I don’t know about you, but a packing list is key when I’m preparing for a good time! Music festival season is coming and it’s time to get ready for a fun-filled, memorable event. This festival checklist is useful for newbies and veterans who want to step their game up with essentials and fun gear, too.
So, what do you need for a music festival? Whether you need to know what things to bring for a day festival or you’re attending a multi-day event, we’ve got complete packing lists coming your way!
Things to Bring for a One Day Music Festival
While you don’t need to bring everything you own, you should bring enough to ensure a comfortable and unforgettable experience. And, if nothing else, don’t skimp on the essentials!
Note: If you’re going to a multi-day festival, these items are the basics. You may also want the items on our list below to meet your needs for several days and overnight camping.
Essentials
Even if you want to bring the bare minimum, these items are your must-haves.
- Festival ticket: Even if you forget everything else, this one’s a must!
- Debit card: You may want to avoid bringing a bunch of cash and 1-2 bank cards are probably enough. However, ATMs are usually available at festivals.
- Photo ID: The festival might check your ID upon entry. Plus, these events definitely card you for alcoholic beverages.
- Sunglasses: Several pairs of cheap, fun glasses are better than your nice pair!
- Hat: Block the sun or rain with a hat (bucket hats are prime for this). Shade can be minimal at festivals.
- Shoes: It’s best to have comfortable shoes for easy walking.
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Bandana: These can be so versatile. They can be used for your hair, around your neck, and to block dust that flies around.
- Sunscreen: Being outside all day can take a toll on your skin. The higher the SPF, the better! Note that some festivals will not allow in spray sunscreen due to the aerosol.
- Bug spray: Hot weather and being outdoors comes with bugs. You don't want to get bitten up!
- Lip Balm: Nothing kills the good vibes more than having chapped lips!
- Earplugs: While you want to enjoy the music, tunes can get loud at a festival. Special concert earplugs provide premier sound while also protecting your eardrums.
- Backpack or day pack: Having a bag that fits your essentials is handy, especially one that you can wear across your body to keep your belongings safe.
- Baby wipes: Along with the fun of festivals comes grunge every now and then. Wipes come in clutch for cleaning hands and messes.
- Hand sanitizer
- Nasal stick: Stay refreshed and focused with a BoomBoom Nasal Stick. It’ll help you breathe better while being outdoors all day too.
- Water bottle carrier: A handy carrier to wear around your neck is ideal for making sure you stay hydrated. Keep in mind the many festivals don’t allow you to bring in your own water bottle, but they do sell them.
- First aid kit: Give yourself quick access to a bandaid or Advil if needed. Keep in mind most festivals do have a medic on duty for any major health concerns.
- Tissues: Whether you need to blow your nose or use them when the porta potties run out of toilet paper, tissues are useful to have.
- Outdoor blanket: Some festivals don’t allow chairs to be brought in, but a blanket is nice to lie out when you want to chill out for a bit.
Electronics
Leave most of your tech gear at home, but these electronics are a festival game-changer.
- Portable speaker: Of course, there’s going to be music at the festival, but it’s always nice to have access to tunes of your own.
- Portable phone charger: When your phone battery gets low (and it probably will,) it's convenient to have a portable charger on hand.
- Polaroid camera: These are perfect for creating instant memories. Snap and print photos instantly of your fun-filled day.
- Travel fan: Mini, lightweight fans are useful when you want to cool down. Many are USB-charged or battery operated.
Fun Things
Step it up with some extra entertainment and accessories.
- Nasal sticks: BoomBoom Natural's Nasal Sticks are great for staying fresh and beating outdoor allergies.
- Hand Fan: Fans are a great way to beat the heat and add to your outfit.
- Bubbles: Bubbles bring lots of joy to everyone around.
- Candy: It's always a nice treat to have lollipops, gummy bears, or sour candies on hand.
- Funky attire: Fun clothing like hats, funny shirts, and jewelry are always a good idea for a festival!
Things to Bring for a Multi-Day Musical Festival
If you’re spending several days of fun at a music show, you’ll want the things to bring for a day festival plus a few extra. When sleeping at the festival and indulging in multi-day fun, these things will ensure you’re happy, comfortable, and healthy!
Essentials
Along with the essentials above, these things will bring good vibes for several days.
- Hydration mix: Hydration powder mixes are a simple way to make sure you stay hydrated and keep electrolytes balanced.
