What to Buy for a Pop Festival
A pop festival needs more than drinks and snacks. Your shopping list also has to cover serving equipment, cooling, lighting, power distribution and the backstage area for performers. Plan quantities around your guest count, program length and catering setup, then check deliveries before shopping day. Reusable drinking glasses, extension cords, cable mats and work lights are easy to overlook and can cause problems when arranged at the last minute.
The full checklist for this plan is being updated. The tips and answers below still apply.
Tips
- Plan two to three drinks per guest for the first hour, then one to two drinks per person for each following hour. Add extra water for performers, volunteers and warm weather.
- Count reusable drinking glasses at 1.5 to 2 per guest when there is no washing station. For food service, allow one plate, one cutlery set and one serving utensil per planned serving point.
- Use at least one refrigerator or cooler for drinks and keep ice separate for serving. Prepare roughly 0.5 kg of ice per guest for a warm outdoor festival, with more if drinks are served without refrigeration.
- Buy or collect extension cords, power strips and cable mats before the equipment delivery. Keep cables away from walkways and allow separate power routes for audio, lighting and catering where possible.
- Backstage supplies are often forgotten: provide dressing room tables and chairs, plus water and basic serving items for artists. Arrange these at least one day before the first performance so the changing rooms are ready on arrival.
Frequently asked questions
- How many drinks do I need for a pop festival?
- Plan two to three drinks per guest during the first hour, followed by one to two drinks per guest for every additional hour. Include water for artists, volunteers and staff separately.
- How many reusable glasses should I buy for a festival?
- Allow 1.5 to 2 reusable drinking glasses per guest if there is no washing station. With a reliable collection and washing system, you can reduce this to about one glass per guest.
- How much ice do I need for an outdoor pop festival?
- For warm weather, plan around 0.5 kg of ice per guest. Buy or prepare it no later than the day before, and use coolers or refrigerators to keep drinks cold throughout the event.
- When should I arrange festival cables and lighting?
- Have extension cords, power strips, cable mats, light stands and work lights ready at least one day before setup. Confirm the power plan before connecting audio equipment, stage lights or catering equipment.