I’ve always been a big concert-goer. Recently I attended a some bigger ones (Taylor Swift, SZA, Olivia Rodrigo and Morgan Wallen) and I feel like I’ve really honed in on what I like to take. I created a ‘Master Packing List For Concerts’ that I keep as a checklist in the Notes app on my phone and reference it each time I attend a show.
I definitely pick and choose what to take depending on the concert. For instance, if it’s indoor, I don’t bring my waterproof phone case or if I I’m already wearing comfortable shoes, I won’t bring flip-flops. This is just my “master list” that I refer to when I’m deciding what to take.
Hopefully this list is helpful if you’ll be heading to a concert, music festival, etc. – even if it’s just a few items. It seems like a long list but many things take up next to no room (i.e. hair ties, band-aids) and I only include a few of the item. Be sure to always check the stadium/venue policies on what you can or cannot bring.
Master Concert Packing List
- Clear bag – I like this one because I typically like to go with the maximum size allowed in stadiums which is currently 12x12x6 inches. I’ve linked a variety of sizes below.
- iPhone
- Camera – I like to use both my phone and point-and-shoot camera to take photos and video.
- Keys
- Photo ID
- Credit card
- Cash – Most stadiums are cashless but I still like to bring some cash along.
- Portable phone charger – *Be sure to charge prior to the concert!
- Loop ear plugs – These are highly rated and I can attest they work really well. I’m a bit neurotic about protecting my hearing.
- A few hair ties
- Small bottle of hand sanitizer
- Clip-on light – I clip this light on my phone when taking photos and Voila!…fabulous lighting!
- Lipstick/lip gloss/lip balm – I always bring along whatever lip color I’m wearing or lip balm
- Bottle of water – Some venues will let you bring in a 20 ounce factory sealed water bottle. I’ll usually just do a standard 16.9 ounce one.
- Pack of gum
- A few mints
- A few throat lozenges – I’ll often toss a few of these in my bag as they can be so helpful after the concert if you’ve been scream singing
- Small pack of Kleenex
- A few wet wipes
- A few Band-aids – A lifesaver if you get a blister, scrape, etc.
- Small bottle of Tylenol
- Sharpie – Photos are the autograph of the 21st century but you never know if you’ll have the chance to meet the artist/band and they’ll sign merch or something for you.
- Plastic bag – If I know I’m going to buy merch, I’ll sometimes toss in a plastic bag or two since it’s not that uncommon for stands to run out of bags.
- Flip-Flop sandals – If I wearing shoes that could get uncomfortable after awhile, I like to have a pair of flip-flops to save my feet – particularly if it’s a long walk to the car or hotel.
*PRO TIP: If you drive to the concert, keep snacks and cold water in your vehicle. I’ve been to a couple of concerts recently where it’s taken an excruciatingly long time to exit the parking lot and the waiting was much more bearable with food and drink!
OUTDOOR CONCERTS:
- Sunglasses or hat
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm with SPF
- Portable fan – I’ll bring this along if the concert is on a hot day
- Rain poncho(s) – I’ll usually bring the disposable ones due to their compact-ness
- Waterproof phone case
- Collapsible water bottle
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