13 Essential Items to Have on Hand for a Fun and Stress-Free Festival Season

Festival season will be in full swing before we know it, and so will all the planning of what to bring. To me, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival kicks off festival season each year in April, as hundreds of thousands of people descend upon the valley to camp, party, and see their favorite bands play live.

When the weather starts to warm and we all want to be outside, festivals are certainly a great way to have fun and enjoy the great outdoors at the same time. But what do we bring to an outdoor festival so that we are comfortable while enjoying ourselves? While different venues around the U.S. have their own rules as to what you're allowed to bring in, here are 13 essential items to have on hand for a fun and stress-free festival season:

Festival Must-Haves

Aside from your cell phone, ID, tickets (whether paper or digital), cash, and credit cards, there are a few additional items you may want to bring. These items will make your life just a bit easier and more enjoyable when attending a festival:

Clear Purse or Crossbody Bag

Nowadays, stadiums and fairgrounds typically have bag size restrictions. Additionally, they prefer event attendees to have a clear bag. This Clear Purse Stadium-Approved Crossbody Bag can fit what you need to bring while keeping within the size allowed. It's big enough to hold a cell phone and other items like sunscreen, earbuds, etc.

Electrolytes

I happen to drink electrolytes all the time to keep myself hydrated. Dehydration can kick in when out under a hot sun for several hours, so having a few electrolyte packets with you can help.

My favorite electrolytes are Liquid I.V. in the Firecracker flavor because it reminds me of those tri-colored Popsicles most of us had in the summer during childhood (nostalgia!). Whether you bring a water bottle or purchase one at the event venue, open a packet, pour it into water, shake it up, and drink.

Power Bank

Don't get stranded with a dead phone battery, especially at a large event. A small, fast-charging power bank can keep your phone juiced all day. I have a small one that fits right in my purse, and believe me, it's a lifesaver! Plus, you can continue taking videos and photos to commemorate your time at whatever event you attend.

Neck Fan

This type of portable fan is all the rage these days. It can comfortably sit on your shoulders around your neck and blows cold air to keep you cool. My daughter and I each have portable neck fans, and I have to say, I don't know what we did without them before.

Toilet Tissue

If you attend an event with only porta-potties, there's a chance the toilet paper will run out. Be prepared by taking a small, compact roll with you. Believe me, this will alleviate any potential stress when you have to go.

Earplugs

Looking back at all those times I attended Lollapalooza and other concert festivals in my younger days, I realize I should have brought earplugs. Concerts are loud, especially the closer you are to the stage. A set of portable earplugs can protect your hearing and still allow you to hear all the tunes from your favorite bands.

What to Wear to a Festival

Comfort is key if you'd like to enjoy a festival. What you wear can certainly help your comfort level, especially if you're standing in the hot sun for hours. Here are a few suggestions:

Comfortable Shoes

Nothing is worse than feet hurting when standing up for hours, so wearing comfortable shoes is a must! During the summer, you may opt for a sandal over sneakers, so something like a pair of Teva sandals may be your best bet. The heel is padded, and the soles have some good grip, too.

Buff

I love using a Buff. Like a bandana, you can wear it to help you wipe away sweat, but it's more than that. This Buff is a CoolNet UV+ Multifunctional Headband with 50+ UPF protection and moisture-wicking technology. Buffs are incredibly versatile and can be worn on your wrist or around your hair, forehead, or neck. They also come in various colors and patterns, so you can choose what fits your personal style.

Sun Protection for a Festival

While attending an outdoor festival that can last for hours, you'll most likely be standing out in the sun. Protect your skin, eyes, and hair with these items.

SPF Clothing

Wearing layers out in the sun is a good idea, especially something that has a UPF rating like The North Face Adventure Sun Hoodie. With a UPF 40+ rating, it can protect your skin and keep you cool on a hot sunny day.

SPF Lip Balm

I always carry lip balm with me, and it's a bonus if I find one with SPF. Hydrating your lips, especially with a mineral sunscreen like this Raw Elements Lip Rescue with SPF 30, can help if you're outdoors all day. And since it's a small tube, you can easily place it in your pocket or clear bag.

Sunscreen

Protect your skin by wearing sunscreen, especially one that's dermatologist-recommended, like the brand La Roche-Posay. Apply before you get to the venue and reapply several times if you can take the bottle into the festival venue. Covering your skin with sunscreen is so important!

Sun Hat

Sure, sunscreen is very important, but so is wearing a hat like the packable Sunday Afternoon Sunset Hat with UPF 50+. Not only can it protect your hair and scalp, but it can also keep the sun out of your eyes.

Sunglasses

When the sun is blazing, it can be hard to see anything, so bring a pair of sunglasses. I bring my sunnies everywhere to protect my eyes from harmful sun rays and prevent squinting. My eyes are also extremely sensitive to light, so I really can't be outside without them.

Before heading to a festival, check out the venue's website for its specific rules. As I mentioned earlier, each venue has its own set of guidelines as to what you can and cannot bring in. However, the above items can help you enjoy a fun and stress-free festival season!

Another way to enjoy the great outdoors during the warmer weather is hiking. Discover the Best Hiking Shoes for Every Type of Adventurer because having proper footwear can make a hike more enjoyable.