Congratulations, you’re going to the first Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival!

There’s no shortage of music festivals in Florida, but this four-day campout in Southeast Florida has already drawn national attention. Some 30,000 people are anticipated to migrate to the lush 800-acre Sunshine Grove from March 3 through 6.

Okeechobee is still six weeks away, but I’m already anticipating it to be one of the best events in the southeast U.S. this year.

Before you and your crew hit the road, check out our five tips for making sure your Sunday morning is as good a time as Friday night.

Tip 1: Go Camping!

My first tip for any camping music festival is to actually go camping.

Yes, you’ll get sweaty. Yes, you’ll get too little sleep. Yes, it will be worth it.

We live in a hyper-connected world. Camping offers a chance to get you off the grid and your mind off of work/school. (Set your phone to airplane mode for extra effect.)

I like to set up a mix of a primitive campsite and a college tailgate party. Throw up a canopy tent for shade, grab a beer and break out the ladder ball.

http://www.getfesty.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Roskildecamping_-_photo_by_Jens_Dige-Rockphoto-2-1024×681.jpg

Despite their being constant entertainment over the weekend, you will spend a good chunk of time at camp. So make camp your home away from home by filling it with great friends and cheap decorations.

Plus you have nothing to worry about if you remember to…

Tip 2: Be Prepared

The anticipation of waiting for a music festival weekend is enough to give anyone cabin fever.

Symptoms include longing stares out of your office/classroom window, dreaming you’re already at the festival and an overall lack of productivity.

But don’t be the guy who was so excited he forgot to pack a toothbrush. Be prepared, and start getting your stuff together early.

Okeechobee’s website has a “What To Bring List”, but I think this list from REI.com has way more ideas to choose from.

Start with the essentials: tent, clothing, food and lots of water.

For comfort, my absolute musts include a tailgating canopy, campsite chairs, an air mattress, earplugs for sleeping, flashlights/lanterns and a big blanket for your squad to sit on inside the festival.

If you’re going with a group of people, plan when and where you’ll meet to drive in together.

Okeechobee allows you to park your car at your campsite, so you shouldn’t have to lug supplies around.

P.S. Bring your own toilet paper. You’ve been warned.

Tip 3: Wear Costumes

You finally made it to the festival and set up camp, so there’s only one more thing to do before a night of dancing:

Throw on something wild.

Music festivals work hard to provide an immersive experience for ticket holders. You can help bring that world to life by pretending it’s Halloween.

A good costume doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming; just use your imagination. Even a funny T-shirt or tank top counts.

Bonus points for group costumes!

Do this:

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Not This:

https://bettyandkora.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/headdress2.jpg

Do this:

http://www.brooklynvegan.com/img/music/phish/phishfestival09/day2/58.jpg

Please Don’t Do This:

https://brew1218.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/zjwowfk-1.jpg

Tip 4: Listen To New Artists

With organizers who have helped shape the history Bonnaroo and Outside Lands, it’s not surprising that freshman festival Okeechobee is offering a star-studded lineup.

The festival’s main genres can be simplified to hip-hop, rock and EDM.

Odesza is one of the many groups that will be performing at the festival. Photo from: http://www.brooklynvegan.com/img/ah/odesza/terminal-5/odesza-20.jpg

Kendrick Lamar and former Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant are sharing top billing, as well as EDM heavyweight and master collaborator Skrillex.

But while Skrill may be the world’s best known DJ/producer right now, I really think its electronic artist Bassnectar that will blow your mind at Okeechobee.

What I’m saying is go with the flow and don’t be afraid to try new things.

A weekend of leisurely wandering from stage to stage can be as fulfilling as making sure you’re front row for your favorite bands.

Soak in the live show of the daytime acts. Go to the late-night PoWoW! jam session. Find a new favorite artist.

And if you’re really looking to have a good time, I suggest you…

Tip 5: Explore Everything

This will probably annoy some purists, but it’s a fact that American music festivals are no longer just about the music.

Okeechobee wants to provide an experience you won’t forget, and there are plenty of extracurricular activities placed around the festival grounds.

Aerial view of the festival.

It will probably be impossible to miss the sprawling ChobeeWobee Village, which promises workshops during the day, live art installations and late night activities “curated to feed the soul.”

But venture farther off the beaten path and you’ll find a daily beach party known as Aquachobee. Tucked deeper into the woods is Jungle 51, a dusk-till-dawn rave.

And don’t forget that after a wild evening of dancing, Yogachobee can limber you up or just bring some balance back to your life

So get your lazy ass out of the tent every morning and have an adventure! You can sleep on Monday.

And finally, The Golden Rule:

BE KIND TO EVERYONE

It’s simple: Treat others how you would like to be treated.

Music festivals are a great place to make friends from across the country.

Have fun. Give hugs. Take care of your neighbor.

See you in March!