What you need for a rock concert

A rock concert needs more than instruments and speakers. This shopping list covers the practical supplies that keep the audience comfortable, the entrance moving and the venue safe, from drinkware and serving items to stage cables and lighting. Check technical requirements with each band before buying or reserving equipment. Order printed programmes, catering supplies and special-diet items early enough to match your confirmed attendance.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

High tablesqty 12
Beer tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 80
Coat racksqty 3
Coat rack hangersqty 150
Bar matsqty 2

Equipment

Stage sectionsqty 12
Stage stepsqty 2
Speakersqty 4
Subwoofersqty 2
Mixing console
Microphonesqty 8
Microphone standsqty 8
DI boxesqty 6
Monitor speakersqty 4
Guitar cablesqty 12
XLR cablesqty 20
Extension cordsqty 12
Power stripsqty 8
Cable traysqty 10

Lighting

LED stage lightsqty 8
Light standsqty 2
Mood lightingqty 6
Emergency lightingqty 4

Tableware

Drinking glassesqty 180
Wine glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 150
Forksqty 150
Napkin holdersqty 12

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Ice cube traysqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 12
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2

Decorations

Stage drapesqty 4
Lighted garlandsqty 8
Adhesive stripsqty 6
Directional signsqty 20
Program standsqty 6

Cleaning

Broomqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 8
Waste binsqty 12
Waste binsqty 4
Paper towel dispensersqty 4

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Fire extinguishersqty 4
Bollardsqty 12
Barrier tapeqty 4
Work glovesqty 10

Registration

Entrance desk
Clipboardsqty 4
Pensqty 20
Wristbandsqty 200
Cloakroom numbersqty 180
Cash boxesqty 2
Payment terminalsqty 2
Program flyersqty 180

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Sinas - 18 bottles
- Tonic - 12 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 48 bottles
- Spa Red - 24 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Pilsener - 120 bottles
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Red wine - 8 bottles
- Rosé wine - 6 bottles
- Ginger beer - 12 bottles
- Coffee - 2 kilos
- Tea - 120 bags
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Lemons - 3 kilos
- Ice cubes - 30 kilo
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 8 bags
- Salted peanuts - 4 kilo
- Olives - 3 kg
- Mixed nuts - 3 kilo
- Mini wraps - 180 pieces
- Hummus - 3 kilos
- Cream cheese - 2 kilo
- Herb cheese - 2 kilos
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Smoked chicken breast - 2 kilo
- Bell peppers - 3 kilos
- Cucumber - 3 kilos
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Arugula - 1 kilo
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 4 kilos
- Bananas - 3 kilos
- Mini quiches - 150 pieces
- Bitterballen - 200 pieces
- Vlammetjes - 150 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Satay sauce - 2 jars
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Bread - 12 loaves
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 6 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 4 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Garbage bags - 100 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Baking paper - 4 rolls
- Cocktail picks - 500 pieces
- Paper straws - 300 pieces

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add one drink per person for each additional hour. Chill the drinks in batches instead of waiting until the doors open.
Allow at least one plate, fork and napkin per guest, plus around 10% extra for replacements and volunteers. Mark catering clearly for each dietary requirement before it reaches the serving area.
Confirm the stage plan and each band’s technical rider before reserving microphones, DI boxes, monitors, speakers, subwoofers and the mixing console. Count cables by position, then keep spare XLR and guitar cables available.
Bring enough extension cords, power strips and cable trays for the complete stage and lighting setup, not just the sound equipment. Keep cable routes away from entrances and audience walkways and test emergency lighting before guests arrive.
Set up the entrance desk, cloakroom racks and printed programme before doors open. Prepare one hanger per coat and keep a separate supply of spare hangers, signs and tableware so volunteers are not searching during the first set.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a rock concert?: Plan for two to three drinks per person during the first hour, followed by about one drink per person per additional hour. Add extra water and a small reserve for performers, crew and volunteers.
How much tableware should I buy for a concert?: Start with one plate, fork, napkin and drinking glass per expected guest, then add at least 10% extra. If you serve wine or coffee, count wine glasses and coffee cups separately rather than sharing one estimate.
When should I reserve concert sound and lighting equipment?: Confirm the bands’ technical requirements before booking the equipment, ideally several weeks before the concert. Recheck the stage layout, power needs and cable lengths at least 7 days before the event.
What should I prepare before concert doors open?: Finish the entrance desk, cloakroom, chilled drinks, catering labels, emergency lighting and printed programmes before doors open. Allow at least 60 minutes for a full soundcheck and a separate final safety walk-through.

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