Hi all,
We’re coming in from Vancouver Canada and staying at the hostel…sadly, we can’t fit all of our camping gear on the plane. But I’ll enjoy the warmth of the hostel
We’re wondering what to bring / pack for being at the festival all day without heading back home to get anything.
We are Vancouver Folk Festival go’ers…for the last 30 years…so we have an idea, but you never know.
I’m assuming:
low chair
tarp blanket
water bottle
backpack
sunscreen
hat
hand sanitizer
layers - but what??
Thank you! We’re so looking forward to this It’s our big trip of the year…and we travel a lot.
How are you with altitude? Coming from Australia I pack altitude sickness tablets and I bring a small can of oxygen. It helps! I’d add lip balm and sunglasses cause the sun is warm and it’s dry. ( unless it rains which it does so pack a plastic poncho ). I bring sun screen but there is also plenty on-site. Enjoy, it’s sooooooooooo much fun
It feels hot even if it’s only 75, but the sun is brutal at elevation and you’ll want to be covered or protected. Can bring wagons and it’s totally safe to leave your stuff unattended very honest and good audience.
They do have hand wash stations in fest by the bathrooms.
Some people bring in food, some pack coolers, some do both. Whatever suits your preference! There are lots of options for onsite food if you don’t bring your own.
Plan to wear hot summer stuff during the day (t-shirts, tank tops, shorts, etc. but bring the equivalent of a midlayer (hoodie/sweatshirt weight is fine) and pants in your day bag because since it’s the desert/high plains, so as soon as the sun goes down the temp drops considerably. Same thing if you’re gonna be up early in the morning for the tarp line- it’s chilly. Consider a beanie and insulated mug for coffee.
You can buy a tarp at the hardware store in town when you get in if you want. I always advocate using huge nails with washers to keep your tarp down because they work very well and lay flush to the ground so no one will snap their toes on them like normal stakes. The hardware store sells these too.
A hat with a brim +/- sunglasses.
Sunscreen
Refillable water bottle
Low back chairs (we’ve been happy traveling/using ‘cliq’ chairs, since they are comfortable and very compact)
Wristbands/tix!!
Blanket or something for the tarp so it doesn’t get too hot
Bathing suit if you plan to brave the frigid but refreshing snowmelt river
Glitter/face paint/deck of cards/good attitude
Spray bottle/mister, if you want.
Small decent flashlight because if you’re still there when it’s dark it can be hard to find all your stuff.
Decent shoes/sneakers/light hiking boots if you plan to do any of the beautiful hikes nearby.
I’m not sure how far away the hostel is from the fest, but most people bring everything with them at once, so think about how much you can comfortably carry (bag/backpack, tarp, chair, water bottle). Some people bring wagons but I’ve personally generally not found this necessary. There is food in the festival, as well as options in town. Or you can pack lunch/snacks and bring in with you. No glass of any kind.
I’ve found this festival to be one of the cleanest, most well organized festivals I’ve ever been to. Not to mention the talent and breathtakingly magical location, people, and overall experience. It is honestly my favorite place on earth. I know you’ll enjoy it too, so welcome!
It’s our big trip of the year…and we travel a lot.