I went to my first musical festival in 2019 and let’s just say I was less than prepared. I thought I had brought all the essentials: water, sunscreen, sunglasses, phone, wallet, and purse/bag. While most of these were useful, I hadn’t realized the specific rules each festival has for what you can bring in. I remember walking through the bag check at Lollapalooza and the security guard shaking my sunscreen telling me I can’t bring any outside liquids in. Instead of protesting (out of fear of not being let in to the festival) I told the guard to just throw it away and I’ll burn instead. And I did in fact get incredibly sunburnt. But it was my first lesson on knowing exactly what you can/should bring to summer music festivals. 

Understanding Festival Bag Policies 

Before you even start packing your summer music festival essentials, you need to understand one critical rule: every festival has different bag policies. Some allow backpacks, others only allow clear bags, and many have specific size restrictions. Lollapalooza, for example, requires all bags to be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″. Coachella has similar restrictions, while smaller festivals might be more lenient. 

The key is checking the official website days before you go. Don’t make the mistake of showing up with a non-compliant bag and having to throw it away or walk miles back to your car. Invest in a clear backpack or fanny pack that meets the requirements. 

Hydration: The Most Critical Essential

Water is the single most important item you can bring, but as I learned the hard way, you usually can’t bring in outside liquids. This is where hydration packs come in. Many festivals allow empty CamelBak-style hydration packs, provided they don’t have too many pockets. These are arguably the most essential summer music festival essentials because they keep your hands free and hold enough water to last through multiple sets. 

If hydration packs aren’t allowed or you prefer not to use one, bring a reusable water bottle. Most festivals have free water refill stations, but be prepared for long lines. A collapsible bottle is ideal since it takes up minimal space when empty. And remember: even if you don’t feel thirsty, drink water regularly. The combination of heat and dancing will dehydrate you faster than you realize.

Sun Protection: Learn From My Mistake 

My Lollapalooza sunscreen debacle taught me a valuable lesson about sun protection. Since aerosol cans and outside liquids are often prohibited, you need to be strategic. Bring sunscreen sticks or lotion in travel-sized containers that meet the festival’s liquid restrictions. Many festivals allow sealed sunscreen, but don’t count on it, check the specific rules beforehand. 

Beyond sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat is a lifesaver. It protects your face, neck, and ears while adding a stylish touch to your festival outfit. Sunglasses are non-negotiable, but consider bringing a cheap pair you won’t mind losing. Bandanas or cooling towels soaked in water can also help beat the heat and protect your neck from sunburn. 

Comfort and Mobility Essentials

Comfort is the most overlooked category of summer music festival essentials. You’ll be standing, dancing, and walking for hours. Good footwear is crucial. This means broken-in sneakers or comfortable boots, not brand-new shoes that will give you blisters. In fact, bringing blister bandages could save your weekend. 

A lightweight, packable poncho or rain jacket is essential even if the forecast looks clear. Summer weather is unpredictable, and nothing ruins a festival experience like being caught in a downpour without protection. Similarly, a small portable phone charger is smart to pack too. You’ll be taking photos, using maps, and coordinating with friends, all of which drain your battery quickly. 

Practical Items You’ll Thank Yourself For 

There are several small items that make a massive difference. Wet wipes or hand sanitizer are great for sticky hands and questionable porta-potty situations. Toilet paper or tissues are also wise since festival bathrooms often run out. Earplugs are perhaps the most underrated essential. High-quality musicians’ earplugs reduce decibel levels while preserving sound quality, protecting your hearing without ruining the experience. I learned this after leaving my first festival with ringing ears that lasted for days. 

Cash is another consideration. While most vendors now accept cards, cell service can be spotty, and some food trucks or merchandise booths might be cash-only. Bring small bills for quick transactions.

The Don’t-Bring List

Just as important as knowing what to bring is knowing what to leave behind. Glass containers are universally prohibited so transfer drinks to plastic. Selfie sticks, professional cameras, and large umbrellas are often banned. Weapons of any kind obviously won’t make it through security. And leave your valuables at home; this is not the place for expensive jewelry or irreplaceable items. 

Illegal substances are a bad idea not just for legal reasons but for safety. You’re in an unfamiliar environment with limited medical resources, and you don’t know how substances will affect you in the heat. Stick to what’s legal and know your limits. 

Final Preparation Tips

Pack your bag the night before and lay everything out to check against the festival’s rules. Bring a printed schedule or screenshot the lineup since cell service may fail. Coordinate meeting points with friends in case you get separated as cell phones are unreliable in crowds. 

Most importantly, pace yourself. Summer music festivals are marathons, not sprints. Stay hydrated, eat regularly, find shade during the hottest parts of the day, and listen to your body. With the right preparation, your festival experience can be magical rather than miserable. And you’ll leave with incredible memories rather than regrets and definitely not a sunburn you’ll remember for weeks.

Do you agree with the summer music festival essentials? Let us know in the comments!