It seems to be all anyone is talking about this week: Ultra Music Festival. Ultra is one of the biggest electronic music festivals in the world, and it’s right here in our own sunny state of Florida. For anyone who has been to Ultra before, they know preparation is key to a successful weekend.
Miami is crazy enough as it is, so when you throw in thousands of people from all over the world, squeeze them in Bayfront Park, and bring in all the world’s best DJs, you’ll definitely have the perfect mixture for a crazy, intense, overwhelming, thrilling, and memorable weekend.
In order to perfect your Ultra adventure, here are a few things you should prepare for ahead of time:
1. FOOD
Before you start driving to Miami, make sure to buy a cooler and fill it up with healthy, hearty foods. Dining out in Miami is a treat because the food is out of this world, but unfortunately the prices are, too. Instead, try bringing lunch meat, granola, fruit, and bread to make your own meals. Jumping up and down and raging three days straight takes a serious toll on your body. To be extra prepared, try eating a protein bar before your day begins — one of those huge, disgusting bars that bodybuilders eat before working out. Even though they taste like cat food, eating one of these before heading to the festival each day will give you plenty of energy to get through the day of festivities. This way, you won’t have to leave whatever DJ you are seeing and spend extra money on the food served there.
If you do end up eating at the festival, instead of going for that super-greasy hamburger, try going for a Ceasar salad with grilled chicken. You don’t want to risk having an upset stomach because it will only ruin your day.
2. WATER
Thankfully, Ultra has followed in Insomniac’s footsteps and finally providing free water, hooray! In previous years, festival goers would have to dish out about $5 for a water bottle. In the hot South Florida heat, this means buying around five water bottles a day or risking dehydration. Take advantage of this freebie, and drink up! Try to avoid buying sodas or sugary drinks; they won’t quench your thirst, and they may even lead to nausea in the hot sun.
3. TRANSPORTATION
Transportation can be quite a hassle, especially in a big city like Miami. With thousands of other people behind the wheel, too, it’s bound to get a little hairy here or there. If you are planning on going to Ultra, hopefully you’ll be carpooling with friends from Gainesville or nearby college towns. If not, ask around now! There’s still plenty of time to find a spot in someone’s car.
4. CLOTHING
Obviously we have to have the cutest outfits for every event we attend, and Ultra is no exception! The clothes you wear are very important to not only how adorable you look, but to how cool and comf
ortable you are. Everybody loves high-waisted jean shorts, but unless they are really stretchy, do not wear anything made of jean fabric. Generally it isn’t stretchy and can irritate your skin. Instead, wear some cute spandex, which come in multiple different colors and varieties. The spandex is stretchy and won’t rub up against your legs as you jump up and down to the music all day.
It’s the end of March in South Florida and that means the sun will be your worst enemy! To combat the heat, try wearing a cute crop top, sports bra, or bathing suit top. Do NOT wear regular t-shirts because you will get pit stains, and it won’t be pretty! As for your feet, make sure you wear closed toes shoes, preferably with sole supports, and definitely don’t forget the sunglasses! Last but not least, use a cross-body purse or a fanny pack to store your essentials in. Do not bring a s
mall backpack! There have been many festival attendees that have had their things stolen from their backpack, because it’s easy to sneak up from behind and unzip it.
5. ITEMS TO BRING!
There are a few things that you won’t realize you may need until it’s too late.
- A small stick of sunscreen. Just one layer of lotion applied before you leave won’t keep that southern sun from burning your skin; make sure to apply it throughout the day.
- Pocket-sized individually wrapped facial tissues. Those disgusting Porta-Potty rentals will most certainly not have toilet paper. The tissues will fit almost anywhere, and one packet can suffice as toilet paper for the day.
- Hand sanitizer. Self-explanatory.
- A blanket. The entire park is mostly dirt and mulch. After a long day of raging, you may want to lie out under the stars and comfortably watch the Main Stage explode with lights and music from afar. NOTE: There are lockers to rent; therefore, anything large, such as a blanket, can easily be stored.
Ultra Music Festival is about new experiences, amazing electronic dance music, a beautiful city, and an unforgettable time. But Ultra is no laughing matter. A ton of effort, time, and money is spent on making the weekend happen. If you prepare thoroughly, you can maximize your experience and have the best weekend of your life!