10 things you need to pack for a summer festival day in Edmonton

Edmonton is known as Canada’s Festival City, and summer is when our city truly comes alive.

From Taste of Edmonton to Folk Fest to the massive Heritage Festival and all kinds of community events, there is no shortage of reasons to get outside and enjoy everything Edmonton has to offer this summer.

But before you head out for a full day of festival fun, it’s always a good idea to pack a bag with a few essentials to keep you comfortable. From must-haves to things you’ll be glad you brought along, here are 10 things to pack before heading to a festival in Edmonton:

Bug spray

If there’s one thing Edmonton has had no shortage of this summer, it’s rain. And where there’s rain, there are mosquitoes. Make sure to pack a full can of bug spray before heading out so you can enjoy the festival instead of fending off bites all day.

Water

Staying hydrated is a must on any festival day, but especially during a hot and humid Edmonton summer. With all the moving around and time spent in the sun, you’ll go through more water than you think. Pack a reusable water bottle and refill it throughout the day whenever you can (and check out the Glass of the Sask page for a handy list of water station locations).

Hand wipes (or baby wipes)

Festivals can get a little messy. Between the sweat, all the incredible food, and the occasional sticky fingers, you’ll be glad you packed some hand wipes. They’re a quick way to freshen up throughout the day and come in handy more often than you’d expect.

Sunscreen

That prairie sun can be intense, and the last thing you want after a great day at a festival is to come home looking like a lobster. Throw a bottle of sunscreen in your bag and reapply it throughout the day. You’ll still catch some sun, just without the pain.

ARC card, transit pass, or festival tickets

If there’s one thing nobody wants to deal with on festival day, it’s parking. Many of Edmonton’s biggest festivals are easy to get to by transit, and some ticketed events, such as concerts, even include free ETS fare with admission. Others, like the Heritage Festival, offer shuttle service to and from the festival grounds. Before you head out, check your festival (or ETS) website to see what transit options are available and make sure you have your ARC card, transit pass, or tickets ready to go.

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A portable fan

Nothing is worse than those summer days where the air feels heavy, there’s barely a breeze, and everybody is melting from the heat. A portable fan on these days is an absolute lifesaver. Fair warning, you’ll probably have a few people wishing they thought of one too.

A power bank

Between taking photos, checking the festival map, locating your friends, and filming performances, your phone battery can disappear pretty fast. Pack a portable power bank so you don’t have to ration your battery all day.

Rain poncho

We mean… does this even need to be said at this point?

Some layers

Even on the hottest days, Edmonton evenings can cool off quickly. Whether it’s to stay comfortable after the sun goes down or to fend off the chill when a storm rolls through, you’ll be glad you packed a hoodie or light sweater.

A little snack

Sure, there are plenty of incredible food options at pretty much every festival happening around the city. But sometimes, it’s hard to justify spending $10 on a frozen banana when you just need a little something to hold you over. Take in all the sights, sounds, and smells, but don’t forget to pack a small snack so you can enjoy the day without breaking the bank.