What to buy for a tribute concert

A tribute concert needs more than instruments and a stage. Guests need drinks, glasses and snacks, while the team needs practical supplies for the bar, ticket desk, wristbands and backstage service. Plan quantities from your expected attendance, opening time and event length rather than buying by guesswork. This checklist keeps the shopping focused on the items people often remember only after the doors open.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Stage sectionsqty 12
Stage steps
Stage skirt
Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 120
Bar stoolsqty 6
Coat racksqty 3
Clothes hangersqty 150
Bollardsqty 8

Equipment

PA speakersqty 2
Subwoofersqty 2
Mixing console
Microphonesqty 6
Microphone standsqty 6
DI boxesqty 4
Monitor speakersqty 3
XLR cablesqty 12
Jack cablesqty 8
Extension cordsqty 12
Power stripsqty 8
Cable traysqty 12
Laptop for music

Lighting

LED stage lightsqty 6
Headlampsqty 2
Light standsqty 2
Light controller
Mood lightingqty 12
Flashlightsqty 4

Tableware

Drinking glassesqty 150
Wine glassesqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 150
Cutlery setsqty 150
Serving traysqty 12
Pouring jugsqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Drink dispensersqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Food warmersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Knivesqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 8
Serving plattersqty 12

Decorations

Tribute concert banner
Stage drapesqty 4
Tableclothsqty 10
Table decorationsqty 10
Directional signsqty 8
Name badgesqty 20
Tapeqty 6
Cable tiesqty 100

Cleaning

Trash binsqty 8
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Cola Zero - 18 bottles
- Orange soda - 12 bottles
- Tonic - 12 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 48 bottles
- Spa Red - 24 bottles
- Beer - 10 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Red wine - 8 bottles
- Rosé - 6 bottles
- Prosecco - 6 bottles
- Bitter lemon - 6 bottles
- Ginger ale - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Orange juice - 8 packs
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 2 kilos
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Bitterballen - 500 pieces
- Mini cheese soufflés - 300 pieces
- Mini spring rolls - 300 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salted peanuts - 4 bags
- Olives - 4 jars
- Toast rounds - 8 packs
- Cream cheese - 2 kilo
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Cucumbers - 3 kilos
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Mini rolls - 180 pieces
- Cheese sandwich halves - 40 pieces
- Ham sandwiches - 40 pieces
- Hummus sandwiches - 30 pieces
- Chicken sandwiches - 30 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Lettuce - 10 heads
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Bananas - 6 kilos
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Brownies - 120 pieces
- Mini muffins - 120 pieces
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper straws - 200 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 boxes
- Teaspoons - 100 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Hand soap - 8 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 20 pieces
- Garbage bags - 100 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 packs
- Bottle openers - 6 pieces

Tips

For drinks, allow two to three servings per person for the first hour, then one to two servings for each additional hour. Buy extra water for performers, crew and guests who are driving.
Choose drinking glasses and wine glasses based on your maximum simultaneous use, not just total attendance. A useful starting point is one glass per expected guest plus 10% spare.
Order snacks for the full audience instead of only ticket holders who pre-registered. Add at least 10% extra portions, and keep separate options ready for the dietary requirements you collected.
Buy wristbands and cash-desk supplies before ticket sales close, with at least 10% more wristbands than the final visitor list. Include a small reserve for damaged or incorrectly issued bands.
Chill drinks in batches before doors open, but keep a second batch unchilled for later. For a concert lasting four hours, check the bar stock after the first two hours so you can move backup supplies forward in time.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a tribute concert?: Plan for two to three drinks per person during the first hour, followed by one to two drinks per person for every additional hour. Add 10% extra, including water for artists and crew.
How many snacks should I buy for a concert?: Buy at least one snack portion per expected guest and add 10% spare. Increase the amount if the concert overlaps with dinner or if catering is not provided.
How many glasses do I need for 100 concert guests?: Start with 110 drinking glasses for 100 guests, and buy wine glasses separately if wine is being served. This 10% spare covers breakage and glasses left in use.
When should I buy and chill drinks for a tribute concert?: Buy non-perishable drinks and bar supplies at least 3 to 5 days before the concert. Chill the first batch on the day of the event and check the remaining stock about 2 hours after opening.

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