Image: Rock am Ring 2025 [Jonas Tellkamp: @bookings_always_closed]
It won’t be long before the summer festival season officially kicks off! Traditionally, Rock am Ring and Rock im Park open the season on the first weekend of June, launching what is arguably the best (live music) time of the year. The rest of the month follows with events like the Impericon Festival, Jera On Air near the German-Dutch border, Download Festival, Nova Rock Festival, Greenfield Festival, Rock for People, or Vainstream Rockfest. July and August keep things going with Wacken Open Air, Reload Festival, Full Rewind, Summer Breeze Open Air, and many more.
So—you’re finally diving into the wonderful world of festivals this year and attending your first open air? Nice one! To help you prepare and ease those pre-festival nerves, we’ve put together a handy guide so you can start your experience fully prepared.
Tickets, Booking & Basics: Getting the Essentials Sorted
No ticket, no entry—it’s that simple. Most major summer festivals sell out well in advance, and even if a few tickets remain, there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to grab one at the gate. Smaller, local events sometimes offer day tickets at the box office, but for large multi-day festivals, that’s rare.
Think about whether you want to go all in for a full weekend (three or four days) or just drop by for a single day. Festivals like Impericon, Jera On Air, or Vainstream often offer day tickets—but not all festivals do. Events like Wacken or Rock am Ring, for example, usually only offer full weekend passes—and they’re typically sold out anyway.
Depending on how you plan to stay, you may also need separate camping or parking tickets. These are usually not included in your festival pass, so make sure to check what’s included and book early.
Image: Rock am Ring 2025 [Jonas Tellkamp: @bookings_always_closed]
Accommodation: Where (and How) to Stay
If you’re going to a multi-day festival, camping is the classic option. Most festivals offer different types of camping: regular (aka party central), eco-friendly camping, quieter zones with noise restrictions, or even caravan areas.
Prefer something more comfortable? Hotels and apartments are usually available nearby—but they tend to book out quickly and can be pricey during festival season. If you’re commuting daily by car, you’ll also need a parking pass.
City festivals often don’t offer camping at all, so booking accommodation early is key. Caravan options might still be available, though—so it’s worth checking ahead.
Building Your Camp
If you’re camping, you’ll need to set up your own little base. Some festivals offer pre-set tents, but standard camping areas usually just give you the basics: grass (or mud… or dust), insects, toilets, and maybe showers—electricity is rare.
Coordinate with your group so you’re not all bringing the same stuff. Essentials like a tent, sleeping bag, and toothbrush are personal must-haves (seriously—bring your own toothbrush). A good camp setup often includes a canopy and seating.
Here’s a quick checklist:
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Air mattress/sleeping mat
- Flashlight/lantern
- Tent pegs & hammer
- Trash bags
- Camping chairs & table
- Canopy (gazebo)
- Gaffer tape (trust us)
- Pillow (inflatable if needed)
- Towels
- Dish soap & sponge
- Padlock
Getting Around
How you get from A to B is up to you. Depending on distance and weather, even walking can be a good option. Driving is common—just make sure to check parking options and book in advance.
Public transport is often expanded during festivals, and shuttle buses are common—especially at large sites like Rock am Ring, where campsites can be far from the main stages. You’ll find all relevant info on festival websites, apps, or social media.
Food & Drinks: At the Camp and in the Infield
Festival food used to mean canned ravioli and cheap snacks—but those days are mostly gone. Food options on-site have improved massively, both in the infield and around campsites. Some festivals even have pop-up supermarkets where you can buy pretty much anything you need.
Still, bringing a small care package is smart—you don’t want to wander around at night just because you’re hungry or thirsty.
For camp cooking, you’ve got options: eat cold, or go all in with a proper BBQ session. Here’s what you might need:
- Water
- Refillable bottle
- Drinks (no glass bottles!)
- Non-perishable food
- Plates, cups, cutlery (plastic or wood)
- Can opener
- Pot/pan
- Camping stove + gas + lighter
- Grill + charcoal + lighter + tongs
In the festival area itself, you’ll find plenty of food and drink options—including lots of great vegan choices. Some festivals even provide free water stations. Just keep in mind: eating exclusively in the infield can get expensive.
Also worth noting: many festivals are now cashless. You may need to load credit onto a wristband or use card payments—check in advance.
Image: Rock am Ring 2025 [Jonas Tellkamp: @bookings_always_closed]
What Else Should You Bring?
Festival weather can be unpredictable—from scorching heat to pouring rain. Check the forecast and be ready for anything. Layering is key.
Clothing essentials:
- Shorts & long pants / skirts / dresses
- T-shirts / tops
- Warm hoodies
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Underwear & socks
- Pajamas
- Sneakers / rubber boots
- Flip-flops
- Hat / cap
- Sunglasses (not your expensive ones—you’ll lose them anyway)
Image: Rock am Ring 2025 [Karoline Schaefer, @cateyephotography]
If you’re still putting together your festival outfit, feel free to get inspired in our shop—we’ve got the perfect merch for your favorite artists.
And don’t forget hygiene. Sure, you could skip showering all weekend—but at least brush your teeth and use deodorant. Your neighbors will thank you.
Bring:
- Towel
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Mirror
- Shampoo / shower gel
- Sunscreen
- Makeup (if needed)
- Toilet paper / wet wipes
- Hairbrush / comb
- Contraceptives
- Tampons / sanitary products
- Tissues
- Insect spray
A small first aid kit is also a good idea. And if you rely on medication—don’t forget it. Pharmacies aren’t usually within walking distance.
Check the maps, walking routes and other details
Take some time beforehand to check the festival map. It’ll help you feel less overwhelmed on-site. Know where entrances, exits, stages, toilets, food stands, and your campsite are.
Big festivals often have multiple stages—so if you’re planning to see specific acts, give yourself enough time to move between them. Distances can be long, and crowds can slow you down.
You should also know where to find medical services and awareness teams. All this info is usually available online or in festival apps.
Plan Your Schedule
And finally—what’s a festival without music? Exactly.
Check the timetable in advance. Festivals release them earlier or later, but once they’re out, plan your must-see acts. Coordinate with your group so you don’t have to go alone (unless you want to).
If an act you want to see plays early, make sure you arrive on time—security checks can cause delays, and you don’t want to miss anything.
Ready?
Great—we are too. We can’t wait to see you out there! Impericon will be present at many festivals with merch and cool activities. Stop by, grab a shirt or hoodie, and hang out with us.
We’re counting down the days! 🎉
Image: Rock am Ring 2025 [Jonas Tellkamp: @bookings_always_closed]
