It’s officially here — South Beach Wine and Food Festival has arrived for its 18th year and is spanning across way more than just South Beach with several activations all over the city and even in Fort Lauderdale. For some it’s one of the most thrilling week’s of the year, and for others it’s a new experience all together.

Here are some important tips to help you survive SOBEWFF:

Pace yourself -

The moment you enter a SOBEWFF event you’re instantly surrounded by some of the best restaurants and bars around the country, making it easy to jump right in. Just remember, it’s a marathon not a sprint. Consider sharing dishes with a friend. The plates may look small, but after 200 of them it really adds up. If there’s something you shared and really loved — just go back to it.

Take breaks between events -

Are you one of those people who may have overbooked yourself for the week? Be sure to take breaks between events to catch your breathe. Pop into Taquiza on South Beach for a relaxed cocktail and some cool air conditioner during the day, or hang out at The Loews Hotel and catch up on some work in the lobby restaurant (who knows what celebs you may run into doing the same thing), or wander over to South Pointe Park to take a moment to zen out.

Wear comfortable shoes -

It’s Miami, and fashion is everything, we get it. But ladies, leave the heels at home. You’re on the beach, on the sand. Your shoes may be gorgeous, but they won’t be so cute hidden heel deep in the sand. Throw on some cute sandals or sneakers and enjoy yourself.

Drink tons of water -

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. There’s water every few feet at most of the events. Especially at the Grand Tasting Village while you’re drinking in the sun all day. We’ve all had that dehydrated-drank-too-much beach day. Let’s try and skip that awful feeling this weekend. While you’re at it — make sure to wear sunscreen too!

Check out unofficial events -

• Taquiza x Little Donkey = (Unofficial) SOBEWFF Taco + Cocktail Collab: Miami’s Taquiza and Chef Steve Santana are partnering up with Boston’s Little Donkey and James Beard Award-winning Chef Jamie Bissonnette. Featuring an out-of-town taco special that will be an out-of-country experience with Chef Jamie Bissonnette’s “Thai Pork Taco” with Kewpie mayo, peanuts, Thai herbs, and Taquiza’s stone-ground, hand-rolled blue masa tortillas Pair it with Taquiza’s five-day-only “Ping Pong Show” cocktail featuring Espolòn Tequila, Enza Prosecco, lemongrass, Thai basil, and lychee. Available at Taquiza South Beach starting Wednesday, February 20 through Sunday, February 24 from 11am until 2am.

• Casa Aperol Pop-Up - Thurs, Feb 21 - Sun, Feb 24 at 2-7pm: Aperol Spritz fans, rejoice! The renowned Italian apéritif brand will be taking over Generator Miami’s restaurant bar Driftway to treat guests with a special Aperol Spirtz pop-up. Aptly named Casa Aperol, the bar is the perfect way to relax and get ready for your next meal! Receive one complimentary Aperol Spritz if you check-in on Facebook at the venue.

• Redemption Rye Whiskey Dinner - Thurs, Feb 21 at 9pm-12am: Generator Miami’s talented Chef Daniel Roy and mixologist Gui Jaroschy has partnered with Redemption Rye Whiskey to create a beautiful, 5-course dinner with cocktail pairings.  $120 per person.

• Varadero Beach Party - Sat, Feb 23 at 10pm-3am: Renowned Cuban cocktail bar Madrinas will be taking over Driftway for one night of Latin flavor. Chef Daniel Roy will be creating a Cuban-inspired menu of light bites, and mixologist Gui Jaroschy and Madrinas owner TJ Palmieri will be joining forces to create bespoke cocktails. Featuring lively Latin music, salsa dancers, dominos, and of course, amazing food and drinks, this Cuban “beach” party is bound to be a night to remember!

Use Uber or Lyft -

Don’t drink and drive. These events have free flowing drinks all day and night. It’s not worth the consequence. Yes, there will probably be surge pricing, but it’s a hell of a lot cheaper than a DUI. Also, Miami Beach parking will be an up-charged flat rate in most places, so it’s going to cost about the same to ride share.