Rock Festival Shopping List

A rock festival needs more than a stage and a few speakers. Your shopping list must cover the full sound chain, lighting, backup power, guest areas, safety and the practical items people notice when they are missing. Use the plan below to track equipment such as microphones, DI boxes, XLR cables, cable trays, work lights and fire extinguishers. Check every band’s technical rider before buying or hiring anything, and keep spare batteries and cables ready for the day itself.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 4
High tablesqty 12
Beer tablesqty 10
Benchesqty 12
Folding chairsqty 40
Bar matsqty 4
Clothes racksqty 2

Equipment

Stage
Mixing console
Speakersqty 6
Subwoofersqty 4
Monitor speakersqty 4
Microphonesqty 10
Microphone standsqty 10
DI boxesqty 6
Instrument cablesqty 20
XLR cablesqty 20
Multi-cablesqty 3
Headphonesqty 4
Laptop
Spare batteriesqty 24
Power generator
Fire extinguishersqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Payment terminalsqty 4
Power banksqty 6

Lighting

Stage lightsqty 8
Light standsqty 4
String lightsqty 6
Work lightsqty 6
Extension cordsqty 12
Power stripsqty 12
Cable traysqty 20

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 800
Beer glassesqty 300
Wine glassesqty 100
Water glassesqty 150
Platesqty 150
Cutlery setsqty 150

Kitchen

Refrigeratorsqty 4
Coolersqty 8
Ice containersqty 6
Serving jugsqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 6
Chef's knifeqty 6
Storage binsqty 20
Serving traysqty 12

Decorations

Festival Flagsqty 20
Stage drapesqty 6
Directional signsqty 12
Entrance signsqty 4
Program postersqty 20
Wristbandsqty 700
Ticket rollsqty 4
Crowd control barriersqty 30
Crowd barriersqty 20

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 25
Waste binsqty 6
Broom setsqty 6
Floor squeegeesqty 4
Bucketsqty 8
Cleaning cartsqty 2
Glovesqty 20

Catering

Groceries
- Beer - 300 cans
- Alcohol-free beer - 60 cans
- Red wine - 12 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Rosé - 6 bottles
- Cola - 40 bottles
- Cola Zero - 30 bottles
- Orange soda - 20 bottles
- Tonic - 12 bottles
- Ginger ale - 10 bottles
- Ice tea - 20 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 120 bottles
- Spa Red - 48 bottles
- Energy drink - 30 cans
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 3 kilos
- Ice cubes - 30 kilo
- Hamburger buns - 180 pieces
- Hamburgers - 180 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 40 pieces
- Vegan burgers - 20 pieces
- Hot dog buns - 120 pieces
- Hot dogs - 120 pieces
- Vegetarian hot dogs - 20 pieces
- Fries - 25 kilos
- Onions - 8 kilo
- Tomatoes - 8 kilo
- Lettuce - 30 heads
- Cucumbers - 6 kilos
- Pickles - 6 jars
- Cheddar slices - 6 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 8 bottles
- Ketchup - 10 bottles
- Mustard - 6 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 6 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 6 bottles
- Salt - 2 kilos
- Pepper - 500 grams
- Paprika powder - 500 grams
- Oil - 10 liters
- Cheese sandwiches - 40 pieces
- Ham sandwiches - 40 pieces
- Hummus - 20 tubs
- Wraps - 60 pieces
- Paprika chips - 20 bags
- Plain chips - 20 bags
- Tortilla chips - 15 bags
- Peanut mix - 8 kilos
- Popcorn - 10 bags
- Cookies - 10 packs
- Apples - 12 kilos
- Bananas - 10 kilo
- Grapes - 8 kilos
- Oranges - 10 kilos
- Vegan snacks - 40 pieces
- Gluten-free rolls - 20 pieces
- Lactose-free cheese - 2 kilo
- Napkins - 1000 pieces
- Straws - 500 pieces
- Coffee cups - 300 pieces
- Stirrers - 300 pieces
- Baking paper - 4 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Liquid hand soap - 12 bottles
- Disinfectant hand gel - 12 bottles
- Dish soap - 6 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 6 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 6 bottles
- Sponges - 20 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 30 pieces
- Garbage bags - 200 pieces
- Pedal bin liners - 100 pieces
- Paper towels - 20 packs
- Cooler ice - 20 kilos
- Ice pops - 200 pieces
- Coffee filters - 200 pieces
- Gas cylinders - 4 pieces
- Firelighters - 2 boxes
- Wooden stirring spoons - 100 pieces

Tips

Plan the sound system around the stage and audience size, then confirm the number of microphones, monitor speakers, DI boxes and instrument cables required by every band at least 2 weeks before the festival.
Buy or hire at least 10% more small consumables and backup items than your calculated need, especially batteries, extension cords, power strips and commonly used cables.
Prepare separate power routes for audio, lighting, bars and food service. Keep cable trays available for every main crossing and test the generator, extension cords and power strips before opening.
For guest areas, count one seat or standing position per expected guest rather than relying only on benches and high tables. Add party tents early if rain or strong sun is likely, because they are often unavailable at short notice.
Place fire extinguishers, work lights, waste collection points and clear signs before the first artist arrives. Keep spare lighting and batteries in a labelled box so volunteers can find them without interrupting the crew.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a rock festival?: You need a stage, mixing console, speakers, subwoofers, monitor speakers, microphones, stands, DI boxes and the required instrument, XLR and multi-cables. Add podium lighting, light stands, work lights, power distribution, cable trays, a backup generator and fire extinguishers.
How many microphones and cables should I buy for a rock festival?: Start with the channel list in each band’s technical rider rather than using one fixed number. Keep at least 2 spare microphones, 2 spare instrument cables and 10% extra XLR cables available for faults or last-minute changes.
How early should I arrange rock festival equipment?: Confirm the stage, sound, lighting, generator, toilets, bars and furniture at least 8 to 12 weeks before the festival. Recheck technical riders and power requirements 2 weeks before the event, then test all equipment during setup.
What should I bring for festival power and safety?: Bring a tested stroomaggregaat or other reserve power supply, extension cords, power strips, cable trays, work lights and fire extinguishers. Have the power plan checked before guests arrive and keep emergency equipment accessible throughout the festival.

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