Attending a festival is often one of the highlights of the year: several days of music, dance, encounters and, above all, total freedom. But to make the most of it without the hassle, it’s best to be well prepared. From logistical organization to outfit selection, from choosing the perfect drink to tips on staying in top form, there’s a lot to talk about. In this ultra-complete guide, we give you all the keys you need to prepare for a festival like a pro, whether it’s your very first or your twentieth. As an added bonus, we’ve also included a few ideas on how to personalize your experience – including, why not, your very own energy drink can with your name on it… A fun and original touch that’s sure to leave a lasting impression!
Finding the right festival: which one to choose in 2025?
Even before you fill your bag, you need to choose the right event. Electro, techno, rock, pop, reggae, alternative, gastronomic festivals… There are thousands of them, each with its own universe, codes and atmosphere. In France, events such as Hellfest, Solidays and Garorock attract tens of thousands of festival-goers every year in search of music, emotion and communion.
Internationally, behemoths such as Tomorrowland, Coachella and Glastonbury offer a monumental experience for the more adventurous among you.
But how do you make the right choice? It’s essential to consider your desires, your budget and your level of comfort. A wilderness festival may require more equipment, whereas an urban festival often offers more amenities. Find out about the program, the stages, the expected artists, and even the feedback from other festival-goers on forums or social networks. Sometimes, falling in love with a place or an atmosphere is worth more than an impressive line-up.
Want to find out more about festivals and their origins? Check out the dedicated Wikipedia page!
Some criteria to consider:
Musical style: are you more into non-stop electro or lawn chill with jazz in the background?
Duration: a weekend or a week? Do you prefer condensed intensity or stretched softness?
Location: in the great outdoors, in a city park, on the beach? It changes everything in terms of atmosphere and logistics.
On-site services: sanitary facilities, catering, rest area, lockers, etc.
Philosophy: eco-responsible, supportive, artistic, commercial…
👉 A good festival is one that reflects you. And if you’re coming as a group, don’t hesitate to create a dresscode, a rallying cry… or a drink to your image. It’s the perfect opportunity to design your own personalized can, to give to your friends as a collector’s souvenir of the festival. A can in your colors, with your message or even your crew name, it’s a real eye-catcher!
Top recommended festivals
There are hundreds of festivals to choose from, but some stand out according to your desires and profile. Here’s a selection sorted by type of experience:
For beginners:
Les Vieilles Charrues (France) – A good mix of accessible headliners, a friendly atmosphere and a well-established infrastructure. Ideal for a first immersion into the world of festivals without the headaches.
For total immersion:
Boom Festival (Portugal) – A festival of psychedelic music and alternative art, in the middle of nature, with a unique holistic atmosphere. If you’re looking for a transformational experience, this is the place.
For electro fans:
Tomorrowland (Belgium) – Breathtaking scenography, renowned international DJs and meticulous organization. It’s THE must-attend electro event in Europe.
For the ethical and committed:
Solidays (France) – A varied program and strong messages in favor of solidarity and health. The atmosphere is family-friendly, inclusive and meaningful.
For the beauty of the location:
Les Déferlantes Sud de France – A festival facing the sea, in a spectacular natural setting between the mountains and the Mediterranean.
Every festival has its own codes, visual identity and values. Why not reflect them in your own branded goodies? Personalized cans for your group of friends, your association or your musical project are a fun, high-impact way of making a lasting impression.
The essential festival survival kit
Let’s get down to preparations. A good festival needs to be prepared like an expedition. Here are the essentials to pack in your backpack:
Basic equipment:
Easy-to-put-up tent, like the 2-second tent sold by Decathlon
Sleeping bag and inflatable mattress
Headlamp (yes, it’s ugly, but it’s a life-changer at night)
Sun cream, sunglasses and bob/turban
Earplugs + night mask (so you can really sleep even when the neighbor is listening to hardstyle music at 4am)
Power bank (external battery essential so you don’t end up without a phone on day 2)
Hygiene:
Hydroalcoholic gel
Toothpaste, toothbrush, solid soap
Small garbage bags (essential for keeping your space clean)
Toilet paper (never underestimate it… never)
Style and well-being:
Dress for the day + warm clothes for the night (yes, even in July it can be 9°C at night!).
