What should you bring to a festival? At Alpine, we’ve built up quite a bit of experience with that by now. To help you get started, we’ve created a handy checklist with all festival essentials. Whether it’s your very first festival or you’re a seasoned festivalgoer: with our tips and tricks, you can be sure you won’t forget a single festival must-have!
What to bring to a festival…
… on the festival grounds
From sunscreen to a debit card for payments: there are certain essentials you really can’t do without. Make sure to bring at least the following items with you to the festival grounds during the day:
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Debit card
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ID card or passport
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Sunglasses
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Sunscreen
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Power bank
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Phone charger
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Foldable water bottle
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A sweater or jacket for the evening
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Optional: chewing gum, tissues and cash
Tip: Not everything fits in your pockets? Use a crossbody bag to keep everything close, or make use of a locker on the festival grounds. That saves you a lot of carrying.
… at the campsite
Are you attending a multi-day festival this season? Then good preparation is a must. With the right camping gear, your festival experience becomes even better – and you might even manage to get a few hours of decent sleep before the next day.
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Tent
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Air mattress
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Pump
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Sleeping bag
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Pillow
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Sleep mask
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Sleep earplugs
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Folding chair
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Cooler
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Camping light
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Speaker
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Duct tape (you never know when you’ll need it)
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Camping stove
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2 small pans
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Plates and cutlery
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Trash bags
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Dish towels
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Washing-up bowl, dish brush and dish soap
Pro festival tip: use a hand cart to transport your gear. This way, you can easily bring everything to the campsite without having to walk back and forth ten times.
… in your bag
Besides camping gear, you’ll of course also need clothing and toiletries for a multi-day festival. From fun outfits to underwear for every day: these are the most important festival must-haves for your bag.
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A fun festival outfit for each day
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A tracksuit for the campsite
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A warm sweater or jacket for the evening
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Socks
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Underwear
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Shampoo
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Shower gel
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Deodorant
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Toothbrush
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Toothpaste
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Razor
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Make-up
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Cleansing wipes
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Mosquito spray
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Flip-flops
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Towels
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Paracetamol
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Condoms
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Birth control pill
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Menstrual products
Please note: a wheeled suitcase is not practical on unpaved festival grounds. A backpack is a much better option – and you can easily attach extra items to it.
… groceries
Not the first thing you think of when it comes to festival essentials, because you can technically buy everything on-site. But it’s relaxed and a great budget tip: bring your own groceries. You’ll save quite a bit of money.
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Bread rolls
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Eggs
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Sausages
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Canned soup
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Instant noodles
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Ketchup and mayonnaise
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Pepper and salt
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Chips and snacks
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Soft drinks
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Bottles of water
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Toilet paper
Tip: check the festival website in advance to see what you’re allowed to bring. On most campsites, for example, strong alcohol is prohibited.
… when it rains
Rain or shine: once you have a ticket, you’re going anyway. With these items, dancing in the rain becomes a lot more fun:
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Poncho or rain jacket
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Closed shoes or rain boots
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A dry change of clothes
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A cap for bad hair days
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For multi-day festivals: an extra pair of shoes
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Optional: a groundsheet for under the tent
Good to know: umbrellas are prohibited at most festivals. So leave them at home.
Even more festival tips & tricks
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Set up your tent at home first to make sure you have all the parts.
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Check in early: early arrivals often get the best camping spots.
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Mark your sleeping area with streamers or a flag.
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Put a lock on your tent to prevent theft.
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Bring a party tent with friends for shade or shelter.
Stick to the real festival must-haves
When packing, consider what you really need. This packing list ensures you won’t forget anything, but you don’t have to bring it all yourself. Coordinate with friends so you don’t end up being the group’s pack mule.
Frequently asked questions about what to bring to festivals
What should I absolutely not forget at a festival?
Your debit card, ID and earplugs are essential. Also think of sunglasses, sunscreen and a power bank.
What are useful festival hacks?
A sleep mask and earplugs for a good night’s rest, a hand cart for your gear, and duct tape for emergencies.
How do I stay safe and healthy during a multi-day festival?
Drink enough water, eat and sleep well, apply sunscreen regularly, and use earplugs when the music is loud.
