Music Festival Essentials Guide

Sep 09, 2023

Check out JamBase's buying guide with everything you need for the next time you Go See Live Music!

By Team JamBase Jun 15, 2021 • 1:57 pm PDT

We’re so excited that live music – both concerts AND festivals – are making their glorious return. As we all set out for multi-day events to scratch the live music itch, it's best to be prepared.The following items on our list of Music Festival Essentials Guide will ensure that you have everything you need to enjoy the weekend with comfort and style.

We hope you love the products we recommend as much as we do! Just so you know, JamBase may collect a share of sales from the links on this page if you decide to purchase.

If you’ve ever been to a festival, you know a pop-up tent is absolutely necessary. Stay cool in the shade and dry in the rain with The Eagle Peak Pop-Up Canopy Tent. This affordable pop-up canopy tent has a durable steel frame and cathedral-style roof for maximum headroom. It has an angled leg design that provides 96 square feet of shade. Don't head to the next festival without this essential item!

Pop-Up Canopy Weighted Bags will ensure your canopy does not fly off into the wind. These Eurmax 112 LBS Extra Large Weighted bags come in a set of 4, with an attached handle and velcro straps for easy attachment. Note: they do not come with sand.

Amazon Basics Waterproof Camping Tarp is a camping necessity! Lay it under your tent or canopy or over your belongings to keep things dry. String between two EZ ups for shade. Reinforced corners and edges for long-lasting strength which means you can reuse for all the fests on your summer lineup. NOTE: Not for tarp dick use.

Ever wonder how people hang tapestries on their canopy to create shade & shelter in style? These 40lb zip ties will get you there. They are multi-use festival essentials. Your friends and neighbors will thank you!

If you’re bringing a sound system to your campsite, or even just want to keep things organized, these VELCRO cable ties will do the trick! Easily store loose cables with already pre-cut, reusable, strong velcro pre-cut ties. They also have a built-in and easy-to-use slotted head to ensure durability.

The FASTPRO 20-PACK 4-Size Nylon Plastic Spring Clamps are a secret weapon in your toolbox. Easily clamp or hang your towels on a clothesline or your tapestry to your canopy! These have a variety of uses. They are heavy-duty, giving them a strong hold when you need it most. A mesh travel bag is included for easy storage!

Seriously, duct tape will come in handy at any festival. Wanna make a totem? Duct tape. Didn't take care of your shoes? Duct tape. Need to fix your tent? DUCT TAPE! Duck Max Strength has high tensile strength for heavy-duty hold and is waterproof giving you security in all weather situations.

Play cards, set up a bar, or enjoy a meal at the campsite on the Coleman compact roll-top aluminum table. This ultra-portable table is the perfect addition to your campsite. Seriously, you’ll love this thing.

The Coleman outpost breeze portable folding deck chair with side table quickly transforms almost any outdoor space into an oasis. The angled sitting position and padded solid arms let you relax for hours, while a flip-up side table with a cup holder keeps your food and drink within easy reach. The strong steel frame and weather-resistant fabric ensure you’ll have a comfortable seat, season after season. When the fun is done, it easily folds up for compact storage until your next get-together with family and friends.

Take it from Camp JamBase: this is one comfortable folding chair, perfect for kicking back after a show or festival set. Includes cup holder and storage pouch. Easily store your phone, bottle opener or lighter within arms reach. Dreamy!

No one likes a dirty campsite … Be the campsite hero that remembers to bring the trash/recycling receptacles! This portable trash can is spring-loaded for easy pop-up and is lightweight and easy to carry. The bin features a fully zippered top and easily collapses to store with the two Velcro straps. Fits 30-gallon trash bags.

