Music Festival Trip Packing List
Rock your next music festival with this comprehensive festival packing checklist. Covers everything from camping gear and survival essentials to fashion statements and tech needs. Perfect for Coachella, Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, and music festivals worldwide – from day trips to week-long camping adventures.
๐ต Essential Checklist for Multi-Day Festivals, Camping & Concert Experiences
๐ซ Festival Essentials & Documentation
- Festival tickets/wristbands
- Valid photo ID/driver's license
- Parking passes
- Camping passes (if applicable)
- VIP/upgrade passes
- Festival map & schedule
- Emergency contact information
- Insurance information
- Credit cards & cash
- Festival app downloaded
- Group coordination contacts
- Transportation tickets/confirmations
- Accommodation confirmations
- Medical information/allergies
- Festival rules & guidelines
- Backup copies of all documents
โบ Camping & Shelter Essentials
- Tent (weather-appropriate size)
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad/air mattress
- Pillow (inflatable/compact)
- Tarp/ground sheet
- Tent footprint
- Stakes & guy lines (extra)
- Mallet/hammer
- Duct tape (for repairs)
- Lantern/LED lights
- Headlamp
- Flashlight (backup)
- Portable fan (battery/USB)
- Canopy/shade structure
- Camping chairs
- Folding table
๐ง Hydration & Nutrition
- Reusable water bottles (multiple)
- Hydration backpack/CamelBak
- Electrolyte powder/tablets
- Water filter/purification tablets
- Cooler with ice packs
- Non-perishable snacks
- Energy bars/protein bars
- Trail mix & nuts
- Instant noodles/easy meals
- Peanut butter & crackers
- Fresh fruit (apples, bananas)
- Jerky/dried meats
- Granola/cereal
- Coffee/energy drinks
- Camping stove & fuel
- Cookware & eating utensils
๐ Festival Fashion & Clothing
- Festival outfits (one per day + extras)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Rain boots/waterproof shoes
- Flip-flops/sandals
- Socks & underwear (extra pairs)
- Bandanas/scarves
- Hats/caps (sun protection)
- Sunglasses
- Fanny pack/crossbody bag
- Backpack/daypack
- Costumes/themed outfits
- Glow sticks/LED accessories
- Face gems/glitter
- Temporary tattoos
- Statement jewelry
- Comfortable bras/undergarments
๐ฆ๏ธ Weather Protection
- Rain poncho/jacket
- Umbrella (compact)
- Waterproof bag covers
- Sunscreen (high SPF)
- Lip balm with SPF
- After-sun lotion/aloe vera
- Insect repellent
- Warm jacket/hoodie
- Layers for temperature changes
- Waterproof phone case
- Towel (quick-dry)
- Hand warmers (cold weather)
- Cooling towels (hot weather)
- Portable shade/umbrella
- Weather radio
- Emergency blanket
๐ Health & Safety
- First aid kit
- Personal medications
- Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Allergy medication
- Motion sickness remedies
- Thermometer
- Hand sanitizer
- Antibacterial wipes
- Tissues
- Bandages & gauze
- Antiseptic cream
- Earplugs (for sleeping & loud music)
- Eye drops
- Throat lozenges
- Emergency whistle
๐ Tech & Electronics
- Smartphone
- Portable chargers/power banks (multiple)
- Charging cables
- Solar charger
- Car charger
- Power strip (for group charging)
- Camera (waterproof/action cam)
- GoPro & accessories
- Instant camera (Polaroid/Fujifilm)
- Bluetooth speakers
- Headphones
- LED string lights
- Glow sticks/LED accessories
- Walkie-talkies
- GPS device
- Weather radio
๐ Beauty & Personal Care
- Dry shampoo
- Face wipes/cleansing wipes
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Body wash/soap
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Moisturizer
- Makeup (waterproof/sweatproof)
- Makeup remover
- Hair ties & bobby pins
- Hair brush/comb
- Nail clippers
- Feminine hygiene products
- Razor & shaving cream
- Mirror (small)
๐ Festival Fun & Accessories
- Glow sticks & LED items
- Face paint/body paint
- Glitter & gems
- Temporary tattoos
- Festival totems/flags
- Inflatable pool toys
- Bubbles
- Frisbee/football
- Playing cards/games
- Books/magazines
- Hammock
- Kite
- Flow toys (poi, hula hoops)
- Musical instruments (small)
- Trade/swap items
- Stickers & pins
๐ Transportation & Logistics
- Roadtrip snacks
- Travel pillow
- Entertainment for journey
- Car games/music
- Maps/GPS directions
- Emergency roadside kit
- Jumper cables
- Spare tire check
- Vehicle registration/insurance
- Gas money/credit cards
- Toll money
- Hotel reservations (if not camping)
- Return journey planning
- Luggage organization
