Festivals offer everything a music fan could want in one place — and the only thing that’s as important as seeing every band or artist as humanly possible in the span of a few days is your festival packing list.
Whether you’re out in the desert or vibing by the beach, every festival calls for a list of packing essentials. (Headed to a non-festival show? We’ve got a guide for what to bring to concerts, too.)
Before your next big festival, check out our list of what to bring to a festival — and what to leave at home! — below.
What to Bring
Festival Wristbands or Tickets
Your entry pass will undoubtedly be your most precious possession throughout a festival. Pack your wristband first if it arrives in the mail ahead of time, or review instructions for in-person pickup at least one week in advance.
Wallet with Cash, Credit Card or Debit Card
Unless you’ve brought enough battery power to use your digital wallet all weekend (see below), it’s always a good idea to bring the real deal with alternative payment methods, such as a credit or debit card. While many festivals now have cashless policies, it can be a good idea to stow away some paper bills in case of emergency (or for pre/post-fest plans).
Comfortable Shoes or Boots
A festival is like a marathon in many ways, except it often stretches two to three extra days. Play the long game and choose your shoes wisely with comfy sneakers to last all weekend. For muddier festivals — ever been to Boston Calling? It’s pretty much definitely gonna rain there — comfy boots are also a great option.
Hat
Is that a stylish outfit topper or day-saving accessory? The right hat can not only help you complete your look, but keep you safe from extended sun exposure. Don’t become a Lollapalooza Lobster.
Sunscreen
Similarly, cover what your clothes can’t with clinically-approved sunblock. Anything above SPF 30 should protect against 97 percent of skin-damaging UV rays.
Sunglasses
Can you even say you saw the show after spending the whole time squinting through sun blindness? Enjoy everything in plain, painless sight with a pair of polarized sunglasses.
Earplugs
Don’t let ringing ears be the soundtrack to your weekend and invest in some quality, noise-filtering earplugs tailored for a festival’s wall of sound.
Scarf or Bandana
Depending on the dust level, consider stashing away a bandana, face scarf or neck gaiter. Even if the skies are clear and wind speeds low, the fashionable accessory can create extra comfort and sun coverage around your neck.
Layers
Regardless of location, be ready for rapid temperature changes with a sweater or jacket on-hand. A poncho or rain jacket could also prove valuable if inclement weather is in the forecast.
Waterproof Bag
When it comes to making a list of what to pack for a festival, everything comes down to the bag holding everything. Clear, waterproof fanny packs and totes no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ are the likeliest to get through security, though some events may allow extra storage space for the longer haul. To see if backpacks are allowed at your festival, be sure to look at the specific bag policy.
Water Bottle
Apart from what you wear, the next most important decision is how to stay hydrated. Fans can typically bring an empty, reusable water bottle, and venue permitting, complete your resupply pack with a mobile hydration backpack.
Chapstick
Where water fails, chapstick prevails. Chapstick or lip balm may be the smallest item among your festival essentials, but can make the biggest difference when it comes to dry lips.
Body Wipes
Some messes are just too big for hand sanitizer. Continue to feel fresh and clean no matter how long you find yourself in the often shower-free environment with a pack of disposable body wipes.
Festival Fuel
Onsite vendors will have you covered for any major meals, but the snacks in between are up to you. Although outside food is generally not allowed at most festivals, you can usually get by with small, sealed bites that fit in your bag like granola bars. To further keep your energy up, Emergen-C packets or dissolvable hydration tablets are great for vitamin and electrolyte boosts, and over-the-counter Ibuprofen will be handy for any sudden aches and pains.
Portable Charger
In a world where your phone is your ticket, wallet and nearly everything else, the battery holds the real power. Keep your phone battery boosted with a portable charger, and remember to pack a matching cord if your supply isn’t wireless.
Camping Gear
For festivals that involve camping, you can usually bundle your festival pass with a camping pass, but the overnight equipment rarely comes included. Before your journey, check the average nighttime temperature of your camping location and select corresponding climate-ready camping basics such as a tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad. Bonnaroovians know the most and for any first-timers, this thread is a great place to start.
Blanket or Beach Towel
From the grasses of Governors Ball to the shores of Hangout, make a picnic out of your festival experience by bringing a lightweight blanket or beach towel to lay on. For safety, pick a spot to spread out far from any stage where the flow of fellow concertgoers won’t become an issue.
Pocket Fan
Keep the air flowing even in the crowds with a portable fan. If battery supply is no concern, grab a plug-in fan for your phone, or opt for a small, battery-powered device.
What NOT to Bring
Outside Food and Drinks
Get the full festival experience by enjoying one of the assorted dining options served at the event. Festival programmers pride themselves on the eclectic menu of local favorites and specialty offerings, so take advantage of what they’re able to cook up.
Coolers
While hydrating is key during a festival, take the tailgate back to camp if you want to bring more drinks than you can carry around the festival site.
Chairs
Aside from guaranteeing you a blocked view and creating a potential tripping hazard, a personal chair, even foldable, will likely not make it past the gate. If you need to take a load off after standing all day, find a seat or shady spot outside of high foot-traffic areas.
Open-Toed Shoes
It’s nearly impossible to navigate a festival crowd without a couple toes getting stepped on, not to mention the amount of mud a typical festival tracks. To protect your fingers, toes and favorite kicks, wear comfortable and well-worn close-toed shoes.
Expensive Jewelry
No festival fit should require its own insurance policy. Keep your valuable accessories secure at your campsite, or consider leaving them at home entirely.
Laptops, Computers and Tablets
Even when they’re locked and secured in your car or camp, expensive electronic devices are at the mercy of the natural dangers in a festival setting. An overheated battery or waterlogged device could set you back more than the price of admission, so save on repair costs by going offline for the weekend.
Sun Umbrellas and Shades
Don’t ruin someone else’s view for the sake of shade (and they’re usually not allowed, anyway). Bring less obstructing sun blockers, like a wide-brimmed hat, and take note of shady spots or designated resting areas early in the day in case you need a break from the heat and sun.
Glass Containers
No one wants to pick up broken glass, much less step on it. Miss out on a dangerous mess by bringing a resealable cup, bottle or jar made of sturdier, safer materials such as plastic, paper or stainless steel.
Aerosol cans
Sunscreen and bug spray are undisputed essentials in a festival packing checklist, but the type of container is just as crucial. Leave any pressurized aerosol cans at home or risk tossing them at the gate.
Professional Recording Gear
Phone cameras have not quite advanced past the priciest professional audio and video recording devices, but they’ll have to suffice for any festival. For attendees, professional-grade cameras and advanced recording equipment like tripods and drones are largely prohibited from music performances.
Potentially Dangerous Items
Although it may be a given to not bring a weapon to a festival, less obvious items such as pointed umbrellas, certain camping supplies and sports equipment could be blocked at the gate for their potential to harm others.
Fireworks
Leave the finale for the festival hosts. Besides putting your friends and fellow guests in peril, your fireworks display will surely be no match for any festival-sized final spectacle.