What you need for a forest concert

A forest concert needs more than instruments and a stage. Your shopping list must cover sound, temporary power, lighting, seating, food, drinks and safety across an outdoor site. Some items are easy to overlook until the first cable run or weather change, especially spare batteries, cable reels, flashlights and a generator. Use this list alongside your site inspection, safety plan and weather check so purchases arrive before artists, guests and suppliers are on site.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Beer tablesqty 8
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 120
High tablesqty 6
Party tentsqty 3
Stage sectionsqty 12
Stage stepsqty 2
Dressing room racksqty 4

Equipment

Speakersqty 4
Subwoofersqty 2
Mixing console
Microphonesqty 6
Microphone standsqty 6
DI boxesqty 4
Monitor speakersqty 4
XLR cablesqty 12
Jack cablesqty 8
Power stripsqty 10
Cable reelsqty 6
Power splitterqty 2
Generator

Lighting

LED stage lightsqty 8
Ambient light stringsqty 12
LED lanternsqty 16
Flashlightsqty 8
Spare batteriesqty 24

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Fire extinguishersqty 4
Crowd control barriersqty 12
Traffic conesqty 12
Cable matsqty 20

Decorations

Route signsqty 10
Directional signsqty 12
Stage backdrop
Buntingqty 12
Chalkboardsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Coffee cupsqty 120
Platesqty 150
Cutlery setsqty 150
Serving traysqty 12
Scissorsqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 6
Bread knivesqty 4
Pliersqty 8
Storage binsqty 12
Wok pansqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Hand sanitizer holdersqty 6
Toilet brushesqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Still water - 120 liters
- Sparkling water - 60 liters
- Cola - 24 liters
- Cola Zero - 24 liters
- Orange Soda - 12 liter
- Iced tea - 12 liters
- Apple juice - 12 liters
- Orange juice - 12 liters
- Alcohol-free beer - 48 bottles
- Pilsner - 96 bottles
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Rosé - 12 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Lemons - 3 kilos
- Fresh mint - 6 bunches
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Baguettes - 24 pieces
- Mini bake-off rolls - 180 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilos
- Young cheese - 5 kilos
- Brie - 2 kilos
- Back ham - 3 kilos
- Smoked chicken breast - 2 kilo
- Hummus - 3 kilos
- Cream cheese - 2 kilo
- Egg salad - 2 kilo
- Arugula - 1 kilo
- Lettuce - 12 heads
- Tomatoes - 5 kilos
- Cucumbers - 4 kilos
- Bell peppers - 3 kilos
- Red onions - 2 kilos
- Pickles - 3 jars
- Sun-dried tomatoes - 2 jars
- Pesto - 4 jars
- Mayonnaise - 3 jars
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Balsamic vinegar - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 kilo
- Black pepper - 250 grams
- Paprika powder - 250 gram
- Italian herbs - 2 jars
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Tortilla chips - 8 bags
- Salted peanuts - 6 bags
- Olives - 6 jars
- Grapes - 8 kilos
- Apples - 10 kilos
- Bananas - 8 kilos
- Melons - 6 pieces
- Cookies - 10 packs
- Chocolate bars - 120 pieces
- Muesli bars - 120 pieces
- Low-allergen crackers - 6 packs
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Cleaning wipes - 6 packs
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Trash bags - 150 pieces
- Compostable snack bags - 250 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Label stickers - 4 sheets
- Permanent markers - 12 pieces

Tips

Plan drinks by time, not just by guest count: allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then about one per person per hour. Chill them before guests arrive and keep extra crates aside for the artists and crew.
Check every audio connection before loading in. Count microphones, microphone stands, DI boxes, monitor speakers, XLR cables and jack cables, then add at least 10% spare cable length or one backup cable for each commonly used connection.
Treat forest power as a separate shopping decision. Confirm the available supply first, then prepare a generator, power splitter, power strips and cable reels; never rely on household extension leads for the full sound and lighting setup.
Lighting must work after sunset and during an interruption. Combine LED stage lights with ambient light strings and LED lanterns, and pack flashlights with spare batteries where staff can reach them quickly.
Buy safety equipment before the event week, not on setup morning. Keep first aid kits and fire extinguishers visible, and place crowd control barriers and traffic cones where evacuation routes, parking and cable crossings need protection.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a forest concert?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour and about one drink per person for each following hour. Add separate stock for artists, crew and drivers, and chill the drinks before doors open.
What power equipment do I need for an outdoor concert in the forest?: Start with the venue’s confirmed power supply. Depending on the load, prepare a generator, power splitter, power strips and cable reels, and test the complete setup before event day rather than discovering limits during soundcheck.
How much spare audio equipment should I buy or bring?: Bring at least one spare XLR cable and one spare jack cable for a small setup, plus spare batteries for any battery-powered equipment. Count every microphone, stand, DI box and monitor before transport and label the cases.
When should I buy lighting and safety supplies for a forest concert?: Have lighting, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, barriers and traffic cones ready at least one week before the concert. Recheck batteries, cable routes and evacuation access during the final site inspection.

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