If you love live music, free stuff, and large crowds of people, Warped Tour is likely one of your favorite places to be. The Philly/Camden date is just around the corner, and because I will not be in attendance this year, I can't stop thinking about all the fun I'll be missing. Some of my favorite bands, a group of friends, and either super hot or super rainy weather has been the precedent for Warped in previous years. If you haven't been to the festival yet, or are a repeat fan, here are 10 things that can either make or break your Warped Tour Experience.

Best:

1. Live music

Live music is awesome! Especially at a festival like Warped Tour, you get to see however many bands you want to, you can stay at any set for any amount of time, and you can choose to listen to whoever you want. There are so many options and possibilities, you are sure to find someone that fits your fancy.

2. Free stuff

A huge shout out to all the local bands who roam the parking lots before and after Warped Tour to hand you their EP and demo CDs. Also, there are tons of chances to get free stickers and on occasion, free food. Depending on which sponsors are there, you could snag some cool stuff. One year, my friends snagged 34 boxes of cereal. It’s the little things.

3. Being in the front regardless of ticket

Due to the nature of the show, most sets are general admission, and you can literally stand everywhere and anywhere, regardless of your ticket. Of course, if you’re press or VIP, you’ll have some more perks than the rest of us, but I’d rather take my chances being at the barricade with a regular ticket than awkwardly standing on stage behind the band.

4. Nice people

No guarantees here, but depending on where you are and how you present yourself, nice people are bound to talk to you at a set or while you’re eating. When I went to see Beartooth last year, several people and I started a conversation while waiting for the band to set up.

5. Vendors/Merch

This is the best part I think. If you want any type of merch from Warped Tour, you can get it. There are organizations, record labels, band tents; you name it, it’s there. Also, pay attention to the deals they offer. Sometimes artists will offer free signings and even free stuff, depending on how early you get there and what number person you are in line.

Worst:

6. Hardcore Dancers

Hey man, to each their own. However, this is coming from a non-mosher, non-hardcore dancer, and I have to tell you, what you all do is slightly terrifying. Being in the middle of a crowd when the pit opens up is one thing, but then having to watch out for people throwing elbows? That is a whole ‘nother ball game, my friend. Definitely always be on your guard, no matter where you are in a crowd.

7. Sweating

Okay, I think this goes for all concerts, but is perhaps worse at concerts and festivals that last all day. Remember to hydrate! You don't wanna be the person who misses the concert because they passed out. Also, depending on weather, you could either be a dry stinky, or a wet stinky, which equals double stink. Sponsors should consider handing out free deodorant, am I right?

8. The price of food

I understand that concert venues have every right to jack up the price of food, because they know that the kids will pay no matter what, because they have to stay hydrated and they have to eat to stay alive. Let me just say though, $11 for three chicken fingers and some fries is ridiculous, and that’s not even including drinks. I don’t even understand how people can afford to buy Chickies and Pete’s at the Camden shows…those fries go for $25 a cup!

9. Loss of hearing

Again, a characteristic not uncommonly attributed to most concerts, but with warped tour, I feel like my ringing ears last longer than your average concert. Depending on who you see and who you pass by, the damage can be seriously terrible. It will definitely be worse when we’re older, but I guess we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it, hmm?

10. Possible injuries from crowd surfers/ mosh pits

God bless those that help to ‘clear open’ a space for the pit to actually happen, and also those who serve as the barrier between the violence and the non-moshers. Mosh pits are kind of great, because everyone just kind of assumes a role, and assumes a defensive battle position, like, arms up, elbows out. They are also kind of scary because it can be really easy to fall down in them, and when everyone is running around shoving, it can be hard to get back up. I’ve been the victim of several black eyes and concussions from the wrath of the crowd surfers. One time, a girl straight up punched me in the face on the way to the front. I went to work with a black eye the next day, no big deal. Stay alive and survive!