Outdoor Concert Essentials for Summer Music Nights
This past Friday kicked off one of the highlights of the year — the Glover Park Concert Series in Marietta Square. It’s a beloved tradition that runs from April through September, bringing live music, good food, and a true sense of community to the heart of town. If you’re planning to attend, having your outdoor concert essentials ready — like chairs, coolers, and easy picnic foods — can make all the difference for a perfect night under the stars.
For my group of friends, this series has become a ritual. We always camp out behind the stage on North Park Street, setting up early to grab a great spot, and turning the evening into a full-on picnic party. We bring plenty of food, drinks, and a few must-have comforts to make the night even more enjoyable.
If you’re gearing up for your own outdoor concert or picnic-style event, here’s a look at the outdoor concert essentials we always bring (plus some Amazon favorites we swear by):
Outdoor Concert Essentials (And Our Amazon Favorites!)
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1. Chairs and Cart for Easy Set-Up
Comfort and convenience are key when packing your outdoor concert essentials. We always bring low-profile chairs to relax and a sturdy cart to haul everything from the parking lot to our spot behind the stage.
(Pro tip: choose your parking buddies wisely — someone’s getting nominated to pull the wagon through the crowd!)
Amazon Favorites:
2. Tables: Essential Gear for Outdoor Concert Picnics
A lightweight table setup is definitely part of our outdoor concert essentials list. We love a folding table for the group spread and personal side tables for individual drinks and plates.
Amazon Favorites:
3. Easy Picnic Foods and Serving Solutions
Finger foods are a staple at any outdoor concert, and we like to keep it simple but delicious. Last night, we brought a mix of easy-to-share favorites:
- A charcuterie board with meats, cheeses, and crackers
- Dips and chips for easy snacking
- Popcorn chicken for a hearty bite
- Brownies for a sweet finish
A divided tray with a lid keeps everything organized and easy to serve — and makes it quick to pack up at the end of the night!
Amazon Favorite:
4. Coolers for Every Type of Drink
Keeping your drinks cold is a key part of mastering your outdoor concert essentials. We like to mix and match with coolers for everything — water, cocktails, and of course, wine.
Last night’s favorites: a chilled 2019 Domaine Carneros Verméil Demi-Sec and a bottle from Gloria Ferrer (I’ll add the varietal!) — the perfect sparkling companions for a night under the stars.
Along with the bigger coolers, we always bring can coolers to keep our seltzers and beers ice-cold through the evening.
Amazon Favorites:
- Maelstrom Cooler Backpack
- Coleman Xtreme 50qt Wheeled Cooler
- opux 6 Bottle Carrier Tote
- Maars Standard Can Cooler for Beer & Soda – A must for sodas and beers
5. Plates, Napkins, and Utensils: Must-Haves for Outdoor Concerts
Cute napkins and a handy utensil caddy are easy ways to upgrade your setup — and they definitely belong on your outdoor concert essentials list.
We always bring plates, plastic flatware, and plenty of utensils to make serving and eating easy. A caddy keeps everything organized and ready to grab when it’s time to dig in!
Amazon Favorites:
- Fun Cocktail Napkins Set – Adds personality to the table
- Metal Caddy Organizer – Easy to transport everything you need
6. Trash Bags and Quick Clean-Up Essentials
A few small additions make a big difference when it’s time to pack up:
- Heavy-duty trash bags
- Paper towels
- Sanitizing wipes
Pro tip: Cleaning up fast means you’re first in line for the after-party!
7. Bug Protection Essentials for Outdoor Concerts
Nothing ruins an outdoor night faster than mosquitoes. We always pack wipes and bug-repellent bracelets as part of our outdoor concert essentials.
Amazon Favorites:
8. Extras for Comfort and Fun
A few smart extras really round out our outdoor concert essentials:
Amazon Favorites:
- Neck Fan
- JBL Go 4 Bluetooth Speaker
- Unbreakable Wine Glasses
- Wine Tumblers with Lids
Before You Go: Outdoor Concert Essentials Checklist
Make sure you’re ready for the perfect night out! Download our go-to list here. And check out the full list of recommendations for your next concert here.
