As we all know, 2018 will be the final full cross country run of Vans Warped Tour. With that being said, you absolutely have to ensure that you make the most out of the festival. From workshops to meet and greets to freebies, here's your little cheat sheet, pals!
General Information
First off, all things tickets! Get tickets online, search for a local outlet, or buy tickets at the box office the day of the show. If you're under 16 and you purchase a ticket, a parent can accompany you to the show for free. Just stop by the yellow guest list tent at the main gates with your parent, their photo ID, your ticket, and yourself. Parents can also hang out at the Reverse Daycare Tent during the show. Skip the line by donating three canned goods, a used cell phone, or $5! Take your donation to the gray and white Feed Our Children NOW! tent near the main entrance. You'd hate to stand in line for so long just to get to the front and have to go alllll the way back to your car or have to throw away an item just because its prohibited, right? Easy peasy solution- know what to bring and what not to! First, make sure that you don't accidentally bring any weapons like knives, tasers, guns, or even pepper spray or mace- there will be plenty of security guards at Warped whose number one priority is your safety and protecting you. Some other things that will need to stay home are glass bottles, skateboards, ya puppy (unless he's a service animal), GoPro type contraptions, super big backpacks, anything spikey and most obviously alcohol and illegal substances. BUT you can bring a small backpack or purse to carry all the cool merch you're going to get, sunscreen lotion, sharpies for autographs, a sealed water bottle, a tiny homemade snack and even professional camera equipment (with or without a press pass). Doors usually open around 11 AM and close around 9 PM every date. Set times are announced around the time doors open- either go to the giant inflatable schedule on-site, buy a paper copy near the entrance, or watch online for set time announcements. Once in the gates, stop by non-profit, sponsor, and band tents to see who is doing signings and meet and greets that day.
TEI Workshops
If you don't know what a TEI workshop is, it an opportunity to spend around 40 minutes backstage learning from artists on the tour. There will be workshops held on every date of the tour except for the Canadian date. 2018 workshops shall be hosted by Andy Biersack, Awsten Knight, Benjamin Langford-Biss, Chris Motionless, Issues, Jess Bowen, Joel Birch, my favorite mentor Lisa Johnson, Matty Best, Movements, Palaye Royale, Cody Quistad, Seth Blake, Travis Clark, Patty Walters, and Jonny Boucher. If you're planning on pursuing any kind of career in the music industry, I cannot suggest these workshops enough. You can learn anything from how to express yourself through lyrics to drumming techniques to getting started in music photography. There's even a free daily workshop that will discuss how to be proactive with your mental heath. Get tickets here!
So You Don't Die
Okay so I haven't died at a show yet but I've most definitely gotten pretty sick. Whether it be dehydration, hunger or a medical issue- there's someone at Warped to help you. You can stop by the Cool Gear tent for free water all day long and purchase food from vendors and concessions. If you're a tad clumsy like me and you get hurt at any point during the show, head on over to the medic stations near the Journeys stages or ask a security guard for help.
Free Stuff
Download the Fend app to win free stuff. Wanna be a good human and help save lives? Also want a VIP Access Pass? Heck yeah, you do! Go here for specific details on how and where you can donate blood or platelets to get a free VIP pass. If you stop by the Truth tent and subscribe to their texts, you'll get your pick of free merch. Lots of sponsors and non-profits have free pamphlets, stickers and bracelets.
If you have any questions, don't be a stranger- feel free to reach out to me with any questions you may still have! Have fun at Warped, folks!