A beginner's guide to packing for a music festival

Getting ready for a festival this year? No need to stress – from practical essentials to eco-friendly tips, we’ve got everything you need.

To help you prepare for muddy grounds, recovery from those wild nights, and keeping kids entertained, we've compiled a list of must-haves for this year's festival season, regardless of the weather or your budget.

Grab your backpack and festival cart; here’s what you need to gather.

Our essential tips for packing like a pro

1. To camp or not to camp?

First, check the festival’s website for a list of items not to bring – this could include everything from aerosols to paper lanterns to gazebo tents. If you're camping, consider leaving your pricey tent behind if you expect a lively atmosphere nearby. And whatever the size of your tent, plan for double the number of people it claims to fit; you’ll always need extra space for luggage compared to a hiking trip.

Many festivals provide glamping options, so be aware of what the festival includes. You might just be able to show up and unwind. Regardless of your choice, check the on-site amenities (like proper hot-water showers) to know what to bring with you.

Not keen on setting up camp? Consider city-based festivals like Field Day in London, Sydney Festival, or Movement Detroit in the USA, as well as global events like Ultra Music Festival that take place from Shanghai to Lima.

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2. Pack only the essentials

Once you’ve confirmed you have your festival ticket, ID, cash, and debit card, don’t forget to include solar chargers in your pack. This way, you can power up on the go without waiting in line and missing your favorite act—or getting separated from your friends.

If you’re camping, always bring a mallet, use rolled clothes as a pillow (a pillowcase is advisable), and invest in a comfortable daypack, along with foldable camping chairs if possible. If you're using an airbed, a battery-powered pump is a smart choice to avoid exhaustion upon arrival. And don’t forget reusable tote bags for carrying extras like merchandise or food and drinks.

Then include items you might think are unnecessary but will likely come in handy: gaffer tape (perfect for mending anything from tent rips to a broken shoe sole), a lighter, a headlamp, clothes pegs, earplugs, and an eye mask.

Be sure to carry enough cash, too, and stash it in different spots, like a concealed money pouch, to be prepared for any emergencies.

3. Save on food and drinks

Worried about the price of festival food all day long? Bring some cooking gear: a small saucepan, spatula, cutlery, plates and bowls, a multi-tool or sturdy knife, a can opener, dishwashing supplies, trash bags, and reusable bottles.

Most festival grounds aren’t fans of gas or spirit stoves, so choose multi-fuel or solid gas options instead. Bring along hardy vegetables like broccoli, kale, and potatoes, canned goods such as fish, beans, and chopped tomatoes, along with non-perishables like dried fruit, nuts, tofu, couscous, pasta, rice cakes, and even dried meat.

Be mindful and leave no trace. Many festivals allow you to use the same cup at various bars – check this and invest in reusable cups if possible. Consider taking bamboo utensils, stainless steel straws, and food containers for your take-out meals to minimize waste. For hangovers, ginger tea can help with nausea, and grapefruit juice can elevate your sugar levels. Bananas and coconut water are the ultimate remedies, packed with antioxidants and nutrients.

4. Be prepared for any weather

The biggest dilemma: how to tackle festival weather? The key is to layer your clothing: sarongs or bandanas can be transformed into skirts or bags; swimwear can double as shorts or underwear.

If you're braving the chill at festivals like Iceland Airwaves, don’t forget thermals, thick socks, gloves, and insulated foam mats.

Prepare for sandstorms with dust masks, goggles, or scarves when attending desert festivals and be ready for nighttime temperature drops at Burning Man in Nevada and Oasis Festival in Marrakesh.

In the muddy conditions typical of the British Glastonbury Festival, pack sturdy boots and invest in a waterproof tarp.

In mosquito-prone places like the Rainforest World Music Festival in the Malaysian jungle or Envision Festival in Costa Rica, bring insect repellent with DEET and unscented deodorant.

Heading to the shores of Croatia’s Hideout or Australia’s Airlie Beach Festival? Be sure to choose ocean-friendly sunscreen to take along.

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5. Stay fresh

You may be ready to get dirty, but a basic wash kit is still essential. Hand sanitizer, compostable baby wipes, toilet paper (without the roll), and a washbowl can be lifesavers for daily hygiene. Keep your shower supplies minimal and just take a small piece of soap. Skip the travel-sized items and use refillable eco-friendly containers instead.

Next, here are some handy tips: bring a small mirror, choose Sun Protection Factor (SPF) products, and if you have long hair, keep a hair tie on your wrist. For women, menstrual cups are reusable and last longer than disposables.

6. Festivals with children

First, remember to pack pain relief like Calpol or a similar product. You might also want to consider getting a portable toilet like Boginabag. Collapsible bottles are also a smart choice if your bag of kids’ essentials is getting too full.

In addition to your usual holiday gear, poncho towels are great for drying off little ones after they get messy, while kids’ onesies are ideal for the evening. Don’t forget cool sunhats and child-size ear protectors as essentials.

For entertainment, pick items that kids will enjoy even when the sun sets or in crowded areas – consider glowsticks, festival makeup kits, disposable cameras, and mini binoculars.

To ease tired feet, bring toddler carriers like Ergobaby, folding camping stools, or portable cushioned beds for younger children like Sleepyhead or even a Radio Flyer. Some festival-goers use a trolley to transport their gear (and kids) during the day, converting it into a mini cot at night, complete with battery-operated fairy lights. For a peaceful night’s sleep amid the noise, invest in a quality miniature sleeping bag and comfortable child-sized ear defenders.

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7. Share and share alike

At a festival, you can count on two things: a) the abundance of people around you in the great outdoors, and b) the spirit of sharing, so take advantage of it!

Before the festival, assign different tasks among your group to avoid bringing multiple mallets and just one air pump. If you can't fit camping chairs in your car or carry a cooler, don’t worry; friendly neighbors or festival staff are usually willing to help. Some even provide campsite carts for easier transport between your car and your site.

8. Costumes, games, and more

Setting up distinctive flags or lights at your campsite can help you find your way back, especially at night. If space is tight, maybe skip the sumo suit. Whether you have a theme or not, opt for lightweight items like printed leggings, face paint, headbands, wigs, and masks to embrace the festival vibe.

Finally, don’t forget to pack compact games for some downtime at your campsite, such as Bananagrams, Storycubes, or even Twister (which can also serve as a somewhat impractical camp mat).