Festival season is upon us! I've been to my fair share of festivals, outdoor concerts and just concerts in general to have learned what's good and what's not (sometimes the hard way). So I've compiled a list of what I consider to be my festival essentials.
Bringing some sort of bag to store your essentials in is always a must. Honestly, I know the backpack trend is super big right now but I don't think I'd trust bringing a backpack to a festival. I'd be self-conscious the entire time of someone stealing something from my bag without me knowing and I wouldn't be able to have a good time. So I prefer to bring a purse that I can sling across my shoulder and have securely by my side. The bag you'll be storing your essentials in doesn't have to be boring or plain. These three bags are unique in their own rites and scream "festival". From the fringe to the patterning to the engravings, they go with the festival vibe. Have fun with your bag and let it serve its purpose too.
You can even dress up your bag for some added flare. I attached this miniature dream catcher that is supposed to be a necklace to this bag. I purchased it from a Native American market I attended once.
Next is what you can bring inside your bag:
A cool pair of sunnies: A pair of sunnies is so important. Shield your pretty eyes from the sun whilst watching the bands on stage and dancing up a storm.
Lip products: There are two types of lip products I would suggest. The first is some sort of chapstick or lip balm. You don't want your lips to be dry or get sunburnt from the sun (not a fun time). So always keep them looking good and moisturized with some lip balm. The second, if you're looking to still wear some colour on your lips is a "your lips but better colour". You won't have to fuss with a mirror when applying and you can swipe it on in two seconds flat. I love myself a good bold lip but low key is better in this situation.
Gum: Bad breath is gross. Love everyone around you and pop a gum.
Portable phone charger: Not only would I consider this a festival essential but a life essential. This thing has saved my life on multiple occasions. Urban Outfitters sells some decently priced ones with cute patterns. The worst would be to have lost your friends amongst a sea of people and your phone is at 5%. Or to have the perfect view and not be able to snap a pic for the memory books.
Hand sanitizer: Festivals do not have the best bathrooms (porta-potties, need I say more) so it's important to carry hand sanitizer and keep yourself germ free!
Wallet: Store your ID for when you get carded and want a drink and carry some cash. I find that carrying cash around at a festival is the best option, it's easy and fuss free and sometimes some festivals don't even accept credit cards. So be prepared and have some cash on hand because you don't want to have to leave the festival grounds to find the nearest ATM and possibly miss your favourite band. This wallet used to be my mom's for when she travelled through Mexico. It's near and dear to my heart and it's everything I love combined into such a tiny space.
Film camera: Bring a disposable film camera. You can buy these in packs of 2 at your local corner store or Wal-Mart. They're such a fun thing to have around when you want to take pictures of your friends or anything that tickles your fancy. There's something awesome about holding a physical picture in your hand once it's been developed and having those memories with you forever. Sometimes because of the strange lighting situations you can get some gnarly lighting effects.
Tylenol: Sometimes being in the sun all day gives me a headache. So I carry around some Tylenol with me at all times. It's no fun feeling ill mid-way through and not enjoying yourself.
Sunscreen: I'm pale as a ghost. As much as I love the sun, it does not love me (I don't know that for sure). But what I do know is that sunscreen is a MAJOR essential for me. Looking like a lobster is no fun and the aftermath of the burn isn't either, so bring some sunscreen and protect your skin and re-apply throughout the day too. If you don't want to carry around such a large tube or can you can buy little mini squeeze-y tubes and then just fill it up with the sunscreen for a more compact and portable option.
Tissues: Always an essential and self-explanatory.
Not pictured but also super important:
Rain poncho: Umbrellas are heavy and cumbersome and the weather can be unpredictable, Mother Nature can change her mind in the blink of an eye. A rain poncho once folded up can be less than the size of a wallet and weighs as much as a feather. Therefore, it's a win / win. You won't be the only one sporting one of these once the rain hits, it'll be a sea of poncho's. And if you get a clear coloured one you can still see your cute outfit right through!
Reusable water bottle: My worst fear is to become dehydrated and pass out in the middle of a crowd, I've seen it happen before. It's scary and always reminds me to keep hydrated! If you don't want to buy a water bottle, bring your own and help the planet! If you don't want to carry your bottle all day or your bag can't fit a bottle just clip it onto the strap of your bag. A lot of festivals are implementing water refilling stations around the grounds. So just make a note of where they are and fill on up.
A light sweater or cover-up for the evening: "Outside the tents, on the festival grounds / As the air began to cool, and the sun went down" Vampire Weekend speaks the truth. It gets kinda cool-ish during the evenings at festivals so bring a light cover-up, whether that be a kimono (my fav) or a flannel or a denim jacket! Whatever suits your look!
Hats, hats, hats! Not only do they look cool and fashionable but they'll keep your pretty face from getting burnt. I like a good floppy hat. Always a staple in my summer wardrobe. The brim is so wide that it shields my entire face and back of the neck as well. A wide brimmed fedora is another great option.
Last summer I had my total Woodstock hippie moment, accidentally. I was wearing a pair of patterned bells and some sandals and then happened to trip on the makeshift sidewalk the festival had set up that separated the pavement and the grass area. I snapped the strap of my sandal in half and had to walk barefoot around the festival. Yes, total hippie Woodstock moment and memory for the books but also a little scary because of the crowds of people with actual shoes on their feet and the fear of my toes getting stepped on. Finally I succumbed to leaving the festival grounds, running out and quickly buying a pair of flip flops. At this point anything would do. Luckily that was the only outfit I had planned to wear sandals with, the others included my signature ankle boots. So moral of the story, closed toed shoes, a moccasin or a boot are the only option. The grounds can be muddy post-rainstorm and they're just a more comfortable and secure option.
The last essential is to bring a fun, carefree attitude and good vibes. Check out some new bands you didn't know of, they may become a new fav. Bring your dancing shoes and dance up a storm. Feel the music in your soul and bones and do it all with a smile. Happy festival season to all my fellow festival peeps!
