What to buy for a children’s concert

A children’s concert needs more than instruments and microphones. Plan drinks and snacks for both children and adults, child-sized tableware, comfortable seating, and the equipment needed for a clear sound check. Reusable cups and plates reduce waste, while coolers and thermos flasks keep drinks ready throughout the event. Use this shopping list alongside your registration numbers, dietary information and room setup so you buy the right quantities instead of making a last-minute store run.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Chairsqty 100
Children’s tablesqty 6
Adult tablesqty 6
Foldable tablesqty 2
Beanbagsqty 20
Coat racksqty 2

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 3
Microphone standsqty 3
Musical instrumentsqty 4
DI boxesqty 2
Audio cablesqty 8
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Laptop for music
Music standsqty 4

Lighting

LED stage spotsqty 4
String lightsqty 3

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Reusable platesqty 120
Children's cutleryqty 60
Adult cutleryqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 30
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 4
Measuring cupsqty 2
Kitchen supplies

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Balloon pumpqty 2
Paper garlandsqty 8
Tableclothsqty 12
Photo backdrop
Tapeqty 4
Cable tiesqty 100
Name stickersqty 120

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Dustpans and brushesqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 60 bottles
- Spa Red - 24 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 liters
- Orange juice - 12 liters
- Lemonade syrup - 3 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- No added sugar fruit juice - 6 packs
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Semi-skimmed milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Mints - 1 box
- Lemon juice - 2 bottles
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Mini ice pops - 120 pieces
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Corn chips - 6 bags
- Salted pretzels - 6 bags
- Popcorn - 6 bags
- Mini rice cakes - 6 packs
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Carrots - 5 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Grapes - 6 kilograms
- Apples - 80 pieces
- Bananas - 50 pieces
- Mandarins - 60 pieces
- Mini wraps - 100 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Mini croissants - 80 pieces
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 1 kilogram
- Strawberry jam - 2 jars
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Gluten-free crackers - 4 packs
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Vegan spreads - 2 packs
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper straws - 150 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Trash bags - 60 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Liquid hand soap - 4 bottles
- Paper hand towels - 6 packs

Tips

Plan about 2 drinks per child for a short concert, plus 2–3 drinks per adult if the event lasts around two hours. Keep chilled drinks in coolers and use thermos flasks for hot coffee or tea.
Buy snacks based on your confirmed registrations, then add about 10% extra. Set aside clearly labelled options for collected dietary requirements before the buffet opens.
Allow one reusable cup, plate and set of children’s cutlery per guest, plus at least 10% extra for dropped or misplaced items. Keep adult cutlery and coffee cups at the serving area.
For a small performance, check that the active speakers, mixer, microphones, stands, cables, DI boxes and power strips are compatible before the event day. Bring at least two extension cords and complete the sound check before children arrive.
Plan seating by age and sightline: use chairs for adults, children’s tables or cushions for younger guests, and beanbags only where they will not block exits. Bring coat racks or a clearly marked place for outerwear so the registration desk stays clear.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a children’s concert?: For a concert of about two hours, plan 2 drinks per child and 2–3 drinks per adult. Add 10% extra, especially if the venue is warm or the event includes time before and after the performance.
How much food should I buy for a children’s concert?: Buy one snack portion per registered child and adult, then add around 10% extra. Confirm allergies and dietary requirements before shopping, ideally at least 3–5 days in advance.
What sound equipment is needed for a children’s concert?: A basic setup usually includes active speakers, a mixer, microphones, microphone stands, audio cables, DI boxes and power strips. Check compatibility and complete a full sound check at least 1 hour before doors open.
How many cups and plates should I prepare?: Prepare one reusable cup and plate per expected guest, plus 10% extra. For a group of 50 people, that means at least 55 cups and 55 plates, with separate children’s and adult cutlery where needed.

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