Music Festival Essentials: What to Pack for a Weekend Festival
With music festival season on the horizon, I was inspired to put together a complete guide for music festival essentials to help you pack smart. Here is my list of must haves to ensure a great weekend!
First and foremost, the best part of music festivals is you can wear whatever the heck you want!Β You can get away with nearly any fashion choice at a music festival.Β So in my humble opinion, funky accessories and outfits are essential for the festival experience.Β
This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Shades
If you are going to be out in the elements all weekend, sunglasses are one of the first accessory essentials that come to mind. If you will need sunglasses they might as well be funky!
Sunscreen
Just like you need to protect your eyes, you’ll want to pack sunscreen to protect your skin. Festivals are a marathon not a race! You’re going to be outside for long periods of time.
Fanny Pack
There is a reason fanny packs are making a comeback – functionality!! I did not have a functional bag for my first music festival and I ended up paying a ridiculous price to buy a fanny pack onsite.Β Don’t make the same mistake!Β A fun backpack or fanny pack is necessary to carry around your basics – phone, wallet, sunnies (after hours), chapstick, what have you.
Face Cover
Depending on the festival location, music festivals can get very dusty!!Β To save yourself from inhaling dirt, or even to help hide the smell in the port-a-johns, I recommend having some sort of face cover handy.Β These are more common now anywho, and extra helpful if crammed around a bunch of people.
Power Bank
The last thing you want is a dead phone at a festival. Whether you are coordinating with friends or taking pics it is pretty essential to have a functioning phone. Pack a portable charger and you are set!
Refillable Water Bottle
While you can always buy water bottles at a festival, this isn’t very environmentally friendly nor is it economical! Bring a refillable water bottle and take advantage of the filling stations.Β Hydration is important!
CamelBak
Another alternative to refillable bottles is a CamelBak pack. Easy to transport and fill up.
Body Wipes
Whether you are camping or not, body wipes or deodorant wipes are super handy for a quick refresh. Pack some extra wipes for bathroom emergencies – don’t want to be stuck with no TP!
Blanket
While festivals require a lot of standing, there are plenty of opportunities to set out a blanket and take a seat. You will be glad to have the open to sit! If no one in your group has a backpack to store the blanket in, you can always get a pocket blanket that folds super tiny.Β I recommend a water resistant blanket because you never know what will happen with the weather!
Portable Fan
If the festival is in the summer or somewhere warm, it can be a great idea to bring a portable fan to help keep cool. There are really tiny ones you can tuck into small bags or fanny packs.
Bonus: GoPro or 360
My bonus festival essential would be a GoPro or a 360 camera. I’d choose whichever model you think you would use outside of the festival setting to get the best bank for your buck. These types of cameras are great for events like festivals!Β
Whatever you decide to bring – make sure you have some way to capture the memories you will make along the way. Β
If you’re preparing to camp at a music festival, check out my guide to camping at festivals!
What are some of your music festival essentials?!Β Share below!
15 Comments
Harassedmom (@laurakim123)
So I have never actually been to a music festival before but I can see water being an essential part of a festival.
gamerglo
My friends keep trying to get me to go to a festival with them, so this is definitely going to come in handy!
Nicz Escat
I’ll definitely need a power bank, great list.
amalateesside
This list is spot on! Can i suggest – baby wipes, toilet roll also. Thanks for sharing. I would have been lost without my powerpack.
Michele @ ourredonkulouslife
I wish I would have known to bring baby wipes. The first time I went to a festival you would have thought we rolled around on the ground. We were so dirty.
risalopez
Great list, I will take note of this list once I go to a music festival.
Knycx Journeying
Sometimes water bottle now are not allowed in some places for security reasons but I do think it’s a great item to bring with, Thanks for the list and I think it will help a lot of people.
SiennyLovesDrawing
I wish I can be there to experience a music festival , absolutely a useful list sharing here, love it
Roshanna21
These are really great picks! Especially the power bank and blanket
Fransic verso
Wow that looks fun. We have been to one but it was few years as well. It’s good that everything is back again. Thank you for sharing!
Fransic – https://www.querianson.com
Kenneth
Nice list you got here! Some I have, some we nee to shop for before we get to these kinda gigs so thanks for sharing π
Nkem
Sounds about right! Seems like you have all the necessities down.
marjiemare
I haven’t been to a music festival since I moved to FL 3 years ago. It’s so much fun.
Ashok
Lots of cool recommendations for gear! I’m curious to hear what it’s like, how community is forged, how everyone helps each other out, whether friendships last. I’ve never even thought about music festival camping before your posts.
Lisa Scheibner
Really cool suggestions. Even though I run a music news site, I’ve only ever been to concerts with two or three bands and never to a festival. Maybe one day!