Beyond the music, there are other factors to consider. The crowds, weather, and decibel levels are just as important. In that vein, New Times is here to ensure your experience at Ultra 2025 is the best yet. Here are some things to consider if you want to come out the other side unscathed.
CamelBak — or Your Favorite Hydration Pack
It has never been easier to join the hydration nation. Ultra encourages hydration packs like the popular CamelBak, with free water stations across Bayfront Park. The sun and dancing take a toll on the body, and dehydration is not a good look. You can keep thirst at bay with a hydration pack strapped to your back.Comfortable Shoes
These days, everyone has a pair of Hoka, On Cloud, or Brooks at their disposal, and for good reason. Hoka sneakers, for example, are beyond comfy thanks to their ample cushion and thick soles — plus, they come in great colors, too. Ultra is not the time to wear those new pair of Doc Martens unless you are asking for a blister.Compression Socks
They aren't just for air travel. Music festivals are essentially marathons with loud music. If done correctly, you clock around 30,000 steps in a day. Instead of having your feet poke out of your shoes from swelling, grab a pair of compression socks, which will aid in reducing swelling and inflammation. They take some muscle to put on, but once they fit on your feet, you can dance, walk, and stomp for three days with little foot pain.Cough Drops or Lozenges
Concerts and festivals require a lot of screaming, from the whoops whoops to the "Who's that playing?" It is a heavy tax on the vocal cords. When you feel like your voice is turning raspy and your throat is feeling the heat, pop a refreshing methanol cough drop and forget about a sore throat.Earplugs
No, that constant ringing in your ears is not normal. Once again, New Times' is sharing its annual PSA announcement: wear your dang earplugs. A lifetime of memories can be made at a music festival, but so can tinnitus — the ringing noise in your ears from prolonged exposure to loud sounds. Less than an hour near those massive, unforgiving speakers can bring carnage to your eardrums. Luckily, there is a cheap workaround: earplugs. I've been using Etymotic earplugs for years. They come with a handy little case and have continued to save my hearing.
Make sure you carry plenty of hand sanitizer during the festival.
Photo by JT PKZ for Ultra Music Festival
Eye Drops
Nothing will ruin a day faster than something in your eye. Whether it's a spec of dust or some cake to the face during Steve Aoki's set, eye drops will keep your eyeballs moist and free of ambient particulates. Plus, the humidity and lights will dry out your eyes quickly, and no one wants that. I use Refresh Plus disposals as my go-to.Fanny Pack
Where are you going to keep all this stuff? The answer: an unassuming fanny pack. With plenty of nooks and crannies to store your earplugs, phone, cash, ID, or whatever, it's a festival mainstay for a reason. Don't make the rookie mistake of stuffing your pockets with all your personal belongings. Consolidation is the name of the game.Hand Sanitizer
People are gross at the best of times, and pandemic spreaders at the worst. Music festivals are certainly not the most hygienic environment. Have you ever peeked inside of a Porta Potty? A small bottle of hand sanitizer will keep 99.99 percent of those germs at bay and hopefully prevent the post-festival flu.Public Transportation
You don't need a soothsayer to tell you not to drive downtown during Ultra. Streets are closed, parking is abysmal, and traffic moves at about one mile per hour. The Metrorail will take you to the Government Center station and ensure you stay sane, with trains operating until 2 a.m. during the festival. If you come from West Palm Beach or Fort Lauderdale, your best choice is the Brightline.Sunglasses
Yes, sunglasses are great at keeping the afternoon sun out of your eyes, but they are equally important at night. Ultra's lightning can be as intense, if not more. You don't need a fancy designer pair, although one that protects against UV rays is ideal. You need something to tone down the intensity and keep you dancing.Sunscreen
While there are shaded areas around Ultra, if you want to settle down at the Main Stage or Live Stage, you will be at the mercy of the sun's rays for hours. Bring sunscreen rather than burn to a crisp, and keep your largest organ healthy. While there are debates around chemical versus mineral sunscreens, most dermatologists agree that the best sunscreen is the one that you want to use and wear. Pack your favorite and stay protected all weekend long.Ultra Music Festival 2025. Friday, March 28, through Sunday, March 30, at Bayfront Park, 301 Biscayne Blvd., Miami; ultramusicfestival.com. Sold out.
