Photo: Warped Tour, Retna

Ahhh summer music fests (or any live music for that matter)…there’s literally nothing better. The first thing you’ll realize about any concert with a crowd, however, is that well, there is absolutely no etiquette. It’s every man (or girl) for himself out there. Concerts can get tough, especially if you want to get as close to the stage as possible. After all, your favorite singer did stare into your eyes at last year’s venue (OK we know—the band can’t see anyone because of the lights blinding them on stage, but a girl can dream). With an upcoming rock fest in tow—Lollapalooza (Aug 5-7; check out how you and a friend can win tickets)—there’s no better time to start gearing up. Whether you are raging with Dead Mau5, moshing to Death From Above 1979, swaying along with Two Door Cinema Club, or rapping to Kid Cudi, we’ve rounded up ten show survival tips for that flawless sing-until-you-can’t-sing-anymore summer concert experience.

1. Only bring what you absolutely need. This means money, phone, and camera. Nothing more, nothing less. If you do bring a bag, make sure it’s small and over the shoulder; this is your safest bet. Here are some options:

Photo: Courtesy of Urban Outfitters. Suede zipper crossbody, Urban Outfitters, $49

Photo: Courtesy of Target. Crochet rainbow stripe crossbody, Mossimo, $10

Photo: Courtesy of AE. Canvas crossbody, American Eagle, $19.50

Photo: Courtesy of Dooney & Bourke. Nylon zipper crossbody, Dooney & Bourke, $43
 
Photo: Courtesy of Urban Outfitters. Tassel crossbody, Urban Outfitters, $29

Photo: Courtesy of Norstrom. Leather camera crossbody, Halogen, $49

2. Don’t bother doing your hair. You’ll look like a wreck once the set is over; it’s just the way the pit works. Ponytail, headband, or bandanna will most definitely do the trick. Girls with their hair down makes us want to take scissors and chop it off. These gals get it:

Photos (from left): Pitchfork, Emma Arnold/Très Awesome; Coachella, Anne Ziegler

3. Wear comfortable clothes, things that can get sweaty. You will drip. Check it:

Photos (from left): Glastonbury, Luke Freeman; Pitchfork, Emma Arnold/Très Awesome, both

4. Footwear: BIG DEAL. No flip-flops or open-toed shoes unless you want to walk around barefoot for the rest of the show. Sneakers are your best and only bet (rainboots if you’re outdoors and the weather hits), and even keeping those on is not guaranteed.

Photos (from left): SXSW, Heidi Jewell; Glastonbury, Luke Freeman

5. Keep the glasses at home and pop in the contacts. You never know what or who might be flying over your head.

6. People will do anything to get that spot right in front of you, and we mean ANYTHING (don’t say we didn’t warn you). Stay strong—you deserve the spot you got.

7. Always stand your ground. Make sure those two feet of yours stay firmly on the floor. Box out—you need breathing room.

8. When the going gets tough and the crowd starts swaying, join in! This is the best part.

9. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Make sure you drink a lot of water. Singing and dancing takes a lot out of you.

10. Never go alone. Drag anybody with you, offer up bribes. The last thing you want is to be stranded alone when the show is over. What happens when you lose your wallet and phone? Believe us, it happens.

The most important thing to realize is that everybody is there for the same reason. You’re all there for the music. Take in your surroundings and know that these people whose sweaty bodies you’ve touched for the past hour enjoy the atmosphere as much as you.