10 Items To Pack For A Music Festival In 2023
Wristband? Check. Sunscreen? Check. Mini Fan? Check.
Photo Courtesy Tortuga Music Festival
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Don’t let the excitement of festival season and the plethora of live music overshadow the essentials you will need to make it through the long weekend. A lot can go into preparing for a festival, so to make things a bit easier, Country Now has compiled a list of must-have items to make sure you are well-prepared for any blisters, sunburns, or headaches that may come your way.
A slew of 2023 country music festivals are quickly approaching, including Tortuga Music Festival, Stagecoach Festival, Country Thunder, CMA Fest, BEACH IT! Music Festival, Watershed, and many more.
Whether you’re going to one or multiple festivals this year, make sure you have checked these 10 items off on your packing list.*
ID / Wristband
Imagine getting ready to head to day one of a festival and realizing you forgot the most important item of all – the wristband. Since this is an essential part of a weekend full of music, we are adding it to the very top of our list. In fact, without it, the chances of getting into the festival to hear all the artists you’ve been waiting to see for so long to see are slim to none. While packing your wristband, make sure to also throw in your ID. This is necessary to buy drinks, check into a hotel, pick up your wristband if it’s waiting at will call, and more.
Liquid IV
Whether you’re planning to buy drinks or not, Liquid IV will keep you hydrated on a warm summer day. Plus, Liquid IV comes in small packets so it will be easy to pack and carry around throughout the day. All you need is a bottle of water to mix it with and your hydration will be covered. Purchase HERE.
Reusable Water Bottle
Avoid having to buy water bottles all day and bring your own reusable water bottle. This will allow you to save money and avoid long lines that could make you miss your favorite artist’s set. Many festivals will set up water stations that offer free refills all day long. Having your own unique reusable bottle will also avoid any confusion when it comes to making sure you have the right drink in hand. This collapsible water bottle will do the trick.
Sunscreen
In general, festivals will open entry into the grounds in the early to mid-afternoon. This means that the amount of time spent in the sun can be grueling on the body. Sunscreen is essential for keeping the sunburn away so that you can come back the next day feeling just as good and pain-free as day one. Also, be sure to reapply every few hours in order to beat the strong UV rays. Purchase HERE.
Sunglasses
Nothing could be worse than trying to watch a performer on stage and having the sun glaring directly in your eyes. To avoid this issue, make sure to bring a pair of sunglasses, and maybe an extra pair just in case the first pair gets lost or broken along the way. We’re loving THESE sunglasses.
Mini fan
While a mini fan might seem like a less important item to pack, it will definitely come in handy in the middle of the day when the sun is at its hottest temperature. Especially in moments when the airflow is low, a mini fan will do just the trick to cool you down. But, be aware, everyone around you will be jealous that you thought of this key item and they didn’t. Purchase HERE.
Clear bag
In order to keep fans safe, many festivals and concerts now require attendees to use a clear bag to carry all their belongings in. Since the bag size may vary, it’s important to check the festival’s website to avoid any problems at the gate that could delay you from enjoying all the fun that awaits inside. In addition, having a clear bag will allow you to easily find anything you’re looking for without the hassle of digging through the dark interior of a non-clear bag. Purchase HERE.
Portable Phone Charger
Make sure to not only pack a portable phone charger but more importantly, a fully charged portable charger for your phone. You will most likely be using your phone all throughout the festival for capturing Instagramable moments and videos of your favorite songs, but you won’t be able to do that if the phone is dead. Plus, having this extra bit of security will ensure that you will be able to stay in touch with your friends if you get separated in the constantly moving crowds. Purchase HERE.
Band-Aids
Walking, walking, and more walking…No matter how comfortable your shoes are, the chances of developing a blister at a festival are high so pack those Band-Aids. Whether it’s for you or someone else around you, Band-Aids will most likely be needed to provide a sense of comfort at one point or another during the weekend. Having these packed will also, hopefully, help avoid a trip to the medical tent. Purchase a travel pack HERE.
Tylenol
The hours of loud music booming throughout the speakers can cause anyone to develop a headache midway through a set. Having a Tylenol conveniently in your bag will help eliminate any chances of having to call it an early night and possibly miss out on the late-night headlining sets. Purchase a travel pack HERE.
*Be sure to check each festival’s website for a list of prohibited items.
Madeleine O’Connell graduated from North Central College with a bachelors degree in Journalism and Broadcast Communications before deciding to pursue her studies further at DePaul University. There, she earned her masters degree in Digital Communication & Media Arts. O’Connell served as a freelance writer for over two years while also interning with the Academy of Country Music, SiriusXM and Circle Media and assisting with Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly podcast. In addition to Country Now, she has been published in American Songwriter, Music Mayhem, and Holler.Country. Madeleine O’Connell is a member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
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