Are you off to a festival anytime soon? Whether you’re a pro festival goer or newbie like me, make sure you check out this ultimate festival packing list.
Music festivals are one of the most popular festivals around though I much rather prefer Food Festivals. I have never been much of a camping person, I very much prefer glamping to be honest. But of late I have realised that with the right equipment and ample preparations, it can be an enjoyable experience. With that in mind, here is our guide to the ultimate festival packing list.
The ultimate festival packing list
When it comes to packing for any event, I plan what I will take well in advance but rarely pack until the night before. I am one of those people who needs a fresh mental image of what I have packed. Remember only pack festival essentials as at the end of it all, you will be carrying it back.
Sleeping Essentials
Whilst sleeping might be the last ting on your mind, it is of paramount importance to make sure you pack the essentials. Festival grounds are not the comfiest places to sleep but with a few provisions you can make it more bearable.
- Tent – there are a lot of options out there but we recommend you get a tent from reputable brands. We have a few that we can recommend, but for festivals you can get the tents from both Blacks and Millets. We found their tents very easy to put up, within 15 minutes and come in a nice portable case. The two-man tent is more than adequate for a festival for up to two persons.
- Sleeping bag – a few years ago in German we bought a couple of sleeping bags that we liked. We couldn’t quite get the same type and quality over the years until we found Berghaus. As with tents, there are plenty of brands that make good sleeping bags, choosing can be hard. We can certainly recommend a few and for festivals we like the Berghaus sleeping bag. You can get these sleeping bags from both Blacks and Millets, they are affordable and great quality.
- Roll mat or inflatable mattress – I don’t know about you but I don’t care for hard floors. And whilst I would like a nice inflatable mattress, I think a roll mat is much better. It is easy to set up the sleeping area and doesn’t require any pumping.
- Pillow – I often struggle sleeping if I don’t have the right type of pillow. It can be quit uncomfortable sleeping without a pillow and though its doable I don’t recommend it. I have a few portable pillows that I take on my travels, memory foam ones are my favourite.
- Earplugs – on our recent glamping trip to the Lake District we remembered why we always carry earplugs. I can not for the life of me sleep when there is noise especially snoozing or loud music. Music festivals by nature are always loud, if you want to catch a wink before the next line up, pack earplugs.
Clothing Essentials
Music Festivals are no longer just about incredible lineup but also about the best dressed. But for most of us it is still about the line up, were clothing is concerned its bare minimum. Don’t pack your favourite shirt, you might lose it or worse forever stained. For the ultimate festival packing list, I have added what I consider essentials
- Wellies – In the UK, no festival goes misses out on a chance to rock their festival boots. I personally recommend the Wellies from Butterfly Twist, I have had them for years are they are still going strong.
- Poncho – Another UK must is always have a rain coat of poncho if you wan to remain dry. I have tried a few ponchos and the only one I loved was from November Rain. Beautiful design, great material and lasts longer than your average poncho.
- Denim shorts – I am a sucker for a good pair of denim shorts, they are my must have for summer. The weather is often awesome for most music festivals, its nice to show off those legs. I always buy mine from H&M, New Look or Primark, they have the cutest designs at an affordable rate.
- Hoodies – It might seem weird to include hoodies for music festivals even during nicer weather. But UK nights are not for the faint hearted, you definitely need a hoodie to retain the heat.
- T-shirts – I always like to pack a few t-shirts to wear when arriving and when leaving. Not that you’re being a diva but I like to look nice wherever I am even at a festival.
- Leggings – to be frank I am not big on leggings but often I need lighter clothing and dressing down. These days leggings are no longer boring and can be found in a range of styles and of different qualities.
- Scarf – obviously you don’t need a blanket scarf but lighter scarves can be useful for styling. You can also use them as a hair accessory especially if your hair is all shades of hot mess.
- Sunglasses – in the UK we love our sunglasses, we rarely get to wear them so when the sun is out so are we. I had several pairs all over the place as I did not want to be found lacking should it become sunny. At festivals its more to do with fashion as it is to do with protecting your eyes from the sun.
- Hat – if sunglasses are not your thing, I hope hats are as it’s another way to protect your eyes. During the summer I like to wear my fedora often but straw hats are slowly becoming my favourite.
Toiletries
One thing that often puts me off spending the night at music festivals is sanitation facilities. I m someone who showers twice or three times a day, at festivals its rare to shower. But if you still wish to spend the night at a festival, here are some items you should take;
- Sunscreen – always protect your skin, also carry aftersun lotion
- Wet wipes – in place or water, use wet wipes to clean yourself
- Deodorant – no one wants to be the stinker, always splash this on
- Toilet paper – again sanitation at festivals leaves something to be desired.
- Sanitizer – always have sanitizer, you’re in a pool of everything nasty
- Toothbrush + Paste – always brush your teeth
- Moisturiser – keep your skin moisturised always
Food and Drinks
There will be plenty of places to buy extortionate foods from but if you want to save money, pack a few things. Remember to always check whats allowed and not allowed in terms of food and drinks.
- Cereal bars or energy bars
- Nuts
- Sweets
- Fizzy drinks
- Your favourite drink (if allowed and portable)
Other Essentials
Those I call them other essentials I know they are definitely the most important things you should have. There are so many things you need to pack for festivals especially if you’re staying the night.
