Outdoor Concert Packing List: What to Bring for a Perfect Night of Live Music

Whether you’re heading to a free summer concert in the park, an amphitheater show, or a mountain music festival, having the right gear can make the difference between an amazing evening and an uncomfortable one. Here’s my go-to outdoor concert packing list that keeps me comfortable from the opening act through the encore.

Concert Essentials

• Portable phone charger/power bank (this one comes with a USB-C cable)
• Charging cable
• Digital concert tickets
• Photo ID, Credit card and small amount of cash
• Sunglasses
• Lightweight crossbody bag or clear stadium-approved bag
• Touchland Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Spray
• SPF lip balm and sunscreen (the dryness and sun are no joke in Colorado)
• Reusable water bottle (where allowed – stay hydrated)

Comfort Items

• Portable Camping Chair (if permitted)
• Compact stadium seat cushion
• Waterproof, oversized picnic blanket to lay on the ground + second Lightweight blanket for warmth
• Travel-sized tissues
• MISSION Cooling Bandana/Towel and/or Portable Fan for hot summer concerts (this one is rechargeable)
• Collapsible wagon if you don’t want to carry everything in

Weather Protection

• Lightweight waterproof jacket
• Compact travel umbrella
• Packable windbreaker
• Sunscreen
• Hat or visor
• Light fleece or sweater for evening temperature drops

Food & Drink Accessories

• Soft-sided cooler (if venue allows)
• Reusable ice packs
• Reusable water bottle
• Reusable utensils / Kid Friendly Travel Utensils Set with Case
• Snack containers / Snackle Box (Portable, Divided Snack Serving Tray with Lid and Handles)

Photography & Tech

• Smartphone tripod/selfie stick (if permitted)
• Waterproof phone pouch
• AirTag or luggage tracker for bags and chairs

Family-Friendly Concert Extras

If you’re attending with kids, consider bringing:

• Hearing protection headphones for kids
• Collapsible wagon to help haul everything in (best choose a heavy duty one as you might end up hauling the kids in it!)
• Portable Fan for each family member so they’re not fighting over them (hot and cranky is never a good combo) + this model has a touch safe auto-stop
• Glow sticks
• Activity books
• Extra snacks – Snack containers / Snackle Box (Portable, Divided Snack Serving Tray with Lid and Handles)
• Wet wipes

My Favorite Outdoor Concert Gear

Portable Power Bank

Never miss a photo, video, or rideshare home because of a dead phone battery. A high-capacity power bank is one of the most useful items you can bring to any outdoor concert.

I use this INIU 10000mAh Fast Charging Portable Charger that has a detachable USB-C cable and is flight-safe as well. I am considering getting this Anker Portable Charger, 10,000mAh Fast Charging Power Bank with USB-C (attached) for my second charger (I always travel with two battery packs!)

Lightweight Camp Chair

Many outdoor concert series allow low-back chairs. Look for a lightweight folding option with a carrying strap for easy transport.

I have had my Coleman Portable Camping Chair for years now – still going strong even through all my countless camping trips and outdoor activities! This model has a built-in 4-can cooler lets you grab a cold drink without getting up on one side with a mesh cup holder on the other side.

Note that some concert series allow camp chairs but they must be lower to the ground than the Coleman Portable Camping Chair, and this highly rated Cascade Mountain Tech Folding Camp Chair fits the bill (typical requirement is that the chair can only be 5″ off the ground)

Packable Blanket

Perfect for lawn seating, picnics, and staying warm after sunset.

Pro tip: I normally pack two blankets – one that is waterproof, oversized, machine washable and carry-able like this top rated ZAZE 80″ by 80″ picnic blanket (trust me on this one as finding out the spot you are on is damp in the middle of a concert is a buzzkill and also for the inevitable spills and messes of an outdoor picnic) and the second one provides warmth when the temps drop (easy to go from roasting with the sun out to downright freezing when the sun sets)

Reusable Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is essential during summer concerts, especially in Colorado as the high altitude is no joke.

I have taken my Hydro Flask 32 ounce Wide Mouth Water Bottle on countless trips around the world and it’s still going strong. I like that this has a straw so I don’t have to mess with opening and re-closing the lid every time I take a sip and the wide mouth is key to keeping things cool as it makes filling with ice a breeze.

Cooling Bandana/Towel and/or Portable Fan

A game-changer for hot summer concerts and music festivals, I prefer MISSION Cooling Bandana as it also offers UPF 50 Sun Protection along with up to 2 hours of cooling as it’s easier for me to wear. The MISSION Max Plus Cooling Towel also offers UPF 50 Sun Protection but has has 50% more cooling power with up to 3 hours of cooling

This JISULIFE Handheld Fan is the complete package with up to 37 hours of cooling and also can serve as a 4500mAh PowerBank & Flashlight! This model is great because it’s compact, has a base so you can still use without having to hold it and also is rechargeable (vs having to constantly replace batteries)!

Clear Stadium Bag

Many venues now require clear bags, making this a smart purchase if you attend multiple concerts each year.

I like the BAGAIL Clear Bags 12x6x12 Stadium Approved Clear Tote Bag as it has a zipper closure but can also be worn as a crossbody shoulder bag with adjustable strap

Concert Friendly Rain Jacket

Summer weather can change quickly. A lightweight waterproof jacket takes up minimal space and can save the day during unexpected showers. Personally I prefer a jacket to an umbrella for outdoor shows as I don’t want to block people’s views and take up too much space.

Beautiful Tip

Before every concert, check the venue’s website for prohibited items. Rules regarding chairs, coolers, outside food and beverages, umbrellas, and bags vary widely between venues and concert series.

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