Festival season is not quite here yet, but when you’re as anxious as I am, you might have managed to maneuver a spring festival into your busy schedule. My brain has been occupied with a lot of things between this season and last, and I know for a fact I’m not as equipt for a weekend fest as I was over the summer – so I’ve decided to compile a list. Don’t worry, I’ll do the thinking for you. Here is everything you’ll need to survive the first multi-day festival of the season and get your a** ready for the rest. Rage on, my friends.
The Basics:
I’m willing to bet you’d be pissed off if you forgot these on your way to work. Imagine forgetting them for an entire weekend. DO NOT, you’ll be sorry.
- Cell phone + extra chargers
- Portable battery (FULLY CHARGED)
- Drivers license, passport or any other form of identification
- Spare cash
- Credit or debit card
- Ticket or wristband (Do not think you won’t forget this because you will. We all have)
- GPS or Map (you can’t enjoy the festival if you can’t find it)
- Camelbak or other hydration pack (most venues allow, but check first)
Clothes:
If the weather says sunny, pack for a monsoon. Warm temperatures? You better bring a coat. Nothing, and I repeat, NOTHING is worse than being unprepared for the weather, especially since shelter is pretty damn limited in the middle of the woods. Pack smart and your wardrobe will be the least of your problems.
- EXTRA socks + underwear (they WILL be utilized)
- Light jacket or sweatshirt
- Long pants or leggings
- Dress or skirt (you’ll never feel freer)
- T - Shirts
- Tank tops + crop tops
- Flip flops + sneakers
- Sunglasses
- Hat or bandana
- Scarf
- Gloves or handwarmers
- Rain boots (just in case)
Personal Items:
Go to the store and buy little travel sizes of all this sh*t and you will feel a lot less awkward at the end of the night, I promise you that.
- Dry shampoo
- Baby wipes
- Deodorant
- Chapstick
- Bug Spray
- Sunscreen, lots and lots of sunscreen
- Aloe
- Gum or mints
- Hand sanitizer + lotion
- Toothbrush + toothpaste
- Condoms (never say never)
- Face wash
- Shampoo + conditioner
- Q - tips
- Makeup remover wipes
- Glasses, contacts + contact solution
- Hair ties
- Nail clippers + tweezers
- Tampons + pads (I don’t care if your period just ended, bring them anyway)
First Aid Kit:
A lot of weird sh*t can happen at music festivals, and people can end up hurt (I would know, I broke my foot). Keep your fingers crossed that you’ll never have to use half of this, but thank me later if you do.
- Prescriptions meds (If necessary)
- Ibuprofen (for the next day)
- The festival vitamins (5-htp, magnesium, you know what I’m saying)
- Burn cream
- Allergy medication
- Gauze + ace bandage
- Nasal spray
- Tums or antacids
- Eye drops
- Bandaids
Stuff for the Car:
- Extra Blankets
- Spare clothes
- Jumper cables
- Extra water
Miscellaneous:
- Hoops, gloves or other flow toys
- Stash wallet
- Test kits
- Glitter
- Tobacco + rolling papers
- Umbrella or poncho
- Business cards (stay connected!)
- A totem (if you’re into that)
- Camera + battery
Unfortunately for me, the festival I will be attending is not a camping one, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for a more extensive camping edition! If you end up forgetting something important, losing your phone or even your friends, don’t fret. Stay present and enjoy your festival while it lasts.
For more footage, photos and articles on how to survive festivals check out The Festie Fam!