With warm weather on the horizon, festival season is quickly approaching. Outdoor music festivals are a summertime staple for many, and after being cooped up inside for the past couple of years, festival lovers are itching to get back into the lifestyle this summer. If you want to make sure you’re totally prepared for your next festival, we’ve got you covered. After all, festivals often span hours or even days at a time, so you don’t want to forget anything! Take a look at our checklist below and make sure you’ve got all the essentials before you head out to your next summertime bash.


For the day:

  • Phone: Duh. From snapping pics to texting your friends who have wandered away from you, having your phone handy is essential for keeping memories and keeping tabs on your crew.
  • Portable charger: This one goes hand-in-hand with your phone. The last thing you need in the middle of recording your favorite artist’s set is for your phone to die on you! If your phone does die, totems always work to find your squad, too! Check out our post, How to Make a Festival Totem, for inspiration!
  • Cash: Whether you’re buying a bottle of water or your favorite band’s tee shirt, it’s always a good idea to keep some cash on hand.
  • Water bottle: Staying hydrated is always important, but especially during times like these where you’ll be jumping around for hours on end. And if you’re sipping on adult beverages, make sure you’re downing some water in between drinks!
  • Bucket hat: Keep the sun out of your eyes with a bucket hat. This stylish and functional accessory will keep you looking fresh and free of squinting all day long.
  • Fanny pack: No pockets? No problem. The fanny pack is the perfect portable solution for all your carrying needs. Stow your cash, keys, phone, and other small items to keep those hands free!
  • Backpack: Need some extra carrying space? From mini backpacks and clear backpacks to specialized hydration backpacks and more, we’ve got you covered for all your packin’ needs.
  • Sunglasses: For those extra sunny summer festivals, a nice pair of shades is the perfect accessory. And you’ll look cool, so that’s a plus.
  • Body jewelry: From earrings and gauges to belly button rings and more, we’ve got all the best dazzling options to make you stand out in the crowd. And for the perfect warm-weather look, check out our post for the best belly button rings for spring.
  • Apparel: The perfect fit is essential for an unforgettable festival experience. You’re sure to be snapping pics with your friends, so make sure you look your best! We’ve got you covered with all the best tees, tanks, and everything in between.
  • Blanket: if you’ve been walking around the festival grounds all day, sometimes you need to take a load off. Grab a cool or colorful blanket and do a little sunbathing in between sets!
  • Sunscreen: This one especially applies to festivals in areas where the sun will be beating down on you all day. Apply sunscreen throughout the day so you’re not kicking yourself later!
  • Bug spray: Keep the gnats and mosquitos away with a small bottle of bug spray. Easy to store and sure to maintain your bug bite-free bod.
  • Hand sanitizer: You’re going to be in close quarters with all sorts of folks at your next festival, so don’t forget to stay sanitized.



For in-between sets:

  • Tent: Everybody needs a home base. After a long day, having a tent where you can lay down and relax is key! Make sure you bring all your sleeping essentials along with it: a sleeping bag or air mattress, pillows, blankets, and anything you need to rest up for the day ahead of you!
  • Kitchenware and food: Bring along some cooking essentials like a grill or stove and some easy-to-make meals and snacks. There’s no need to be Gordon Ramsey, but make sure you bring the essentials to keep you moving and energized. Don’t forget the plates, utensils, and drinkware!
  • Toiletries: Hygiene, hygiene, hygiene! Bring all your essentials like toothpaste and deodorant to stay as fresh as possible throughout the festival.
  • Chair and/or hammock: After a long day of jamming, you will want to put up your feet and chill with your crew. Lounge in a comfortable chair or string up a hammock for some maxin’ relaxin’.
  • Lantern: The day doesn’t end when the sun goes down! Keep the party going all night long by lighting your area with lanterns. Also useful for late-night bathroom breaks.
  • Solar charger: Is your portable charger dead? Nothing to worry about when you’ve got a charger powered by the SUN! Plug in your electronics while the sun’s shining and you’ll be all set.
  • Multi-tool: Everyone loves a handyperson. A multi-tool is a catch-all solution for any minor issues that may arise while you’re setting up camp.
  • Cooler: There’s nothing like an ice-cold bev while the sun’s beating down on you. Keep your drinks chilled and refreshing with a cooler, and you’re sure to be the MVP of your crew. Just remember to pack the ice!


These may be the essentials, but you can always further enhance your festival experience with even more gear! This should pretty much cover it, though… Oh wait, don’t forget your tickets!


If you want to prep yourself in advance for the people you may run into at your next festival, check out our post, 10 Types of People You’ll Meet at a Music Festival!