Attending your first music festival? 12 essentials you need to prepare

Photo provided by Adobe Stock

Are you about to dive headfirst into the mind-blowing world of music festivals? Well, this article is here to give you a virtual high-five and assure you that you've made an excellent choice.

A music festival isn't just about the performances. It's a dazzling blend of art, fashion, shared energy and a whole lot of music. Prepare for a kaleidoscope of unforgettable experiences waiting to be discovered, like delicious food-truck cuisine, impromptu dance-offs, late-night campfire singalongs and making lifelong friends.

Still, it can’t be sugarcoated. As exhilarating as a festival can be, it’s a whirlwind that may leave you dazed and confused if you're unprepared. That's where this guide comes in handy. It’s a compiled a checklist of the essentials you'll need, brought to you by some truly remarkable brands that'll help you dance through your first festival experience like a seasoned pro.

The first thing to think about when it comes to festival prep? The fashions! Let's dive into a style essential that often gets overlooked when packing your most exciting outfits: the classic white t-shirt. You may ask, "Isn't that a bit too simple for a festival?" Well, the answer is a resounding no! The beauty of a white tee lies in its infinite versatility — and in your ability to pull it off. That’s why Editorialist went through all the trouble of telling you how to style a white t-shirt and jeans.

A white t-shirt is your blank canvas. In addition to looking classic and incredible with jeans, it can be incorporated into any aesthetic your heart desires. Pair it with your colorful, patterned shorts, throw in a statement necklace and voila! You have a trendy, laid-back festival look. Or perhaps wrap a flannel shirt around the waist, add a chic hat and get ready for a cool evening jam.

Remember, sometimes less is more, and this classic tee will prove just that. A white t-shirt is not just a garment, it's an opportunity for creative expression. So, let versatile basics like these be your go-to, allowing you to shine in all your festival photos.

Now, let's talk about mementos. Sure, your phone will be filled with photos and videos, but there's something truly special about a tangible keepsake you can hold in your hands long after the music's last echoes have faded.

This is why Lapel Pins and Coins offers custom challenge coins to help commemorate special events. Each coin is thoughtfully designed and carefully crafted to become a cherished token of an unforgettable experience.

Whether you keep it in a special box or display it proudly on your mantle, this coin will be a little piece of the festival that stays with you. Each time you see it, you'll be instantly transported back to the crowds, the music, the energy … and most importantly, the joy of attending your very first music festival.

Photo provided by Sunmed

Festivals are all fun and games until you wake up with those dreaded aches and pains. Dancing till dawn, wandering from stage to stage or even sleeping in a tent can leave your body pleading for some TLC. That's where Sunmed CBD cream steps in.

CBD has taken the wellness world by storm and for good reason. When it comes to soothing those tired muscles and joints, Sunmed's CBD cream is a festival-goer's best friend. Easy to apply and quick to absorb, it's your personal masseuse in a tube.

Don't let discomfort take away from your festival experience. Pack Sunmed's CBD cream in your kit, and keep the good times rolling — and dancing!

Photo provided by The Beard Club

Hey, fellas! You haven't been forgotten. If you're flaunting a beard, you might already know that festivals can be tough on your cherished facial fuzz. The dust, sweat and general revelry can leave your beard feeling more like a bristly broom than a soft cloud.

Plus, if you’re attending a longer festival, you probably won’t find the time and space to shave comfortably. Even if you show up baby-faced and clean-shaven, depending on how quickly your facial hair grows, you may find yourself in a bit of a situation by the week’s end. Don't worry — The Beard Club’s beard oil is here to help.

This isn't just any beard oil. The Beard Club’s beard oil keeps your beard feeling soft, looking shiny, and — let’s not forget — smelling fantastic. It's designed to keep your beard in prime condition, even in the midst of festival chaos.

Festivals are about disconnecting from the mundane, but staying connected with your crew is crucial. Losing track of your friends amidst the throng can be a nightmare — not to mention the stress and frustration that can come from not being able to pull up an updated schedule or being unable to FaceTime your best friend when you’re seeing their favorite band live. That's where Navi steps in to help you find the best phone deals.

Navi understands that reliable phone service is as much a part of your festival survival kit as your sunscreen or water bottle. With Navi, you get a deal that suits your pocket and ensures you stay connected when it matters most. Navi has got your back, whether you're coordinating with friends, calling for a late-night ride or sharing unforgettable moments on social media.

Stay in touch, share your experiences and make the most of every moment with Navi. After all, you didn't come to a music festival to stress over signal strength, did you?

Photo provided by Bluebird Hardwater

Ah, festivals and drinks — a classic combo. Still, not all festival beverages are created equal. If you're mindful about what goes into your body, Bluebird Hardwater's canned mixed drinks are just what you need … and even if you’re not, passing up on sugar-heavy beers and cocktails can help with the inevitable hangovers when you overindulge.

