Preparing for ATG DC: What You Should Bring to Festivals… Advice From People Who Have Been to Festivals

I’m sure you’ve thought about some of these, but maybe we caught one you missed. In preparation for All Things Go DC in just over 4 weeks, the Out Jamz team has worked together to assemble our list of things you might want to bring with you.

 Let’s start with the basics:

Comfy Clothes – Festivals aren’t a couple hours and then you go home like a usual concert. For many festivalgoers the days are 10-12 hours long and that’s if you don’t queue ahead of the gates opening. It’s important to remember that you’ll be on your feet for a good portion of the day. You can be cute AND comfy at the same time. And for those who have never experienced Maryland weather before, in the past years ATG has been a hot during the day but chilly once the sun goes down situation. Bringing a cute jacket or a hoodie (or buying one at the merch stand) can keep you comfortable once the sun sets and the autumn chill sets in. Maryland weather is notoriously finnicky though so keep an eye out on those forecasts in the days leading up to the festival to scope out exactly what kind of attire you’ll need.

Refillable Water Bottle – Merriweather Post Pavilion, where ATG is held, allows fans to bring in either one empty or one factory sealed water bottle. I personally opt for a large refillable water bottle. The venue has water refill stations so you can stay hydrated all day long at no cost. If you bring a bigger water bottle that means less trips to fill it back up!

Sunscreen – I feel like this one is self-explanatory, but if it’s going to be sunny and hot don’t forget to bring sunscreen. You don’t want to get burnt! Plus better to have it and not need it than need it and with you had it.

Earplugs – I will always consider these an essential! I personally use Loop earplugs, but there are many trustworthy options out there. I’ll be the first to admit that I take mine out to experience certain songs or moments without them; however, with a full day of music it’s important to protect your hearing so that you can continue to enjoy concerts for years to come. I also find that they help ward off headaches from all the noise and help me feel less overstimulated in the festival environment.

Snacks/Electrolytes – Merriweather does allow fans to bring one clear, disposable, non-glass container of food in per guest. It’s important to remember to eat and stay hydrated during the festival. Even if you plan to buy something from concessions or one of the vendors, it can be helpful to have something small to snack on in between (plus it saves money). I personally always keep some protein bars and Liquid I.V. just incase me, or someone else in my group, needs it.

 Now that we have what I would consider “the essentials” out of the way here are some other things to consider:

Chapstick – There really is no specific rhyme or reason for this suggestion other than having chapped lips is unpleasant. I just feel like so many people forget about chapstick. I’m one of those people who once I notice my lips are chapped, I can’t stop thinking about it; so for me having chapstick is a must.

Sunglasses – Merriweather can be REALLY bright especially if you are seated on either hill. I’ve noticed the sun at The Chrysalis stage can be particularly brutal. It’s always good to have a pair of sunglasses to keep yourself from feeling like you’re staying directly into a giant ball of fire.

Portable Battery – Let’s be honest with ourselves… most, if not all of us, will be taking plenty of photos and videos at ATG. The last thing you need is for your phone to die in the middle of your favorite song or while you’re trying to find your friends or while you’re trying to get a Lyft to your hotel… Having a portable battery can ensure that your phone makes it through what is inevitably a fun but super long day.

Rain Poncho/Jacket – Concerts/festivals are Merriweather are rain or shine, with exceptions of course made for severe weather. If there is even a slight chance that it might rain, I would suggest throwing a rain jacket or poncho in your bag. Ponchos, in particular, can be really compact which means they take up very little room while still giving you the peace of mine that if the sky does open up, you won’t be spending the rest of the day soaked. Unless you have tickets with Pavilion access, there is nowhere to hide from the rain at Merriweather unless you want to hide out in the bathrooms; so it is best to be prepared just in case it does rain.

Waterproof Personal Outdoor Blanket – While we’re on the topic of rain, this might be a bit of an unorthodox suggestion, but personally I’ve done it, and it was worth every penny. If it does rain or has rained in the days leading up the festival, the ground can definitely get wet and/or muddy. As most of the seating at the festival is in the grass hills, this means you’d end up with a wet behind all day if you sat down. Two years ago, I invested in a cheap waterproof outdoor blanket to sit on in situations like that, and it has worked wonders for ensuring I don’t have to have a wet behind. Just be careful of dimensions if you do bring one. Merriweather does typically allow blankets for sitting but does not allow large blankets that occupy more than would be considered your “personal space”. Keep an eye out on the Merriweather website or in correspondence from ATG for specific guidelines on what is or is not allowed as we get closer to festival weekend.

Towel (but leave it in your car) – A final rain suggestion, if you are driving and you know there is a chance that you are going to be wet or muddy after the festival, throw a beach towel in your trunk. Then you can throw that towel over your seat, so you don’t get your seat wet or have to clean your seats when the festival is over… ask me how I learned this trick lol… the answer is the hard way…

Card games/activities – If you’re someone that likes to find a spot on the hill and chill throughout the day or someone who likes to have something to do in between sets, little games can be super beneficial to play with your friends and pass the time. I recommend small card games, a deck of cards, or small portable games (there is a whole genre of these for people that like to go backpacking). Bonus points if you make new friends my inviting the people around you to join in on the fun!

Personal Fan – Finally, if you are someone who is susceptible to heat, a small portable fan can be a great option for helping you to cool down if the weather is looking hot. Especially if there’s no breeze that day, I’ve found that portable fans make the festival experience much more enjoyable when it’s hot and/or humid.

And to finish off our list, below are some things that you can’t buy at the store, but I definitely think you should bring along with you for ATG DC.

The intangibles:

Excitement – Excitement is what brings the festival together. There’s no shame in being passionate about the things that you love! Wear the themed outfits! Bring the friendship bracelets! The excitement and passion from the fans is what makes this so special every year.

Kindness – Festivals are one of the best places to make friends. You’re all there because you love the same music and the same artists. Talk to the people around you and make new friends. Watch out for each other. ATG is one big community and the safe space you create is dependent on everyone treating each other with kindness and respect.

A Good Attitude – Everyone is at the festival to have a good time. Be respectful of the people around you and their personal space. And above all, be respectful of the workers. Many of these individuals are doing the best they can in a high stress environment. There will be lines for water or for the bathroom or for food and march. That’s just how festivals are. Out of all the venues I’ve been to, the Merriweather staff are second to none, but they are also human. Treating them and your fellow festivalgoers with respect and bringing a positive attitude ensures that everyone has a great time!