How to pack and prepare for a music festival

Music festivals have become more than just a place people go to watch their favorite bands perform. While music is the common theme, a lot of festivals also have camping options, vendors, other forms of entertainment and alternative activities anyone can participate in. Whether you’re experiencing it for the first time or you’re a devoted festival-goer, keep in mind these tips on how to pack and prepare for a music festival.

How to Plan

When you’re deciding on which music festival to go to, keep in mind transportation. Will you have to fly or drive? The location of the music festival determines lodging accommodations as well as what you should and should not bring along.

Transportation

Flying

If you have to fly to this festival, keep in mind these tips:

  • Book your flight well in advance to avoid spiked ticket prices
  • Think about how much luggage you might have to bring

Pro tip: If you plan on bringing multiple bags, Southwest Airlines offers a great baggage policy that allows for 2 free checked bags. Research the baggage policies of other airlines so you’re aware of fees and restrictions.

  • Allow yourself enough time to get to the airport before your flight

Pro tip: Airports tend to get crowded when a city is hosting a music festival. To avoid the hassle of missing a flight, give yourself at least 90 minutes to check your bags, get through security and maybe grab a snack before you board!

Driving

If you’re choosing to drive, here are some road trip tips:

  • Map out your route beforehand
  • Fill up your tank at the last possible gas station before entering the music festival

Pro tip: Music festivals bring in tens of thousands of people. There may be traffic and hours of waiting in line to get in.

  • Pick up food, water and any last-minute items

Pro tip: Anything for sale within the festival tends to be overpriced, so save money by doing all your shopping beforehand.

Accommodations

Camping

If the festival has camping accommodations, consider each option to decide which one will be the best for you. Depending on the festival, there may be car or RV camping options, tent camping, VIP accommodations or camping for groups. Make sure you thoroughly read about each camping accommodation, as some options might cost more or come with different requirements.

Pro tip: If you’re flying and would like to camp, consider investing in a set-up campsite provided by the festival to avoid hauling your own camp gear and equipment. One less thing you have to worry about packing!

Hotel/Airbnb

If the festival doesn’t have camping accommodations or you’re not a big fan of sleeping in a tent, hotels or Airbnbs are always great options to consider. Take into account where the festival is in relation to where you’d be staying. Sometimes finding a lodging option that is within walking distance can help save time and money by avoiding paying for gas, parking and Ubers.

Pro tip: Some festivals take place in fun and exciting cities. If you have extra time before or after the festival, venturing off into the city is something a lot of people take advantage of when traveling to a music festival.

Packing List Essentials

5 Essentials to Bring to a Music Festival

1. Camelback backpack or some sort of hydration pack

Especially for the festivals that take place during the warmer months, it’s important to stay hydrated when you’re outside in the sun all weekend.

2. Comfortable shoes

Your feet will thank you! Prioritize comfort over style when it comes to shoes.

3. Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Hat or Bandana

Most music festivals are multiple days long under the blazing sun with minimal shaded areas. Take care of your skin and body by regularly applying sunscreen and keeping your face covered.

4. Deodorant

The mixture of hot weather and dancing might make you perspire a little more than usual. Especially if you’re camping with limited access to showers, packing a stick of deodorant will make everyone’s time around you much more enjoyable!

5. First Aid Kit

Better safe than sorry! Most music festivals have a safety booth in case someone gets hurt. It’s a good idea, however, to bring an extra supply of bandages and ointment for any bug bites you or even your neighbors might need.

5 Things You Should Leave at Home

1. Electronics

Grab your phone and a camera. Leave the laptops and tablets at home!

2. Jewelry

Don’t pack any rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings. It’s hard to find lost or stolen jewelry at a music festival.

3. Valuables

There is a potential risk your valuables might get stolen or broken. Leave them safe at home!

4. Credit Card

Take out a reasonable amount of cash to pay for meals and merchandise throughout the weekend. You’ll be more inclined to keep track of your spending habits with a set amount of money rather than blindly swiping without checking your bank account.

5. Pets

Although some music festivals allow animals, do yourself and your pet a favor and keep them at home where they’ll be out of the sun and out of crowded, congested areas.

5 Tips on How to Prepare Before You Go

  1. Check out the music lineup and create a schedule of what artists you’d like to see.
  2. Pack up all your belongings a day or so in advance to check off everything on your list! Do a last-minute shopping trip for any toiletries or food items you’d like to bring.
  3. If you’re camping, test out your camp gear to make sure you know you how to set up your tent and sleeping cot or air mattress. Keep in mind that some camp gear might require special tools to help put the pieces together.
  4. Go on a walk each day for a few weeks leading up to the event. Preparing your feet and legs to stand and walk for multiple hours a day will help increase your stamina so you can dance at all your favorite shows!
  5. Start drinking more water before you go to the festival. Staying hydrated is incredibly important at any outdoor festival. Be sure to hydrate your body before, during and after!

A music festival is more than just the music. Music festivals are full of experiences, positive vibes and long-lasting memories. Each festival might have different artists, vendors and accommodations, but physical and mental preparation is always the same. Share below which music festival is your favorite. Comment any helpful tips or tricks on how to pack and prepare before you go!