Vans Warped Tour 2015: Survival Guide

The bands are being announced, the dates have been released, and tickets are on sale so it's finally time to prepare for the "Punk Rock Summer Camp" also know as Vans Warped Tour! 

I know it can be scary if this your first year going or even if you've been a million times, it's like things change every year! So, I've compiled a list of the do's and don'ts of the summers biggest festival on wheels. 

First things first, you have to prepare! First you need to decide which show you’re going to. Once you choose the place(s) it's time to buy your ticket! Keep in mind that parents get in free, so feel free to bring them along for the ride, but only one parent. Don't worry, there is a reverse daycare if you don't want them with you the whole time. Once you buy your ticket (which can be found on vanswarpedtour.com or you can just search it at live nation or ticketmaster) I suggest saving up your money so you'll have enough for gas, hotels, merch, etc. If you're riding with a friend or relative, be sure to check with them to see if they need gas money. Come up with a rough draft of how much money you'll need. 

Not sure how much merch is? I got you!

Merch Cost:

• T-Shirts - $20 to $25
• Shorts - $15 to $25
• CD'S - $15 to $25 (depending on how big the band is, smaller bands usually hand their CD's out for free)
• Tanks - $20 to $25
• Posters - $5 to $20 (depending on size)
• VANS are usually 50% off so around $25

Once you gather all the money you'll need, you're half way there! 

Next is what to wear. Being that it is a Summer tour and it's usually anywhere between 75 to 110 degrees depending on where you are so you don't want to be wearing a sweater and skinny jeans (unless that's what you're comfortable in, you do you). Here's what I suggest:

GIRLS:

• Wear a tank top or a light colored t-shirt. AVOID WHITE!
• Wear shorts! Don't wear white shorts, they will be brown by the end of the day.
• Don't wear something that you're going to be really upset if it tears or gets really dirty.
• Wear close toed shoes!
• Wear a sports bra unless you like to be extremely uncomfortable.
• Wear a hat and/or sunglasses.

GUYS:

• Again, wear close toed shoes to avoid your feet getting scraped and bruised and basically broken (trust us, it happens).
• Wear a t-shirt or a tank top, and try to avoid white.
• If you are the kind of guy that wears pants even if its 100 degrees, go for it but bring a pair of shorts just in case you get really hot.
• Wear a hat or sunglasses

Also, wear sunscreen! You might think you're too cool for it or whatever, but you don't want to get sunburnt or potentially get skin cancer! So wear it! 

Next is what to bring. Warped Tour has a set list of what you can and cannot bring:

• You CANNOT bring: Chains (ex: wallet chains), alcohol, recording devices, firearms, weapons, knives etc., any illegal substances.
• You CAN bring: Small, lightweight backpack, sunscreen, a small homemade snack, one sealed bottle of water, camera, sharpie for autographs and writing set times, fully charged cell phone, comfortable sneakers, hat.

Stuck on what type of backpack to bring? I've got you! Here's some suggestions:

Now what all should you pack? Here's a small list:

• Camera
• Phone (Charged)
• Water (No Bottles)
• Small Snack (Sealed)
• Notebook
• Sharpie
• Wallet
• Poncho (In Case It Rains)
• Portable Phone Charger
• Extra Pair or Clothes

Let's move on to the day of the tour. Be sure to follow your favorite bands social media before the show, and to save battery, get text alerts from their Twitter. This is in case they get to play main stage or have a signing, you'll be the first to know.

Doors open around 11 but don't rush yourself, bands usually start between 11:15 - 11:30 giving you enough time to find the stage their playing at. Also, some bands require you to get a pass of some type for their meet-and-greet (a poster, ticket, or just some type of merch) and you'll most likely have to get there quickly because most bands have a limit on how many people they can meet per meet-and-greet.

Kia usually does signings also, last year they had Of Mice & Men and Yellowcard. You had to take a picture with their car and get a poster to meet them. They also hand out bracelets to get into the VIP tent to the people who are having the most fun. 

I suggest going around to your favorite bands tent and ask if they're having a signing and when it is. Sometimes the band doesn't have one due to multiple reasons, but don't feel sad, you'll still get to rock out with them at their set!

How will you know what time your favorite band plays? The inflatable is usually located in the front of the venue and it has all the showtimes and stages for all the bands. Don't feel like writing it all down? They offer a printed version of the list that also has a map of the venue for $2 usually at the front of the gate. 

Starting to get a little tired? Sit down for a second and take a drink of water or grab something to eat. You don't want to be rocking out and pass out. Keep yourself hydrated so you can make it through the whole day. Don't think you can handle it anymore? Find the First Aid tent, they'll totally help you out.

Got some down time in between sets? Go check out some new music! Warped Tour is filled with new bands trying to get their music out there. Who knows, you might find your new favorite band! Or you can go get some free stuff! Some tents offer free sunglasses and water bottles if you just talk to them!

Warped Tour is filled with people just like you! It's a great place to make new friends. Standing in line waiting to meet a band? Talk to the people around you! It'll help pass the time and you'll meet some cool people who have the same interests as you because obviously you guys are in the same line to meet the same people. You'll create new friends and maybe you guys can go to concerts together. 

Finally, it's the end of the day and you're tired, but you had one of the best days ever! Go to your hotel/house and relax. Don't bother looking through your pictures or merch, you'll have plenty of time to that later. Take a shower and head to bed. You made it! You've survived Vans Warped Tour!