The LuminAID Bloomio Twist Solar Lantern allows you to control your outdoor lighting from your phone. With the easy to use App, you can remotely change colors, check the battery and solar charging, set timers, or control the brightness of multiple lanterns all at once or individually. Simply leave it out in the sun during the day and it will fully recharge itself in approximately 12-16 hours. Or you can plug it in using its USB port for faster charging (1-2 hours). Made from heavy-duty, rugged TPU, the Twist is 100% waterproof and dustproof which means you can use it to illuminate any space such as your garden or pool.

The Luci Outdoor 2.0 Solar Inflatable Light is an extremely durable and lightweight lantern. It is completely powered by the sun, no additional batteries are needed. Simply set the solar-powered lantern in direct sunlight for 7 hours and it lasts up to 24 hours on a single charge. It has 4 modes to light any scene: low, medium, high, and 1-second flashing. The Luci Outdoor 2.0 Solar Inflatable Light also features a top and adjustable base strap – convenient for clipping onto a backpack, hanging in a tent or stringing up wherever you need light.

It's a lantern! It's a fan! The Odoland Portable LED Camping Lantern with Ceiling Fan is both! The fan has high and low settings to provide nice air circulation while lighting up the tent nicely. The fan/light is adjustable so you can move it to the perfect spot.

In the sea of darkness you find yourself in at the end of the night, light up your campsite with Led Fairy Lights Battery Operated String Lights! Not only do they provide a warm and cozy vibe, they come in a variety of colors, have flexible wire so you can wrap them easily around your desired locations, and are battery-powered! These lights are a must when setting the mood at your site. They are waterproof and work well in all-weather situations.

Locate your campsite with this stellar Flagpole-To-Go Ultimate Tailgaters Package. Finding your campsite in the sea of other tents can be a nightmare. Get crafty with your squad and make a flag you’ll all be able to recognize!

Share your adventure! The Eno DoubleNest Hammock is versatile, durable, and super portable, making it perfect for camping, hiking, or just chilling! Now in a wide variety of fun prints so you can choose the hammock that best fits your vibe. Holds one or two JamBasers at a time!

This Toogh tent fits 3-4 people with a setup/take down time of 60 seconds! It has dual door openings with mosquito netted insulation and offers a higher roof so you can really feel the spaciousness. It is waterproof and has a six-angle design for stability in windy conditions. This is a great option for a couple of people or just yourself and your belongings!

Keep your tent secured with FANBX F Tent Aluminum Pegs. These all-weather pegs will come in handy during those random windy or rainy days. Keep dry and fasten your tent down!

With a weather-resistant design to keep you warm even in extreme conditions and prevent you from any dampness, this sleeping bag is designed to ensure that after a tiring day of dancing, trekking, hiking, or travel, you can get a good and relaxing night's sleep. Made from anti-tearing, waterproof, breathable polyester fabric with 100% hollow cotton fill.

Ok we know you barely get any sleep at a festival, but when you do, why not sleep well? This AirExpect inflatable camping air mattress is damp proof, insulating, space-saving and comes with a battery-powered pump (car charger included) so you can get the rest you need! Comes in size Queen or Twin depending on your needs. Some call it glamping, some call it a necessity.

The AGPtEK Electric Air Pump can help you inflate and deflate your air mattress, pool floaty, inflatable kayak, you name it! A portable car charger is included so you can bring it to the festival! It is easy to use and comes with adjustable nozzles. Save time and space with this electric pump!

Yes, you could ball up a blanket or sweatshirt for a pillow OR get this Klymit Luxe Lightweight Pillow! Comfortable, supportive, and almost as big as your pillow at home (yet packs surprisingly small), this will cradle you for a restful snooze during a festival season!

Everyone knows that Yeti Coolers are the best on the market. Treat the music festival-loving person in your life (or yourself) to The Yeti Roadie 24! This cooler is evolved to be thinner and lighter-weight for easier transport, while still incredibly tough. Treat yourself to the best and keep your food and beverages cold literally ALL weekend long!

