MIAMI — The most common tip among local Ultra Music Festival veterans was to remember that planning and preparation are the foundation of a good time.

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Here are some of the best strategies to survive the intensity of the three-day party at Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami:

Tips on what to wear

• Prioritize comfort: Avoid high heels, long sleeves, or long dresses, or pants. Instead, opt for your broken-in sneakers and shorts in breathable and stretchy fabrics.
• Use a single-pocket fanny pack or a small, clear plastic, PVC, or vinyl bag.
• There is a chance of rain on Sunday, so choose water-resistant materials and pack a poncho.
• It will be partly cloudy on Saturday, but temperatures will be mostly in the 80s and 70s, so opt for linen, cotton, or bamboo to stay cool.

Suggested checklist on what to take

• UMF activated wristband
• Valid ID
• Charged phone
• Earplugs to protect hearing
• Sunglasses to protect your eyes from the bright lights at night.
• Hydration packs are allowed
• Electrolytes
• Deodorant wipes
• Bandaids
• Sunscreen
• Lipbalm
• Eye drops
• Baby wipes
• Hand sanitizer
• Cough drops

Tips on how to get there

• The Metro and MetroMover are the best ways to avoid traffic and street closures. The transfer from the Metro to the MetroMover is at Government Center. The MetroMover’s Inner, Brickell, and Omni loops stop at Bayfront Park Station, First Street Station, and College/Bayside Station stops, all of which are close to the UMF entrance along Biscayne Boulevard. The services run until 2 a.m.
• Don’t drive there. Parking options are extremely limited and overpriced.
• Surge pricing is something to be aware of with ride-share services.
• Safety Walk ambassadors should be available at 305-415-3896

Tips on how to stay safe

• Outsmart pickpockets who will be in search of phones
• Be prepared for spotty cell phone service
• Get the Ultra Worldwide app for safety alerts. It’s at the App Store and Google Play.
• Don’t buy anything cash from strangers right outside the festival. If “the deal” is too good to be true, it’s likely a rip off.
• There will be undercover law enforcement and surveillance, but nothing keeps you safer than traveling in a group with caring friends who are aware of their surroundings.

Other tips

• Arrive early to avoid long lines
• Check the UMF Map: Know where the bathrooms are
• Plan your set schedule
• Don’t limit yourself to one stage

Related stories

• Ultra Music Festival’s Day 1: Here is the lineup for Friday
• Ultra Music Festival’s Day 2: Here is the lineup for Saturday
• Ultra Music Festival’s Day 3: Here is the lineup for Sunday

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