Your Complete Ultra Music Festival 2026 Packing Checklist
Ultra Music Festival is March 27-29, 2026, and whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned veteran, having the right gear can make or break your experience. This comprehensive packing checklist ensures you don't forget anything important for three days of incredible music at Bayfront Park.
The Essential Ultra Bag Checklist
Must-Have Items (Don't Leave Home Without These)
✓ Valid ID
Required for entry and age verification. Keep it in a waterproof case or ziplock bag.
✓ Ultra Ticket/Wristband
Obviously essential! If you have a physical wristband, put it on before you leave. Digital tickets should be downloaded offline in case of poor cell service.
✓ Phone
Your lifeline for meeting friends, capturing memories, and emergencies.
✓ Portable Charger (Fully Charged)
Your phone WILL die. A 10,000+ mAh portable charger is essential. Charge it fully the night before.
✓ Charging Cable
Don't forget the cable! Keep it attached to your portable charger so you don't lose it.
✓ Cash & Credit Card
Ultra accepts cards, but cash is backup. Bring $50-100 cash minimum. Use a slim wallet or card holder.
✓ Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Miami sun is intense. Bring a travel-size bottle you can reapply throughout the day. Mineral sunscreen works best for sweaty conditions.
✓ Sunglasses
Protect your eyes and look good doing it. Bring a durable pair you won't be devastated to lose.
✓ Hat or Bucket Hat
Sun protection for your face and neck. A bucket hat is perfect - stylish and functional.
Hydration & Health
✓ Hydration Pack or Empty Water Bottle
Ultra allows empty bottles and hydration packs. Fill at water stations inside. Staying hydrated is critical in Miami heat.
✓ Electrolyte Packets
Add to your water for better hydration. Liquid IV, Pedialyte packets, or similar.
✓ Lip Balm with SPF
Your lips will get sunburned and chapped. Bring SPF lip balm.
✓ Hand Sanitizer (Travel Size)
Portable bathrooms, food vendors, general festival grime - you'll want this.
✓ Tissues or Small Towel
For wiping sweat, cleaning up, or emergency bathroom situations.
✓ Any Prescription Medications
Bring what you need for the day in original containers if possible.
✓ Pain Reliever (Ibuprofen/Tylenol)
For headaches, sore feet, or general discomfort. Travel-size bottle.
✓ Antacid/Tums
Festival food + heat + dancing = potential stomach issues.
✓ Band-Aids/Blister Pads
For inevitable blisters or minor cuts. Blister pads are lifesavers.
Comfort & Protection
✓ Earplugs (High-Fidelity)
Protect your hearing! High-fidelity earplugs reduce volume without killing sound quality. Your future self will thank you.
✓ Bandana or Buff
Multi-use: wipe sweat, protect neck from sun, dust protection, style accessory.
✓ Gum or Mints
Stay fresh after hours of dancing and festival food.
✓ Deodorant (Travel Size)
Reapply midday. Your friends will appreciate it.
✓ Face Wipes or Wet Wipes
Quick refresh when you're feeling grimy. Travel pack fits easily in bag.
Weather Contingency
✓ Lightweight Rain Jacket (Packable)
Miami weather is unpredictable. A packable rain jacket takes minimal space and saves you if storms roll in.
✓ Extra Shirt/Tee
If you have locker space, bring a backup Grooveman tee. You'll appreciate a fresh shirt on day 2 or 3.
✓ Light Jacket or Hoodie
Evenings can cool down. A lightweight layer is perfect for closing sets.
Tech & Accessories
✓ Crossbody Bag or Fanny Pack
Hands-free storage for all your essentials. Must have secure zippers.
✓ Waterproof Phone Case or Ziplock Bags
Protect your phone from rain, sweat, and spills.
✓ Small Flashlight or Phone Light
For navigating dark areas, finding items in your bag, or walking back to car/hotel.
✓ Pen
For signing waivers, writing down new friends' info, or emergency notes.
Optional But Recommended
✓ Portable Fan (Battery or USB)
Handheld fans are lifesavers in Miami heat. Small, rechargeable ones fit in bags.
