There is always that moment at a festival when you realise you forgot something. Usually, it is the portable charger. Sometimes it is cash. Occasionally, it is the ticket. None of these is a fun realisation when you are already in the queue.
This festival essentials checklist covers everything you need for a one-day festival or a multi-day event, including documents, gear, personal care, and the festival packing mistakes worth knowing before you make them. Read it the night before, so you are all set to enjoy.
Find Festival Essentials on Promozilla
Before you pack anything, check Promozilla for current deals on festival must-haves. Sunscreen, portable chargers, day bags, snacks, and travel supplies are regularly on offer, worth a look before paying full price the day before the festival.
- Weekly deals from Mexican retailers on outdoor and travel essentials
- Current offers on personal care, tech, and festival gear
- Real catalogue pages so you know exactly what is available this week
Check all current offers on Promozilla before you do your last-minute festival shopping.
- Essential Documents and Money
Festival Tickets and Wristbands: Before you leave home, make sure your ticket is easy to access. If it’s a QR code, take a screenshot so you can still find it if your signal disappears. If you’re using a physical ticket or wristband, keep it somewhere safe but easy to reach. Nobody wants to be digging through their bag while the queue moves forward.
ID or Passport: Pack your ID or passport, especially if you’re attending an age-restricted event or need it to collect a festival wristband. It’s one of those things that’s easy to forget and difficult to replace once you’re already on your way.
Cash, Cards, and Digital Payments: A mix of payment options is always a good idea. While many vendors accept cards and transfers, smaller food stalls and artisan sellers often prefer cash. Bringing some pesos in smaller denominations makes buying snacks, drinks, and souvenirs much easier throughout the day.
Phone, Charger, and Emergency Contacts: Your phone will be working overtime throughout the event. A portable power bank or a long-lasting battery smartphone can be a real lifesaver. It’s also worth saving or writing down a couple of emergency contact numbers, just in case you lose signal, run out of battery, or get separated from your group. Note these must have contacts:
- A parent, friend, partner, or family member
- One friend is attending the festival with you
- Emergency services (911)
- The festival’s medical helpline number
- Local hospital or medical emergency number
- Festival Bags and Gear Essentials
Backpack, Crossbody Bag, or Fanny Pack: Choose a bag that matches the length of your festival. For multi-day events or camping festivals, a comfortable backpack with padded straps works best. For day festivals, a small crossbody bag or fanny pack is usually enough for your phone, cash, cards, and ID. Look for something lightweight, secure, and easy to carry so your essentials stay organised and within reach throughout the day.
Electronic Gadgets: A fully charged phone, a camera and equipment to carry if you enjoy photography, can be worth bringing along. And for outdoor festivals during the Mexican summer, a small portable fan can make those long hours in the sun much more comfortable.
- Personal Essentials for Comfort and Safety
Clothing, Footwear, and Weather Layers: Wear comfortable shoes you’ve already broken in and dress for a full day outdoors. Even on warm days, a perfect-fit jacket or overshirt can come in handy once the sun goes down. Checking the weather forecast before you leave can save you from a few surprises.
Toiletries and Skincare: Sunscreen is one of the most important things to pack for an outdoor festival. Bring SPF 50 sunscreen, reapply throughout the day, and don’t forget essentials like lip balm, deodorant, tissues, and wet wipes. Travel-sized products keep your bag light while covering everything you need.
Medications and First Aid: If you take any regular medication, make sure to pack it before you leave. It’s also worth bringing a few basics like pain relievers, antihistamines, blister plasters, and rehydration sachets. A small first-aid kit takes up very little space and can make a big difference if you need it during the day. For medical emergencies at large events, it’s useful to be familiar with the services provided by the Cruz Roja Mexicana.
Anti-Theft Bags and Security Items: Keep your cash, cards, and valuables in a secure pocket or bag, and try to keep them close to you throughout the day. A little extra awareness in busy areas like stages, entrances, and food stalls can go a long way in helping you enjoy the festival without any unnecessary stress.
Common Festival Packing Mistakes
Overpacking or Bringing Unnecessary Items: It can be tempting to pack for every possible situation, but a heavy bag quickly becomes uncomfortable after hours of walking and standing. Stick to the health and beauty essentials and leave behind anything you’re unlikely to use. Your shoulders will thank you by the end of the day.
Forgetting Chargers or Backup Power: Don’t forget to carry electronic essentials like a portable charger, which is one of those items you rarely think about until you need it. Make sure your power bank is fully charged the night before so your phone stays ready for tickets, maps, photos, and keeping in touch with friends.
Ignoring Festival Rules and Restrictions: Every festival has its own rules about what you can and cannot bring. Taking a few minutes to check the event guidelines before you pack can save you from having items confiscated or turned away at the entrance.
Poor Weather Preparation: Festival weather can change quickly, especially during Mexico’s rainy season. A lightweight poncho barely takes up any space and can be a lifesaver if the rain starts. On sunny days, don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water to stay comfortable from start to finish.
A little preparation the night before goes a long way. Your festival must-haves should include charging your devices, taking a screenshot of your ticket, double-checking your essentials, and you’ll be free to focus on enjoying the festival rather than worrying about what you forgot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the must-have festival essentials?
The non-negotiables are your ticket or QR code, ID, cash and cards, a charged phone, a power bank, sunscreen, a light layer for the evening, and a small secure bag. Everything else is optional.
What should first-time festival goers bring?
Bring your ticket, ID, cash, SPF 50 sunscreen, comfortable shoes, a portable charger, and a small front-worn bag. A refillable water bottle and blister plasters are also worth packing.
How do I pack light for a festival?
Start with the essentials: ticket, ID, phone, charger, cash, sunscreen, and any medication. For day festivals, a fanny pack or small crossbody is usually enough. For camping festivals, a 30-40 litre backpack works well.
Are hydration packs allowed at the festival?
Many festivals allow hydration packs, but rules vary. Check the event guidelines before you go, as some require packs to be empty on entry. You can also check Promozilla for deals on festival essentials.
What is the best bag for a festival?
For day festivals, a small fanny pack or crossbody bag worn at the front is the most practical option. For camping festivals, a 30-40 litre backpack with padded straps and secure compartments is ideal.
