Y’all, it’s that time of year!  (raised hands emoji)

More time outdoors, more sun, hotter heat, loud music and loads of people. Fun in the sun can quickly take a turn for the worst if you’re not prepared.

Here are some tips to make the most out of your summer music fest experiences.

1. HYDRATE – One of the most important tips is to be and stay well hydrated.  Watching a slew of your favorite artists can make time fly, and, before you know it, it’s been hours since you’ve had any water.  Keep the water flowing through your body, and drink more than you think you need. Especially if you’re planning to partake in some adult beverages, then you will really need to keep the water intake up.  Please remember, in adults, thirst is NOT always a reliable indicator of your body’s need for water.  We tend not to feel thirsty until we’re already dehydrated.  Keep an eye out for sudden and extreme thirst, less frequent pee breaks and/or darker colored urine (lemonade color = good; apple juice color = bad), fatigue, dizziness, and confusion.

2. KEEP COOL – Heatstroke can happen way too easily in this hot muggy weather, and roasting under the sun will only make it harder for the body to cool itself down. Some ways to help you stay cool are to wear a hat, try to spend time in shaded areas when you can, and where lighter colors because dark colored clothes absorb the suns hot hot rays.

3. MEDICATION – Remember to bring any of your regular medication that you know you’ll need while you’re out and about, but don’t neglect the “might needs” – like an asthma inhaler if you’re a sufferer, bring some OTC allergy meds and antihistamines, and pack some band aids and antiseptic just in case.  While most festivals have first aid locations, there’s not always actual medical service on hand. Be as prepared on your own as you can.

4. HEARING – Obviously you’re at a music festival because you love music, and hearing your favorite artists jam out with some serious bass are all part of the experience, but can easily cause damage to your ears, depending on how close you get. Bring a pack or two of earplugs with you, for those times you make it closer to the front of the stage. If any loud noises become too much (ie sensory overload), move away from the speakers and find a spot to decompress for a little bit).

5. PROTECT YOUR SKIN – Sunburns suck, and sun poisoning is no joke.  Protect your skin with an SPF with a value no less than 15 (higher if you’re skin is more sensitive to the sun). Apply your sunscreen 30 minutes before stepping out in the sun so that the ingredients have the chance to bind to your skin, and reapply every 90 minutes to 2 hours. Don’t forget, you can still fall victim to the sun’s harmful rays on a cloudy day, too.

6. KNOW YOUR WAY – Before getting to your music festival, take a look at the festivals website for a map of the grounds. Check out where and what time the bands you want to see are playing, bathroom locations, food/drink spots, security & medical posts, and anything else you may need. Once you get to the festival, check out IRL where everything is and get acquainted with the grounds. Most festivals also provide a map, but still try to take a look at things. As “they” say, know before you go.

7. BUDDY UP  – Always travel in pairs, never solo. We all know about the “buddy system,” where you partner up and watch out for your friend and they do the same for you. Don’t forget to always pick a meeting spot should you get separated or lost, or if you want to see different things and do decide to separate, pick a place and time to meet back up and turn on the “find my friends” and location service on your phones, just in case someone doesn’t show. Speaking of the phone… make sure you have a fully charged battery, and bring you phone charger with you, because that sucker WILL run out of juice at some point.

8. SHARING IS NOT CARING – Only drink what you get yourself, and keep an eye on your drink.  If you accidentally walk away from your drink, leave it. Drink spiking is all too real.  Don’t share drinks with people you don’t know or trust. Buy and pour your own drinks. Be selfish and remember, sharing is not caring.

Have fun and be safe. Yes, you can do both.

(via healthdirect.gov and mayoclinic.org)