1. You may bring water bottles. They say you are only allowed to one, but I've had a friend bring four Smart Waters and nobody told her anything. Make sure they are frozen too!
2. People are pretty unpredictable and if you want to be near the front I say get there about four hours before the gates open. They say gates open at 11/11:30, but it takes them like 30 minutes to an hour before they actually let you in. It goes on until eight or nineish.
3. There is a chance. Usually you go to that bands merch tent. They'll either have it on a dry erase board, paper, a box or sometimes you need to ask. Somewhere on those things it'll say where the meet and greet is.
4. Totally. Others do it, just be careful to keep an eye on it!
Some of these may be a repeat, but I really don't feel like deleting it. Lol
What you need:
1. Notebook and sharpie. Some bands have signings and instead of buying something to sign you can use that. Plus you can write down the set times (if you don't want to use your phone) of when a band you'd like to see is playing and if a band is doing a signing.
2. Small bag/backpack. If you are planning on buying things this would be good so you can just throw it in your bag.
3. FROZEN water bottles. No big ol' jugs either because they don't allow 'em, but you can bring as many water bottles as you'd like. Also a water bottle at Warped costs' like $3 to $4.
4. Small snacks. Usually they have a pizza truck out there, but the lines are super long. Just make sure it won't go bad or get crushed!
5. Camera. Like I said before some bands have signings and sometimes they will allow you to takes photos with them. And sometimes you may see them walk around.
6. SUNSCREEN. That is a must and you must put it on constantly because you will get sunburned.
7. Money. Of course you need that. If you're planning on buying a lot bring maybe $200. 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.
And that's pretty much what I bring. Try not to bring much because you will still have to carry merch and keep an eye that no one goes through your bag.
What to wear:
Wear light colored clothing. If you are a girl you can wear a bathing suit top, but if you're not comfortable with that a spaghetti shirt or just a regular shirt is fine. Comfortable shorts. White isn't really preferred because you may get wet and you will sweat. Any comfortable, closed in shoes will do great. You will stand around a lot, and you will get stepped on so don't mind them getting dirty.
Other info:
To increase your chances of meeting a band keep a look out on Tumblr (if you have one) to see if anyone who has attended before you says anything about wristbands and sometimes following certain Twitters will help. If they say a certain bands meet and greet is limited be ready to go straight to their merch tent. If you haven't seen or heard anything go straight to the bands merch tent and ask!
Try to get a good night of rest. Since it is your first Warped you may be eager, but you'll need that energy for the day of Warped.
Gates usually open at 11, then another hours before they actually let you roam in the actual gates and to see bands. So try to get there like 3 hours early. There may be a line already starting. You will be there for a while. Also beware of cutters. It's really annoying, but it happens.
STAY HYDRATED AND TAKE AS MANY BREAKS AS YOU NEED! I've seen so many people pass out from not drinking water and no breaks. If you happen to pass out there is a first aid tent around Warped. You can find it on the schedule, it's usually in the back of the paper. If you happen to get hurt you may also go there.
Try to plan your day out when you figure out set times. Set times are on an inflatable Vans Wall. Signings are usually at the bands tent.
Good luck and have fun!
