Warped Tour Survival Guide?

What to bring...

1. Small backpack, drawstring bag, tote bag or anything to put stuff in.

2. A couple of frozen, sealed water bottles. They usually cost around $3 to $4 at the event.

3. Small snack that won't get squished and won't go bad. They usually have a pizza truck out there. Not sure how much it costs, but I think it's like $10.

4. Sunscreen. That is a must and you must put it on constantly because you will get sunburned if you don't bring it.

5. Charged phone/camera. Phone can be used for set times and when bands are meeting fans and of course photos. They don't allow the professional cameras in unless you have a photography pass thing.

6. Money! Of course you need that. Here is an idea of how much things are. Shirts are usually $20. Shorts can either be $15 or $25. CDs can go for $5 to $10, maybe even $15. Sweaters can go for $40. Posters depend, wristbands depend, and I cannot think of anything else. Oh yeah they sell schedules for like $3 I believe. And don't forget about the food/water if you plan to get it from there.

Note: Try not to bring much because you will still have to carry merch and keep an eye that no one goes through your bag.

7. Notebook or something bands can sign and to write down when bands play or meet fans.

8. Sharpies! For signatures.

9. And of course your ticket.

What to wear...

If you are a girl: You may wear a bathing suit top, but keep an eye no one pulls it off. If you don't feel comfortable with that, any shirt will do. Make sure it is a light color, not heavy and don't mind it getting sweaty, dirty and wet. Any shorts will do. If it's white it will get dirty. DO NOT wear open toed shoes. You will get stepped on and just like the others, they will get dirty. Don't bother putting on too much make up or making your hair look nice, you'll end up putting it in a pony tail or pulled back.

If you are a guy: Basketball shorts are good. Any tee will do, but it's best not to wear black. Closed in shoes and that's pretty much it. And sunglasses if you'd like.

The night before...

1. Put water bottles in the freezer so they'll be frozen in the morning.

2. Make sure you have everything either by your bag or in bag.

3. It would be best to shower in the morning.

4. And just try to sleep because you will need all that energy for the day of.

Other info...

1.Gates open at 11ish. So to be in front of the line you should get there like three hours earlier, but people are unpredictable. They usually don't let you into the gate until 12/12:30.

2.Once you get into the gate, go to the inflatable VANS Wall. Photo --> http://www.flickr.com/photos/karinarosehernandez/6... either write down, put it in your phone or use the schedule when a band you'd like to see is playing and what stage. There are usually four to six stages. If you get a schedule it will show where the stages are at.

3. TAKE AS MANY BREAKS AS YOU NEED! I see so many people pass out because of that. There is a tent where they have mist coming out of it, and last year they had a slip n slide kind of thing. Stay hydrated as well. There is a water canteen place where you can feel up your water bottle or get a drink. To be honest, it doesn't taste well, but if you need it get it.

4. If you see someone hurt or have fallen, help them. There is a first aid tent around with paramedics.

5. If you have a Tumblr or Twitter keep an eye out on whether a band has limited meet and greets.

6. They always get the line up. Like lets say you wanted to see Chiodos. The day before you date they play at 12 on Main Stage. Well the day of your date they may play at 5, but they will still be on the Main Stage.

I believe this is it. Good luck and have fun!

The offspring has gone several years in a row, pumpkin, and it's his favorite show. His favorite bands are Man Overboard, The Wonder Years, My Chemical Romance, The Story So Far, La Dispute, and Fallout Boy, some of which he first encountered at Warped Tour.

Drink plenty of water - it's widely available, so make sure you don't skimp, and don't substitute Red Bull or anything like that for it - even if you're tired, you need water more than caffiene. The first year the offspring went, one of the girls he went with ended up at the hospital because she was dehydrated.

Obviously, be safe - don't ingest anything anyone you don't know hands you, and don't go off with anyone you don't know. If you don't feel well or something happens, go to the medical booth immediately - know where it is.

Bring enough money to buy merch and a light fabric backpack to keep your purchases and a water bottle in so you don't have to carry them in your hands. Keep your money and your phone safe in your pocket (not a pocketbook, which can easily be lost or stolen), though - as in any huge crowd, there are pickpockets and thieves. The offspring lost his iPhone one year. Also, if you're getting a ride, have definite plans for where you're going to get picked up - there's about a billion kids leaving at the same time, so knowing where to meet your ride is crucial.

Eat before you go or while you're there - don't try to get into any fast-food (or other) restaurant for miles around after you leave. They'll be jammed for a good hour after the last band plays.

The place is filled with interesting people at the booths, not to mention that bands have their own booths where they'll meet and talk to people before and after they play, so take the time to stop and chat with them about what they're selling or promoting. Don't just go for the headliners - check out as many of the up-and-coming bands as you can, and even if you don't really like them, be enthusiastic...they could use the encouragement (it's tough out on the road), and even if you're not into their music, they're what make it more exciting than the average show.

Have fun and be safe!