2026 Must-Attend Music Festivals and 8 Essential Tips for Packing

Alright, festival fam. If your heart beats faster at the sound of bass drops and your wardrobe includes more glitter than your makeup bag, you’re in the right place. Festival season is about to pop off in 2026, and it’s looking juicy.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned raver who never misses a beat or a newbie still figuring out how to apply biodegradable face gems (yes, they’re a thing); this post is your go-to guide for the must-attend music festivals of 2026, and how to pack smart so you’re vibing instead of stressing.

Let’s dive in!

2026 Festivals You Don’t Want to Miss

1. Coachella: Indio, California

No surprise here. Coachella’s basically the Beyoncé of music festivals. You go for the music, you stay for the fashion, the art, and let’s be honest, the people-watching. 2026 is rumored to bring a more immersive art experience, with a VR dome collaboration between a major DJ and digital artists. Will it be over-the-top? Absolutely. Worth it? Always.

2. EDC Las Vegas: Las Vegas, Nevada

The electric sky never dims at EDC. It’s a sensory overload in the best way, LED everything, carnival rides, and stages that feel like alien spaceships. Word on the street is there’ll be a brand-new stage design in 2026 that’s supposed to “mimic the sound of stars.” Whatever that means, we’re into it.

3. Tomorrowland: Boom, Belgium

For the hardcore festival traveler, Tomorrowland is the bucket list crown jewel. The 2026 theme? “The Oracle’s Dream.” Expect insane production, next-level stage storytelling, and a global crowd dancing like nobody’s watching (but let’s be honest, everyone’s filming).

4. Glastonbury: Somerset, UK

This one’s for the music lovers who like their stages muddy and their vibes legendary. From folk to techno, Glasto’s 2026 lineup already teased a historic headliner reunion (think Oasis or Daft Punk levels of epic).

5. Electric Forest: Rothbury, Michigan

You don’t just go to Electric Forest. You enter it. Nestled in the woods, this festival feels like a fairytale. Live painting, yoga under the trees, silent discos, and if you’re not wearing something fluffy, funky, or at least glow-in-the-dark, what are you even doing?

Mid-Festival Reminder: Pack More Than Just Outfits

Now’s a good time to mention one of our favorite stops for trippy, funny, and surprisingly functional ravewear and gear: www.scummybears.com. From glow-up accessories to the kinds of shirts that start conversations, they’ve got the kind of festival fashion that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but still totally slaps.

8 Packing Tips So You Don’t Cry in Your Tent (Again)

Let’s be real. We’ve all either been the person or seen the person who packed 13 outfits and forgot socks. Don’t be that person in 2026. Here’s what you need to remember when packing for your next festival adventure.

1. Plan Outfits by Day (Not Vibes)

It’s easy to throw everything sparkly into your bag and call it a plan. But when you’re freezing at 2 a.m. or sweating by noon, you’ll wish you packed with purpose. Lay out outfits by day, including layers. That mesh top looks less cute when you’re shivering.

2. Hydration Pack Over Purse

Yes, your crossbody is adorable, but does it hold three liters of water and a fan? No? Swap it for a hydration pack. Some even come with hidden compartments for snacks, lip balm, or ahem, other essentials.

3. Don’t Sleep on Footwear

Chunky boots? Love them. But make sure they’re broken in before day one. Festivals are marathons, not sprints. A solid pair of comfy sneakers or lightweight boots can be the difference between dancing all night and crying behind the porta-potties.

4. Ziplock Bags Are Your BFF

Rain happens. Spilled drinks happen. Dust storms definitely happen. Keep your essentials, like your phone, power bank, and ID, in ziplock bags. Bonus: they also prevent glitter from spilling onto your socks.

5. Wipes Over Water

Festival showers are a choice. And not always one you’ll want to make. Stock up on biodegradable body wipes. Trust me, a good wipe-down after a long day dancing under the sun is almost as satisfying as a real shower.

6. DIY First Aid Kit

We’re not saying you’ll definitely scrape your knee, get a blister, or end up with a random allergy. We’re just saying you might. Pack Band-Aids, pain relievers, antacids, and allergy meds. Oh, and don’t forget sunscreen, SPF 50 is your friend.

7. LED Everything

LED fans. LED glasses. LED shoelaces. Besides looking like a human light show, it helps your crew find you at night. Also, extra batteries or a backup charger is a must. Your phone can die, but your vibes shouldn’t.

8. Portable Charger with a Soul

Forget the tiny lipstick chargers. Get a good power bank with at least two full charges in it. Bonus if it has solar charging (yes, those exist now). Your future self – and your IG stories – will thank you.

Real Talk: Pack Light, But Pack Right

Packing isn’t just about the looks. It’s about making your festival experience smoother, easier, and less full of regret. Because nothing kills a buzz faster than realizing you forgot your ticket, your ID, or your favorite hoodie.

Also, pro tip, always have a pair of sunglasses and gum in your fanny pack. You’re welcome.

Final Thoughts

2026 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year for music lovers and festival-goers. With lineups getting more diverse, stages pushing creative limits, and the ravewear scene exploding with personality, it’s clear the culture is thriving. How much you enjoy it comes down to planning, packing, and wearing things that make you feel like your truest, weirdest, happiest self.

So grab your crew, prep your fits, and keep your packing smart. We’ll see you under the lights. Stay hydrated. Stay glittery. And whatever you do, don’t forget the wipes.