What To Pack For Any Festival
Packing for a camping festival can be difficult. It’s a delicate balance of remembering to pack the necessities and the extra fun stuff, all while not packing too much. As a festival-goer myself I have compiled the quintessential list of what to pack, blending the essentials (RAIN JACKET) and the “Look what I brought!!” items. So here it is folks, my list broken down into categories for better packing!
Before you start packing decide if you are going to COOK or eat at the festival. Festivals have fabulous food vendors serving everything you could possibly crave. If you plan on eating in the festival then just pack some snacks and breakfast items. If you plan on cooking check out my Camping Kitchen 101 to save money and cook delicious meals.
Kitchen Items
– Grill – electric/gas/your friends (Big or Little)
– Spatula – eggs, burgers and quesadilla, need to be flipped
– Sharp Knife
– Tongs
– Cutting Board
– Tin Foil – for 100+ uses
– Pan – for the eggs and quesadilla
– Grandpa’s Fork – great for an open flame
– Paper Plates or plastic bowls
– Plastic Silverware
– Trash Bags – keep your campsite clean!
– Solo Cups
– Coffee/coffee pot/mug
– Paper Towels
– Plastic Bags – when it rains it pours protect your electronics like cell phones and speakers
Food
– Bagels
– Trail Mix- aka crack cocaine – make your own at home with your favorite nuts and dried fruit
– Snacks- granola bars, s’more packs, pretzels, giant barrel of cheese balls…
– Cheese
– Fruit – because it makes you feel healthy
– Hot dogs/Brats
– Burgers
– Buns – you will be sad if you forget these
– Condiments there are these awesome ketchup packets, or stop off at a fast food joint and stock up! Ketchup/Mustard/Mayo/peanut butter and cream cheese
– Bread
– Water jugs – freeze before and keeps the cooler cold
– Gatorade – when nothing else can quench your thirst
– Veggies – onion, avocados for easy guac, cucumbers and zucchini are easy to sautee
– Candy – Blow Pops & Jolly Ranchers
– Olive oil or Pam
– Salt and Pepper or other seasonings
For the campsite
– Tent – If you plan on camping invest in a tent they are easier to assemble and last longer
– Shade Tent – For the campsite or for the venue
– Tapestry – to block the sun or sit on at the show – I love my Tarpestry
– Quick Dry Towel
– Camping Chairs or CrazyCreek
– Table – bring a small one from home or invest in a camping one
– Coolers – Yeti Coolers are the best
– Ice (typically you can buy more at the festival)
– Lantern
– Head Lamps – The hands-free way to get around. Be sure and take it to the show so you can safely guide yourself home!
– Emergency First Aid Kit
– Phone Charger – for the car, juice pack for the phone, portable charger
– Loaded iPod
– No Service? No problem with walkie talkies
– Portable speakers like these
– Sleeping bag and pillow * if it’s cold be sure to strip down to your base layer in your sleeping bag – undies, socks, shirt (preferably moisture wicking) and hat. The sleeping bag is meant to insulate you, if you having clothing on it can’t! If you have been sweating change into a new clean DRY layer first, too!
Other Essential Items
– Sunscreen
– Bug Spray
– Face wipes
– Hand wipes
– Meds – Pepto and Advil Cold & Sinus are always in my bag
– Brush
– Tooth Brush and Tooth Paste
– Dry shampoo – this is my favorite
– Nail Clippers
– Lotion + Aloe
– Hair scrunchuy
– Batteries
– Lighter
– Rain Jacket with hood
– Heavy Coat
– Cold Weather Hat – this will keep you SO warm at night
– Sunglasses
– Camera fully charged GoPro or Point and Shoot
– Chapstick with SPF
– Squeeze Breeze – A must
– Hammock
– Glow Sticks!
Other Helpful Tips
– I always love having sleepy pants to relax in Hard Tail makes my favorite
– If you’re in cold weather be sure and bring some leggings to wear under you skirt/dress
– If you’re in the mountains be sure and pack layers for when the sun sets
– A hanging toiletry bag is great for car or tent camping. It stores everything in one convent place.
– Remember most places do not allow glass! No glass beer, Starbucks To-Go drinks or makeup in a glass!
Sharon Sharealike says
Try our Kate Wolf Memorial Music Festival this year; it’s always GREAT! (Laytonville, Mendocino County, Northern California, 3 hours N of SF).
Blue Mountain Belle says
Wow – this festival looks amazing!! Wish I could swing it!