- Group coordination plan
- Meeting point information
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Security
- Locks for tent/belongings
- Waterproof document pouch
- Money belt/hidden wallet
- Emergency cash
- Pepper spray (check festival rules)
- Personal alarm
- Glow accessories for visibility
- Reflective gear
- Emergency contact cards
- Meeting point plans
- Group communication plan
- Lost & found information
- Festival security contacts
- Local hospital information
- Safe word/check-in system
- Buddy system planning
๐งน Cleaning & Maintenance
- Trash bags (extra)
- Recycling bags
- Paper towels
- Wet wipes
- Dish soap
- Sponges/scrubbers
- Laundry detergent pods
- Stain remover
- Fabric refresher
- Broom/small vacuum
- Toilet paper
- Portable camping toilet
- Shower caddy
- Flip-flops for showers
- Clothesline & clips
- Repair kit (tent, clothing)
๐ช Festival-Specific Considerations
Desert Festivals (Coachella, Burning Man):
- Extra sunscreen & lip balm
- Dust masks/bandanas
- Goggles for sandstorms
- Extra water (double normal amount)
- Cooling towels
- Electrolyte supplements
Muddy Festivals (Bonnaroo, Glastonbury):
- Rain boots/wellies
- Waterproof everything
- Extra socks & underwear
- Plastic bags for wet clothes
- Wooden boards for tent flooring
- Antibacterial soap
City Festivals (Lollapalooza, Outside Lands):
- Metro/public transport cards
- Hotel room supplies
- Restaurant recommendations
- City maps
- Urban safety awareness
- Parking information
Electronic Dance Music Festivals:
- Earplugs (high-quality)
- LED/glow accessories
- Comfortable dancing shoes
- Vicks VapoRub
- Extra hydration supplies
- Kandi for trading
๐ฐ Money & Payment
- Cash (small bills)
- Credit cards (multiple)
- Debit card
- Venmo/payment apps setup
- ATM fee awareness
- Budget planning
- Food budget
- Merchandise budget
- Emergency fund
- Group expense sharing plan
- Tip money
- Parking fees
- Transportation costs
- Accommodation costs
- Festival food prices research
- Souvenir shopping funds
๐บ Food & Drink Strategy
- Festival food research
- Meal planning/timing
- Dietary restriction alternatives
- Food vendor map
- Picnic supplies
- Cooler organization
- Ice purchase planning
- Food safety awareness
- Alcohol policy knowledge
- Designated driver planning
- Hangover prevention/recovery
- Late-night food options
- Group meal coordination
- Special occasion treats
- Energy food for dancing
- Post-festival meal planning
๐ฑ Social Media & Documentation
- Phone storage cleanup
- Portable photo storage
- Social media strategy
- Hashtag research
- Live streaming setup
- Content creation props
- Group photo planning
- Artist meet & greet prep
- Memory preservation plan
- Data backup strategy
- Wi-Fi hotspot sharing
- Photo editing apps
- Story templates
- Privacy settings check
- Location sharing safety
- Digital detox planning
๐ต Music & Artist Preparation
- Festival lineup study
- Artist discovery playlist
- Must-see artist priorities
- Schedule conflict resolution
- Stage location mapping
- Sound bleed considerations
- VIP/pit entry strategies
- Merchandise booth locations
- Artist meet & greet timing
- Set time notifications
- Backup artist choices
- Music discovery goals
- Recording policies awareness
- Festival exclusive performances
- After-party information
- Music sharing with friends
๐ Post-Festival Recovery
- Recovery timeline planning
- Laundry strategy
- Deep cleaning supplies
- Gear maintenance/cleaning
- Photo/video organization
- Memory preservation
- Thank you messages
- Experience sharing
- Next festival planning
- Gear inventory/replacement
- Health recovery plan
- Sleep schedule restoration
- Nutrition recovery
- Financial expense review
- Social media follow-up
- Festival community connections
๐ Final Pre-Festival Checklist
- Check weather forecast updates
- Confirm all tickets & passes
- Verify transportation arrangements
- Test all electronic equipment
- Pack systematically by category
- Create packing inventory list
- Coordinate with group members
- Review festival rules & prohibited items
- Set up emergency communication plan
- Prepare vehicle for journey
- Arrange for home/pet care
- Download offline maps & festival app
- Organize important documents
- Plan first day strategy
- Double-check accommodation details
- Confirm arrival & departure timing
- Review artist schedule & priorities
- Ensure adequate rest before departure
- Mentally prepare for the experience
- Set positive intentions for the festival