Hydro Flask water bottles are not only the most trendy way to stay hydrated, they are the leader in insulated water bottle technology. Their unique double-wall vacuum insulation protects temperature for hours. Cold drinks stay icy cold and hot drinks stay piping hot so you can stay refreshed for any adventure. Hydro Flask water bottles are made with 18/8 pro-grade stainless steel to ensure pure taste and no flavor transfer — and the durable construction stands up to whatever life brings.

Keep your coffee hot, your beer cold, and your hand steady with this CIVAGO Stainless Steel Coffee Mug Cup with Handle. A campsite essential for any liquid. It comes in a variety of colors (yes, glitter included) so you can identify between you and your friends!

Buying food at festivals can get pricey. Stay fed with your own cooked meals using Coleman Gas Camping Stove. This two-burner stove gives you access to tasty treats! It comes with shield burners to protect against wind and adjust for various pan sizes. Make breakfast, lunch, and dinner so you can stay groovin’ all festival long!

This two-pack of Coleman Propane Fuel Tank will keep you cookin’ all weekend long. They have a stable base and reliable valves which provide safe and easy-to-use operation. Cylinders are a universal size and fit all standard portable propane appliances, tabletop grills and propane torches so you can help a neighbor in need!

Make a mean meal with every kitchen appliance you’ll need at the campsite! This Odoland Camping Cookware Mess Kit comes with 29 pieces. Even better, it collaspes within itself for easy and small storage! It is perfect for 4 people or more and has high-quality pots and pans and a full silverware set.

Scarlet Fire® hot sauce, the perfect blend of heat and flavor, makes a great addition to soups, sauces, marinades, eggs, mac & cheese, tacos, bloody marys, pizza and so much more! JamBase visitors can save 10% when purchasing $25 or more Scarlet Fire® hot sauce by using the code JAMBASE at checkout.

The 85oz CamelBak Classic Hydration Pack is the perfect way to stay hydrated all day while keeping your hands free for dancing. It has a breathable air mesh back panel for a lightweight, comfortable fit, a secure zippered pocket for essentials, and a lightweight, ventilated mesh harness.

You know you’ll be on the hunt all day for the shows you want to see, why not stay covered, cool, and sunburnt-free! This UPF50+ UV Protection Sun Cap Outdoor Bucket Mesh Hat has 5 different colors to match your fit. Even better, it has a drawstring so you can take it off to dance without losing it. Add some of your favorite pins to enhance your style!

Protect your ears so you can enjoy festivals for the long run! Vibes High Fidelity Earplugs are reusable and offer a variety of form-fitting outer shell pieces so you know you’ll find the right fit. They protect your ears without affecting your quality of sound! A portable travel case is included so you can easily store it in a pocket or a backpack for when you need them most.

Walkie-talkies are an extremely underrated item to have at a music festival. Think about it, no longer will you need to aimlessly search for your friend at a late-night set once your phone inevitably dies. All you have to do is click a button and say "Do you read?" Now, doesn't that sound nice?! The Motorola T100 Talkabout Radio package includes 2 Radios, 2 Belt Clips, 1 User Guide. 3 AAA batteries are required. Over and out, good buddies!

This cell phone lens attachment package includes 11 clip-on camera lenses to help you take better photos in different situations. This is a great way to shoot creatively with your phone and make your smartphone act more like a traditional camera.

This ultra-slim plasma lighter is built with a sleek finish, upward electrodes and wide-open lid. It offers a classic look with a modern twist while being ultra-compact, portable and lightweight. Windproof with a 300mAh rechargeable battery.

These customizable LED Bluetooth glasses will get you noticed with animation, messages, and more! Sync to your phone or music. The LED glasses have 432 bright LED lights, characterized by low energy consumption, long life. And charge via USB power cord, charge it once, you can use them for 6 hours. Great for kiddos and adults. Get lit!

