So, you did it. You said they could go to “Warped”…but you’re going too. When my now 16 year old begged to go to the Van’s Warped Tour three years ago, I reluctantly agreed, on the condition that I would go too. To me, 13 is way too young to be alone at such a long, huge festival.
Before the show, I did a bit of research on the tour, but I really wasn’t prepared for the actual event. This year will be my fourth year attending…now they only want me there because I’m their ride, but that’s okay with me, as I have a great time every year too (but don’t ever let the teenagers know that!)
I’m here to help you survive this long, hot, raucous party, and hopefully enjoy yourself too.
1. See if there are any other parents driving up to the venue also. A spouse or friend is a big help to get through the day – who else can you talk about the screaming vocalists and the inherent dangers of mosh pits???
2. What to bring – Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen….nothing worse than whining teenagers on the drive home… Also a hat, sunglasses, bottled water (unopened, which is the only liquid which can be brought into most venues), snacks such as granola bars, cell phone #s for all in your party, cash or credit/debit card, sharpie type marker, and pens. Don’t forget your tickets too!!
3. Parking – in my opinion, if you can afford it, pay to park closer to the venue than the free lots. At the end of a ten hour day, you probably don’t want to walk a half mile to the free lot. If you can add this option to the ticket purchase, do it. And you probably don’t want to park in the closest free lots, right at the venue site – these are heavy tailgate areas, and while they can be fun for an older crowd, there’s really nothing here you want your young kids to walk through.
4. Arrive early – You usually don’t have to wait in line too long, and as soon as you go in, find the large board which tells exactly when and at which stages the bands will be playing at. You can purchase a map for a couple of dollars and write who you’d like to see and when on the back, or you can just bring some paper with you to write it all on.
5. Reverse babysitting – Genius idea. All of these really nice, cool, fun, smart…you get the idea….parents take their lucky kids to Warped, and in return, we can hang out in an air conditioned tent, away from anyone in their teen years. Ahhhh…so nice for a break. There is a large screen tv, chairs, magazines, and security to make sure no wayward teens enter. One thing you can get only here, at least this is the only place I’ve found it, is the Monster Tour water can. Now, you’re not supposed to take it out with you, but if you can sneak it out (and you didn’t hear this from me), you’ve got a great tour souvenir.
6. Food and drink: One thing I insist on is checking in. Once two hours in, in person, to make sure everyone is drinking enough, and to hand out any energy boosting snacks. Once more two hours later, by phone. Last, around dinner time to force feed the sweaty, moshing, wide-eyed-from-Monster drinks teens. Water can be expensive inside the venue, but there is always a water fountain to refill the bottles you brought in with you. For food, if you can purchase a meal with your ticket, you are always sure to save around 5 dollars. Oh, and try to monitor the Monster drink consumption – there is a trailer set up where anyone can get a full sized Monster energy drink…beg the kids to stay away from more than one. We don’t usually allow them any at home, but can’t really deny it to them here.
7. Booths: Walk around to every booth set up by the bands and non-profit organizations. Most are giving away free goodies – got some great Amethyst jeans for free at a couple of shows. Bracelets, stickers, magnets, magazines, etc. The people manning the booths are mostly volunteers, so they’re always friendly and eager to chat. Accept the temporary tattoos!!!
8. Moshing/crowd surfing: Not my favorite things to have my teens do, but it sort of comes with the territory. Tell everyone to be careful in mosh pits – if there’s a really big guy spinning around flailing his arms, it’s not a good idea to stand too close. First aid and security are everywhere if they need anything, and most people in pits will stop and help anyone who may fall or trip – even big, burly older guys keep an eye out for younger smaller kids in the audiences at the tour.
9. The End: You did it, you made it through your first Van’s Warped Tour! At your dinner time check-in, set up a time and place to meet. Right by the front exit isn’t the best place, as it will be the most crowded place in the venue. Give everyone ten minutes after the last band they want to see is finished, and find an out of the way place to meet. Find an easy to get to landmark…we meet at the giant Dunkin Donuts cup in Hartford, and get there first. Send texts and be a pain if you have to to find out where everyone is.
This July will be my fourth time at Van’s Warped Tour, and I can’t wait! I dance, check out a lot of bands I’ve never heard before, people watch, buy band tees or tanks, and basically embarass my kids. Don’t worry too much, everyone is here to have a good time, and try to enjoy yourself. (Bring a good book and some earplugs if you just can’t take it.) 🙂
See you again next year!
Andrea
Let's Get Going! 