Festival season is calling. Whether you’re camping out at Coachella, road-tripping to Bonnaroo, or jetting off for Primavera, there’s one thing you don’t want to be: that person. You know the one—sunburned, phone dead, wandering solo in a glitter cloud of regret.
That’s why we put together the ultimate music festival packing list, so you can focus on the good vibes, great sets, and unforgettable moments, without worrying about the rest. We’re talking long days, loud music, hot sun, and bathrooms that…well, we won’t go there. But we will help you avoid rookie mistakes and enjoy the weekends you’ve been counting down to for months.
Let’s dive into your festival essentials, broken down by what you’ll need to survive (and thrive) all weekend long.
1. Hydration is your headline act
- Reusable water bottle: Most festivals offer free water refill stations. Bonus points if the bottle clips to your bag.
- Pro tip: Freeze it overnight so you’ve got ice-cold water on day one.
- Electrolyte packets: Sweat, sun, and sangria will drain you. Add these to your water to keep your energy up throughout the day (and night).
2. Prep for all of the elements
- Portable fan or neck fan: This tiny hero will save you during that 3 p.m. set in the sun.
- Cooling towel: Wet it, wring it out, wrap it, and you’ll thank yourself later.
- Layers: Pack a hoodie or light jacket. Festival temps drop fast after dark.
- Poncho or packable rain jacket: Because the weather doesn’t care about your lineup.
3. Your phone = your lifeline
- Portable charger: A dead phone = no group chat, no set times, no selfies. A portable charger will help avoid this.
- Charging cord: Some festivals offer charging stations, but cords aren’t guaranteed.
- Offline map or screenshot of the festival layout: Service drops? Know where you’re going before it happens.
4. Stay safe
- Travel insurance: Yes, even for festivals. Faye can help if your flight’s delayed, your gear’s stolen, or you end up with more than a stomachache. Protect your trip.
- Mini first aid kit: For blisters, headaches, and bug bites. Avoid the med tent drama.
- Sunscreen: Spray or stick versions are easiest to reapply mid-set.
5. Sleep (or at least try)
- Earplugs: Protect your hearing and your sanity.
- Sleeping mask: For when the sun rises and you’re not quite ready to.
- Air mattress or sleeping pad: You don’t have to rough it. Trust us.
6. Comfort is key
- Bandanas or face masks: Dust + crowds = no fun for your lungs.
- Comfortable shoes: Broken-in sneakers > fashion regrets.
- Lightweight, breathable outfits: Loose, light, and quick-drying fabrics win every time.
- Sunglasses: Block the sun and look festival photo-ready.
7. Just in case…
- Copy of your ID: Store a backup copy securely in the Faye app via our Safekeeping feature.
- Flashlight or headlamp: For the 2 a.m. tent search or shoe hunt.
- Bug spray or wipes: Especially for forest or lakefront festivals.
- Tarp: Sit on it, shade under it, stay dry – multi-purpose magic.
Bonus: Your festival backup plan
You’ve got the playlist, the tent, and the sunscreen. But even the best-planned trip can hit a sour note. Faye’s travel insurance can cover you for the unexpected, like flight delays, lost or stolen gear, or emergency medical needs, so the only thing you have to worry about is catching your favorite set.
It’s like having a backup plan in your pocket. (Literally. We’re app-based.)
