Hey, hi, hello, and stuff. It is finally here- the music festival you have waited months for. You have your tickets, you've sorted out your parking (how does it cost so dang much?), and you have game planned a schedule. You know what time you need to head to what stage- you're ready. But are you? Tickets, ID, debit, credit card, cash... what are you forgetting?

Picture it, your favorite artist is going to take the stage, you are heading for a much needed bathroom run. You and your friend are standing in line, when the music starts; two doors open, and you run in. It's only then you realize you have no toilet tissue in the porta potty. No one can hear you yell. What are you gonna do? Well, I have put together a guide for you to help you survive the weekend and avoid these kinds of emergencies. Here are the top 8 things (festival approved) you need to take with you in that clear stadium approved bag.

1.) Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. You are going to be outside all day long; you need to protect your skin. I personally like the kind that comes in a stick versus a liquid in a tube. Aerosols are off the table due to festival guidelines- and don't forget your chapstick!

2.) Reuseable water bottle/Electrolyte packs. You do NOT want to miss the show you've waited so long for because you get dehydrated. The view isn't that great from the medical tent.

3.) A hat, sunglasses, and a poncho (sidenote: this sounds like a costume.) This can be your favorite ballcap, a wide brimmed sun hat, a hipster round hat- hell, it can be a sombrero, we aren't going to judge. A small poncho can be a life saver in an unexpected summer rain storm. You can get them for a couple bucks on Amazon.

4.) Bug Spray. These festivals are outdoors, need we say more? Again, make sure you leave the aerosol cans at home in favor of the pump bottles.

5.) Hand sanitizer and travel toilet wipes. Pretty self explanatory- when these hygiene services are not not available, you'll have a back up.

6.) Ear plugs, and a small first-aide kit. It is important to protect your hearing and the kit is for any booboos you may get in the pit.

7.) Comfy shoes/Clothing- no explanation necessary.

8.) A hand fan or small portable fan. Most of these summer festivals will leave you sweaty and uncomfortable- why wouldn't you bring one?

Honorable mentions- you don't need these items, but they are nice to have. A beach blanket is great to be able to sit on in down time and when eating. They usually have portable phone chargers to rent, but I always bring my own just in case. Eye drops are great when it gets smoky- I mean, dusty at the show. I always rent a locker when available because I can stash a sweatshirt in there (for cool nights) and not have to carry any of this stuff around. Make sure you drink responsibly, and have a great time.

-K