Festival Packing 101: Hard Lessons from a Seasoned Festival Veteran
If there’s one thing I’ve learned after decades of attending music festivals, is that being prepared can make or break your experience. That’s why having a Music Festival Packing Guide is essential. I’m David Miles, a longtime concertgoer, ticketing expert, and self-proclaimed music fanatic. I’ve been navigating the festival circuit since the days when printed tickets were the only option and cell phones were just for making calls. Over the years, I’ve mastered the art of festival survival, learning through trial and error and the occasional sunburn.
Now, as part of the Tickets-Center.com team, I’m here to share insider tips, practical advice, and hard-earned wisdom to help you get the most out of every live event. For this post, I’ve asked two of my younger colleagues, Jake and Maya, to weigh in on their must-haves, and they had plenty of great insights- some of which even I hadn’t thought of. Between my experience and their fresh perspectives, here’s everything you need to pack for a stress-free, unforgettable festival weekend.
Music Festival Packing List: The Essentials You Should Never Forget
Wristband, ID & Entry Essentials
Before you even think about packing your outfits, triple-check these:
- Festival Ticket or Wristband – If you forget this, you’re not getting in. I once met a guy who drove eight hours to a festival, only to realize his wristband was still on his dresser. Don’t be that guy.
- Valid ID – No ID, no entry (or no drinks, if that’s part of your festival plan).
- Cash, Cards & Digital Payment Options – Some vendors still don’t take cards, and ATMs charge a fortune. My colleague Maya pointed out that Venmo and Apple Pay can be lifesavers—if your phone is charged.
- Phone & Charging Cable – Your phone is your map, your camera, your everything. Keep it charged.
- Festival App or Printed Schedule – Call me old school, but apps crash. Paper schedules don’t.
Mindset Matters: Maya made a great point when we were sharing our tips. Festivals aren’t just about showing up; they have their own culture, unspoken rules, and unique communities. Understanding the vibe of each festival, from camping etiquette at Bonnaroo to the PLUR (Peace, Love, Unity, Respect) mindset at EDM events, makes a difference. Respect the space, the staff, and the people around you. Every festival has different policies, so check them before you go. A little awareness goes a long way toward making the experience better for everyone.
Camping Festivals: Where the Unprepared Get Humbled
If you’re camping at a music festival, comfort matters more than you think. I’ll never forget my first camping festival. I thought a thin yoga mat would be enough to sleep on until I woke up on bare, freezing ground at 3 a.m., stiff as a board and questioning all my life choices. After that miserable night, I swore I’d never camp again without an inflatable mattress and a decent sleeping bag! Trust me, your future self will thank you.
- Tent & Ground Tarp – Get a waterproof, sturdy tent. A friend once woke up to a flooded sleeping bag because they skipped the tarp.
- Sleeping Bag & Inflatable Mattress – After 12 hours of dancing, you’ll regret skimping on sleep comfort.
- Camping Chair & Table – Sitting on the ground sounds fine…until you’re on day three with sore legs.
- Lanterns & Flashlights – You haven’t known struggle until you’ve tried to find your tent in the dark after a long night.
- Locks for Tent & Bags – Theft happens. Maya always uses an anti-theft bag and wears an AirTag as a necklace for added security, so her group always knows where she is.
What to Wear: Fashion vs. Function
Looking good is important, but staying comfortable is even more critical.
- Weather-Appropriate Outfits – Light for the heat, layers for the cold. Festivals can have massive temperature swings. Maya shared a great tip: if you’re cold, push deeper into the crowd because it’s always warmer there.
- The Right Shoes Matter – After years of festivals, I’ve learned the hard way that bad footwear can ruin an entire weekend. Sneakers or hiking boots are always a safe choice, but depending on the festival, other options might work even better. Maya swears by steel-toed shoes for extra protection in packed crowds—if you’ve ever had someone stomp on your foot during a show, you’ll understand why. Just make sure whatever you wear is comfortable enough for hours on your feet.
- Hat & Sunglasses – Sunburned eyelids are a thing. Protect yourself.
- Rain Gear – If a storm rolls in (looking at you, Lollapalooza), a poncho or lightweight rain jacket is a lifesaver.
- Handheld Fan – Bonus points if it has a built-in misting feature—Jake says festival strangers will literally thank you.
Music Festival Hygiene: Stay Fresh(ish)
Even if showers are limited, you don’t have to smell like a disaster.
- Wet Wipes & Hand Sanitizer – Festival bathrooms are an experience. Bring these or regret it.
- Dry Shampoo & Deodorant – Smelling good is still an option.
- Toothbrush & Floss – Your tentmate will thank you.
- Soap & Hand Warmers – Festivals run out of soap fast. A pro tip from one of my both Jake and Maya: bring your own supply and a portable clothesline for drying wet gear.
- Sunscreen & Aloe – I’ve learned the sunscreen lesson the hard way more times than I’d like to admit. But as Jake and I shared our biggest mistakes, he made an excellent point- pack aloe, too. Even with the best sun protection, burns happen, and you’ll be glad you have it when you do.
- Chapstick – It’s easy to forget, but dry, cracked lips are a real festival struggle. Jake says he forgets every time and always regrets it; so learn from his mistake and throw one in your bag now.
- Hairbrush – If you think you can go a whole weekend without brushing your hair, think again. Dancing, sweat, and wind will leave your hair in a tangled mess by the end of day one. Maya put it best: “You will cry to your conditioner bottle later.”
Music Festival Food & Hydration: Don’t Let $20 Fries Be Your Only Option
Food vendors at festivals are expensive, and lines can be painfully long. Having your own stash of snacks and a plan for hydration can save you time, money, and energy.
