I recently attended Capital Pride in DC. This was my first time ever attending, and let’s just say that it has been a long time since I was at an outdoor festival in the summer time. Looking back at the day, I am realizing that there were a lot of things that I could have done to make the whole experience more successful.

1. Bring bottled water. Drinks are not cheap at these festivals because they know that attendees will be thirsty, and money can be made. The whole time I was there, I wanted to have a diet coke glued permanently to my hand.  Diet Coke isn’t the best option for 80 degree heat in DC, but when my friend Anthony finally found a vendor, it was $5 for a 20 oz bottle. After gulping it down after 5 seconds, I was even thirstier. As much as I do not enjoy drinking water, it would have been a good idea to bring a bottle or two with me.

2. Know where you are going. This one seems like a given, but there was a time when we had two iPhones out using the google maps app to try and figure out where we were. We eventually we made it, but we could have saved time if we had mapped it out ahead of time.

3.  Bring cash. Most vendors do not have credit card machines. Though it is the 21st century, and most places are starting to have the technology to pay on their smart phones, food vendors are old school. You will be out of luck if you only brought plastic and you are dying of hunger. 4. Wear comfortable shoes. As cute as I looked in my pink converse, I regretted my fashion choice early on in the day. I still have the blisters from 4 days ago. Moisture wicking socks and comfortable shoes are a wise choice. Most of the other people are not looking at your feet, so take my advice and opt for comfort over fashion. 5. Pain medication is a lifesaver. Imagine all the walking around you will be doing. By the end of the day you will be sore and ache from walking miles and carrying the free loot picked up from each booth. Take pain medicine before you get home so the trip home will not be so bad.

6. Prepare for Porta Potties. This is probably the worst part about anything outdoor, whether it is summer or winter.  Bring your hand sanitizer and be prepared for the worst situation possible when you open up that plastic door. And remember to lock the door! 7. Bring a camera. As great as phone photos are for memories, cameras are even better. Not only will the quality be better from photos, but it will to not drain your phone battery.  There is nothing worse than not being able to use your cell phone. So whether you are spending your summer at concerts or at a local cultural festival, make sure that you remember these tips!