Fireworks Festival shopping list

A fireworks festival needs more than fireworks and refreshments. You’ll need practical equipment for serving drinks and food, powering sound and lighting, and keeping guests comfortable before and after the display. Use this list alongside your confirmed guest count, catering arrangements and site plan. Order rental items early, especially tents, tables, sound equipment and reusable glassware, then leave time to chill drinks and check every delivery before setup.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Beer tablesqty 12
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 120
Bar stoolsqty 12
Bar matsqty 3
Stage sectionsqty 4
High tablesqty 10

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 180
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 150
Pastry forksqty 150
Knivesqty 150
Forksqty 150
Spoonsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 20
Serving tongsqty 12

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Mixer
Microphonesqty 2
Microphone standsqty 2
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8
Coolersqty 6
Food warmersqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Payment terminalsqty 3

Lighting

String lightsqty 8
LED work lightsqty 6
Flashlightsqty 12

Safety

Crowd barriersqty 40
Traffic conesqty 30
Barrier tapeqty 10
Warning signsqty 12
Fire extinguishersqty 8
Sand bucketsqty 6
Safety gogglesqty 12
Work glovesqty 12
First aid kitsqty 3
Safety vestsqty 20
Walkie-talkiesqty 10
Emergency lightsqty 4

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Festival Flagsqty 20
Tableclothsqty 20
Menu boardsqty 6
Directional signsqty 12

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 6
Chef's knifeqty 4
Pliersqty 8
Measuring cupsqty 4
Cooling racksqty 4
Aluminum serving traysqty 12
Food containersqty 20
Cling filmqty 4
Aluminum foilqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 6
Broomsqty 6
Dustpan and brushqty 4
Cleaning glovesqty 12
Hand soap dispensersqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Cola Zero - 18 bottles
- Orange soda - 12 bottles
- Ice tea - 12 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 24 bottles
- Still mineral water - 36 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Orange juice - 8 packs
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Beer - 120 bottles
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Rosé - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Prosecco - 6 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 2 kilos
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 8 bags
- Salted peanuts - 4 bags
- Cocktail nuts - 4 bags
- Olives - 6 jars
- Pickles - 4 jars
- Cheese cubes - 4 kilo
- Brie - 2 kilos
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Carrots - 5 kilos
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Garlic sauce - 6 bottles
- Mustard - 4 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 6 bottles
- Ketchup - 6 bottles
- Satay sauce - 4 jars
- Mini burgers - 180 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 40 pieces
- Hot dogs - 160 pieces
- Hot dog buns - 180 pieces
- Burger buns - 220 pieces
- Fries - 25 kilos
- Onions - 5 kilo
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Tomatoes - 5 kilos
- Sliced cheese - 4 kilos
- Coffee creamer - 4 packs
- Mint tea bags - 2 boxes
- Fruit tea bags - 2 dozen
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Brownies - 120 pieces
- Cupcakes - 120 pieces
- Napkins - 1000 pieces
- Paper straws - 300 pieces
- Baking paper - 4 rolls
- Disposable aluminium trays - 200 pieces
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Cleaning wipes - 12 packs
- All-purpose cleaner - 6 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 4 bottles
- 60 liter trash bags - 100 pieces
- 120-liter trash bags - 60 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Charcoal - 20 kilos
- Firelighters - 2 boxes
- Salt - 2 kilos
- Pepper - 500 grams
- Paprika powder - 250 gram
- Garlic powder - 250 grams
- Barbecue sauce - 6 bottles

Tips

Plan reusable drinking glasses, plates and cutlery for the full guest count, plus about 10% extra for breakage, delayed collection or guests taking items away. Keep serving platters and serving tongs separate from the bar stock.
For drinks, calculate two to three drinks per guest for the first hour, then roughly one to two per hour after that. Chill the first batch before guests arrive and keep additional stock in coolers rather than relying on one serving point.
Do not leave power planning until the event day. Count the active speakers, mixer, microphones, string lights, coffee machines and other equipment together, then prepare enough extension cords and power strips for separate, clearly marked circuits.
Provide lighting for both atmosphere and safety: string lights can mark guest areas, while LED work lights should cover setup routes, service points and access areas. Check that cables do not cross evacuation routes or create trip hazards.
Set up coffee machines, kettles and food warmers near the catering service rather than at the bar. Allow at least one clear service route and keep hot equipment away from guest queues, tents’ entrances and fireworks access areas.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for a fireworks festival?: Plan for drinks, reusable glasses, serving ware, catering equipment, tables and chairs, cooling equipment, sound equipment, lighting and safe power distribution. The exact quantities depend on your registered guest count, but add about 10% extra disposable or breakable service items where applicable.
How many drinks should I buy per person for a fireworks festival?: Use two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one to two drinks per person for each following hour. Add extra water for warm weather, staff and volunteers, and keep the first serving batch chilled before guests arrive.
How early should I reserve tents, tables and sound equipment?: Reserve rental equipment as soon as the date and location are confirmed, preferably several weeks before the festival. Confirm delivery times and quantities again at least 3–5 days before setup so shortages can still be corrected.
How many glasses and plates do I need for the event?: Start with one complete service set per expected guest for plates, forks, knives and spoons, and add around 10% extra. If guests will keep drinks for several hours, plan closer to two reusable drinking glasses per person or provide a reliable collection and washing point.

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