By Michelle Hershberger and Jayden Beatty

1. Make sure to thoroughly read the list of prohibited items listed on the festival website. Leave selfie sticks at home—a woman in front of us was told she either needed to take her selfie stick back to her car or have it confiscated and never get it back. She chose the latter option and had tears in her eyes.

2. In addition to bringing a refillable water bottle, consider freezing a plastic bottle or two overnight. This will help keep you cool during the day and will ensure you have cold water when it starts heating up.

3. To get a free ACL t-shirt, participate in the Rock & Recycle Program which rewards festival-goers with prizes for picking up recyclables from festival grounds. Pick up a bag from the Rock & Recycle Center. Wait for crowd to clear out after a big show to pick up the recyclables and you will be wearing one of those shirts in no time. Participants will also be entered to win a KIND bicycle each weekend and two 2015 ACL Festival Passes every night.

4. If you forget any essentials after you have arrived at the festival, visit the General Store located in the ACL Art Market. The store sells sunscreen, pain relievers, allergy medicine and even flip flops for unforeseen circumstances which may arise during the festival.

5. Getting to the festival grounds has been made easier with several transportation options available. A free shuttle runs from Republic Square on 4th and Guadalupe. This centrally-located downtown spot is close by several parking garages where you can expect to pay $15-$30 to park per day. Uber has partnered with ACL this year and offers new users a free first ride up to $25 with the code “UBERONACL15.” Biking to the festival is encouraged with bike racks available at both entrances but make sure to bring your own lock.

6. Don’t worry about your phone dying with all of the photos and videos you will be taking—three solar-assisted charging stations are available free of charge to festival attendees.