With Indianapolis Vans Warped Tour quickly approaching, I figured I could give my insight on how to have a rockin' time. After going to Warped Tour at the tender age of 16, and now going to my fair share of Vans Warped Tours, I believe that I am self qualified pro. I feel as if after all these years I have a lot of insight about how to survive Warped Tour. So here they are:
1. Hydrate.
This is the most important thing I can tell people. You have to stay hydrated. You cannot go all day without water. The heat will get to you and having water will help you.
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2. Bring a lidded water bottle in with you.
Bringing in a lidded water bottle allows you to keep refilling it up because at many venues they'll give you a water bottle without the lid, forcing you to drink it all at one time. This also keeps you from having to spend what seems like a billion dollars on a water bottle, too.
3. Eat before you go.
I am a firm believer in eating a good breakfast before you go. The heat always makes me sick and I cannot eat throughout the day, so I always try to eat before I go. Which is always helpful. You should eat to keep your energy up.
4. Bring a bag.
You should bring a bag because this will help you store all of your free stuff that everyone gives you. If you also have a bag, you can get your merch in the beginning, which is always good, because then you don't get the picked over options. Bringing a bag is smart so you can hold your belongings. You can even have one person from your group bring a bag and you all can put your stuff in it and take turns carrying it.
5. Sunscreen.
Seriously, for the sake of your skin, bring freakin' sunscreen. You'd be shocked how many people neglect this and the next day are in the hospital for sun poisoning. It's preventable. Remember to apply it as much as you can. I typically do it every 30 minutes due to me sweating it off.
6. Buy a map.
When you enter they'll offer you to spend $2 on map. I advise it. It has where all the bands are playing and the times. It will help you plan your day out and make the most of it.
7. Don't be afraid to go see a band alone.
Usually my friends and I all want to see the same bands, but sometimes they don't! It's OK to go alone. Chances are you'll make friends in the crowd. You rock out and meet up with your friends after!
8. Rest.
Don't be afraid to stop and rest. The heat can get to you so when needed take those rests. Sometimes I sit in the way back on the bands I want to listen to and relax. You can sit while listening to good music.
9. Listen to one band you haven't heard of.
I have discovered most of my favorite bands while being at Warped Tour. If you don't have a band you want to see, go look for a new band to fall in love with. I promise you won't regret it.
I hope these tips help you. Have fun!