- Festival ticket – need this more than anything
- Money – not loads of cash but enough
- Reusable water bottle – you will always be on the go so stay hydrated
- Torch – don’t go bunching into ghosts, take a torch with you
- Power pack – the unthinkable can happen, phone dies.
- Bin bags – nothing will fit back nice plus most will be disposed.
- Towel – whilst showers won’t be easy, you can use the towel to sit on.
And there you have it, the ultimate festival packing list. Have I missed out any other essentials?
Wendy says
Great list! My son just did this after graduation and had a blast! Luckily he had packed well!
Melissa Chapman says
My days of music festivals is from long ago, now with kids a house and responsibility those days are few and far between. I would love to go for a day but camping out is not my style.
Tasheena says
This is a wonderful list! I’v never attended a festival before. I have to add it to my bucket list.
Alison Rost says
It’s really good to have all the essentials with you! I think given that you’ll be staying there for days, hygiene is really a priority. Definitely a good guide especially for those going to a festival for the first time!
Louise Frederick says
Hey,
Great list for all families as it can use when going to any event, not just Festivals. Sounds like you have a good idea of what to take! Baby wipes are a must for me.So I will be sharing the list with my friends and family.Thanks for the sharing this.
Ricci says
These are all great things to remember to pack for a festival. I have actually never been to a festival before…I think I may need to change that!!
Jeanine says
This is great, and perfect timing! I’m going to a festival the weekend of the 20th so this is helpful for me!
Jeanine says
This is great, and perfect timing! I’m going to a festival the weekend of the 20th so this is helpful for me!
Janet C says
Festivals are always so much fun! Making sure that you are prepared for them is so important. Such a great list of essentials you have here.
Alison Rost says
It’s really good to have all the essentials with you! I think given that you’ll be staying there for days, hygiene is really a priority. Definitely a good guide especially for those going to a festival for the first time!
Gisele says
This is a great list for people going to festivals. I have to make lists when I’m going somewhere so I can make sure I don’t forget anything. I’m usually over prepared. lol
Gisele says
This is a great list for people going to festivals. I have to make lists when I’m going somewhere so I can make sure I don’t forget anything. I’m usually over prepared. lol
Jenn says
This list is full of great packing suggestions. It has been a long time since I’ve had to pack for a festival but I can tell you I sure could have used this list back then. I know I forgot a few things.
Shell Feis says
I’m not a festival goer myself, but they have a huge festival here in town {EDC} and a lot of my local friends go to lots of festivals in SoCal so I’m sending this their way. A lot of these items are awesome for family travel, too!
Ashley says
This is a great list! I’m such a wuss I won’t do festivals unless I can leave and go to a hotel lol
Heather says
I’ve actually never been to a festival. I guess I’m missing out on something awesome. I’ll have to go to one sometime.
Amber Myers says
I probably wouldn’t go to festivals–I feel like I’m too old to enjoy them. But my daughter might, so I’ll keep this in mind for her.
Tomi C says
Baby wipes are a must for me. Great way to wipe off sweat and freshen up. Great list of essentials for any outdoor festival
Teresa says
Great tips for anyone traveling to summer festivals. We are not heading to festivals, but rather state fairs. Those are our jam for summer!
Shell Feis says
I’m not a festival goer myself, but they have a huge festival here in town {EDC} and a lot of my local friends go to lots of festivals in SoCal so I’m sending this their way. A lot of these items are awesome for family travel, too!
GiGi Eats says
Ha! Good list! I am not a festival type of person at all, so I probably won’t need to utilize this list, but I did look it over and I definitely agree with EAR PLUGS! lol
Heather says
I’ve actually never been to a festival. I guess I’m missing out on something awesome. I’ll have to go to one sometime.
Amber Myers says
I probably wouldn’t go to festivals–I feel like I’m too old to enjoy them. But my daughter might, so I’ll keep this in mind for her.
Melissa Chapman says
My days of music festivals is from long ago, now with kids a house and responsibility those days are few and far between. I would love to go for a day but camping out is not my style.
Tomi C says
Baby wipes are a must for me. Great way to wipe off sweat and freshen up. Great list of essentials for any outdoor festival
Tasheena says
This is a wonderful list! I’v never attended a festival before. I have to add it to my bucket list.
Glenda Cates says
Great list for all families as it can use when going to any event, not just Festivals. So I will be sharing the list with my friends and family.
Teresa says
Great tips for anyone traveling to summer festivals. We are not heading to festivals, but rather state fairs. Those are our jam for summer!
Wendy says
Great list! My son just did this after graduation and had a blast! Luckily he had packed well!
GiGi Eats says
Ha! Good list! I am not a festival type of person at all, so I probably won’t need to utilize this list, but I did look it over and I definitely agree with EAR PLUGS! lol
Jeanette says
Sounds like you have a good idea of what to take! I have not been to an festival where I stay more than the afternoon, but I can see how much fun it would be to stay longer! I will pin this for the next festival that I can stay over night!
candy says
We are taking the grandkids tent camping in a couple of weeks. It will be their first time camping and they are excited. You reminder list came at the perfect time.
Glenda Cates says
Great list for all families as it can use when going to any event, not just Festivals. So I will be sharing the list with my friends and family.
Jeanette says
Sounds like you have a good idea of what to take! I have not been to an festival where I stay more than the afternoon, but I can see how much fun it would be to stay longer! I will pin this for the next festival that I can stay over night!