What to Pack for a Festival: Your No-Nonsense, Real-Life Essentials List
Whether it’s your first music festival or your tenth weekend fair, one thing’s for sure: it pays to be prepared. After attending my own recent event (and forgetting more than I’d like to admit), I decided it was time to make the ultimate festival packing list—based on real experience, not just cute Pinterest ideas.
This guide covers all sorts of festivals—music fests, county fairs, outdoor markets—so you probably won’t need every item here. Scan the list, pick what fits your event, and leave the rest behind.
From hydration hacks to comfort lifesavers, here’s what to bring to a festival so the fun doesn’t turn into a struggle.
Quick tip before we dive in: Always check your festival or venue’s official website to see what they allow, recommend, or prohibit. Some events have strict rules about bag sizes, water bottles, and even sunscreen containers. It’s better to double-check than have your gear confiscated at the gate.
🎟️ Festival Essentials
- Tickets – Always have a digital version, a screenshot, and a paper backup just in case.
- Printed map & schedule – Keep a paper copy of the festival layout and set times in your pocket; circle your must-see acts and avoid phone-dead panic so you never miss a favorite band.
- Clear bag or clear backpack – Many venues now require clear bags.
- Clip-on wallet – Keep your ID and cash secure, hands-free, and tuck in an AirTag so you’ll always know where it is.
- Clip-on pouch – Stash cards, cash, snacks, and small essentials securely on your belt loop or bag—hands-free convenience.
- Phone lanyard or crossbody case – Great for quick access to your screen, tickets, or maps.
- Mini card holder with RFID protection – Clips on to your belt loop or bag strap for when you don’t need your full wallet but want a little extra security.
- Fanny pack – Your hands-free hero for quick-grab essentials—phone, wallet, and snacks stay secure and right at your hip.
💡 Pro Tip: Even though stage names are listed, sketch a quick landmark or direction next to each act on your printed schedule (like “Big Stage — by the water” or “East Field Stage — near the ferris wheel”) so you can head straight there without double-checking the map.
👟 Footwear That Won’t Betray You
- Comfy shoes – You’ll stand (or dance) way more than you expect—pick something made for standing.
- Flip-flops or sandals – A backup option for when your feet need a break.
- Anti-blister pads or Anti Blister Balm – Perfect for long festival days (especially if it’s hot and you’re on your feet).
- Moleskin – Especially if you’re wearing anything new, walking a lot, or dressing up in fancy shoes.
- Extra socks – Sweat, rain, mud… one pair never survives. A fresh pair can change your whole mood.
- Anti-chafe balm – If you know, you know. Great for keeping feet dry and blister-free.
🌞 Sun Protection & Skin Care
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+) – Go for water-resistant, sweatproof, and something you won’t mind reapplying.
- Chapstick with SPF – Your lips can burn too, and they’re the first to dry out in the sun.
- Hat – Bucket hat, trucker, wide brim—whatever works. Extra points if it’s breathable.
- Sun umbrella – Friendly shade without weighing you down—perfect for cooling off in style.
- Aftersun lotion or aloe – For when you “forget to reapply” (it happens).
- Cooling towel or misting fan – Instant relief when it’s 90° and the line for shade is 6 hours long.
💧 Stay Hydrated Without the Swamp Water
- Reusable water bottle with a filter – If the free water station smells like pool chemicals, you’ll be glad you brought this.
- Hydration pack – A backpack-style water reservoir (like CamelBak) is game-changing for all-day events—hands-free, refillable, and holds enough for hours.
- Over-the-shoulder bottle carrier – Whether it’s insulated or handmade, this keeps your drink cold and your hands free. Bonus if yours doubles as a wallet or stash pouch (smart and secure!).
- Electrolyte packets – These help replace what you sweat out—and avoid the post-sun crash.
- Energy/flavor packets – Look for ones with natural caffeine or B12 to keep your mood up and your water from tasting boring.
- Koozie – Keeps cans cold and stops your drink from becoming a hand-warmer.
💡 Pro tip: Keep a cold gallon or extra water bottle in your car for after the fest. Once you finally make it out of the parking lot (which could take ages), you’ll be thirsty, dusty, and so grateful to have it waiting for you.
🧼 Festival Hygiene Must-Haves
- Hand sanitizer – Porta-potties, food trucks, random surfaces… this earns its space in your bag.
- Washcloth or small towel – My secret weapon. I use it for wiping sunscreen off my hands, drying off wet seats, cleaning sticky fingers, and even brushing off sand—it always comes in handy.
- Wipes – For sweat, grime, dust, and anything else the day throws at you.
- Odor control wipes – Quickly freshen up sweat, spills, or sticky hands on the go—stay clean, confident, and odor-free between sets.
- Tissues or mini TP roll – Trust us: not all bathrooms will have toilet paper.
- Toilet seat covers – Totally optional, but toss a few in for extra peace of mind when you’re using public restrooms—just lay, use, and discard.
- Face wipes or Compact mirror – Great for touch-ups or post-sunscreen cleanup.
- Deodorant or mini dry shampoo – You may be outdoors, but you don’t have to smell like it.
First Aid Basics
- Bandaids – Blisters and unexpected scrapes are basically guaranteed.
- Triple antibiotic ointment – A travel-size tube for cuts, scrapes, and skin irritations; helps prevent infection and speeds healing on the go.
- Single-pack pain relievers – Bring a couple packs of Aleve, ibuprofen, or whatever works best for you.
- Recovery packet – A compact blend to help you bounce back and feel refreshed after a long night.
