Tips for Attending MerleFest

MerleFest Map

Tips for Attending MerleFest

MerleFest Map

Things to Bring to MerleFest

You'll have fun even if you arrive empty-handed, but bringing along a few specific items will improve your experience. We like these!!

Eno Hammock

There's no better way to look like you belong at MerleFest than to lounge between trees in your own Eno Hammock. This one, however, is special. First, it's a Doublenest, so you can easily fit two people inside. Secondly, it is a special edition Appalachian Trail Eno Hammock, and $10 of each purchase goes to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. So, this is the one to buy! If you don't love the look of it, other patterns are available at the same link. Don't forget some straps!

Folding Chair

This is the most important thing to bring. Most of the stages don't have chairs in the audience, so you'll need to bring your own. You'll be sitting in it a lot, and you'll want it to be easy to carry. We like this chair which is comfortable, not low to the ground, and folds up nicely for carry in a bag. It's hard to beat!

Rain Poncho

It will rain at MerleFest. Maybe for a few minutes, maybe for a few days...you never know, but the rain is part of the fun, so be prepared for it. This poncho is light weight but reusable, and can be tucked away into a small bag and tossed into your backpack when it isn't in use. It also comes in 15 colors, so you can stand out in the crowd!

Backpack

This is another vital item...you'll need a bag to keep all your things with you. This one holds most everything you'll need. But the reason we picked this one has everything to do with wet-management. This bag has a wet compartment for anything rain-soaked, and it has a special zipper to access those, so that everything else in your bag doesn't get drenched. It also comes in 8 colors, which we love!

Power Bank

This power bank is less than half an inch wide, but best of all, it has USB-C in and out ports, which most don't. Many devices have switched to C type chargers, but the power banks are mostly USB or Lightening. This one has plenty of power to charge you up for the day, or to be your backup for the weekend!

Loop Ear Plugs

Ear protection is very important at concerts, even outdoor concerts. But we've found that most earplugs distort the music and make for a poor experience. But not Loop Ear Plugs! They were designed for listening to loud music, and they decrease the volume by about 18 decibels, while still protecting the fidelity of the music. Yes, other ear plugs will work, but these are fabulous. You'll also find they have several variations in color and strength.

Ear Plugs

We personally prefer the Loop Ear Plugs, but we know some folks might like a more traditional version. We like these, which come with a handy carrying case. They are made of silicone and are very reusable. They can reduce noise by 20 decibels.

Hat

You may not believe me, but in April in Wilkesboro, you'll be hot, cold, wet and dry all in the same day. A good-quality hat can help keep the sun and rain out off of your face, and this Columbia hat happens to look quite sharp. It also comes in more than 30 colors! Of course, there are many stylish hats, and the Shoppes at MerleFest are full of hats, but you'll save money and time if you arrive prepared.

Refillable Water Bottle

MerleFest offers free water-filling stations, so be sure to bring a refillable water. We like this one for how easy it is to seal up and throw in your bag. We've been trusting Stanley to hold our water and coffee our whole lives, so this bottle was an easy sell for us!

Cooling Water Bottle

You won't need two water bottles, but we couldn't choose between these two, so we're happy to tell you about both. This bottle has a secret...it can mist you with cool water, in addition to keeping you from being thirsty! At a surprisingly low price, this water bottle will delight you.

Filling Snacks

There is a lot of food available at MerleFest, but for your convenience, you'll want to bring along a few snacks that are filling and healthful. We love popcorn, ice cream and concert food as much as the next family, but it's always good to have something to carry you over when the lines are too long, or when there isn't enough time between sets to get what you need!

Wet Wipes

Trust us on this one...you'll find some messes, and you'll want them clean. Use wipes like this to clean yourself, surfaces, or anything else. Just toss a pack in your bag!

Blanket

We know you have blankets at home, so you may wonder why you want another. This one has a few features we think make it worth purchasing...first, it folds up nicely and can be tossed into your bag. Second, it has 3 layers, and the bottom layer keeps water from you, because the ground WILL BE wetter than you'd prefer. It's also generously sized to fold up so small. It's 60 inches by 79 inches. And, you can tell by the picture that it has a handy pocket to keep your small essentials.

First Aid

Be prepared for small emergencies with this kit. It has 66 items in it, and you never know when you'll get a cut, splinter or burn. The link below will also offer you several larger kits, all made by the same company.

Sunscreen

This sunscreen is neither greasy nor smelly, so we are big fans. You may be able to skip this if you have a good hat, but it never hurts to protect your skin, and you'll be outside for a long time!

If you are camping, you'll need more things, but these should get you happily through a day of music. Be sure to also have a jacket and water-proof shoes.

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