big variety of vendors and a convenience store for you to purchase food from. There’s even Cottage Inn pizza carts that will come deliver you pizza to wherever you are, how great is that?

6. Even if country isn’t your thing, I recommend it to all.

Music is a big part of the festival, but it’s not all of it. There’s rides, a foam party, a pool and social hangouts at every campsite. So if country isn’t your favorite but you want to have a good weekend with friends, still make the trip. But I can guarantee that by the end of the festival, country will have grown on you.

7. Buy portable charger or plan on your car battery dying from charging everyone’s phones.

Your phone will die, and you won’t have good service or maybe any service at all. Bring multiple portable chargers that are fully charged before you leave so at night you can plug in your phone. One car is allowed on the campsite so make sure you can charge phones in there too. Even though you should not be on your phone at all because you are enjoying your time there, I recommend keeping it on airplane mode so that your battery is saved, but you can still access your camera to capture the fun moments.

8. Expect to not shower for the whole festival.

I know it sounds gross and maybe a turn off, but the line for the showers lasts multiple hours and unless you want to wake up at the crack of dawn and waste time there, I recommend you improvise. My friends and I brought shampoo and a cooler of water and just washed our hair in a storm drain. You’re having the time of your life going from campsite to campsite hanging out with friends, playing games and listening to the best music that you don’t even notice.

9. Don’t bring anything valuable or nice.

Whether its electronics, clothes or makeup. Don’t bring anything that you wouldn’t want to lose, break or dirty up because I guarantee that will happen. Your clothes are going to be covered in dirt, water, soap, alcohol, almost anything you can think of. People are always coming and going on your campsite and something could be broken accidentally or even stolen.

10. It will be one of the coolest things you’ll experience.

Walking freely through campsites all day and night, playing games with your friends and newly made friends, dancing to music, and camping out, what more could you ask for? It is a wild weekend. When you’re standing in the venue surrounded by the people you love the most listening to your favorite artists, it’ll make you never want to leave.

Faster horses festival really is the party of the summer. It’s a weekend of memories that’ll last a lifetime. Make the most of it and use these tips to prepare yourself for what you’re about to experience.