What to Take to a Music Festival: The Ultimate Packing List

By
55Secrets

April 15, 2025

Music festivals are a celebration of freedom, sound, style, and shared energy. Whether you’re attending a massive multi-day event like Glastonbury, a beachside gathering like NOS Alive in Portugal, or a more intimate countryside fest, being prepared is essential. The right gear can make the difference between an unforgettable experience and a logistical nightmare. This guide will walk you through everything you need to bring to a music festival, from the essentials to those small items that seasoned festival-goers swear by.

1. Festival Ticket, ID, and Travel Documents

Let’s start with the obvious but most important: do not leave home without your festival ticket, whether it’s digital or printed. Some events require physical wristband collection or have specific entry procedures, so check beforehand.

Also bring:

Valid photo ID (passport or driver’s license)
Bank card or cash
Travel insurance documents (especially for international festivals)
Confirmation of accommodation or camping reservation
Festival app downloaded (many have interactive maps, set times, and updates)

Tip: Keep these items in a waterproof pouch or belt bag for safety and easy access.

2. Tent and Sleeping Gear (for Camping Festivals)

If you’re staying on-site, your accommodation is your tent. Invest in a quality tent that’s easy to pitch, waterproof, and suitable for the weather.

3. Clothing: Be Comfortable, Stylish, and Weather-Ready

Festival fashion is about freedom and fun—but it’s also about practicality. The key is layering and weather adaptability.

Essentials:

Comfortable shoes (you’ll walk and dance for hours—boots or trainers are best)
Flip-flops or slides for showers
Rain jacket or poncho (a must-have for European festivals)
Sweater or hoodie for chilly nights
Lightweight trousers or leggings
Sunglasses and a hat (bucket hats are popular and practical)
Multiple t-shirts/tops (quick-drying if possible)
Swimwear (for some festivals with pools or rivers)
Socks and underwear (more than you think you’ll need!)

Bonus tip: Avoid denim if rain is likely—it’s heavy when wet and slow to dry.

4. Toiletries and Hygiene Kit

Festival hygiene is… a unique challenge. With basic facilities and long queues for showers, packing wisely can keep you fresh(ish) and healthy.

Must-haves:

Toilet paper or tissues (seriously, never rely on provided stock)
Wet wipes (life savers for body cleaning when showers are scarce)
Hand sanitizer
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Deodorant
Dry shampoo
Face wipes or micellar water
Hair ties or bandanas
Sunscreen (high SPF, and reapply regularly!)
Lip balm with SPF

Optional but helpful:

Menstrual products (bring extra even if not expecting your period)
Condoms
Mirror and small brush
Small towel or microfiber towel

5. First Aid Kit and Medications

It’s better to be over-prepared than hunting for a medic tent in the middle of a set.

Pack a compact first aid kit with:

Plasters (for blisters and minor cuts)
Painkillers (paracetamol or ibuprofen)
Antihistamines (especially for outdoor summer settings)
Antacid or digestive meds
Insect repellent
Rehydration sachets
Any prescription medications you regularly take (bring extra!)

If you’re allergic to bee stings or anything else serious, carry an alert bracelet or medical card.

6. Food and Drinks (if allowed)

Many festivals restrict what food and drink you can bring, especially into the arena area—but for campsites, it’s often allowed.

Good food ideas:

Cereal bars or energy bars
Dried fruit and nuts
Instant noodles or couscous
Bread, spreads (like peanut butter), and wraps
Tinned food (with easy-open lids)
Reusable cutlery and cup
Camping stove (check safety regulations)
Snacks like crisps, popcorn, or biscuits

Hydration is key:

Reusable water bottle (collapsible ones save space)
Electrolyte tablets for recovery
Cool box or insulated bag (optional)

And don’t forget your festival mug—some eco-friendly events require one to buy drinks!

7. Tech and Gadgets

Stay connected and powered up with the right gear:

Phone and charger
Portable power bank (bring more than one!)
Headphones
Festival-approved camera (if professional gear isn’t allowed)
Mini speaker (for campsite vibes)
LED torch or headlamp (you’ll thank yourself at night)
Earplugs (to sleep through campsite chaos)
Extra batteries (for anything non-rechargeable)

Optional:

Power strip if charging is available
Solar charger

8. Accessories and Extras

It’s the small things that often save the day (or your mood):

Festival flag or marker (to find your tent easily)
Bum bag/fanny pack (secure and hands-free storage)
Blanket or festival rug
Camp chair or foldable stool
Reusable shopping bag
Duct tape (yes, really—tents, shoes, bags, everything)
Ziplock bags for keeping electronics dry
Notebook and pen (in case your phone dies)

Bonus: Bring a costume or fun outfit for themed nights or to express yourself!

9. Safety and Security Tips

Don’t bring valuables unless necessary.
Hide a small emergency cash stash in a safe place.
Keep copies of important documents (ID, tickets, insurance) on your phone and in print.
Share your location with friends using a festival app or WhatsApp.

And always know where the medical tents, exits, and info points are. A little awareness goes a long way.

Final Thoughts

Music festivals are exhilarating, but they’re also physically demanding, full of unpredictable weather, limited facilities, and a whole lot of walking. Being prepared means you’ll be able to enjoy every beat, light show, and unforgettable moment to the fullest—without worrying about soggy shoes, lost chargers, or sunburn.

Use this checklist as your go-to packing guide, and adjust according to your destination, climate, and the specific rules of the festival. Most importantly, bring a positive attitude, an open mind, and a big smile—because at the end of the day, the real magic of a music festival is the people, the vibe, and the memories you create.

Let the music play—your perfect festival experience starts with smart packing!