Summer brings more than beach days and camping—it’s also the heyday of the music festival. Bands and fans come together to rock out in the blazing hot sunshine or the really, really unwelcome rain, padding their discomfort in the euphoria of live performance and light beer. To make it through upcoming music festivals in one piece, here’s an abbreviated guide to ending the weekend delighted, healthy, and without any unsightly tan lines. Consult this list and you’ll be conquering concert season in no time.

Make a plan for the day.

It may be counterintuitive, but the best way to make the most of a music festival is to have a plan of attack. Sure, wandering around and discovering new bands is a great way to pass a few hours (and that’s something we highly recommend—you never know when you’ll see the next big thing). But if you bought that Lollapalooza ticket because you desperately want to see LCD Soundsystem, you don’t want to miss their set.

Other things to plan for: meals, finding a phone-charging station, and maybe taking a little break. You’ve got plenty of time for plenty of music, so use that time wisely.

Wear sunscreen.

This one’s self-explanatory. Wear it. Re-apply it. Put it all over. Maybe bring a big hat, too. Don’t forget places like the tops of your feet, ears, the nape of the neck, and any part of the body that might be exposed when you sit (like your legs) or as the day wears on (around the collar or straps of your top).

Stay hydrated. Beer doesn’t count.

Drinking water beforehand is essential, but you should keep chugging (H2O, not booze!) during and after the festival too. Also, it never hurts to keep an eye out for the symptoms of dehydration: dizziness, heart palpitations, and little cartoon flames inside your eyes all indicate that something’s not right. You’ll want to get some shade, water, or help from a first-aid tent, lest you topple into one of those really big mud puddles.

That’s not to say that festival attendees can’t throw back a few cold ones. Lots of festivals enjoy partnerships with craft breweries—sometimes they even have a beer brewed specifically for that event (read our recommended festival beer pairings). Just remember that beer may feel thirst-quenching, but it’s not. For every pint you sip, plan on drinking a corresponding amount of water, at the very least.

Reconsider those super-cute sandals.

If you’re lingering toward the back of the masses waiting to see Radiohead, it might be safe to wear flip-flops. But if your plan is to get up front, closed-toe shoes are the way to go. Remember that in a crowd—especially a crowd of people having lots of fun and maybe a drink or two—watching out for the toes of others isn’t often a priority. Hobbling to the medical tent is a lousy way to miss the encore.

And that’s not the only reason. Most festivals are a bit of a hike, either from the parking area or the nearest public transit stop. Plan on walking and standing a lot, which might not agree with a pair of cute wedges. Nobody wants a blister (unless it’s “Blister in the Sun”).

Keep your wits (and friends) about you.

Remember to indulge with moderation, pace yourself, and have a blast, but not so much that you can’t make smart choices (or operate Instagram properly). Failing all else, use the buddy system: make sure you and a friend are keeping an eye on each other, and arrange for a place to meet up afterward in case you get separated.

What’s smart and safe in a bar is what’s smart and safe at festivals. Keep an eye out for your friends (and for strangers too) so that everyone has a great time.

Now that you've got a plan for outdoor concert season, read our guide to the characters you'll meet at every summer music festival.