Festival season is an incredible time of music, art, community, and adventure. As a vegan festival-goer, a little preparation ensures you can fully enjoy the experience while staying true to your values. Here’s my curated list of 12 essential vegan products to pack for your next festival adventure.
Food & Nutrition
1. Nutrient-Dense Snacks Festival days are long and energy-intensive. Pack lightweight, shelf-stable options like nuts, dried fruit, protein bars, and jerky alternatives. Look for brands like Louisville Vegan Jerky, Ridiculous Vegan Protein Bar, or Nakd Fruit & Nut Bar that offer substantial protein to keep you dancing all day.
2. Easy Meal Solutions While many festivals now offer vegan food options, they can be expensive or have long lines. Bring quick meals like instant oatmeal packets, VEGAN Dehydrated Expedition Food, or ramen with added freeze-dried vegetables. Just add hot water from the free water stations many festivals provide.
3. Nutritional Supplements Festival life can be taxing on your body. Consider bringing B12 supplements, electrolyte powder packets (like Liquid I.V.’s plant-based options), and vitamin C effervescent tablets to stay healthy while partying.
Personal Care
4. Vegan Sunscreen Protect yourself from long days in the sun with mineral-based, reef-safe sunscreens from brands like Sun Bum or Natural Tone Organic. These products protect both your skin and the environment without animal testing or ingredients.
5. Natural Bug Repellent Skip the DEET and choose plant-based options with citronella, lemongrass, or eucalyptus oils. Brands like Incognito and Pestects offer effective vegan-friendly repellents in convenient spray bottles or balms.
6. Dry Shampoo When shower access is limited, vegan dry shampoo can be a lifesaver. Options from Handmade Heroes, Corinne Taylor mixtures of arrowroot powder and essential oils help keep your hair fresh between washes.
7. Biodegradable Wet Wipes Festival cleanliness can be challenging, but cruelty-free, biodegradable wipes from brands like The Cheeky Panda can help you freshen up without harming animals or the environment.
Gear & Accessories
8. Vegan Festival Footwear Your feet will thank you for bringing comfortable, durable vegan shoes. Options from brands like Adidas, or synthetic boots from mainstream brands can handle muddy conditions while staying animal-free.
9. Non-Leather Bags and Pouches Keep your valuables secure in vegan leather or canvas belt bags, backpacks, or crossbody bags. Brands like Matt & Nat or Fjällräven offer stylish, durable options that are perfect for festival environments.
10. Sustainable Hydration System A durable, BPA-free water bottle or hydration pack is essential. Look for options from companies like Klean Kanteen or Camelbak that offer vegan-friendly materials and avoid leather trim on their products.
11. Eco-Friendly Rain Protection Festivals and unpredictable weather go hand-in-hand. Pack a lightweight, PVC-free rain poncho made from recycled materials instead of traditional plastic options that harm animals and the environment.
12. Plant-Based First Aid Kit Create a small kit with vegan-friendly bandages (like Patch), plant-based pain relievers, activated charcoal (for upset stomachs), and herbal remedies to address common festival ailments.
Final Tips
Before you go, research the festival’s food vendors online and map out which ones offer vegan options. Many festivals now list this information on their websites or apps.
Join vegan festival groups on social media platforms where members share tips about hidden vegan gems at specific events.
Remember that being prepared doesn’t just benefit you—it allows you to share your ethical choices with curious fellow festival-goers and demonstrate how accessible and enjoyable vegan living can be, even in festival environments.
Pack light but pack smart, and you’ll be ready for an unforgettable festival experience that aligns perfectly with your vegan values!