The Ultimate Festival Checklist: Everything You Need To Pack

Dance into festival season with everything you need for a jolly good jol! 

We’re dancing our way into prime festival season! Even experienced stompers sometimes need a hand prepping for weekends away, which is why we’ve put together a checklist for the ultimate festival getaway.

Whether you’re a trance kid, happy hippie, ironic hipster, good oke, spirit guru, wild child, metal head or party princess, here are some essentials to ensure that your festival game is on point.

1. Let’s start with the tent. This one’s pretty essential, and it’s also advised that you practice putting it up before the main event, so you don’t look like a fool when the silly thing won’t stand up and resembles a sad splayed jellyfish that’s impossible to get into (obviously, we’re not speaking from experience here). Actually this can work to your advantage: pretend to be utterly clueless, bat your lashes and get some local lads to do all the hard work for you – you’ll have a tent and they’ll feel manly. It’s a win-win (again, not speaking from experience).

2. Roll-up mattress and sleeping bag: When you’re packing the car you may be tempted to leave one of these two items behind but don’t do it – your future self with a stiff neck, back problems and icy cold toes won’t thank you. You should also bring an extra blanket to keep you warm and double up as a picnic blanket during the day.

3. A torch: Shine bright like a diamond with a wee torch, when you’re fumbling your way to the bathroom after a big night and particularly prone to tripping over tent poles and things, you’ll need it.

4. Toiletries: Yes, you’re probably going to end up looking like some kind of Mad Max desert Medusa creature anyway, but it’s worth trying to retain some sense of decorum. Pack some dry shampoo, a toothbrush, toothpaste and moisturiser, and don’t forget wet wipes – the only shower you’re likely to get for the weekend.

5. Sunscreen: Have you ever seen those seriously wrinkly old men and women who resemble freakishly tanned deflated sea creatures? You don’t want to end up as one of them so wear sunscreen and protect your skin please.

6. Booze: Remember to decant your alcohol into plastic bottles as most festivals don’t allow glass. Also, don’t make the mistake of bringing sweet rose box wine. Just don’t.

7. H20: Keep hydrated kids! The number one enemy of the hangover is water so make sure you drink lots of it, especially during balmy summer days and nights.

8. Durable and comfortable shoes: You and your shoes will be best friends or worst enemies by the end of the weekend, so aspire to be friends and make sure you pick takkies that will make your toes feel loved and looked after. Also, you’ll probably have to throw said shoes away after a good weekend stomping session, so don’t take anything too expensive or precious.

9. Stacks of snacks: Drunken people need sustenance – plan ahead and make sure you have a selection of tasty treats to keep you going. Energy bars are good, as are chips, popcorn, bread rolls and various kinds of fruit specimens. One year, we brought a skottel to Rocking the Daisies and had a massive fry-up with bacon and eggs – it was heaven after a long weekend surviving on week-old couscous.

11. Clothes: You’ll probably need about two T-shirts, two pairs of shorts, jeans and a hoodie if you’re a guy, and some dresses (max two) thrown into the mix if you’re a girl. Undies are essential, and you may want to make some effort and dress up a little – remember 70s Bohemian vibes are in. Think fringe, lace, suede, patchwork, florals and supersize sunnies.

12. First aid kit: Be safe not sorry friends, and bring a basic medical kit with plasters, a bandage, antiseptic cream, painkillers and any other meds you know you might need.

13. Mobile charging device or extra phone/camera battery: How are you going to Instagram if your phone’s dead? You’re not. Remember; fail to plan and plan to fail! Don’t deprive the world of your ‘living my best life’ festival selfies (actually, please do)!

14. Inflatable flamingo/ swan/ bird creature: How are you going to re-enact T Swift’s uber cool pool party scene if you’re sans swan? Any waterside fest requires a fabulous inflatable and we have it on good authority that flamingos are the new swans – swans are so 2015.

15. Cash: If you’re feeling peckish and fancy something from one of the trendy food trucks that are bound to be at the festival, then you’re going to need some cash. It’s handy for replenishing your alcohol stash too.

17. Mosquito repellent: Summer is the pesky little blood suckers’ favourite season, so bring some Peaceful Sleep to ensure they whine in someone else’s ear.

19. A book. Just kidding. Don’t be boring!

There you have it folks! If you think of anything we’ve forgotten, Tweet us @CapeTownMag and we’ll add it to the list. To find out what festivals are happening when, remember to subscribe to our newsletter so we can keep you in the loop. 

Images by Samantha Corbett, River Republic, Synergy Live, Rocking the Daisies, Rezonance, Ramfest and Up the Creek. 

Words by Samantha Corbett

---

Recharge at this family-friendly festival. 

The Playground launches a star-studded music festival in SA coming March 2023.

Pitch your tent beneath a canopy of stars at any of these camping sites.

Live music and comedy from the comfort of your lilo at Up The Creek.

Party like a biker, win a Harley and ride one in virtual reality at the Festival of Rebels.

Join the shiny happy people floating to happiness on the river at Wolfkop Weekender.

First artist release for Cape Town Jazz Festival.

Be original and dance to the best electronic music under the stars for two nights at Origin Festival.

We’ve curated a list of fun and diverse events for absolutely everyone. Have a look at our February events.

Discover the mystery of Wolfkop Weekender and Bazique's lovechild – Alcazar. 

---

Supercharge your event? Our Events Support Programme gets results. Contact support@capetownmagazine.com or +27 (0)21 422 2444.

---

Use our events section for an up-to-date overview of what’s happening in the city, suburbs and dorpies. Join our newsletter and add us to your mobile home screen for the ultimate guide to discoveries in Cape Town.

Follow and like us on Twitter ❤ Facebook ❤ LinkedIn ❤ Instagram ❤ Pinterest for updates.