First Aid Essentials for Summer Music Festivals

Summer music festivals offer a vibrant mix of music, energy, and unforgettable experiences. However, the excitement of crowded venues, long days outdoors, and unpredictable weather can lead to minor medical situations.
How can you be safe at a festival?
Being prepared with a well-stocked first-aid kit can turn a potential setback into a minor inconvenience, ensuring your festival enjoyment.
Our guide will equip you with the knowledge to create a customized first-aid kit, packed with essentials to address common festival and outdoor summer event mishaps.
First Aid Concerns at Musical Festivals & Outdoor Events
Every aspect that goes into creating the exciting festival atmosphere – large crowds, hot weather, and extended periods outdoors – can also pose unforeseen health risks and concerns.
- Crowded Environments: Dense crowds can lead to minor bumps, bruises, or even heat exhaustion due to limited air circulation.
- Sun Exposure: Long hours under the summer sun raise the risk of sunburn, dehydration, or heatstroke.
- Unpredictable Weather: Sudden rain showers or unexpected temperature drops can leave you feeling cold and uncomfortable.
- Uneven Terrain: Festival grounds may have uneven surfaces, posing a risk for slips, trips, and falls.
Limited Amenities: Portable toilets and long lines for water refills can lead to dehydration and potential hygiene concerns.
Outdoor Festival First-Aid Kit Must-Haves
Everyone who hosts and attends an outdoor event or music festival plays a role in attendees' safety. Packing your own outdoor first aid kit is one small thing you can do to be prepared for unexpected hazards at a festival.
Essential First Aid Supplies
- Bandages in various sizes (adhesive and non-adhesive) for treating cuts, scrapes, and blisters.
- Antiseptic wipes for cleaning minor wounds and preventing infection.
- Tweezers to remove splinters or thorns.
- Electrolyte tablets to replenish lost salts and minerals, especially important in hot weather.
- Personal water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
- A broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to shield your skin from harmful UV rays.
- Cooling gel to soothe and cool sunburns – a lifesaver after a long day in the sun.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage headaches, muscle aches, or minor cramps. (Consult a healthcare professional before bringing any medications to a festival, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.)
- Insect repellent to ward off pesky mosquitos and other bugs.
- Earplugs for those who prefer a quieter experience amidst the loud music.
- Hand sanitizer for maintaining hygiene, especially after using portable toilets.
Remember, this is just a starting point! Consider customizing your first aid kit based on your individual needs and any pre-existing medical conditions.
Additional Outdoor Festival Safety Tips
- Pack a First-Aid Kit ( MFASCO has everything you need!)
- Sun Safety & Hydration: Sunscreen (reapply!), shade during peak hours, water bottle
- Fuel Wisely: Pack healthy snacks, ditch sugary drinks
- Listen to Your Body: Take breaks, rest your feet, recharge
Be Prepared: Know the medical tent location, plan meeting spots with friends
Convenient Festival First-Aid Kits with MFASCO
Contributing Expert

Mike Brinker
Mike Brinker has been working in the first aid industry for over 35 years. He has worked with thousands of businesses,groups, and organizations to provide a healthy and safe work environment. Mike helped create “Make-A-Kit”, the internet's only online first aid kit creation tool. He has also authored many helpful first-aid and safety-related resource articles found at the MFASCO Learning Center.