What you need for a singer-songwriter festival

A singer-songwriter festival needs more than microphones and a stage. You will need a complete small-venue setup for acoustic instruments, performer changes, audience comfort and clear program information. Plan the sound equipment around the number of performers and check every artist’s technical requirements before buying or hiring anything. The items below cover the equipment, furniture, lighting and presentation materials that are easy to overlook until setup day.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Stage sectionsqty 12
Stage steps
Tablesqty 12
Chairsqty 160
Bar stoolsqty 6
Clothes racksqty 2
Bollardsqty 12

Equipment

Mixing console
PA speakersqty 2
Stage monitorsqty 2
Microphonesqty 6
Microphone standsqty 6
DI boxesqty 4
Guitar standsqty 6
Keyboard standsqty 2
Music instrument cablesqty 12
Microphone cablesqty 12
Power stripsqty 8
Extension cordsqty 8
Cable matsqty 12
Spare batteriesqty 24

Lighting

Stage spotlightsqty 6
String lightsqty 8
Work lightsqty 4
Light standsqty 4

Decorations

Festival Flagsqty 20
Stage drapesqty 4
Tableclothsqty 12
Program boardsqty 4
Artist badgesqty 20
Wristbandsqty 180
Directional signsqty 12

Tableware

Drinking glassesqty 220
Wine glassesqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 180
Cutlery setsqty 180
Serving traysqty 12

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 6
Ice containersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Serving tongsqty 8
Storage binsqty 12

Catering

Napkinsqty 500
Drink cratesqty 12
Lockable water jugsqty 8
Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweetener - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemon - 2 kilos
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Tonic - 6 bottles
- Ginger beer - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 24 bottles
- Spa Rood - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Orange juice - 8 packs
- Alcohol-free beer - 48 bottles
- Pilsener - 120 bottles
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Red wine - 8 bottles
- Rosé - 6 bottles
- Sparkling wine - 4 bottles
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Baguettes - 20 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Mini pistolets - 120 pieces
- Wraps - 80 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilos
- Cream cheese - 2 kilo
- Young cheese - 4 kilos
- Brie - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 3 kilos
- Herb cheese - 1.5 kilos
- Smoked chicken breast - 3 kilos
- Ham - 2 kilos
- Salami - 2 kilo
- Tuna - 12 cans
- Eggs - 60 pieces
- Chickpeas - 12 cans
- Tomatoes - 6 kilos
- Cucumbers - 4 kilos
- Bell peppers - 3 kilos
- Arugula - 1 kilo
- Mixed lettuce - 3 kilos
- Red onion - 1 kilo
- Pickles - 4 jars
- Olives - 4 jars
- Sun-dried tomatoes - 3 jars
- Potato salad - 6 kilos
- Pasta salad - 8 kilo
- Quinoa salad - 4 kilo
- Lentil salad - 4 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Pesto - 4 jars
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Balsamic vinegar - 2 bottles
- Pepper - 1 can
- Salt - 1 tin
- Paprika powder - 1 can
- Italian herbs - 1 canister
- Garlic - 500 grams
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Bananas - 6 kilos
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Mandarins - 5 kilos
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Mixed nuts - 3 kilo
- Rice cakes - 6 packs
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Brownies - 120 pieces
- Chocolate bars - 80 pieces
- Vegan snack bars - 40 pieces
- Gluten-free crackers - 6 packs
- Gluten-free rolls - 20 pieces
- Vegan cheese - 1 kilo
- Vegan toppings - 1 kilo
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Baking paper - 4 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Liquid hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 packs

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Trash bag holdersqty 12
Bucketsqty 6
Mopsqty 6
Broom setsqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 4
Cleaning glovesqty 12
Toilet brushesqty 4
Hand soap dispensersqty 4
Paper displaysqty 4

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Fire extinguishersqty 2
Flashlightsqty 4
Safety vestsqty 8

Administration

Cash register
Payment terminal
Cash box
Program flyersqty 220
Visitor listsqty 4
Pensqty 20
Clipboardsqty 6

Tips

Allow at least one microphone, microphone stand and vocal cable for each simultaneous performer, plus one spare microphone and several spare cables. Singer-songwriters often switch between vocals, guitar and keyboard, so confirm the input list before finalising the equipment order.
Keep one DI box available for every acoustic guitar or instrument with a pickup that may be connected directly to the mixing console. Add at least two spare batteries per battery-powered instrument or active DI box; dead batteries are a common last-minute delay.
Use cable mats wherever audience members, volunteers or performers cross the cable runs. Measure the longest routes before ordering extension cords, and keep power strips and spare cables at the stage rather than relying on one outlet near the mixing position.
Provide separate work lights for setup and teardown, even if the stage spotlights and string lights look sufficient during the festival. Check the light stands, power leads and placement before guests arrive so performers can reach the stage safely.
Prepare program boards, festival flags and artist badges before opening. Print or write the running order only after performance times are confirmed, and keep a small set of blank badges and replacement signage for late changes.

Frequently asked questions

What sound equipment do I need for a singer-songwriter festival?: For each performance position, plan for a vocal microphone, microphone stand, cable and the required instrument connection. The exact number depends on the artists, but keep at least one spare microphone, two spare microphone cables and extra DI boxes available for unexpected instruments.
How many microphones should I buy for a singer-songwriter festival?: Count the maximum number of people performing at the same time, then add one spare microphone. For example, a solo act needs at least two microphones if one is for vocals and one is reserved as backup; a duo may need three or more depending on instruments and announcements.
How many spare batteries and cables should I bring?: Bring at least two spare batteries for every battery-powered device, plus two spare microphone cables and two spare instrument cables. Test all cables during setup and label the working ones so a faulty cable can be replaced quickly.
What should I prepare for the festival stage and audience area?: Prepare stage sections, steps, monitors, instrument and keyboard stands, chairs or bar stools, lighting and cable mats before the first soundcheck. Allow at least 60 minutes before doors open for a small setup, and longer if several artists share the stage.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.