What you need for a drive-in concert

A drive-in concert needs more than a stage and speakers. Guests must be able to hear the performance from their cars, see the screen after dark, move safely between parking spaces and find toilets, exits and staff. This shopping list covers the equipment and supplies that are easy to overlook, including FM transmitters and receivers, spare cables, cable protection, lighting and fire extinguishers. Check quantities against your site plan, audience size and the technical requirements agreed with the performers.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

High tablesqty 8
Foldable tablesqty 12
Folding chairsqty 40
Beer tablesqty 10
Party tentsqty 4
Dressing room furniture

Equipment

Stage
Sound mixing console
Stage speakersqty 4
Subwoofersqty 2
Microphonesqty 6
Microphone standsqty 6
DI boxesqty 4
Monitor speakersqty 3
Projection screen
Projector
FM transmittersqty 2
FM receiversqty 4
Laptop
Spare cable setsqty 2
Cable reelsqty 8
Extension cordsqty 12
Cable traysqty 20
Power stripsqty 10

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 8
Light standsqty 4
String lightsqty 6
Flashlightsqty 10
Spare batteriesqty 24

Safety

Fire extinguishersqty 4
First aid kitsqty 2
Crowd control barriersqty 30
Traffic conesqty 40
Traffic signsqty 12
Reflective vestsqty 15
Marker tapeqty 10

Decorations

Stage drapesqty 4
Flagsqty 20
Bannersqty 6
Bannersqty 8

Catering

Coolersqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 3
Groceries
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Tea assortment - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 3 kilograms
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Lemon - 3 kilograms
- Still water - 120 liters
- Sparkling water - 60 liters
- Cola - 48 liters
- Cola Zero - 36 liter
- Orange soda - 24 liters
- Tonic - 12 liters
- Ginger ale - 12 liters
- Apple juice - 18 liters
- Orange juice - 18 liters
- Ice cubes - 30 kilograms
- Alcohol-free beer - 96 bottles
- Beer - 240 bottles
- White wine - 24 bottles
- Rosé - 18 bottles
- Red wine - 12 bottles
- Bubbles - 6 bottles
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Tortilla chips - 10 bags
- Salsa - 10 jars
- Salted peanuts - 6 bags
- Olives - 8 jars
- Mixed nuts - 6 bags
- Baguettes - 20 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilograms
- Cream cheese - 3 kilograms
- Young cheese - 4 kilograms
- Ham - 3 kilograms
- Hummus - 3 kilograms
- Cucumber - 5 kilograms
- Cherry tomatoes - 5 kilo
- Grapes - 6 kilograms
- Apples - 100 pieces
- Mini wraps - 250 pieces
- Chicken breast strips - 8 kilogram
- Vegetarian burgers - 80 pieces
- Burger buns - 220 pieces
- Cheddar slices - 220 pieces
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Tomatoes - 8 kilograms
- Onions - 5 kilograms
- Ketchup - 6 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 6 bottles
- Mustard - 4 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 4 bottles
- Salt - 2 packs
- Pepper - 2 jars
- Garlic sauce - 4 bottles
- Herb mix - 4 sachets
- Diet meals - 20 pieces
- Napkins - 1000 pieces
- Paper straws - 500 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Baking paper - 3 rolls
- Hand soap - 12 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 12 bottles
- Trash bags - 150 pieces
- Paper towels - 24 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- All-purpose cleaner - 8 bottles
- Dish soap - 6 bottles
- Sponges - 24 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 30 pieces

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 300
Reusable wine glassesqty 80
Platesqty 200
Cutlery setsqty 200
Serving traysqty 12
Pitchersqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 20
Waste binsqty 6
Litter pickersqty 6
Bucketsqty 6
Broom setsqty 6
Mopsqty 4
Cleaning cratesqty 4

Tips

Plan one FM receiver for every participating car if the audience will listen through the vehicle radio, and keep spare receivers available for guests whose cars cannot tune in. Confirm the transmission range before event day.
Prepare at least one spare cable set for every main audio connection and keep cable reels, extension cords, power strips and cable trays together. Late cable changes are common when the stage, screen or parking layout shifts.
Use enough light to mark walkways, toilets and exits without shining LED spotlights into drivers’ windscreens. Put torches and spare batteries with the crew responsible for checking the site after dark.
Count seating separately from vehicle capacity. Folding chairs, high tables and beer tables are useful for guests who leave their cars, while party tents and dressing-room furniture serve different areas and should not be treated as general seating.
Place fire extinguishers where the stage, catering area and power equipment can be reached quickly. Check them before setup, and keep access routes clear after parking spaces and traffic signs are in place.

Frequently asked questions

How many FM receivers do I need for a drive-in concert?: Allow one receiver per car if guests will not use their own car radios. Buy or hire a small reserve, such as 5 to 10 percent above the registered vehicle count, for failures and late arrivals.
What power equipment is needed for a drive-in concert?: Plan cable reels, extension cords and power strips for each separate technical area, including the stage, screen and lighting. Confirm the available power supply with the technical team at least one week before the concert.
How many spare cables should I bring to a drive-in concert?: Pack at least one complete spare cable set for each critical audio and video connection. Label the sets before setup so a faulty cable can be replaced without searching through mixed equipment.
What lighting should I buy for a drive-in concert?: Use LED spotlights for the stage, string lights for suitable guest areas, and torches for staff and walkways. Check batteries on the day before the event and keep spare batteries ready for the full evening.

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