So, you’ve purchased your weekend pass, your friends all have the date locked in their calendars, you’ve been playing the Up Here 10 playlist on repeat, and your anticipation is starting to build…but now what? Surviving a festival requires more than just good vibes, so it's time to think about packing.

What should you pack to make sure your festival experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible? Grab a backpack (✅), take a deep breath, and let’s streamline your packing list to the absolute must-haves. You’ll be prepared for anything the festival throws your way, and you might even have room for a little extra fun.

Reusable water bottle

Save your dollars for Up Beer and instead bring a reusable water bottle and take advantage of the free water stations on-site. Whether it’s a Stanley or an empty pasta jar, keep your cup runneth over so you stay hydrated, elevated, and captivated during the sets!

Sunscreen

Fun fact: It never rains at Up Here! Best to Stay Pale Forever (SPF) and come prepared with something that will protect you from the sun so you can spend more time worrying about having an ultra-fun time rather than ultraviolet rays.

Raincoat

OK, OK…so technically it can rain at Up Here. But we’re a rain or shine festival, and if or when a little precipitation happens, you don’t want to be caught without protection. Keep an eye on the forecast and consider having a raincoat or at the very least a windbreaker on hand to handle any moisture coming down during the festival.

Hat

Hats are so versatile! For one, they help complete an outfit. Two, they keep your head protected from the sun while chilling in Up Here Square. Three, if it’s cloudy or you have already migrated to one of the late-night venues, flip it over and fill it with snacks. Sold yet? Great, because you can use promo code COOLHAT to get 30% off your own Up Here bucket hat for all your sun-protecting-outfit-completing-snack-carrying needs.

Portable fan

Genuine LifeProTip™, so buckle up: get yourself a portable neck fan. Maybe you’re thinking, will I look lame? Yeah, probably. Will you be less sweaty? Absolutely. Only you can determine if the trade-off is worth it - just don’t come crying to me at the merch tent if you’re too hot because I won’t hear you over the dulcet hum of my portable neck fan.

Battery charger

If you’re anything like me, you don’t feel alive until your phone is hovering at 15%. Turns out, that stresses your friends out! Make sure you can coordinate your meet-up spot or get a taxi home by keeping your phone fully charged. You think you’ll have time to run home and charge your phone between sets, but once you get that alert about a surprise show, your window will have closed.

The app

Speaking of surprise shows, you should app-solutely download the FEST app and follow Up Here. It’s your digital companion that will answer all your what, when, where, and whys of the festival, including bringing you the latest on secret shows, schedule changes, and other important updates!

Pack it like it’s hot: The ultimate Up Here packing checklist