What should I bring to an open-air festival?

# First and foremost, bring a good tent or a sleeping bag if the festival involves overnight camping on the grounds. That's the foundation everything else depends on for comfort. If you don't have a tent, at least grab a compact umbrella, but honestly, an umbrella at a festival is kind of useless because your hands are full and the ground's muddy. Better to get a raincoat or a lightweight waterproof jacket that takes up minimal space in your backpack. Also grab some plastic bags for your phone and documents - they seriously save you when the downpour starts.

For a three-day festival don't forget spare clothes (at least two sets), comfortable waterproof shoes, and extra socks. Sunscreen is a must, even if you think you won't get burned - it's totally different when you're outside all day in summer. Bring water (at least a couple liters), snacks that won't spoil, and if you can - wet wipes or hand sanitizer. Meds are also handy: blister pads for your feet (after eight hours of dancing they'll be killing you), painkillers, something for stomach issues.

I'd also recommend a hat - a baseball cap or a wide-brimmed hat. When you're standing in a crowd all day, your head gets tired from the sun even if you don't realize it. And if there's a lot of mud at the festival, a bag for dirty clothes won't hurt. Your festival experience really depends on how much you think ahead about the little things, trust me on this.

Get a waterproof backpack or at least stuff your things in bags - the tent is one thing, but your phone, documents, and money need to stay dry no matter what. For three days that's critical, especially if rain catches you far from the campsite.