Over the years, I have become in love with music festivals. My first music festival was Made in America  in 2013. My friend and I excitedly drove to Philadelphia to see Beyonce, Solange, Kendrick Lamar and other dope artists grace the festival stage.

We did not know what to expect, however quickly became adept to running from stage to stage to see our favorite performers. We learned quickly how to map out which artists we wanted to see and what time we needed to be near the stage area to get a good spot in the crowd. We actually timed it perfectly where we were in the second row when Queen Bey graced the stage.

The exhilarating feeling will never escape me. To be outdoors drinking beer and hearing my favorite artists and some new artists will always be a top activity during summer.

As years have passed, I have attended Made in America again and other festivals such as Dreamville and Roots Picnic. I have accumulated great tips from attending these fun outdoor music festivals in order to have maximum fun. Here are some tips for first time festival goer:

1. Choose your festival crew carefully. 

Festivals are usually a day or even two-day event. Make sure your crew is reliable, patient and fun. The music festivals are usually held in the summer so it is usually hot and humid. Your festival crew must be aware and physically able to stand for long periods and deal with the heat.

My festival partners have been extremely fun and understanding. Each person understood that we would have to stand for a long time. We even saved spots while others went to see other artists. Some people volunteered to get food for everyone while others stayed back to secure a grass spot. Your festival crew also have the mutual  understanding that you all are there to have an amazing time so no complaining! You may want to leave your complaining and irritable friends home during festival time.

2. Choose appropriate festival attire. 

Festivals are fun, hot and care-free. Your outfit choice should reflect just that. Gals, put the heels away and find some cool sneakers or boots that shows your personality and style. Festivals are the one place that you can practically wear anything you want and get away with it. So have fun with your outfit. Wear your flowers, mixed prints, lingerie-inspired jumpers and biker short from Pretty Little Thing. Be creative with your outfit. 

Beyond all, make sure your outfit is weather-appropriate and comfortable. I was at a festival recently and the night before it had rained so the ground was muddy; I felt bad for many of the festival-goers who decided to wear white sneakers, particularly, I seen a guy with white off-white sneakers who tried to steer clear from as much mud as possible. He was unsuccessful. So make sure your outfit is cute but not something you are willing to get dirty and sweaty.

3.  Choose whether you are staying in a hotel/Airbnb or driving back home. 

This is an important tip as you are usually extremely tired and probably tipsy from the festival festivities. The first Made in America festival that I attended, we decided to get a hotel for the two days. That was the best decision we could've made. We were exhausted after seeing Queen Bey slay the stage. We checked into the hotel late, however, we were able to get ample rest for day two.

During the Dreamville festival, my festival partner and I decided to get a hotel as well since the festival was 5 hours away from home. Again, we checked into the hotel extremely late, however we were able to get rest before driving back home.

4.  Read the FAQ of each festival carefully. 

The FAQ usually tell you what you can bring and what you cannot bring to the festival. Some items are general while other items depend on the park. Most festivals will allow you to bring an empty bottle to fill with water. Most festivals will also allow you to carry a small bag and blanket inside the park. Most festivals do not allow any outside food or drink. There will be plenty of food and drinks in the festival. To save money, pregame before you enter the festival.

          5. Hydrate frequently. 

As mentioned earlier, most festivals are located outdoors during summer months. With that being said, you will need to hydrate frequently. I suggest bringing an empty water container in the festival and filling up with free water once inside the festival. It is essential to keep yourself hydrated while standing in the heat. Fun is the essential component however, you health and safety is first. No one wants to be the person who passes out and misses all the fun at the festival.

6.  Bring portable charger. 

In order to capture as many photos and videos as possible, you may want to bring a portable charger so that your phone does not die while recording. You can purchase a cheap option at 5 Below for 5 bucks. Some festivals have charging booths, however that is usually included in a VIP ticket and no one really wants to leave the perfect spot to find a charging booth. A portable charger allows you to stay comfy in your perfect location and capture all the memories of your favorite artist.

7. Be prepared for No Cell Service. 

This is a major tip. Each festival I have attended, the cell service was poor. My festival crew and I decided to stay close by for this reason. If someone left to grab food, we stayed in the same spot until they arrived back. Due to so many people in one location and limited cell towers in one area, the cell service will be limited.

Unfortunately, most of your Instagram posts will have to wait until you are at least 2 miles from the festival location. I saved most of my videos and uploaded them after the festival was over. The lost cell service is a gift and a curse. It allows you to really enjoy your festival crew and the performers but in an event of an emergency, it will be hard to call or text someone.

8. Be Safe.

Until recently, I haven't given safety a second thought at festivals. However, Travis Scott festival fiasco has led to second thoughts. Also, other recent in the events of random violent shootings at beaches, parks and music venues, I have become slightly concerned for my safety. The staff at the festivals try their best to check everyone, but mishaps do occur.

I went to a festival where people started randomly running and a stampede occurred. I, of course, ran and my festival partner did as well. I fell and just kept thinking to stay low in case there was a shooting.

Fortunately, my festival partner reasoned with me as neither of us heard any shots being fired. The festival continued after the undiagnosed chaos. All in all, choose safety and be aware of the nearest exits and if you see something, say something to the local police and security.