Out of all summer music festivals, one that is popularly known around America is the Warped Tour. Warped Tour began in the mid-nineties and has carried on in its success to the present date. It offers a selection of punk, alternative, and pop musicians, who play live throughout the day. It’s usually held in a large outdoor venue to make room for the multiple stages and tents that are set up. The day is meant for concert goers to browse through band merchandise, meet musicians, and enjoy live music.
On Warped Tours attraction, junior Kit Lee responded, “Music festivals usually take place during the summer and [are] a musical representation of those endless summer nights. There’s something restless about live music, it just makes you want to dance. It’s something that when you first here about it, you can already tell that the memories you make are going to be great.”
Upon going to Warped Tour, a popular question for newcomers is what to bring to the concert. The smartest thing to do would be to get a backpack, something that can hold items without getting in the way while walking or being jostled by crowds. Sunblock and sunglasses are other must haves if attending Warped, as the entire concert is outside and during the summer season, making heat an issue along with the possibility of getting sun burnt. Other things that would be good to bring to face the long hours out in the sun would be water, a miniature battery run fan, cash for band merchandise, and earplugs to avoid headaches from loud music.
Once there, be prepared for loud music, and a lot of people. Warped is usually packed full, so there can be jostling and long lines for tickets, water, bathrooms, and food.
When arriving, there are schedules being sold right out front, along with basics such as sunblock, earplugs, sunglasses, and backpacks. If it’s more convenient to buy these items while there, have cash ready to purchase what’s needed. Schedules are extremely handy for finding which bands will be playing where, as there are multiple stages.
One of the most important things to remember is to stay hydrated. Baking in the sun for too long can cause dehydration, which results in nausea, headaches, and dizziness. To avoid this, it’s important to drink enough liquid all day. At Warped Tour, you can bring water in as long as it is contained in closed bottles. Hydration stations that give out free water refills in bottles are offered all day, to keep concertgoers hydrated and healthy.
“Stay hydrated because it’s hot,” said senior Victor Grandowski.
There are no rules on what to wear to Warped Tour, but in order to have an enjoyable time, it’s better to wear certain things over others. Due to the amount of walking, it would be smart to wear comfortable shoes meant for walking versus cute shoes meant for looks. No use wearing shoes that hurt just to stand all day in the sun and sweat. Another is not to wear long sleeves or pants-it’s hot. The more appropriate choice would be shorter capris or shorts, and a T-shirt or tank top.
Think smart about what may be needed. Cameras are usually a great idea for taking pictures with musicians or for filming live performances. Also, as food can be expensive, think ahead and pack a couple of snacks to last throughout the day.
“I would bring water and toilet paper and walking shoes,” said sophomore Catherine Matos.
Other than the basics, be prepared for pounding bass, mosh pits, and walking quickly from place to place to see different performances.
Warped Tour is a festival for a reason-it’s meant to be fun and entertaining. With a couple of tips on what to bring, wear, and do, it should be an experience that isn’t easy to forget.