Bluebird Hardwater’s canned mixed drinks are free from unnecessary additives and sugars, so you can enjoy your festival without worrying about feeling weighed down afterward. So, raise a can to good times and unforgettable festival experiences with Bluebird Hardwater!

Photo provided by Marleylilly

At a music festival, you're constantly on the move. You're dancing, exploring, and meeting new people … and the last thing you want to worry about is how to carry all your essentials. Unfortunately, many of the usual options for keeping everything you might need on your person look pretty uncool in your Instagram photos. Enter Marleylilly’s personalized tote bags.

A far cry from those unwieldy backpacks, these tote bags are stylish and practical. They're spacious enough to hold your belongings yet compact enough not to hamper your moves on the dance floor. With Marleylilly, you're getting a tote bag that's not just an accessory but a style statement.

Plus, let's not forget personalization. With Marleylilly, your tote bag won't just be another bag — it'll be uniquely yours. Carry your festival essentials in style, stand out from the crowd and make every moment count with personalized tote bags that express what makes you you.

Music festivals can be exhausting. With the non-stop dancing, the late-night festivities and all those delicious yet not-so-nutritious food truck meals, it's easy to feel a bit rundown. But that's where O Positiv's vitamins and supplements come into play.

A fun-filled festival weekend doesn't have to leave you feeling depleted. With their range of vitamins and supplements, you can keep your energy levels up and your health in check. Think of these as your secret weapon to fully enjoy the festival and bounce back once it's over.

Don't just survive your first music festival — thrive! With O Positiv's vitamins and supplements in your festival bag, you'll be dancing like nobody's watching while still taking good care of yourself. Now, that's what we call festival prep!

At a festival, fashion is more than just what you wear. It's how you express yourself. It's how you stand out in the crowd. What better way to do that than with a stunning black corset set from Guizio?

This black corset set is more than just a clothing item — it's a statement piece. It screams boldness, confidence and a dash of that rebel spirit that every festival calls for. With its captivating design and comfortable fit, this corset set will keep you looking chic and feeling fabulous throughout the festival.

Turn heads and make a statement. With Guizio's black corset set, you’ll own the night!

Photo provided by July

Packing for a music festival can feel like preparing for a month-long expedition. Clothes, toiletries, camping gear, snacks ... the list goes on. Thankfully, July makes the best carry on luggage, so the packing part of your festival experience will be a breeze.

Say goodbye to the stress of cramming all your essentials into an inadequate bag. July's carry-on luggage is all about making travel easy and efficient. It's designed to hold everything you need while still being light enough to move around easily.

This is more than just luggage. It's a trusty companion that'll stick by your side from the moment you leave your home to the last beat of the festival. With July's carry-on, you can focus on the fun parts of your festival experience while it takes care of the practicalities.

Anyone who's been to a music festival knows that the dancing, the heat and the overall high energy can quickly lead to dehydration. Don't let that slow down your festival vibes. Nuun’s electrolyte tablets are here to keep you hydrated, energized and ready to party all day (and night) long.

These tablets are a perfect companion to any festival-goer, ensuring you rehydrate properly and maintain your energy levels. With Nuun, you can keep dehydration at bay without sacrificing your spot at the front of the stage.

So, the next time you raise your water bottle to the beat of your favorite song, make sure it's boosted with Nuun’s electrolyte tablets. Because staying hydrated doesn't just keep you safe — it makes the festival experience all the more enjoyable!

When the beat drops and the crowd roars, it's a rush like no other. But as the night deepens and your dancing feet need a rest, that same cacophony can turn into a nuisance. At a music festival, quiet can be a rare commodity, and sleep can be a battle. Enter Loop's earplugs: your ticket to a peaceful slumber amidst the festival frenzy.

In a world that never seems to sleep, these earplugs offer an oasis of tranquility. They're designed to block out disruptive noise effectively while ensuring you don't miss out on important sounds — like your morning alarm or your friend's midnight snack invitation.

The magic lies not just in what these earplugs block but also in what they let through. With Loop, you get the best of both worlds — the silence you crave and the sounds you need. It's a delicate balance achieved with precision and thoughtfulness.

Why compromise your sleep in the first place, you might ask? Well, because a well-rested festival-goer is a happy festival-goer. Your favorite band's sunrise set is way more enjoyable when you've had a good night's sleep.

So, pack Loop's earplugs along with your festival gear. Let them transform your tent, van or hotel room into a haven of calm amidst the energetic beats. Here's to peaceful slumbers and livelier festival days!

There you have it: your ultimate guide to preparing for your first music festival. While a music festival can be the absolute time of your life, it’s also important to prepare properly to ensure you feel as good as the music is for the entire time.

Plus, a music festival is more than just the music. It's about the atmosphere, the crowd, the fashion, the late-night laughter, the memories and most importantly, how you feel during those magical days and nights.

With these essentials on the go, you're more than ready to dive headfirst into the vibrant world of music festivals. Here's to a weekend full of rhythms, rhymes and remarkable experiences. Let the music play!

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