Festival season means there are tons of concerns ahead, and whether you are heading to a massive music event or a smaller local show, you’ll want to prepare with a concert checklist.
With so many things to carry and tight restrictions on what you can bring inside, it’s crucial to pack smart.
Festival Season Concert Checklist
As massive music and huge fans of concerts, we are telling you that there are must-haves to make your festival experience a positive concert experience you won’t forget!
Check out our concert essentials checklist to be ready!
1. Clear Pouch Bag: Keep It Simple
Festival rules often restrict bag sizes and types, but a clear pouch bag is the perfect solution. It is transparent and festival-approved and allows you to see everything you need without rummaging through a cluttered bag.
Look for one that’s compact, durable, and lightweight – and bonus points if it has multiple compartments for easy access to your essentials.
I (shannon) really love this clear crossbody bag!
2. Hydration: Liquid IV Packets for Instant Relief
Whether you are waiting to go inside the venue or if you are already inside and it’s a long, hot day ahead, you can easily dehydrate. Staying hydrated is a must.
Liquid IV packets are a lifesaver, especially in hot weather. These little packets are packed with electrolytes, helping you feel refreshed and energized all day.
Simply mix them with water, and you’ll be good to go! Carry a few in your clear bag for easy access.
3. Portable Phone Charger: Keep Your Phone Alive
From snapping photos for social media to staying connected with friends, your phone is one of the most important festival essentials.
After hours of use, your battery can quickly die, and that is not an option! Don’t get caught without backup power!
A portable charger is a must-have for the festival season.
Look for a compact, lightweight model that fits easily in your clear pouch bag so you can recharge while waiting in line or during a lull in the action.
4. Stay Cool: Disposable Items for Shade
Things can get pretty uncomfortable if you’re waiting in a long line under the sun. Here are some easy and disposable ways to make some shade:
- Cooling towels are great for draping around your neck or over your head. Just wet them, and they’ll stay cool for hours.
- Compact umbrellas: A small umbrella can provide shade and protect you from unexpected rain showers.
- Portable fans: A battery-operated handheld fan is a game-changer that helps you stay cool while waiting in long queues.
- Wide-brimmed hats: A classic, easy-to-pack option to protect your face and neck from the sun.
- Cooling body mist: Keep a refreshing mist handy to spritz yourself and cool off whenever needed.
5. Fashionable, But Functional
Festivals are the perfect place to show off your style, but comfort is key when you’re on your feet all day. Be sure you are wearing comfortable shoes. Comfy shoes don’t have to be lame. There are tons of cute, comfy shoes that you can pair with your festival outfit.
Scummy Bears has a wide collection of festival outfits that will make you stand out. Their rave pashminas, for instance, rep the festival scene with insane all-over prints and legit artist collaborations.
A pashmina isn’t just for show; it’s your festival MVP. From blocking dust and harsh sun to keeping you warm during sunrise sets or shielding your face when the bass hits too hard, it’s built for the rave grind.
Choose light layers you can easily take off or add on, depending on the weather.
Don’t forget a hair tie if you have long hair. Sure, long flowing hair is whimsical and pretty for pics, but sweaty hair isn’t cute, so let’s have a hair tie ready to go!
A clear fanny pack or crossbody bag is great, but if that isn’t an option, having pockets that hold your items is essential.
6. Snacks + Health Essentials
Festival food is often expensive and not always the healthiest, so having your snacks on hand can save you time and money.
Pack healthy, non-perishable options like protein bars, granola, oranges, or clementines.
Also, don’t forget a small pack of pain relievers for when your feet ache after hours of dancing.
Keep antibacterial wipes or hand sanitizer handy to clean up before grabbing food or using the facilities.
Let’s not even talk about how gross you will feel after using a porta-potty. Yuck!
7. What NOT to Bring
We’d be remiss if our list did not include what you should avoid and NOT bring to your festival events.
While it’s tempting to pack everything you own for a festival, there are some things you’ll want to leave behind.
Avoid large bags, unnecessary valuables, and anything prohibited by festival rules (check ahead!). Lot of times, venues will not allow you to bring in a water bottle with water inside of it, but they will sometimes allow an empty bottle. This helps to save money if you want to fill the bottle at water fountains.
Just be sure to check with the venue ahead of time for the ultimate concert experience!
You’ll thank yourself later when you can breeze through security without hassles.
Festival-Ready!
Packing the right items and having a great plan can make all the difference between a stressful festival experience and an exciting experience of a lifetime!
Following this festival season concert checklist and staying hydrated, cool, and prepared, you’ll be ready to enjoy the music, the crowd, and the atmosphere without missing a beat.
Now, all you need to do is grab your concert tickets and the concert essentials, slip into your favorite music festival outfit, and get ready to rock out to live music during the festival season!
You may be interested in reading more on a throwback show, seeing Paul Westerberg and The Replacements.
Check out our blog post on the role of live entertainment in travel!
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
A small, packable umbrella or waterproof poncho is a great way to stay dry. You can also bring waterproof footwear and a protective phone case to keep your essentials safe. Just check with the venue first.
Stay calm and go to the information booth or ask a staff member for help. Many festivals also have mobile apps that feature maps and live updates to help you find your way around. It’s also a good idea to have a designated meet-up spot in case you get separated from your friends.
Always stay hydrated, keep an eye on your belongings, and make sure your phone is fully charged. Don’t eat or drink anything that you did not purchase yourself.
