Discover new DJs—while you’re there and before you go. First and foremost, EDC is about the music. You’ve surely already marked your favorite DJs on the schedule, but familiarizing yourself with artists big and small will ensure that you experience something new. Once you’re there, leave schedule gaps to visit different stages and make full use of your festival pass.

Get there early (and consider leaving early, too). Give yourself plenty of time to get to the Speedway so you don’t miss early must-sees, as there will be traffic. And though you’ll be tempted to stay till sunrise, it might be worth skipping out to beat the crowd and avoid getting trapped in the parking lot exit lines for hours. If you do stay, leave bottled water and snacks in your car for the ride home.

Dress up, and dress functional. If your furry boots aren’t comfortable, leave them at home. You’ll be walking so much, your feet will be begging for sensible shoes. As for the rest of your outfit, go crazy!

Buy a water bottle and keep it on you. You can bring in your own Insomniac-branded bottle—or purchase one there—and fill it up at any free hydration station. Use the map to memorize the location of each one.

Mark a meeting spot or bring a totem. With thousands of people in the same spot clogging up networks, don’t depend on your cell phone (even with free wifi at the Carnival Square area in the middle of the Speedway). Designate a meeting spot in case you get separated from the pack. And if you don’t mind carrying around a stick all night, create a totem that will stand out—you might even end up in our photo roundup!