What to Bring to a Concert in the Park

ByKavishka N

A free concert in a Coachella Valley park is an easy evening out. Bring a comfortable chair, anything you’d like to eat or munch on, and a layer for after sunset. Then give yourself time to find a spot and settle in before the band starts.

Pack for the show and the walk back

  • A folding chair and an optional cushion. Choose a chair you’ll be comfortable in for the whole show. If yours sits high, set it up where people behind you can still see the stage.
  • Food, a soft drink, and water. Pack a sandwich, a light dinner, or a snack to share. A small insulated bag is easy to carry if outside food is allowed. Tuck in a bag for your trash.
  • A lightweight jacket. Even if it’s warm when you leave home, you may want another layer once the sun goes down and you’ve been sitting for a while.
  • A small flashlight. It comes in handy when you’re folding chairs and gathering your things after dark. Aim it at the ground as you walk back to the car. Also, if you drop something small and it’s a grassy area, which it often is, it makes it a lot easier to have a bright flashlight than try to use the flashlight on your phone to find it.

Give yourself time to find a good spot

For most free concerts, aim to arrive about 30 minutes before the music starts. For a particularly popular show, give yourself about 45 minutes. That gives you time to park, carry your gear in, and find a spot with a clear view. If you like the music a little quieter, try sitting off to one side and back from the speakers.

Before you leave, check the event listing for parking details and any rules on chairs, outside food, or coolers. Once you’re set up, leave room for people to walk past.

Bring a camera if photos are part of the plan

It can still be bright when the band starts, and glare on your phone screen makes it harder to see what you’re framing. If you’re serious about getting good photos, bring a camera with a viewfinder. A selfie stick can come in handy for a group shot before the show if the event allows it. We’ll cover how to use one at concerts in a separate article.

Say hello before the music starts

Ask the people sitting nearby if they’ve heard the band before or if there’s another local show they’d recommend. You might come home with a tip about a band you’ve never heard of, a good place to grab a bite after the show, or a new friend to look for at the next concert.