- Hydration Pack or Reusable Bottle – Many festivals have free refill stations, but a key tip: make sure your bottle is empty before you go through security. Most festivals won’t allow full bottles in, and if you forget, security will confiscate it on the spot.
- Electrolytes & Liquid IV – Overheating and dehydration are among the biggest festival risks. Cooling packs and electrolyte packets can be a lifesaver, especially for high-heat events like EDC.
- Calorically Dense Snacks – When sharing snack tips, Maya made a great point: don’t just bring snacks—bring the right snacks. Festival days are long, and food can be unpredictable, so go for high-calorie, nutrient-dense options like jerky, trail mix, and protein bars. They take up less space but keep you fueled longer.
- Caffeine Powder – Need a pick-me-up? Jake swears that caffeine powder is a better alternative to sugary energy drinks. A little goes a long way, and it won’t leave you with a sugar crash mid-set.
- Cooler with Ice Packs – If allowed, you’ll be the hero of the camp when everyone else’s drinks are warm.
Music Festival First Aid: Because No One Wants to Visit the Med Tent
Music festivals are long, exhausting, and full of unexpected hazards. A few simple first-aid essentials can keep you from having to make an unnecessary trip to the med tent.
- Blister Bandages & Medical Tape – Dancing all day means blisters are inevitable. Maya pointed out that regular bandages don’t hold up well in socks or shoes—medical tape is a better option. Bonus: She says it’s also great for outfit malfunctions.
- Pain Relievers & Allergy Meds – Between dust, pollen, and general exhaustion, ibuprofen and antihistamines can be a lifesaver.
- First Aid Kit – It doesn’t have to be big, but having antiseptic wipes, gauze, and basic wound care is always a good idea. I’ve seen enough people take a fall in a crowd to know it’s better to be prepared.
- Electrolytes & Cooling Packs—Dehydration and overheating are some of the biggest issues festivalgoers face, especially at all-day summer events. Jake swears by instant cooling packs, which are in most first-aid kits and can be game-changers.
- Earplugs – This was by far the most passionate recommendation from both Jake and Maya: protect your hearing! Festival speakers are no joke, and hearing damage is permanent. If you don’t already have a good pair, now’s the time to invest.
Tech & Gadgets: What’s Actually Worth Packing
Technology can make or break your music festival experience. The right gear will keep you connected, capture memories, and help you avoid unnecessary stress.
- Portable Charger & Power Bank – Outlets are rare, and losing your group is even worse when your phone dies. A good power bank means you’ll never be stranded.
- Phone & Waterproof Case – If it rains, if you drop it in mud, or if you get caught in a mosh pit, you’ll be glad you protected it.
- GoPro or Disposable Camera – Before you pack a camera, check festival rules. Maya pointed out that some festivals don’t allow them at all, so always confirm what’s permitted. You don’t want to haul a camera just to have security turn you away.
- AirTag or Tile Tracker – Maya suggested this, and honestly, I wish I had thought of it sooner. An AirTag or Tile Tracker can help you stay connected with friends and family- especially in massive festival crowds. She wears one as a necklace, and her group always knows where she is. Smart move.
What NOT to Bring To a Music Festival: My Biggest Regrets
Some things will only slow you down, get confiscated at security, or just make your life harder. Here’s a short list of what not to pack for a music festival:
- Glass Containers – Security will make you throw them out. I once had to chug an entire bottle of kombucha at the gate.
- Large Backpacks – Many festivals have strict size limits. Check the rules before you pack.
- Illegal Substances – I’ve seen too many people get kicked out before the festival even started. It’s not worth it.
- Fireworks, Weapons, or Sharp Objects – If it can explode or cut someone, it’s banned.
- Expensive Jewelry or Irreplaceable Items – I once lost my favorite necklace at a festival. Gone forever.
- Overly Risky Footwear – Maya put it bluntly: “Platform shoes. Good god, I wish someone told me this.” Sure, they might help you see over the crowd, but after hours of standing and dancing, they’re a recipe for pain—or worse, a twisted ankle. If you wear them, be prepared for a rough walk back to camp.
Festival Culture & Connections: Trinkets, Kandi, and Small Gifts
Music festivals aren’t just about the music—they’re about the connections you make along the way. While packing all the essentials will keep you comfortable, packing a few small trinkets, toys, or fidget items can enhance your experience in ways you might not expect.
At electronic music festivals, in particular, “kandi” (bracelets made of colorful beads with kind or funny messages) is a huge part of the culture. People trade them as a sign of friendship, positivity, and shared memories. Maya shared her experience and put it perfectly:
“I remember getting my first trinket and winning Rookie of the Year. It made my whole festival experience better. Now, I bring extras just to give out, and the look on people’s faces when they receive one is unforgettable.”
It doesn’t have to be kandi. Small fidgets, glow sticks, stickers, or funny little gifts can be an easy way to connect with fellow festivalgoers. It’s a great reminder that while packing smart is important, being open to new experiences and interactions is just as valuable.
Final Thoughts: Pack Smart, Party Smarter
Every music festival is a learning experience, and after years of doing this, I’ve realized that the best weekends happen when you’re prepared. I’ve learned plenty of lessons the hard way, and thanks to Jake and Maya, I’ve picked up some new tricks, too.
Pack smart, stay hydrated, and, most importantly- enjoy the music.
See you at the show- wherever your perfect seat is!
Need more weekend inspiration? Consider a trip to Las Vegas to check out these residencies, where Classic Icons meet 80’s Legends!