What to Buy for a Music Marathon

A music marathon needs more than instruments and performers. You will need enough seating, serving equipment, drinks, food-service items and reliable stage connections for a long programme. Plan quantities around your guest count, performance schedule and venue setup, then check technical requirements with every artist before shopping. The items below cover the details people often leave until the final setup, including spare batteries, cable management and enough glassware for several hours.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 60
High tablesqty 4
Coat racksqty 2

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Microphone standsqty 2
Laptop
Music standsqty 3
DI boxesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Cable tiesqty 30

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 4
String lightsqty 3
Spare batteriesqty 24

Tableware

Glassesqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving jugsqty 4

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 8
Music postersqty 12
Balloonsqty 80
Barrier tapeqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mop setqty 2

Safety

First aid kit
Cable matsqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Beer - 5 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Mini buns - 80 pieces
- Butter - 4 packs
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Aged cheese - 2 kilo
- Ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cream cheese - 8 tubs
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 5 bags
- Salted nuts - 4 bags
- Olives - 4 jars
- Mixed bar snacks - 5 trays
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper cups - 100 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person per additional hour. Add extra water for performers, sound crew and anyone working backstage.
Count one chair per seated guest, then add high tables if people will be standing between sets. Arrange coat racks before doors open; they are easy to forget when the focus is on the stage.
Allow at least one microphone stand for each wired or wireless microphone in use, plus one spare stand if the programme changes. Confirm whether performers need DI boxes, music stands or laptop connections at least one week ahead.
Bring extension cords, power strips and cable ties as a set rather than buying them separately at the last minute. Keep spare batteries for wireless microphones and lighting, and test every cable during the sound check.
Prepare buffet equipment before the first act arrives: serving platters, serving jugs, cutting boards and bread knives should be ready at least 60 minutes before doors open. Keep coolers filled and use thermos flasks for hot drinks throughout the programme.

Frequently asked questions

What drinks do I need for a music marathon?: For the first hour, allow two to three drinks per guest, followed by about one drink per guest for each additional hour. Include water for the audience and separate bottles or cups for musicians and crew.
How many microphones and stands should I buy or bring?: Count one microphone and one stand for each simultaneous vocal or spoken part, then keep at least one spare microphone or stand available. Confirm the final number with performers no later than one week before the event.
What technical equipment is needed for a music marathon?: A typical setup includes active speakers, a mixer, microphones, stands, extension cords, power strips and cable ties. Check each artist's technical requirements at least seven days in advance, especially for DI boxes, laptops and music stands.
How much tableware do I need for the audience?: Provide at least one glass, cup, plate and cutlery set per guest, plus 10% extra for breakages and replacements. For a four-hour programme, plan the buffet and bar setup at least 60 minutes before guests arrive.

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