I've seen over 200 artists live and I've been to plenty of festivals so I'd like to think I know my way around, but I almost always think of something I wish I had in my bag while I'm waiting for the next act.
Here's everything that I always make sure I have on hand!
Emergen-C drink mix
This seems oddly specific, but I carry this into festivals or outdoor summer shows with me because the first time I attended Music Midtown in Atlanta, a packet of it was handed to me on the way in.
Around the middle of the day, I felt like I was going to pass out. I drank some water mixed with the vitamin C powder and it was a total turn around within about 30 minutes!
A portable phone charger (or two!)
This seems like a given, but it is also something that can be easily forgotten. I have this particular Vera Bradley power bank that is currently being sold for $28 online, but I got mine in store for about $12.
A poncho
No, they're not stylish. Yes, you'll be sweaty if you have to put it on. But at least you're not drenched in case of a sudden rain shower.
Ear plugs
This is something that should be a necessity but I am guilty of rarely using. I have noticed after years of being in loud crowds and near speakers for hours at a time, my hearing is not as good as it should be. I would highly recommend wearing ear plugs. I know that it might ruin the experience a little, but its better to wear plugs at shows than to constantly have to ask people to clarify themselves for you on a daily basis.
Baby wipes
This may seem totally weird, and it may not be something you think that you need, but I do. I absolutely hate the feeling of dust or dirt on my legs, so I always bring wipes with me to combat that.
A small bag
I don't reccomend carrying a large backpack becasue 1) you are going to have to lug it around all day, and 2) if you have anything in the outisde pockets, it is an easy target for pickpocketing amongst all the movement. On a day to day basis, I normally only carry my wallet anyways, so I just carry a shoulder bag with me for my wallet and other small items.
Cash
Again, this seems like a given, but I have friends who refuse to carry cash because a card is much more effecient and takes up less space. However, at an outdoor event, you are bound to run into a food truck or merch table that doesn't take card.
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