Capture festival memories with the new, Instax Mini 9 camera. This camera features a selfie mirror for the perfect selfie photo every time – and prints photos on the spot! Close-up macro photos are now easier thanks to the included close-up lens adapter which allows you to focus on subjects as close as 35-50cm. The camera signals the recommended aperture setting with a flashing LED light and the user can manually adjust the dial to the recommended setting.

This portable universal electronics accessories travel organizer/hard drive bag/cable organizer is made of heavy-duty, durable and waterproof nylon. It features a versatile organization system designed to hold items firmly in place with endless configurations. It's the perfect companion for your laptop bag or travel case.

The GearLight LED headlamp generates a powerful beam with daylight color and definition. Runtime of up to 45 hours on low and 3 hours on high. Weighing only 1.8 oz (3 oz with batteries), it is the ideal headlamp accessories for runners, outdoor adventurers, and festivaaaaaals!

Clip and play like no other, the JBL Clip 3 is a unique ultra-portable, ultra-rugged and waterproof Bluetooth speaker that is small in size but with surprisingly big sound!

When you’re walking around the festival grounds to get to the next set you want to keep the party rolling! Do just that with this Bluetooth fanny pack. It contains a rechargeable battery and is compatible with iPhone and Android devices. The Bluetooth fanny pack delivers powerful, full-bodied sound that lasts for 4+ hours. Shake yo rump!

A savior of electronics, this buywhat BW-150 150W Car Power Inverter will help you charge your phone, Bluetooth speaker, portable charger and much more! Take this on any road trip and you will thank yourself. It comes in two colors and it's size is just about credit card size – 3.2 x 2.5 x 1.5 inches, space-saving and easy storage, with aluminum shell design, Extremely portable and lightweight!

The updated Tile Pro is a super powerful and durable Bluetooth tracker, made for finding all your things. The polished Pro has a 400 ft Bluetooth range and a loud ring, making it easier than ever to keep valuables — like high-end gadgets, designer bags, and outdoor gear — findable and safe. Use your smartphone to make your tile ring when you misplace your things.

The BigBlue 28W Solar Charger has 3 USB charging ports (Each is 5V/2.4A Max) with smart charging technology which recognizes your device and then provides the optimal charging speed. CE/ FCC/ RoHS certificated, BigBlue ensures 100% safe charging with overcharging, overheating and short circuit protection. With its compact size (11.1 × 6.3× 1.3in folded) and lightweight (20.6 oz) design, the BigBlue foldable solar charger panel bag is small and light enough to fit into any camping backpack, hiking daypack, or emergency kit.

Stock up on new threads just in time for tour with JamBase's BOGO offer on t-shirts. Look sharp while you’re getting ready to Go See Live Music! Mix and match men's and women's styles of our our classic Go See Live Music AND Retro Microphone short sleeve t-shirts for just $20 for both! Lots of other great items to check out as well.

This patented salt shooting, insect eradication device will decimate the common housefly, lanternflies, and other soft-bodied pest insects on contact. Uses ordinary table salt as ammo! Non-toxic, accurate within three feet, and no batteries required. We hear it works well for taking tequila shots, too … Just sayin.’

Rose & Bolt is officially licensed Grateful Dead jewelry by Colorado-based designer Sarah Lewis. She has fused her modern bohemian aesthetic with iconic Grateful Dead imagery in a palette of sterling silver, rose, and yellow gold featuring natural crystals and stones.

Pesca Muerta is a sporting lifestyle brand that believes in Good Tunes, Good Times, and Tight Lines. Pesca Muerta designs and develops premium sportswear and leisurewear that is as functional on the water as it is comfortable and stylish around town. With tons of hats, shirts, performance wear, and accessories – Pesca Muerta has the perfect gifts for the music lover and outdoorsman in your life!

The Leatherman Sidekick is equipped with 14 tools, including knives, pliers, screwdrivers, wire cutters, bottle and can openers, a file, a saw and a ruler. The outside-accessible blades mean you can open the knife with just one hand and rounded handles make getting a grip around their all-new, spring-action jaws easy and very comfortable.

