March is one of the hottest months for events. Between the weather warming up and people from all over the world itching for a vacation, it’s not hard to see why there’s something going on almost every weekend. If you’re a music lover, you’ve probably heard of Ultra Music Festival. The three-day music fest, taking place in Miami, brings people from around the globe to celebrate headbanging hits.

Whether you’ve already snagged your tickets or you’re considering it, there are a few things to know before attending. From what to pack to maximizing your time in Miami to where to stay, Hoken is breaking down everything you need to know about Ultra Music Festival 2023.

What Is Ultra Music Festival?

Located in Baymont Park, Miami, Ultra Music Festival is one of the biggest music festivals for EDM music. The outdoor three-day fest takes place every March in Florida and is held alongside the Winter Music Conference and Miami Music Week, making it one of Miami’s biggest events of the year. This year’s lineup includes artists such as Alesso, Armin Van Buuren, David Guetta, Gryffin, and more–aka pretty much every artist you can think of.

Ultra Music Festival 2023 Tips

Bring Your ID

Unlike most other music festivals, Ultra has an age requirement (18+), which means security will be ID’ing you before you enter. Thousands of people from all over the world flock to Miami for the festival, so having it out and ready to be scanned helps you get through the line that much quicker. You can use a state-issued ID or a passport.

Check Out Bag Restrictions Beforehand

It should come as no surprise that Ultra has strict bag restrictions. Clear bags are ideal, but they also allow fanny packs, clutches, and hydration packs. Just keep in mind that because these can vary drastically, it’s best to look up the restrictions on their site beforehand to ensure that you’ll be allowed in.

Drink Plenty Of Water

Drinking water is by far the most crucial piece of advice you can follow when attending any music festival (let alone one held in Florida in March). It can be extremely warm when standing under the sun for hours–especially if you’re not used to that kind of weather. Humidity also causes you to sweat more, leading to lower energy levels and high risks of becoming dehydrated. To ensure you’re drinking enough, we recommend bringing a hydration pack that you can easily fill throughout the day.

Prepare For The Weather

Speaking of the weather, it’s important to prepare for the heat. You’ll want to wear comfortable, breathable clothing and pack extra sunscreen to apply throughout the day. The last thing you want to deal with is a rough sunburn by day two.

Show Up Early

There’s nothing worse than missing your favorite act because you were stuck in line waiting to get in. To save yourself from this disappointment, try to get there one to two hours early on opening day. The first day is by far the busiest, which means you will be waiting to enter for a while. And if you’re trying to see all of the acts, you will want to give yourself some cushion. Fortunately, the second and third days are usually less busy, so you can come and go as you please.

Keep An Eye On Belongings

While it’s unfortunate, theft is common at most music festivals. That’s why it’s so important to keep an eye on your belongings and keep all essential items (such as your phone) in an area you can see (like a fanny pack or your front pocket).

Pack A Portable Phone Charger

If you’re attending the festival with a group, it’s vital that you stick together as a group throughout the day. However, we know that this isn’t always possible. There are so many acts performing that you may want to split up to watch different artists. You need a working cell phone to find your group after splitting up. That’s why a portable phone charger is a must. It will ensure you still have some battery when you need it most.

Things To Do In Miami

Visit The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

Opened in 2017, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science has everything you could ask for in a museum. We’re talking an aquarium, a planetarium, and two science galleries. With tickets ranging from $30 to $33, it’s a great, inexpensive way to beat the Florida heat and chill out between shows.

Check Out The Murals Of Wynwood Walls

Named Miami’s most Instagrammable neighborhood, the Wynwood Walls are complete with murals and graffiti artwork by artists from all over the world (20 countries, to be exact). With over 80,000 square feet of decorated walls, the “museum” has been featured in The New York Times, BBC News, Forbes, Vanity Fair, and more.

Lay Out At South Beach

No trip is complete without a trip to South Beach. The white sandy beach has been in countless movies, TV shows, music videos, and more, so there’s a good chance it’ll look familiar. It spans more than 20 miles and is the perfect place to work on your tan and kick back and relax when you need a little break from the loud music.

Grab A Drink At Onyx Bar

Want to spend some time at one of Miami’s most famous landmarks? Then head over to the Onyx Bar. If you’re familiar with Gianni Versace, this may sound familiar. The mansion turned restaurant was once the home of the fashion designer. It’s also the spot where he was shot and killed in 1997. Now it’s an exclusive hotel with a tiny bar (that only seats six) that makes for the ideal place to stop by for a drink. There’s also a restaurant where you can enjoy lunch or dinner if you can’t snag a seat at the bar.

Take A Trip To Española Way

There’s no need to spend hundreds of dollars on a flight to Europe when you can enjoy the culture and food in Miami at Española Way. The historic South Beach street–modeled after the romantic villages of France and Spain–is home to over a dozen restaurants and cafes, three European-inspired hotels, and countless boutiques and shops.

Where To Stay For Ultra Music Festival 2023

Miami is a hot spot for chic hotels. In fact, choosing between all of the options can seem overwhelming. That’s where we come in. Hoken’s done the work for you and rounded up 10 of the best hotels in Miami Beach to book this year.

Once you’re ready to book your accommodations, scroll down to the “Featured Events” on our website, click on “Ultra Music Festival,” and choose from a variety of options. And the best part? If you change your mind or your trip falls through, we can help you resell the room. We call that a win-win if you ask us!