- Hydration pack: Check to see if this is permitted at your festival. With that said, hydration packs are bags or waist packs that hold water. They usually have a convenient straw for drinking without even removing the bag.
- Extra water jugs: You can't be too hydrated, and you'll want to have quick access to clean drinking water.
- Trash bags: Leave no trace!
- Food: The festival will probably prohibit outdoor food items, but snacks and other foods for overnight camping are essential.
- Flip flops: These always come in handy for late-night bathroom trips or when you want to change into a pair of sandals.
- Jacket or hoodie: Even if the weather is supposed to be mostly hot, it's good to have a jacket on hand just in case it gets chilly.
- Spare underwear and socks: No one wants to run out of these, especially if you encounter rain.
- Toiletries: Pack items such as a toilet roll, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. for your day-to-day needs.
- Dry shampoo: Keep your hair looking fresh. This is a lifesaver when camping!
- Solar shower: If you’re someone who doesn’t like to feel grimy, a solar shower is the way to go. It’s easy to store and is a nice way to clean up and cool down.
- Microfiber bath towel: These take up very little space and dry quickly.
- Cooler: While many music festivals won’t allow coolers in, it’s always good to have one at the campsite.
Camping Gear
When staying overnight at a festival, a good meal and a place to relax are crucial to gear up for the next day. Pick and choose whatever your personal preferences are for food and rest.
- Tent: A lightweight and easy-pitch tent is your best option for festival camping.
- Sleeping bag: A lightweight and compact sleeping bag is best for those summer festivals.
- Blanket: A blanket is great to have just in case it gets chillier than you thought.
- Pillow: If you’re like me and need a proper pillow for solid rest, this is worth taking up a little extra packing space!
- Air mattress or sleep pad: This is essential for a comfortable night's rest.
- Hammock: A hammock is great to hang up in your campsite for sitting, napping, or relaxing.
- Earplugs: Aside from your festival earplugs, you’ll appreciate ones for sleeping if you’re a light sleeper.
- Warm clothes for sleeping: It's great to have warmer options. You don't want to be too cold when trying to sleep.
- Camping chair: You'll definitely want to have chairs to sit down for meals, chats, resting, and more.
- Camping stove and gas canisters: It's great to have these so you can make your own food.
- Coffee maker: If you thrive off of a cup of joe to start the day, there’s not much worse than waking up without a coffee maker. The good news is there are options made specifically for camping that are easy to pack and travel with.
- Dish soap: If you're cooking for yourself, you'll want to wash some of your dishes.
- Kitchen supplies: Instead of packing it all, figure out what you need to cook and eat your planned meals.
Electronics
You’ll likely want the day festival electronics as well as these to keep the fun going after dark.
- Lantern: A solar-powered light is a great option for lighting at night. Leave it out in the sun for the day, then use it when the sun goes down.
- Headlamp: These are excellent to have on your person when it gets dark out. Avoid using your phone’s flashlight and killing the battery.
- String lights: Decorate your site with string lights. Again, solar-powered ones are convenient.
Fun Things
Keep the entertainment going at your campsite with these fun music festival ideas:
- Hula hoops: Practice getting in the flow with some flow toys.
- Glow sticks: A fun and affordable way to add some light into your life.
- Playing cards: It's fun to play cards when you're relaxing or have downtime.
- Plastic cups and ping pong balls: Beer pong is a fun way to hang out with other campers.
- Beer or hard seltzer: If you're over 21, get the party started! But don't forget to hydrate.
Things Not to Bring to a Music Festival
Festivals will share what things they don’t allow in, so be sure you check this out for the specific one you’re attending. With that said, you can probably avoid bringing these items to the festival. However, you can bring some of these to your campsite.
- Fireworks
- Animals (except for service animals)
- Sound systems
- Generators
- Drugs or drug paraphernalia
- Weapons
- Flags
- Glass
- Food and beverages from outside
- Recording devices
- Valuables
Music Festival Packing Tips
Now that you know all the things to bring for a day festival (or overnighter), here are some key packing tips.
- Don’t overpack, but bring enough. Decide what you need for the amount of time you’re going.
- Have a smaller bag for daytime essentials.
- Bring clothes for various weather and items that you can layer. Extra clothes are better than not having enough!
- Packing cubes are a practical way to pack for several days or more.
- Bring nonperishable food.
- Take a look at the requirements and guidelines for the music festival you’re attending.