Pop Concert Shopping List: What to Buy and Bring

A pop concert needs more than instruments and a stage. You also need reliable audio, lighting, power distribution, audience furniture, signage, safety equipment and practical backstage supplies. Start by matching every item to the venue layout and the artists’ technical requirements. Order rented equipment at least two to four weeks ahead, then check cables, microphones and power connections during the final venue walkthrough.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Stage sectionsqty 12
Stage stepsqty 2
High tablesqty 12
Beer tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 80
Coat racksqty 4
Coat hangersqty 350
Bollardsqty 24

Equipment

PA speakersqty 4
Subwoofersqty 2
Stage monitorsqty 4
Mixing console
Wireless microphonesqty 4
Wired microphonesqty 6
Microphone standsqty 8
DI boxesqty 4
Stage cablesqty 30
Multi-cableqty 2
Audio recorder

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 12
Moving headsqty 6
Light standsqty 4
Light controller
Extension cordsqty 20
Power stripsqty 12
Cable traysqty 16
Battery lampsqty 8

Decorations

Backdrop clothqty 2
Stage curtain
Balloon archesqty 2
Directional signsqty 12
Program postersqty 20
Wristbandsqty 400
Stage logo

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 500
Wine glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 50
Platesqty 250
Cutlery setsqty 250
Serving plattersqty 20
Serving spoonsqty 12
Coffee potsqty 4
Water jugsqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Pliersqty 8
Ice packsqty 24
Food warmersqty 6
Washing-up tubsqty 4

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Fire extinguishersqty 4
Emergency lightsqty 6
Vestsqty 15
Flashlightsqty 8
Walkie-talkiesqty 10
Emergency blanketsqty 10
Conesqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 6

Cleaning

Vacuum cleanerqty 2
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Waste binsqty 8
Cleaning clothsqty 30
Glovesqty 20
Hand soap dispensersqty 8

Production

Cable tiesqty 200
Gaffer tapeqty 12
Cable tiesqty 200
Tool casesqty 2
Batteriesqty 40
Clipboardsqty 10
Pensqty 30
Printer paperqty 2
Wristband scissorsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 36 liters
- Cola Zero - 24 liters
- Soda - 18 liters
- Bitter lemon - 12 liters
- Ginger ale - 6 liters
- Spa Blauw - 240 bottles
- Spa Red - 48 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 liters
- Orange juice - 12 liters
- Alcohol-free beer - 48 cans
- Pilsner - 240 cans
- White wine - 24 bottles
- Red wine - 12 bottles
- Prosecco - 6 bottles
- Coffee - 2 kilograms
- Tea - 200 bags
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Sweeteners - 200 pieces
- Semi-skimmed milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Lemons - 4 kilograms
- Ice cubes - 30 kilograms
- Mini rolls - 500 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- Wraps - 120 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilograms
- Cream cheese - 3 kilograms
- Young cheese - 5 kilogram
- Aged cheese - 3 kilograms
- Cooked ham - 3 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 3 kilograms
- Hummus - 3 kilograms
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Cucumbers - 20 pieces
- Tomatoes - 5 kilograms
- Lettuce - 12 heads
- Bell peppers - 4 kilograms
- Red onions - 2 kilograms
- Olives - 3 kilograms
- Pickles - 3 jars
- Herb cream cheese - 2 kilogram
- Chicken breast - 12 kilograms
- Falafel - 8 kilogram
- Beef croquettes - 200 pieces
- Vegetarian croquettes - 100 pieces
- Fries - 25 kilogram
- Mayonnaise - 4 liters
- Ketchup - 4 liters
- Mustard - 2 liters
- Garlic sauce - 3 liters
- Chili sauce - 2 liters
- Barbecue sauce - 2 liters
- Salt - 1 kilogram
- Pepper - 500 grams
- Paprika powder - 250 gram
- Italian herbs - 250 grams
- Garlic powder - 250 grams
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Tortilla chips - 10 bags
- Salsa - 6 jars
- Party Nuts - 8 kilograms
- Popcorn - 6 kilos
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Brownies - 250 pieces
- Apples - 10 kilograms
- Bananas - 8 kilograms
- Grapes - 6 kilograms
- Strawberries - 4 kilogram
- Yogurt - 6 kilogram
- Muesli - 3 kilogram
- Honey - 2 jars
- Lemonade - 12 liters
- Tonic water - 6 liter
- Energy drink - 48 cans
- Herbal tea - 100 bags
- Straws - 500 pieces
- Napkins - 1000 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Baking paper - 4 rolls
- Garbage bags - 120 pieces
- Cleaning product - 6 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 6 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 3 bottles
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 100 pieces
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Paper towels - 24 packs
- Hand sanitizer - 8 bottles
- Nitrile gloves - 10 boxes

Tips

Plan one complete microphone and monitor setup for each act, plus at least two spare wired microphones. Confirm whether artists need DI boxes, specific monitor mixes or extra stands before ordering equipment.
Allow one power strip and at least one extension lead for each active lighting or production area, then add 20% spare cable length. Keep cable trays or ramps available wherever leads cross audience or staff routes.
Use one chair per seated audience place and one coat hanger for each expected coat if the venue provides a cloakroom. For a standing concert, high tables and beer tables should be placed without narrowing emergency exits or access-control lanes.
Prepare lighting in zones: front light for performers, stage effects and audience or entrance lighting. Keep battery lamps available for backstage movement and power interruptions rather than relying only on the main lighting rig.
Buy or collect consumables and printed materials no later than 48 hours before doors open. Keep the exported ticket list, dietary information, artist schedule and audience instructions together at the entrance and backstage desk.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a pop concert?: At minimum, plan a PA system, subwoofers, stage monitors, a mixing console, microphones, stands, DI boxes, stage cables and a multicable. Add lighting, power distribution and cable protection after checking the venue and artist requirements.
How many microphones should I buy for a pop concert?: Count one microphone for every planned vocal or speaking position, then add at least two spare wired microphones. Wireless microphones also need fresh batteries and a tested frequency plan before doors open.
How far in advance should I order concert equipment?: Reserve specialist audio, lighting and staging equipment two to four weeks before the concert. Complete a technical check at least 48 hours before the event so missing cables, stands or power supplies can still be replaced.
How much seating and furniture do I need for a pop concert?: For seated areas, provide one chair per ticketed seat and keep additional chairs for staff, first aid and accessible seating. For standing concerts, measure the floor plan first and leave clear routes to exits, access control and the stage.

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