There were a bunch of new fans who received their wings at the Firefly Music Festival in The Woodlands of Dover last year.
It’s unclear if there will be a greater turnout of newcomers joining the Firefly family for the festival’s 10th anniversary, which runs Thursday through Sunday.
But even veterans of The Woodlands can use a friendly, last-minute reminder about the items they’ll want to bring to the festival so they can have a better experience, before seeing headliners Halsey, My Chemical Romance, Green Day and Dua Lipa.
Here are 12 important things you should consider bringing with you to Firefly:
Do you have your sunglasses?
A pair of cheap shades will prevent you from jacking up your eyes if it gets too sunny out there.
At the moment, Friday is forecast to be the only “sunny” day of the festival, as Thursday and Sunday are slated to have showers and Saturday is expected to be “partly sunny,” per The Weather Channel. Yet weather predictions aren’t perfect.
In the end, it doesn’t hurt to prepare for the worst, while hoping for the best.
Have you packed some warmer clothing?
This is the second year the festival is in the fall instead of summer.
The forecast, per The Weather Channel, is calling for temps to be in the 80s (Thursday), 66 (Friday), 71 (Saturday) and 80 (Sunday), then it’s expected to drop to around the low 50s at night.
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Last year some fans dressed in layers and rocked more sweaters and long-sleeve shirts to stay warm at the fest, but some still wore shorts, short-sleeved shirts and bodysuits. That look might work in the day time, but it gets nippy at night; and it’s not fun trying to watch a concert while shivering.
Wearing layers is helpful because if you get too hot during the day, you can always take off a layer.
How about some comfy shoes and warm socks?
Rookies have a tendency to want to wear cute shoes. But most people aren’t looking at your feet at Firefly. You’re going to be hiking to multiple stages, so it’s key to wear shoes that’ll protect your feet, plus socks. To be safe, you can add inserts in your sneakers for extra comfort.
And while some folks love sandals, they’re not recommended at Firefly. Sandals slip off your feet and can work against you. Flip-flops can break.
Shoes are good and boots are even better, especially if it rains. Copping at pair of cheap rain boots from Walmart wouldn’t be a bad idea, because the muddy festival grounds last year was crazy.
Are you set with water?
You can pack water bottles or bring your own personal hydration packs.
You’re going to be doing a lot of walking, so it’s important you stay hydrated, especially if you plan to camp out in front of the main stage all day to see your favorite headliner later that night. Water will be for sale at the festival, but it won’t be cheap.
Should you rock a poncho?
A few showers are forecasted for Thursday in the day and Sunday night, per The Weather Channel.
While raincoats are helpful, it can feel like a burden wearing one around your waist all day if it doesn’t rain, and those jackets can take up a lot of space if you can manage to squeeze on into your bag.
Note: Umbrellas are forbidden at the fest.
The more efficient option for fighting showers is to pick up a cheap pack of ponchos. They’re lightweight, come with a hood, and can easily fit in a fanny pack. Plus, if you bring extra, you might make new friends.
Have you remembered your sunblock?
It’s important to protect your skin from the sun. You’re going to be outside all day, so keep this liquid shield in your arsenal, just in case.
… And your portable charger?
Charging stations are highly coveted, which means you’ll have to wait to use them. But you can mitigate that by bringing your own portable charger(s). (Another way to meet friends.)
Did you remember your hand sanitizer?
It’s inevitable your fingers are going to get dirty and your hands will get sweaty. If you have to pee, you’re going to need to touch the porta-potty door.
Festival grounds are dusty and your fingers are going to be magnets for dirt.
Feel free to carry a tiny bottle of hand sanitizer with you. It’ll keep you safe, especially when it’s time to eat snacks or a meal.
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How about some earplugs?
These will mainly come in handy for the people closest to the stage. At the same time, some folks have more sensitive ears and may need earplugs even if they’re further away from those giant speakers.
Determine what’s most comfortable for you then make that call.
Earplugs also may come in handy if you are camping all weekend. Your neighbors playing Avril Lavigne on repeat can be overcome if you’re prepared.
How about a fanny pack?
It’s like Batman’s utility belt, but with one pouch.
Some of the aforementioned items like earplugs, poncho and hand sanitizer were made to be stored in that stylish pouch. Not to mention, keeping your wallet in there might make it more difficult for pickpockets to get the best of you.
Ready to strap on that backpack?
You don’t need a large one, but a clear backpack can help you carry more items than a fanny pack. Whatever you can’t fit into your fanny pack (like a sweatshirt or multiple water bottles) will fit into your backpack like a charm.
Note: It’s mandatory that your backpack is clear.
Should you bring a mask?
It’s not mandatory to wear a mask at Firefly, yet it wouldn’t be a bad idea because we’re still in a pandemic and you’re going to be surrounded by tens of thousands of people.
Being fully vaccinated doesn’t mean you can’t contract or spread COVID-19, according to the CDC.
At the same time, Firefly wasn’t a super spreader last year. This suggestion is just out of caution.
Aside from the pandemic, it’s a good idea to bring masks to Firefly because the grounds can get dusty and wearing a mask might reduce the amount of grime that ends up on your face.
Leave this stuff at home
Per Firefly.com, guests aren’t allowed to bring any of the following into the festival grounds:
No outside food, alcohol, coolers, knives, weapons, ice, no flags or banners, eye drops, not-clear backpacks, Frisbees, umbrellas, lasers, megaphones, purses or bags larger than 20 inches-by 15-inches by 9 inches.
To see the full list of items that are prohibited, visit fireflyfestival.com
Firefly Music Festival returns to The Woodlands (599 Persimmon Tree Lane, Dover) from Thursday to Sunday.
For more information, visit fireflyfestival.com.
Andre Lamar is the features/lifestyle reporter. If you have an interesting story idea, email Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com.
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