What should I bring?
When attending a music festival, our overall experiences can be easily changed by the things we bring with us/share with others. Below I have compiled a list of what I usually bring with me to ensure that I have a great time.
•A Backpack – I bring this clear backpack with me which surprisingly fits all of my essentials all while its somewhat difficult to open (in the case of pickpocketing). You can also bring a hydration pack but be sure to check the Prohibited Items list for your specific festival beforehand!
•Festival Ticket & ID – you can forget anything else on this list but these 2 items. As someone who has forgotten their ID back in the hotel room and had to travel all the way back for it, please don’t make this same mistake. It sucks.. and not to mention it takes precious time away from being at the festival and creating memories.
•2 credit cards & some cash – I bring 2 credit cards in case I lose the other somewhere throughout the day (which is also why I keep them in a card holder with my ID). Although a lot of festivals are now going cashless, it’s important to have cash on you just in case! You can use cash to tip the vendors, have emergency cash in case you need a ride home, etc.
•A pack of tissues – This is for the cases where porto-potties/bathroom stalls run out of toilet paper, you need to touch up your makeup, dust gets into your eyes, your allergies start acting up, etc. I buy pocket packs of these from Target or the dollar store and throw 2 packs in my rave backpack!
•Earplugs – After raving for 13 years and learning the hard way how loud those sound systems can be, I now make sure to bring and wear my earplugs at every show/festival. Please protect your hearing!!
•Kandi – These are bead bracelets that you trade with other attendees. This is how we spread PLUR (Peace. Love. Unity. Respect). You can also bring other trade-able items, as well. Some of my friends hand out light up rings/accessories to strangers. This is all to spread love and happiness to others in attendance!
•Portable Charger w/ cables – Your phone WILL die so please bring a CHARGED portable charger with you! It will help you and others around you in need!
•Portable Light Panel – We all know that festivals aren’t always optimal for taking photos, but a portable light panel has definitely upped my festival photo game. They have different settings and really help focus light onto you for the perfect IG photo!
•A Fan or a Pashmina/Extra Sweater – Depending on the festival and the time of year, bringing a fan for when it’s hot or extra layers for when it’s cold will definitely play a huge part in your comfortability during the festival. Of course you can try to buy these inside the festival, but it can be pretty pricey doing it this way. So come prepared for the weather!
•Comfy shoes – Just as well with dressing appropriately for the weather, you also need to wear proper shoes! You will be dancing and standing for hours so wear some comfy shoes! This, of course, doesn’t mean you have to wear sneakers to every event. Demonia Platform shoes are my go-to for festivals!
Once again this is just a list of what I typically will pack with me for raves and festivals that have allowed me to have a stress-free night! Hope this helps!