Festival Season is Here:10 Essentials Every Performing Artist Should Pack
Festival Season Is Here — What’s in Your Artist Bag?
Warm weather is here and if you’re hitting the stage at any festivals (or outdoor gigs) here’s a few things that you should considering bringing!
You can grab most of them from my [Amazon storefront] (yes, they’re affiliate links, and yes, they help me keep this blog going).
1. A Good Plug-In Fan
Make it stand out
You need air flow on stage — not a cute little handheld. Get a fan you can plug in and aim your way while you perform. It’s a game-changer.
2. Sunscreen
Your skin is the largest organ your body and it’s important to protect it. These are some of my favorite sunscreens that don’t leave a white residue.
Hawaiian Tropic (For Face)
Hawaiian Tropic is my go to/everyday sunscreen.
It’s non-greasy and it has a tropical scent (smells amazing).
This brand is also vegan, cruelty fee & water resistant up to 80 minutes.
Hawaiian Tropic (For Body)
Face & Body
Black Girl Sunscreen (perfect if you want to support a black-owned business
LINK
Face & Body
If you plan on wearing makeup, an aerosol can is perfect for reapplying sunscreen throughout the day. It’s also an easier application for those hard to reach areas on your body.
3. A Small Towel
You’re going to sweat — just accept it. Wipe down between songs, after the set, or whenever you need a second to cool off.
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4. Water Bottle
Even if it’s on your rider, don’t count on it. Bring your own just in case. You’ll need it.
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5. Comfortable Slides or Backstage Shoes
Performance shoes look good, but they’re not meant for all-day wear. Keep some slides or something soft nearby.
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6. Your Favorite Shades
Practical and stylish. Protect your eyes, serve a look, and block the sun in between sets.
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7. Merch & a Sharpie
Keep at least one tee, CD, or card in your bag in case someone asks to buy directly after your set. And always, always keep a Sharpie.
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8. A Tripod (for Your Phone or Camera)
Content is king. Whether it’s rehearsal footage, soundcheck clips, or your full performance — bring your own tripod so you don’t have to rely on someone else to “get the shot.”
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Bonus Tip:
Create a “go bag” that stays packed with these things all summer. That way, you’re not scrambling the night before each show.
Want direct links to all the items?
They’re on my [Amazon page] — and if you grab anything through the links, I get a small kickback that supports this blog (thank you in advance).
Did I miss anything you always bring to festival gigs? Drop a comment or DM me — I’d love to add it to the list.