The Vans Warped Tour is the largest traveling punk rock festival in America. Founded by Kevin Lyman in 1994, Warped Tour has grown massively and now features bands from a variety of genres playing all across America.
Warped Tour kicked off its 16th annual installment on June 25 in Carson, Calif., and will be sweeping through Florida for three dates in July. Stopping throughout the state on July 23 in St. Petersburg, July 24 in West Palm Beach and July 25 in Orlando, everyone should have a chance to make it out.
Ticket prices range from $40 to $45 and can be purchased the day of the show at most venues as well as online at vanswarpedtour.com.
Featuring over 60 bands at every stop, Warped Tour showcases a variety of acts on its Florida dates. Hopping on the tour exclusively for the Florida stops are ska-punk juggernauts Streetlight Manifesto; pop-punk heavyweights Four Year Strong and Set Your Goals will be joining the tour, along with modern rock 'n' rollers AM Taxi and a slew of other bands.
One of the most important things about heading out to Warped Tour is safety. Here's your own Warped Tour Survival Guide to guarantee you have everything needed for your day in the sun and have a great time.
Before You Leave Home:
Pack everything you need the night before, so you can get an early start. Gates open at 11 a.m. for most dates, and lines start forming hours before. Here are a few essentials.
Sunscreen lotion. Pretty self explanatory. Be sure to reapply every few hours or at least after every sweaty mosh pit.
Backpack. Bring something to carry your stuff around in. It's a long day of walking. With all the free stuff you'll be getting and all the merch you'll be buying, you'll be thankful for your loyal JanSport.
Shorts and sneakers. Bring comfortable shorts and sneakers with good support. Warped Tour isn't a dinner date. Dress as if you were going to work out.
Water or Gatorade. Most venues will let you bring in one unopened jug of water or Gatorade. Stay hydrated while waiting in line, and save a fortune on water bottles by bringing a refillable jug.
Sharpie: You'll need this to circle set times of bands you want to see, and, of course, get autographs.
When You Get There:
Get there early. The set times aren't announced until the morning of the show, so get there a couple hours early and you'll be guaranteed to be in before your favorite band take the stage.
Buy a schedule. The set times are posted on a huge inflatable schedule in the middle of the venue, but when you walk in you'll have the chance to buy a paper schedule for $2. It will be the best two dollars you have ever spent.
Have fun and be safe. The Warped Tour is a glorious day filled with music and friendship. While it may not be for everyone, those who continue to go to the annual summer music fest find delight in taking a day off from work or school to watch awesome bands and support great causes.