Comfortable shoes (not white if you really want them)
Light raincoat or k-way (spoiler: it always rains at least once)
Make-up/glitter blushes to keep you glowing until dawn: find your inspiration on Pinterest !
A spray bottle to help you survive under 35°C (don’t hesitate to consult the Red Cross for safety advice!).
🧃 And of course: drinks. Choose practical containers. A 250 ml can is ideal: lightweight, easily recyclable, aesthetically pleasing, and above all… customizable. You can create a mini-series in the colors of your favorite crew, association or festival! Imagine your friends’ surprise when they wake up to their own personalized drink. It’s easy to produce, fun, and makes perfect photos for Instagram.
Managing energy: the real challenge for festivals
Three days at a festival is intense. The combo of heat, crowds, travel and lack of sleep can knock you out if you don’t manage your energy well. Better safe than sorry, you’ll end up slumped under a tree at 3pm, missing the concert you’ve been looking forward to for 6 months.
A few simple reflexes:
Sleep for at least 5 to 6 hours a night (yes, it’s possible, with a good night mask and ear plugs).
Eat whenever you can (bars, sandwiches, dried fruit, homemade wraps… anything that keeps well).
Drink regularly (alternate between water and energy drinks, but don’t overdo it)
Take breaks between concerts, in the shade or in rest areas
⏳ Tip: some festival-goers opt for a sugar-free or taurine-free energy drink, to avoid getting tired. This is a great opportunity to incorporate “cleaner” recipes into your experience, without giving up taste or the feeling of freshness. Opting for a well-formulated energy drink can make all the difference between enjoying yourself until dawn and returning home knocked out.
💡 Are you a brand or an association? Imagine your drink dedicated to the festival. We’ll help you create a bespoke recipe, with or without caffeine, with a fruity or more intense taste, packaged in the format of your choice. In 250ml cans or 1L bottles for larger groups.
Bonus: printable checklist
📝 To make sure you don’t forget anything, prepare a customized checklist. Here’s a simple example:
Tent, mattress, sleeping bag
Daily outfits + warm jacket
Sun cream + sunglasses
Powerbank
Personalized energy drinks
Make-up / accessories
Food to go
Toothbrush + antibacterial gel
Tickets + ID
You can even print out several copies to hand out to your friends, so you leave nothing to chance. And why not stick a laminated version in your tent 😉
Enjoying the festival together
Going to festivals as a group is often more fun… but it also requires a bit of coordination. To avoid problems (and arguments), establish a few simple rules: meeting points, running errands, phone charging, solo time if necessary…
Creating a mini-organization without it becoming rigid allows everyone to enjoy at their own pace. And why not set up a dedicated WhatsApp or Telegram group to centralize everything?
A good relationship can also be cultivated through little gestures: bringing your buddy his favorite drink (personalized, of course), offering a fun little accessory, or simply taking a break together away from the noise.
After the festival: extending the magic
Once the festival’s over, the return to reality can be brutal. But you can prolong the magic by sharing your best moments: photos, playlists, videos, anecdotes…
And why not organize an after-party with friends to relive the atmosphere? You can also keep a concrete souvenir of your experience, like a personalized collector’s can. It’s also a great idea for goodies to give to your group, or even to sell if you’re an association or collective.
Keep your contacts, too: sometimes festival encounters lead to great stories!
FAQ – Festival preparation
How many days in advance should I prepare?
Ideally, start gathering your equipment one or two weeks beforehand. This way, you won’t forget anything, you’ll be able to buy what you need, and you won’t stress out the day before departure.
🎵 What if I want to personalize a unique goodie?
You can personalize your energy drink cans: create your own visual or logo, choose the recipe you like, and we’ll take care of the rest. Perfect for festivals, student associations or groups of friends.
Ready for the next festival? Get ready for an unforgettable experience, organized down to the last detail – drinks included.
