What to Buy for a Protest Picnic

A protest picnic needs more than food and blankets. Plan for shared meals, clear messaging, short speeches and changing weather, while keeping everything easy to carry and set up. This shopping list covers serving equipment, coolers, hot drinks, seating, signs and basic sound gear. Check dietary requirements before buying food, and arrange anything that needs charging or printing several days ahead.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 60
Picnic blanketsqty 12
Tableclothsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 80
Reusable bowlsqty 60
Reusable cupsqty 120
Reusable wine glassesqty 40
Reusable cutleryqty 120
Serving spoonsqty 12
Scissorsqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 6
Chef's knivesqty 6
Serving plattersqty 16
Serving tongsqty 8
Coolersqty 6
Ice cubesqty 12
Thermos flasksqty 6
Water jugsqty 8
Food containersqty 20

Equipment

Battery-powered speakersqty 2
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Microphone standsqty 2
Megaphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Power banksqty 6

Decorations

Bannersqty 8
Protest signsqty 40
Wooden sign stakesqty 40
Ropeqty 4
Flagsqty 12
Flagpolesqty 12
Chalkboardsqty 4
Sidewalk chalkqty 12
Cable tiesqty 100
Painter's tapeqty 8
Waterproof markersqty 24
Cardboard sheetsqty 50
Flyer racksqty 4
Portrait cordsqty 4

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 6
Rechargeable lampsqty 8
Flashlightsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Bucketsqty 4
Washing-up tubsqty 4
Dish brushesqty 6
Broomsqty 4
Can openersqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 4
Hand broomsqty 6
Work glovesqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Whole wheat baguettes - 12 pieces
- White baguettes - 8 pieces
- Whole wheat wraps - 80 pieces
- Hummus - 10 tubs
- Cream cheese - 8 tubs
- Young cheese - 5 kilos
- Aged cheese - 3 kilo
- Vegetarian slices - 4 kilos
- Vegan falafel - 5 kilos
- Chickpeas - 12 cans
- Lentils - 10 cans
- Kidney beans - 10 cans
- Corn - 10 cans
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 6 kilos
- Bell peppers - 30 pieces
- Carrots - 5 kilos
- Arugula - 12 bags
- Mixed lettuce - 12 bags
- Red onions - 3 kilos
- Avocados - 30 pieces
- Lemons - 20 pieces
- Apples - 80 pieces
- Bananas - 60 pieces
- Grapes - 12 kilos
- Melons - 8 pieces
- Cherries - 6 kilos
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Tortilla chips - 12 bags
- Salsa - 10 jars
- Olives - 8 jars
- Pickles - 6 jars
- Mayonnaise - 4 bottles
- Ketchup - 4 bottles
- Mustard - 3 bottles
- Olive oil - 3 bottles
- Balsamic vinegar - 2 bottles
- Salt - 2 packs
- Black pepper - 2 jars
- Paprika powder - 2 jars
- Italian herbs - 2 jars
- Garlic - 10 bulbs
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Lemonade - 8 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 24 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Orange juice - 8 packs
- Non-alcoholic beer - 8 crates
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 8 liters
- Sugar - 3 kilos
- Honey - 3 jars
- Cookies - 12 packs
- Brownies - 8 boxes
- Paper napkins - 12 packs
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 10 rolls
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 8 bottles
- Cleaning wipes - 6 packs
- Rubber gloves - 12 pairs
- Bandages - 4 boxes
- Sunscreen - 8 bottles
- Mosquito spray - 6 bottles
- Tissues - 12 packs
- Rain ponchos - 60 pieces
- Trash labels - 2 packs

Tips

Plan about 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Bring extra water in jugs, especially if the picnic is outdoors in warm weather.
Allow one reusable plate, bowl, cup and set of cutlery per guest, plus 10% extra for dropped or misplaced items. Pack serving spoons, tongs and platters separately so food can be served immediately.
Prepare coolers with ice on the morning of the picnic and keep drinks separate from food where possible. Fill thermos flasks with coffee or tea shortly before loading transport to retain heat.
Bring at least one protest sign or banner for each speaking or gathering point, and pack scissors for quick repairs. Print route maps and flyers before the event rather than relying on venue access or a last-minute printer.
Test battery-powered speakers, wireless microphones and megaphones at least one day beforehand. Fully charge power banks, and pack extension cords and power strips only after confirming that electricity is available at the venue.

Frequently asked questions

What food and drinks do I need for a protest picnic?: Plan 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, followed by one per person per additional hour. Buy enough food for every registered guest, add about 10% extra, and provide clearly labelled options for collected dietary requirements.
How many plates, cups and chairs should I bring?: Bring one plate, bowl, cup and cutlery set per guest, plus 10% spare. Provide one chair per person who needs seated access; use picnic blankets for the remaining guests and keep clear paths around the tables.
When should I prepare signs and flyers for a protest picnic?: Finish banners, protest signs, flyers and route maps at least 1–2 days before the picnic. Keep scissors and spare paper or fastening supplies with the signs so last-minute changes can be made on site.
How early should I check the sound equipment?: Test speakers, microphones, stands and megaphones at least 24 hours before the event. Charge power banks the night before, and confirm venue power before relying on extension cords or power strips.

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