Festival Essentials Packing List: Your Foolproof Guide
ever Be Unprepared Again: The Ultimate Festival Packing List
Going to a music or food festival is exciting and being prepared just takes a little planning. The difference between an epic weekend and a misery-soaked struggle often comes down to one thing: the packing list. Don't be that person begging for a Band-Aid. I keep my festival survival kit ready to go, and this guide will help you build your own foolproof kit so you can truly live your best life—no matter what the day throws at you.
Tech & Security (Don't Get Lost or Robbed)
Portable Charger
Something that is essential for everyone is a portable charger. You'll be busy taking pictures and videos, and your phone will be working overtime trying to find signal. Long story short, you do not want to be at 15% when the headliner ends and you need an Uber. Trust me! This is a quick, cheap fix: Charge your phone and the portable charger the night before, and be sure to bring the charging cord with you.
Clutch Loop or Phone Leash
If you’re doing it right, you should be footloose and fancy-free. Unfortunately, cell phone theft is high at festivals. A clutch loop or similar product is a great way to make sure you go home with memories and the device you came with. They simply fit into your existing phone case and keep your device tethered to your person—no pockets necessary.
Comfort & Emergency (Be Ready for Anything)
Poncho
Another Dollar Tree special—and you'll be glad you have one if the skies open up. At a summer festival in Indiana, they were charging $15 for ponchos and quickly sold out, leaving people absolutely drenched. Be the financially responsible, dry hero of your group.
Ear Plugs
I’m almost 40, have amazingly sensitive ears, and this will be my first festival season bringing earplugs (grabbed from Dollar Tree, naturally). I'm usually running on such a rush at the end of the day that I don’t care about the ringing in my ears, but I’m trying to do better. Protect those eardrums, friends!
Hand Sanitizer
Absolute must! You’ll be using a port-o-potty, and the hand washing stations often run out of water on the first afternoon. I grab small, flat packets from the dollar store that hardly take up any space. If it doesn't have soap, it doesn't count.
First Aid Kit
This may seem a little extra, but it costs $1.25, and I like to be prepared for anything. Toss a mini-kit (Band-Aids are your best friend) into your bag. It takes up virtually no space and will save you from standing in the medical tent line for a simple blister.
"Wal-Mart" Bag (or Reusable Tote)
Muddy shoes, event merch, unexpected vendors purchases, or just a place to stash your rain cap—you can't go wrong. A simple, foldable bag is the ultimate multi-tool.
Make it stand out
What to Carry It All In
Clear Crossbody or Backpack
You’ll need a bag to carry all your essentials. More and more venues are requiring clear bags due to security rules. It’s frustrating getting to the front of a long line only to be sent back to your car to put up a purse or bag that isn't approved, so tote a clear bag with you. Don't pay the bag valet tax! (The Mercedes-Benz stadium in Atlanta has a pricey valet you can pay to hold your bags—an unexpected, unnecessary expense.)
Comfy Shoes (The True MVP)
I usually wear Brooks because I’m picking comfy over cute every single time, but I also love to step out of my shoes when there’s grass. Sometimes I even wear my Lisa Frank Crocs. (Yes, Crocs have come a long way, style-wise—Dreamville even dropped an exclusive design a few weeks prior to their festival.) Your feet will hate you on Day 2 if you choose fashion over function.
These are the non-negotiables I keep on hand to make sure my festival vibe stays high and my anxiety stays low. What are the must-have essentials that make it into your festival survival kit? Drop a comment below and let us know!
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