✓ Cooling Towel
Wet it, wring it out, wear around neck for instant cooling.
✓ Chapstick
In addition to SPF lip balm, regular chapstick for nighttime.
✓ Hair Ties
Even if you don't have long hair, someone in your group will need one.
✓ Bobby Pins
Keep hair out of your face during intense sets.
✓ Small Mirror
Quick appearance checks for photos and content.
✓ Stickers or Kandi
For trading with other festival-goers. Part of festival culture!
What to Wear: Your Ultra Outfit Checklist
Clothing Essentials
✓ Grooveman Graphic Tee (2-3 for all three days)
Your festival uniform. Comfortable, breathable, stylish. Pack one for each day plus a backup.
✓ Grooveman Rhinestone Tee (Optional Premium)
For evening sets when you want to shine under the lights.
✓ Comfortable Shorts or Joggers
Lightweight, breathable, with secure pockets.
✓ Broken-In Sneakers
NEVER new shoes. Comfortable, supportive, already worn multiple times.
✓ Socks (Moisture-Wicking)
Bring extras. Your feet will thank you.
✓ Underwear (Moisture-Wicking)
Athletic underwear handles sweat better than cotton.
Accessories
✓ Bucket Hat or Cap
Sun protection + style.
✓ Sunglasses
Essential for daytime sets.
✓ Chains or Jewelry (Minimal)
Add personality but don't bring anything you'd be devastated to lose.
✓ Watch (Optional)
For checking time without draining phone battery.
Ultra Bag Size & Policy Checklist
✓ Check Current Bag Policy
Ultra's bag policy changes. As of 2025, small bags and hydration packs are allowed. Verify current policy before packing.
✓ Measure Your Bag
Typical limit is around 12" x 12" x 6" but confirm current restrictions.
✓ Clear Bag (If Required)
Some years Ultra requires clear bags. Check policy and have one ready.
✓ Single Pocket Bags May Be Exempt
Small single-pocket bags often have different rules. Verify before you go.
Pre-Festival Preparation Checklist
One Week Before Ultra
✓ Review Ultra's Prohibited Items List
Rules change yearly. Check the official Ultra website.
✓ Break In Your Shoes
Wear your Ultra sneakers around the house, on walks, everywhere.
✓ Test Your Complete Outfit
Wear everything together. Walk, dance, sit. Make sure it's comfortable.
✓ Charge All Devices
Portable charger, phone, any other electronics.
✓ Download Ultra App
Set schedule, offline maps, artist info.
✓ Screenshot Your Schedule
In case of poor cell service, have your set times saved offline.
✓ Plan Meeting Spots
Cell service is terrible in crowds. Establish physical meeting locations with your group.
Night Before Ultra
✓ Lay Out Complete Outfit
Everything you're wearing, head to toe.
✓ Pack Your Bag
Use this checklist. Don't wait until morning.
✓ Charge Everything
Phone to 100%, portable charger to 100%.
✓ Apply Sunscreen Base Layer
Start sun protection the night before if you burn easily.
✓ Hydrate Heavily
Drink water all day and evening before Ultra.
✓ Get Good Sleep
You'll need energy for 8+ hours of festival.
✓ Set Multiple Alarms
Don't oversleep and miss opening sets!
Morning of Ultra
✓ Eat a Real Breakfast
Protein and carbs. Festival food is expensive and you'll need energy.
✓ Apply Sunscreen (Full Body)
Don't forget ears, neck, feet if wearing sandals to/from festival.
✓ Double-Check Bag
Run through this checklist one more time.
✓ Bring Cash for Parking/Uber
Have payment ready for transportation.
✓ Screenshot Parking Location
You WILL forget where you parked.
✓ Leave Early
Traffic and security lines are intense. Arrive early.
