So, you're headed to your first festival. Maybe you're going with a huge group of friends maybe your going solo, but either way, there are a few things you should know and pick up before you head out to dance the night away.

First: it's a marathon, not a race. Your first festival is going to be draining. Amazing but draining. There are a few things you can do to lessen the impact, but I would recommend taking it easy for your first time. If it's a two-day festival maybe go for one. If it's a three-day festival maybe go for two out of three. You get the picture.

Second, there are a few things you should bring with you. As you get more experience, you will start to refine your kit and add or subtract from your list of festival essentials. However, this list covers the basics for a festy newbie.

1. A Hydration Pack

Yeah, it may seem a little pricey, especially for your first time, but picking up one of these will end up saving you money on the overpriced water inside the event. Also, whether from heat or the sheer amount of exercise you'll be doing, you are going to be sweating. It's important to stay hydrated, and nothing beats the convenience of having water with you the as you dance the night away. If that isn't enough to convince you, most festivals have free refill stations so you can fill up your pack all night.

2. Portable Charger

A portable charger is a must-have. Your phone will not last the night if you like to snap, and post as much as I do, it may not last more than a few hours. The last thing you want is to miss an amazing moment or wind up with a dead phone and no way to call your uber home or find your friends if you get separated. A portable charger saves you from all that.

3. Fanny Pack

Some people like a backpack but I would recommend a fanny pack for a few reasons: Its compact, it can fit all your stuff, and it's easily accessible. Yes, you could store things in your hydration pack, but you run the chance of getting them wet, and every time you want something you're going to have to take it off and go digging around. A fanny pack will allow you to keep your stuff close without the bulk of a backpack. Another plus is that no one can reach into it without you noticing.

4. Bandana

Festivals are dusty. At my first event, I was dubious about needing a bandana. It didn't seem dusty at all, let alone enough to be wearing a mask. Cut to about four hours later when I was buying one because the dust was throwing me into coughing fits. Trust me; you don't want black boogers. Just buy the bandana.

5. Ear Plugs

This was one that seems obvious but that many lists of first-time festival essentials leave off. You need earplugs. The music is loud, constant, and if you don't have a pair of earplugs, you are going to wake up with ringing ears, which is no fun at all. Most events have free earplugs available at the medical tents, but I would suggest purchasing a pair on Amazon. The foam ones tend to pop out of your ears and are in general far more trouble than they are worth. Investing in a good pair of High fidelity earplugs will save you from the frustration of the foam ones and your ears.

6. A Fan

Yes, a fan. This may sound like a strange thing to bring with you, but trust me you'll be thanking me later. Even though the evenings can get chilly, the center of the crowd is going to heat up very quickly. Nothing feels better than a wave of cold air when you've been sweating your butt off during your favorite set. You can find compact ones, small enough to shove in your hydrations packs pocket or maybe a big, colorful fan to match your outfit.

7. Wet Wipes

I would recommend bringing a small, sealed package of wet wipes with you just in case the restrooms run out of toilet paper. Even if they are fully stocked, it never hurts to have something to wipe your hands or anywhere else with that hasn't been touched by a million other festival goers. Just saying.

8. Comfortable Shoes

You may think you'll be okay in your cute little sandals or heeled boots, but when you wake up after hours of walking across a massive event space and jumping up and down on all terrain, your feet won't be thanking you. I'd suggest a cute pair of tennis shoes that are going to give enough support that you can deal with being on your feet for long periods of time. Yeah, they might not be as cute as your heels, but in the long run, they are a better choice.

9. An Open Mind

Festivals are about having fun, experiencing new things, and letting loose. It may be cheesy to tell you to bring an open mind, but it truly will change your experience from ok to amazing. Go to sets you hadn't planned on, if you see someone with an amazing outfit, compliment them, if you see someone separated from their group, take them into yours.