- Antacids or allergy meds – Just in case you try one too many festival foods.
- Upset stomach relief – To soothe nausea and calm an unsettled tummy on the go.
- Bug spray or itch cream – Depends on the venue, but better to have it than regret it.
🔋 Tech & Power
- Mini flashlight or headlamp – Great for post-show walks or campsite use.
- Portable power bank – You’ll thank yourself when your phone hits 1% mid-festival. Aim for 10,000 mAh or more so you can squeeze in two full charges.
- Multi-head charging cable – One cable to rule them all: USB-C, Lightning, and micro-USB. Keep it neatly coiled with a Velcro strap or slim pouch.
- Portable solar charger – A lightweight panel can trickle-charge your gear while you’re soaking up the sun. Just remember it’s a supplement—clouds happen!
- Mini Bluetooth speaker – Perfect for tailgate vibes, campsite hangs, or group playlists.
Pro Tip: Enable your phone’s low-power mode between charges and store your power bank on “reserve” if it has one—little tweaks like these can make a big difference when outlets are scarce.
🪑 Seating & Relaxation
- Portable folding chair – Pick one with a wide seat for legroom, an integrated cooler to keep your drinks cold, and a handy side pocket to stash your essentials.
- Seat cushion or Bleacher Chair – Slip this into bleacher seats or on the grass for extra comfort and insulation from damp ground.
- Picnic blanket or waterproof blanket – A roomy blanket lets friends lounge together.
- Travel blanket – Doubles as a cozy throw when temperatures drop or as extra padding on hard surfaces.
- Inflatable seat or couch – Packs down small but inflates into a cushy cushion—perfect for late-night sets when you need a softer spot.
Pro Tip: Clip a carabiner to your gear so you can hook your chair or blanket to your bag when it’s not in use—keeps hands free and ensures you won’t leave it behind.
🧥 Clothing & Comfort
- Moisture-wicking shirt – Keeps sweat off your skin so you stay cool and dry all day.
- Lightweight long-sleeve or hoodie – Shields you from sun at midday and adds just the right warmth when temperatures dip.
- Convertible pants/shorts – Zip-off legs give you flexibility as the weather changes.
- Comfortable, broken-in shoes – You’ll be on your feet for hours—make every step blister-free.
- Extra socks – Swap out damp pairs for dry ones to keep your feet happy and blister-free.
- Packable rain jacket or poncho – Sudden downpour? No worries—you’ll stay dry without lugging a bulky coat.
- UV-blocking sunglasses – Protect your eyes and cut down on glare so you can enjoy every set.
- Cooling bandana – Dust, sweat, sun—this little piece of fabric handles it all.
- Light scarf – Doubles as a sunblock.
Pro Tip: Everyone loves seeing festival-goers go all out. If you’re debating whether to dress up—do it! You’ll collect extra smiles, compliments, and even “Can I grab a photo with you?” moments. It only adds to the magic of the experience.
🧃 Snacks & Extras
- Protein bars – Your trusty sidekick when snack attacks hit .
- Trail mix – A crunchy, munchy party of nuts, seeds & dried fruit to keep you dancing.
- Jerky – Chewy, savory, and protein-packed—turkey or beef, your call (just watch the salt!).
- Nut butter squeeze packs – Squeeze in a boost of creamy peanut or almond butter anywhere, anytime.
- Whole-grain crackers or rice cakes – Light, crispy carbs that team up perfectly with your nut butter or fly solo.
- Fresh fruit – Nature’s candy! Apples, bananas, or clementines add sweet vitamins and fiber.
- Energy gels or chews – Sugar rocket fuel for that extra “zoom” when you need it most.
- Chocolate squares – A little sweet pick-me-up.
- Veggie sticks – A feel-good snack.
- Granola bars – Great small snack.
- Fruit bars – Chewy, real-fruit bites that pack natural sugars, fiber, and vitamins—no fridge needed and perfect for a quick energy boost on the go.
Pro Tip: Pre-bag balanced snack bundles (think: one protein bar + one piece of fruit) so you can grab, munch, and keep the good-times rolling—no hangry moments, no missing sets, and no long snack-line waits!
Extras & Must-Haves 🛠️
- Safety pins – For quick fixes to broken straps, tears, or unexpected wardrobe hiccups.
- Duct tape – A few feet on a compact roll to patch gear, lash down loose items, or even label your stuff.
- Zip ties – Ultra-light and strong—perfect for bundling cables, securing gear, or emergency repairs.
- Multi-tool – Scissors, pliers, screwdrivers, and more in one handy gadget for any gear malfunctions.
- Cash & small bills – Skip the ATM lines and cover merch, tips, or food vendors that don’t take cards.
- Earplugs – Protect your hearing between sets and rest easy if you camp onsite. Grab both adult and kid-sized pairs so everyone—from grown-ups to little festival-goers—can rock out and recharge with some quiet downtime.
- Waterproof pouch or ziplock bag – Keep your phone, wallet, and ID safe from rain, spills, or accidental dunking.
- Compact trash bag or reusable shopping bag – Perfect for stashing extra merch when the vendor doesn’t provide a bag.
- Emergency roll-up backpack – Packs down to smaller than a pair of socks; ideal backup for souvenirs, merch, or extra layers.
✅ Final Tip: Pack Smart, Not Heavy
Lay everything out the night before, double-check this list, and pack with purpose. Whether it’s a massive music festival or a local outdoor event, this festival packing list will help you stay focused on the fun—not scrambling for stuff you forgot.
