It’s that time of year again, where Boystown draws in about half a million LGBT revelers and supporters for Chicago Pride Fest and the Pride Parade.

“It’s always a little bit social, a little political, a little bit serious,” Pride Parade coordinator Richard Pfeiffer said. “We can’t even call ourselves one community anymore — we’re so many different communities, and the parade really reflects that.”

But how should you prepare? We all know to wear sunscreen and bring a bottle of water (actual water, not sugary cocktails) but RedEye asked local business leaders and residents to give their tips for making the most of Pride Fest and the Pride Parade.

1. Don’t be hungover for the parade.

The first tip that came to mind for The L Stop co-founder Vivian Gonzales is: “Don’t drink too much on Saturday night because then you’ll be hungover for Sunday’s parade.” And, pretty much don’t overdo it Friday either, she added, if you want to get an early start at Pride Fest on Saturday.

2. Know where to cross the parade route.

Jim Ludwig, owner of Roscoe’s and the president of Triangle Neighbors association (Lake View Citizens’ Council) said last year there were a number of complaints about getting across the parade route because barricades were everywhere. So, this year they’ll be four intersections where pedestrians can cross: Halsted Street at Belmont Avenue, Halsted Street at Addison Street, Broadway at Addison Street, and Broadway at Belmont Avenue. Plan accordingly to avoid being trapped.

3. The CTA busses will be rerouted.

CTA buses will be rerouted running through Boystown on Addison Street (#152), Belmont Avenue (#151, #77, #156), Diversey Parkway (#76), Sheridan Road (#151, #80), Broadway (#36) and Halsted Street (#8). But on Lake Shore Drive and Sheridan buses will still run close by like #145, #146, #135 and the #151 before Sheridan Road. And of course, the Red Line and Brown Line “L” trains will be running on schedule too.

CTA customer service is 1-888-YOUR-CTA (1-888-968-7282) for further reroute info.

4. Drink at your own risk.

It’s actually illegal to drink along the parade route, but so many people do it that the rule of thumb seems to be “just don’t get unruly” (though, to be clear, you can still be cited). Organizers warn observers to not bring coolers with alcoholic beverages or they’ll be subject to a costly ticket.

5. Look out for the new parade participants this year.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel might as well be the parade marshal this year as he’ll lead the procession with the Mayor’s LGBT Advisory Council, followed by the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame float.

Coordinator Pfeiffer said he’s excited about newcomers including the U.S. Peace Corps (31st in line) and the Chicago Teachers Union (16th in line), both of which are coming with significant contingents of LGBTs and allies. Also, of interest will be “Intactivists” from the anti-circumcision movement promoting “genital integrity for all” marching this year.

6. Alcohol won’t hydrate you.

It’s a common misconception that beer, cocktails and wine coolers will hydrate you in the heat, Sidetrack co-owner Chuck Hyde said. He suggests water and Gatorade-like drinks if you’re out all day, even if the weather seems on the cooler side.

“We see a lot of heat fatigue because they spend all day in the sun and then they come in here and think alcohol will help that,” Hyde said, “when sometimes it dehydrates them more.”

7. Get there early to get a good spot.

“Get here early and bring a chair if you can,” said Maureen Martino, executive director of Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce. “It’s expected to be crowded and don’t expect to get out of here until after the parade is over.”

Pie Hole Pizza Joint owner Doug Brandt agreed, saying, “figure out where you’re going to stand for the whole parade and stay put.”

8. AT&T is boosting signal strength.

Ludwig wants to remind parade and festival-goers that AT&T recently installed temporary coverage boosters on the roof of Roscoe’s and atop the Gerber Collision & Glass building across the street around Halsted and Roscoe streets.

Northalsted Business Alliance, which Ludwig is also vice president of, helped launched the Halsted Street WiFi hotspot last year too. So if you have WiFi capabilities, look out for the open access “Northalsted Public WiFi.”

9. Plan ahead the acts you’re going to see.

Lesbian blogger Gonzales said her site, TheLStop.org, has listings of girl-focused events all over the city during Pride weekend in case you feel the neighborhood festivities become too much of a boy’s club. ChicagoPride.com has arguably the most comprehensive events listing for everything LGBT related, as well.

Don’t show up to Pride Fest without a plan of acts you want to see, Gonzales added.

Some acts locals recommend: Brandt says he’s looking forward to Inaya Day and Crystal Waters on Saturday and Ultra Nate on Friday, because he knows the singers and bands. Meanwhile, Hyde says he and half of the staff at Sidetrack are buzzing about Deborah Cox performing Friday night.

10. Bars will be packed all weekend, be prepared to wait in lines.

Just as a general rule during Pride weekend, as those that live in the area already know, the bars will be packed, mostly with newbies and visitors. Expect to stand in long lines outside your favorite bar throughout the night if you show up late. And plan to meet and stay somewhere specific if you’re trying to navigate the night with friends.