The world's first 100% flat 18-in-1 multi-tool fits in your wallet with credit cards. Made from heat-treated steel and has a lifetime guarantee.

Make sure your tent stakes are firmly in the ground with this small Mr. Pen- Hammer. Easily stored yet packs a punch! No need to try and search for a rock in a grassy field or use a water bottle. This hammer offers a variety of uses for your camping needs.

A microfiber dream! The Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is perfect for traveling. It is fast drying, skin-friendly, compact and lightweight! It is perfect for sweaty sets or self-made showers at your campsite. Even better, the towel has a lifetime warranty!

Dr. Bronner's castile soap has as many uses as you can think of. It works for your skin/body/hair, your dirty breakfast pots & pans, cleaning out a scratch or burn and many more! Having this soap frees you from worrying about affecting the environment, as it will decompose naturally without disrupting the balance of the ecosystem! Keep feelin’ clean while also keepin’ mama earth clean from toxins!

We live in the age of sanitation! Why not come prepared? Purell hand sanitizer offers you clean hands from germs, stickiness, and gives your conscience a break. A perfect campsite tool to stay clean in the thick of a long festival weekend.

Blisters? Cuts? Injury? All of these can happen when at a festival! This All Health First Aid Kit comes with 100 pieces of everything you’ll need — just in case. The kit includes a variety of adhesive bandages, pain relief medication and triple antibiotic ointment to help prevent infection. Also includes antiseptic wipes, alcohol prep pads, aspirin, acetaminophen, nitrile gloves, paper tape, sterile gauze pads and non-stick pads. Stay nourished and protected, and even help a friend in need!

Lysol Handi-Pack Disinfecting Wipes are antibacterial and offer a quick clean. Their package offers sealable technology so you can keep them moist for when you need them most. Kills 99.9% of viruses & bacteria so you can stay safe this festival season.

Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day air freshener is infused with lavender essential oils giving you a fresh scent and added relaxation between sets! Keep your tent smelling like a garden, rather than your muddy feet. Offer a refreshing feel on those sticky, hot summer days!

When you’re dancing all weekend long, refresh your body with electrolytes and essential Vitamin C! This fizzy Emergen-C will hydrate and boost your immunity so your body doesn't have to overwork for you to enjoy the weekend festivities. They come in individual packs so you can take them with you as you go see sets!

Nothing's worse than having a sunburn when you are trying to enjoy all that a festival offers. Lather up with Sky Organics 50SPF sunscreen! The all-natural Mineral Sunscreen provides reliable broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection of SPF 50 and the Non-Nano Zinc Oxid formula keeps you and the environment healthy.

Get your workout in AND have fun! The Better Sense Hoola Hoop is a weighted hoop with soft adjustable padding. Weighing in at 2lbs it gives you just enough weight to keep hoppin’ but still feelin’ the burn. A great activity at your favorite set or just having fun by your campsite!

First of all, this Lighted Bocce Ball Set is glow-in-the-dark, so your fun doesn't have to end at sunset. It comes in a compact travel case that won't take up room! Reignite the child within and bring this fun game to your site!

Need more games that can go on all night? This Lawn Darts Game is glow-in-the-dark! Create a target at your desired distance and see who can get the most darts in the hoop. Reawaken your competitive spirit and bring some fun to your day!

Nothin's better than playing frisbee on a lawn during your favorite set … unless you can keep going through the night! The Nite Ize Flashflight LED Light Up frisbee will amaze anyone who passes you by, plus maybe you’ll get a couple of new players in the mix! It even floats, so you can take your toss through the lake, river, or sea!

Get ready to laugh your ass off with this amazing new party game called Sex, Drugs or Rock-N-Roll Game! If you like Cards Against Humanity, you will LOVE this game!

Rock on with the JamBase Music Festival Essentials Guide knowing you have everything you need to Go See Live Music! Safe travels and happy festival-going!