What to buy for a street music festival

A street music festival needs more than instruments and performers. You will need sound equipment, safe power connections, lighting, route signs, seating and places to store supplies. Plan purchases around the number of performance points, volunteers and visitors, rather than buying one generic festival kit. Check the route and floor plan before ordering tables, tents and cables, and complete the main shopping trip far enough ahead to catch missing equipment before setup.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Folding tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 36
Beer tablesqty 6
High tablesqty 6
Folding chairs for performersqty 12
Clothes racksqty 2
Storage cratesqty 12

Equipment

Portable speakersqty 2
Microphonesqty 2
Microphone standsqty 2
Mixer
Music standsqty 4
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Cable reelsqty 3
Batteriesqty 24
Power banksqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Flashlightsqty 6

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
LED work lightsqty 4
Night lightsqty 4
Extension cords for lightingqty 4

Decorations

Buntingqty 12
Balloonsqty 100
Balloon pumpsqty 2
Festival bannersqty 6
Directional signsqty 12
Chalkboardsqty 6
Chalk markersqty 12
Tableclothsqty 12
Cable tiesqty 100
Duct tapeqty 6
Barrier tapeqty 8

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 180
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Serving spoonsqty 8
Pitchersqty 8
Serving traysqty 8
Napkin holdersqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 4
Knivesqty 6
Pliersqty 6
Storage binsqty 12
Bottle openersqty 6
Ice packsqty 24

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Litter pickersqty 4
Broomsqty 4
Dustpansqty 2
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning spongesqty 12

Safety

Crowd control barriersqty 20
Cable matsqty 12
First aid kitsqty 2
Safety vestsqty 12
Pocket-size walkie-talkie casesqty 6
Fire extinguishersqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Beer - 8 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 3 cases
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Rosé - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 2 kilograms
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Baguettes - 20 pieces
- Mini pistolets - 100 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilograms
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Brie - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Cooked ham - 2 kilograms
- Turkey breast - 2 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 3 kilograms
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 2 kilograms
- Arugula - 6 bags
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Apples - 6 kilogram
- Bananas - 4 kilogram
- Strawberries - 3 kilograms
- Mixed nuts - 2 kilograms
- Raisins - 1 kilogram
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salted breadsticks - 6 bags
- Cheese cubes - 3 kilograms
- Olives - 2 kilograms
- Pickles - 2 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Pesto - 4 jars
- Balsamic dressing - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Garlic powder - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Chocolate cookies - 8 packs
- Butter cookies - 6 packs
- Brownies - 80 pieces
- Mini muffins - 80 pieces
- Vegetarian wraps - 60 pieces
- Chicken wraps - 60 pieces
- Mini quiches - 80 pieces
- Vegetarian samosas - 80 pieces
- Tzatziki - 2 kilogram
- Tapenade - 2 jars
- Baguette croutons - 6 bags
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Liquid hand soap - 6 bottles
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 4 bottles
- Microfiber cloths - 24 pieces
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 12 pairs
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Compostable napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper bread bags - 200 pieces

Tips

Match the sound kit to each performance area. Allow one microphone and stand per speaking or vocal position, then add a mixer, portable speakers and music stands where performers need them.
Plan power before buying or packing equipment. Count every extension cord, power strip and cable reel, keep spare batteries and power banks available, and use separate lighting extension cords where needed.
Buy route and program materials early. Directional signs, festival banners, chalkboards and printed programs should be ready before the final artist briefing, not during setup.
Prepare for evening changes and poor visibility. String lights, LED work lights, night lights and flashlights cover both the audience route and the crew’s work areas; keep lighting cables secured and clearly marked.
Provide practical backstage and volunteer storage. Clothes racks, storage crates, folding chairs for performers and walkie-talkies are easy to overlook, but they prevent bags, clothing and instructions from ending up in the audience flow.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a street music festival?: For each performance area, plan portable speakers, microphones, microphone stands and music stands as required by the artists. Add a mixer, extension cords, power strips, cable reels, spare batteries and power banks before the final equipment check, ideally at least 1 week before the festival.
How many tables and chairs should I buy for a street music festival?: Base the quantity on your floor plan and the number of food, registration and volunteer points, then add 10% spare seating where storage allows. Order party tents, folding tables, chairs, beer tables or high tables early enough to confirm delivery at least 7 days before setup.
How do I prepare lighting for a street music festival?: Use string lights for atmosphere and LED work lights or night lights for routes, equipment and working areas. Check every lighting extension cord and test the complete setup after dark, preferably 1 day before the event.
What should I buy for signs and directions at a street music festival?: Prepare festival banners, directional signs and chalkboards for entrances, performance points, toilets, registration and route changes. Print programs and finish the sign set at least 2 days before the festival so volunteers can place everything from the final floor plan.

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