So now that I have listed all of the amazing music festivals that are going on in 2010, I thought I would provide a list of “must-brings” so you don’t get caught enjoying the music without the right supplies!
Sunblock
With all of the dancing, laughing and hanging out that you will be doing, it’s sometimes difficult to remember that you’re getting scorched in the summer sun. I prefer to use spray sunblock, that way I can get the hard-to-reach places without asking anyone for help. Remember to use a sport or sweat proof sunblock and even then, re-apply every few hours.
Camera
You can’t go to a music festival without your camera! Some festivals have rules about what types of camera you can bring (no movie cameras, etc.), but every outdoor festival that I know of lets you take snapshots. If you’re worried about your expensive digital camera and you’re not a hotshot photographer anyway, bring a few disposable cameras and you’ll be set. Buy the super-cheap flashless cameras for daytime, and get the still-pretty-cheap flash cameras for the evening.
Baby Wipes
Not just for babies any more, wet wipes can keep you feeling fresh as a daisy even after a few days with no shower. Your hair will still be a rat’s nest, but at least you won’t smell.
First Aid Kit
Legally-run festivals (which are the only kind you should attend) are required by law to have first aid services available and an ambulance on call, so if something major happens, there will be people to take care of you. However, they often don’t dispense headache medicine, and sometimes it’s more hassle than it’s worth to get a simple band-aid put on, so make yourself a simple first-aid kit and save yourself some trouble.
Flashlight/Headlamp
A headlamp is by far one of the most underrated music festival necessities. If you can get past the dork-factor that is sometimes associated with a headlamp, you will find that finding things, making beds, and a late night trip to the port-o-potty just got a lot more manageable. If you can’t bring yourself to wear a headlamp, at least bring a flashlight- and then you will realize how much you want to bring a headlamp for next year’s festival.
Toilet Paper
Every attendee of a music festival knows the port-o-potties run out of TP very quickly. And even when they have some left, it is the equivalent to newspaper- not the most comfortable thing. Bring a couple rolls of TP from home and rest assured you will be comfortable, and not stranded yelling for assistance.
Blanket or Chairs
At some point, you’re probably going to want to sit down in one place and hear some music. Some festivals don’t let you bring chairs, but most do, and if you’re bringing them, the folding canvas chairs with carrying bags are the best, comfy and easy to carry. I personally prefer to sprawl, though, and I really like those ten-dollar woven wool Mexican-style blankets. They hold up and they’re easy to carry, but if they get lost or forgotten, they’re easy to replace.
Backpack
When I attended Burning Man I saw a poor girl walking through the sand of that dessert in heels and carrying an itty bitty Chanel purse on her shoulder. That’s a great outfit for the mall, or a fine dinner, etc., but not at a music festival! Find a comfortable backpack that can fit all of the essentials and won’t put too much strain on your back.
A Broken-In Pair of Shoes
Want to look super fly at a festival??? Right on! But don’t go out buying new shoes to show off that new swag. Chances are you’re going to get blisters. There is NOTHING worse than walking around for three days straight in the hot sun with a mind boggling blister on your foot. Bring dependable shoes that are broken in. Make sure you also bring awesome socks- they can make a world of difference.
Trash Bags
This can save you on so many levels! Depending on the weather, they can help keep your things dry, be made into a poncho to keep you dry, or be there for when you are cleaning up after yourself. They can be easily stored but really come in handy if unexpected rain rolls in.
Refillable bottle
Some Festivals allow you to bring drinks, some don’t. But having a refillable bottle can keep you hydrated which is a must with all of the partying, dancing, and walking you doing throughout the festival.
Last but not least remember your Festival Pass!
Make sure to have a blast and let me know which festival you went to and how it was!
Hit me up on Facebook or on Twitter and tell me who was your favorite group/band/performer!
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