Stop showing up unprepared. Here's exactly what you need to survive—and enjoy—any gig, from a sweaty club to a festival field.
The Non-Negotiables
Your phone's dying at the climactic moment. Your cash is in the car. You're thirsty but a bottled water costs fifteen bucks. Sound familiar? It shouldn't. Pack smarter.
Money—actual cash, plus a card. Venues vary wildly. Some have card-only bars; others run on cash only. Bring both, and you'll never be caught short when C.W. Stoneking's belting out a banger at Kings Beach Tavern or you're desperate for a drink at Crowbar Brisbane.
Your phone, properly charged. A dead phone isn't just annoying—it's a safety risk. Grab a portable battery. They're cheap, tiny, and essential whether you're at BIGSOUND in September or catching a weeknight set at The Hamilton Station Hotel in Newcastle.
Weekly live music guide — free.
The Comfort Layer
You're standing for hours. Your feet will hurt. The venue will be too hot or too cold. Prepare accordingly.
Comfortable shoes aren't boring—they're strategic. You'll last longer, enjoy more of the show, and won't spend the final set fantasising about sitting down. Bonus: you can actually move to the music.
A light layer works everywhere. August gigs might feel balmy outside, but step into a packed room like The Enmore Theatre and suddenly you're roasting. A hoodie or shirt you can tie around your waist solves this instantly.
The Festival-Specific Gear
If you're heading to Wake Me Up When Spring Begins, Black Plague Festival, or any outdoor event, the stakes change. Sunscreen is non-negotiable. A hat. Water—bring your own bottle and refill it. A small backpack beats trying to juggle everything. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes because festivals = mud, rocks, and unexpected terrain.
Hand sanitiser. Earplugs—seriously, your hearing matters more than your ego. A phone charger cable, even if your battery's full (befriend strangers, make connections).
The Stuff You'll Actually Use
Headphones or earbuds for the travel there and back. A small notebook if you're a music obsessive—jot down band names you discover, like that act you caught at trap. in Adelaide last week that blew your mind.
Your ID. Yes, even if you look old enough. Venues like Lazybones Lounge Restaurant & Bar or Moonshine Saloon in Brisbane check everyone.
A phone charger or portable battery. We mentioned this twice because it's that important.
What You DON'T Need
Your entire camera setup. Your diary. Your negative attitude. Your phone on full brightness during the show. Leave the ego at home and just experience the music.
The best gig bag is prepared but not paranoid. You're going to enjoy live music, not survive a siege.
Ready to find your next show? Check musick.com.au for gigs happening right now—from intimate venues to massive festivals. Whatever you're packing, pack it smart.