What to Bring to a Festival: Essential Packing List

 

Wondering what to bring to a festival? Start with the practical essentials: your ticket, phone, ID, payment card, sunscreen, comfortable clothing and a secure day bag. You should also prepare for changing weather with a waterproof jacket and a warm layer.

Your packing list will depend on whether you are attending for one day or camping for the full weekend. Camping festivals require extra clothing, toiletries and sleeping equipment. Use the checklist below to make sure you have everything you need.

 

Music Festival Packing List: Essentials at a Glance

A good music festival packing list covers comfort, safety and the unpredictable Irish weather. Explore our collection of festival essentials before you start packing, then use this list to check the basics.

 

Festival essentials

·     Festival ticket or digital ticket

·     Accepted ID, if required

·     Phone

·     Portable charger or power bank

·     Payment card and a small amount of cash, if appropriate

·     Refillable water bottle, where permitted

·     Sunscreen

·     Small festival or day bag

·     Waterproof outer layer

·     Warm layer for the evening

·     Comfortable footwear

·     Spare socks

·     Travel-size toiletries

·     Any medication you require

 

Camping festival extras

·     Tent

·     Sleeping bag

·     Sleeping mat or air mattress

·     Pillow, if practical

·     Comfortable pyjamas or sleepwear

·     Tow

·     Extra underwear and socks

·     Changes of clothing

·     Extra warm layer

 

 

 Day Festival vs Camping Festival

Festival Beauty Essentials to Pack

 

Your festival beauty routine should be quick, practical and easy to carry. Focus on the products that help you stay clean, comfortable and protected throughout the day. Sunscreen, deodorant and basic toiletries should come first. Makeup and self-tan are optional, so only pack products you know you will use.

 

Festival beauty and toiletry checklist

·     Sunscreen

·     Cleanser or cleansing product

·     Moisturiser

·     Lip balm

·     Deodorant

·     Toothbrush and toothpaste

·     Travel-size toiletries

·     A small makeup selection, if wanted

·     Self-tan, if wanted

 

Don’t Forget Sunscream

Sunscreen is an outdoor essential, not simply an extra beauty product. Apply it before you leave for the festival and bring it with you so you can reapply when needed. Choose a suitable level of protection and remember areas such as your face, neck, shoulders and ears.

Shop sun care before festival weekend.

Travel Minis: Pack What You’ll Actually Use

Mini products take up less room and make it easier to carry everything you need. They are ideal for a short camping weekend or for fitting basic toiletries into a small day bag. Useful travel minis may include:

·     Cleanser or face wash

·     Moisturiser

·     Shampoo and conditioner

·     Shower gel

·     Deodorant

 

Festival Makeup & Self-Tan

Festival makeup is completely optional. If you enjoy wearing it, pack a few reliable makeup products rather than bringing your full collection. Mascara, a lightweight base and one lip product may be enough. If you plan to wear self tan, applying it before you travel can save valuable time and space.

 

 

Festival Hair Ideas That Are Easy to Manage

The best festival hair ideas are styles that stay comfortable and require little upkeep. Access to showers, mirrors and styling tools may be limited, especially when camping. Choose a simple style and bring only the products and accessories you will realistically use.

 

Mini festival hair kit

·     Hairbrush or comb

·     Hair ties

·     Clips or grips

·     Dry shampoo, if used

·     One compact styling product

 

 

Festival Accessories for Women: What to Keep in Your Day Bag

 

When choosing festival accessories for women, begin with a comfortable and secure bag. It should be large enough for your essentials but small enough to carry all day. A compact crossbody bag can help keep your hands free while keeping important belongings close.

Always check the festival’s latest bag policy and size restrictions before travelling.

 

Festival day-bag checklist

·     Phone

·     Ticket and required ID

·     Payment card

·     Portable charger

·     Sunscreen

·     Lip balm

·     Sunglasses

·     Tissues

·     Small personal-care essentials

·     Refillable water bottle, where permitted

·     Any required medication

 

Avoid placing valuables in an open pocket or an area that is difficult to monitor. Keep your phone, card and ID in the most secure section of your festival bag.

 

What to Wear to a Festival Without Overpacking

If you are deciding what to wear to a festival, put comfort before complicated outfit changes. You may spend hours standing, walking and dancing, so choose clothing and footwear that feel good throughout the day. Light layers are useful when the temperature changes, while a waterproof outer layer will help you prepare for rain.

For more styling inspiration, see our complete guide to festival outfit ideas.

 

Starter Clothing Checklist

 

·     Comfortable main outfit

·     Waterproof outer layer

·     Warm jumper, cardigan or fleece

·     Comfortable footwear

·     Spare socks

·     Change of underwear when camping

·     Spare outfit for a multi-day festival

Choose versatile pieces that you can mix, match and layer. This will give you options without filling your bag with outfits you may never wear.

 

What to Wear to EP

When deciding what to wear to EP, prepare for a long day outdoors and the possibility of changing Irish weather. Pack comfortable footwear, breathable clothing, a waterproof and something warm for the evening. Check the latest forecast just before travelling and adjust your layers accordingly.

 

 

What to Pack for Sleeping at a Camping Festival

If you are camping, a warm and comfortable sleep setup can make a big difference to your weekend. Bring the essential camping equipment first, followed by clean sleepwear, warm socks and fresh clothes for the morning. Day-only festival attendees can skip this section.

 

Camping sleep checklist

·     Tent

·     Sleeping bag

·     Sleeping mat or air mattress

·     Pillow, if practical

·     Comfortable pyjamas

·     Warm socks

·     Clean clothes for the morning

·     Towel

·     Extra warm layer

 

A pair of comfortable pyjamas can help you settle down after a busy day. A waterproof dry changing robe may also be useful for changing, keeping warm or dealing with wet weather.

 

What to Bring to Electric Picnic: Check Before You Pack

 

If you are researching what to bring to Electric Picnic, remember that its entry and campsite policies may change. Check the latest official guidance shortly before leaving rather than relying on an old packing list or social media post.

·     Arena bag rules: Confirm the current permitted bag type and size.

·     Campsite and arena rules: An item permitted at the campsite may not be allowed inside the arena.

·     Food and drink rules: Review the latest guidance on what you can bring.

·     Water bottles and refill points: Check which bottles are permitted and where water is available.

 

Read the official Electric Picnic prohibited items and door policy before you pack.

 

 

Things You Can Leave at Home

Packing more does not always make a festival easier. A lighter bag is more comfortable to carry and easier to keep organised.

·     Full-size toiletries when a mini will do

·     A large makeup or beauty collection

·     Too many outfit changes

·     Valuable jewellery or accessories

·     Bulky items you are unlikely to use

·     Styling tools that require access to electricity

·     Anything prohibited under the festival’s current rules

If you would be upset to lose or damage something, it is usually best to leave it safely at home.

 

 

Final Festival Packing Check: Before You Leave Home

·     Ticket

·     ID

·     Phone

·     Charger or power bank

·     Required medication

·     Waterproof

·     Sunscreen

·     Festival bag

·     Tent and sleeping bag, if camping

 

 

Shop Festival Essentials at Shaws.ie

Get ready for the weekend with the Festival Shop at Shaws. Discover selected beauty products, hair essentials, bags, practical layers and more to help complete your festival packing list.