Warped Tour Survival Tips

Prepare for Your Day at Warped

• Pick out comfortable clothes according to the weather. You’ll spend a lot of time in the sun, so it’s a good idea to wear light clothes and stay away from heavy stuff like pants, hoodies, long-sleeved shirts, black clothes. You will most likely get a tan, so think about what kind of tan lines your clothes will give you.
• If you’re planning on going into the mosh pit, wear shoes you won’t miss, because they’ll probably be ruined.
• Bring a bag that will be comfortable to wear for a long time; backpacks are good, but make sure it’s not too big as some venues don’t allow oversized bags. There are tents at Warped that will hold your bag for you for a fee.
• Check the venue website to see if there are things they don’t allow. For example, laser pointers, audio equipment, projectiles, strollers, food, etc. The website can also help you find out whether there’s re-entry for the event.
• If you’re allergic or have a medical condition, contact the venue or check their website on whether you’ll be able to bring your own food, water or medical devices. You might need a doctor’s statement to prove you need those things. Most venues have a special booth or tent that you will need to visit if you have to bring in objects otherwise not allowed.

Things To Bring

• Your ticket
• Water and bottle cap – at some venues when you buy water, you will get an open bottle without the cap, so having a spare cap could be useful. Hide it so that the security won’t take it away at the entrance. You can refill your bottle at the water fountains later.
• Cash – only cash is accepted at Warped
• Sunblock
• Deodorant/wet wipes
• Sunglasses, if that works for you
• Sharpies – if you want something signed by the artists, it’s good to have a sharpie with you
• Pen and paper to write down the schedule
• A watch
• Cell phone, especially if you’re going with friends (don’t forget to charge it)
• Fan club membership card(s)/confirmation email(s) – some bands do something special for their fan club members, so if you’re a member of any of the participating bands’ fan clubs, bring proof

Q&A:

Where do I buy the tickets?

On the official Warped Tour website or one of the online ticket stores.

Can I get in free?

If you volunteer for one of the organizations that have a tent at Warped (they’re usually advertised on the Warped website), you can get free entry, along with a chance to get backstage passes, free water and the advantage of being in the shade of the tent you work at. However, working at the tent might prevent you from seeing a lot of bands, so only opt for this if you’re really dedicated to the cause.

What time should I get there?

The first set usually starts around 11.20, so give yourself enough time to arrive and get in, since there will be a line at the entrance. Also, consider the possibility of getting stuck in a traffic jam.

I want to see a certain band, how do I know when they play?

Warped has a different schedule every day, so you can only find out when the band you want to see is playing once you get there. There will be a large schedule at the entrance. You can write it down or take a picture of it. Some tents sell a map and schedule (it’s usually $2).

How long are the sets?

The regular set is 30 minutes.

Can I bring my camera?

Check with the venue. Most of the time cameras are allowed; unless they’re big professional cameras (≥7mp, detachable lens), you’d need a photo pass for that.

Are there signings or meet and greets?

Sometimes. Go to the band’s tent and see if there’s a note about a signing or meet and greet, or ask the merch people. Some bands also do special stuff for their fan club members.

Things to Keep in Mind

Plan your time. If you want to see a lot of bands that play at different stages, plan your actions ahead. It’s possible some of the sets you want to see will overlap. Running from stage to stage in the hot weather could be exhausting.

Rest from the heat. Cover your head, stay in the shade when you can. Heat strokes are not uncommon at Warped.

Stay hydrated. Drink a lot of water. If you’re out of water and there’s no way to get it for free, do buy some. It’s better to waste your money than your health.

Good luck and have fun!