What NOT to Bring to Ultra
Prohibited Items (Will Be Confiscated)
- ❌ Outside food or beverages
- ❌ Alcohol or drugs
- ❌ Professional cameras (GoPros usually OK, check policy)
- ❌ Selfie sticks or large poles
- ❌ Weapons of any kind
- ❌ Laser pointers
- ❌ Large bags or backpacks (check size limits)
- ❌ Glass containers
- ❌ Aerosol cans (including spray sunscreen - use lotion)
- ❌ Umbrellas
- ❌ Chairs or blankets
- ❌ Professional audio recording equipment
Items You'll Regret Bringing
- ❌ Expensive jewelry you'd be devastated to lose
- ❌ New, unbroken shoes
- ❌ Heavy jacket (Miami is hot!)
- ❌ Anything white (it will get dirty)
- ❌ Too much cash (risk of loss/theft)
- ❌ Valuable items you don't absolutely need
- ❌ Large wallet (slim down to essentials)
Ultra Locker Rental Checklist
If you're renting a locker (highly recommended for multi-day comfort):
✓ Book Locker in Advance
They sell out. Reserve online before the festival.
✓ Remember Locker Number & Code
Screenshot or write it down. You'll forget.
✓ Store in Locker:
- Backup Grooveman tee for each day
- Extra shoes if feet hurt
- Additional layers for evening
- Backup portable charger
- Extra sunscreen
- First aid supplies
- Snacks (if allowed)
Group Coordination Checklist
✓ Establish Communication Plan
Cell service fails in crowds. Have backup plans.
✓ Set Physical Meeting Spots
"Meet at the Ferris wheel at 6pm" not "I'll text you."
✓ Share Schedules
Know who wants to see which artists. Plan splits and reunions.
✓ Designate a Group Leader
Someone responsible for keeping track of everyone.
✓ Exchange Emergency Contact Info
Write down phone numbers. Don't rely on having them in your phone.
✓ Agree on Departure Time
When are you leaving each day? Decide in advance.
Post-Ultra Checklist
✓ Hydrate Immediately
Drink water as soon as you leave the festival.
✓ Eat Real Food
Your body needs nutrients after hours of dancing.
✓ Wash Your Grooveman Tees
Cold water, inside out, gentle cycle. Take care of your festival gear.
✓ Charge Devices Overnight
Ready for day 2 and 3.
✓ Rest and Recover
Ultra is a marathon. Take care of yourself between days.
✓ Check Lost & Found
If you lost something, check Ultra's lost and found online.
Emergency Preparedness Checklist
✓ Know Medical Tent Locations
Check festival map for medical services.
✓ Save Ultra's Emergency Number
In your phone before you go.
✓ Identify Exits
Know where exits are when you arrive.
✓ Establish Emergency Meeting Spot
If group gets separated in emergency, where do you meet?
✓ Have Ride Home Backup Plan
Uber, Lyft, friend on call, public transit - have options.
Final Pre-Ultra Checklist
Run through this the morning you leave for Ultra:
- ✓ Phone charged to 100%
- ✓ Portable charger charged to 100%
- ✓ ID in waterproof case
- ✓ Tickets/wristband ready
- ✓ Cash and card secured
- ✓ Sunscreen applied
- ✓ Comfortable outfit on
- ✓ Broken-in shoes on feet
- ✓ Bag packed with all essentials
- ✓ Water bottle empty and ready to fill
- ✓ Meeting spots established with group
- ✓ Schedule screenshot saved offline
- ✓ Parking/transportation planned
- ✓ Positive attitude activated
Grooveman's Ultra Essentials
Don't forget the most important part of your Ultra packing list - your outfit! Grooveman's exclusive graphic tees are designed specifically for festival environments. Premium cotton that breathes in Miami heat, bold music-inspired graphics that stand out in crowds, and durable construction that survives three days of Ultra.
Pack multiple Grooveman tees for all three days, bring a rhinestone piece for evening sets when you want to shine, and don't forget comfortable bottoms and broken-in sneakers to complete your look.
You're Ready for Ultra 2026!
With this comprehensive checklist, you won't forget anything important for Ultra Music Festival 2026. Print this list, check off items as you pack, and get ready for three unforgettable days of music, dancing, and memories at Bayfront Park.
Ultra Music Festival 2026: March 27-29, Miami
See you there! Tag us in your Ultra photos and show us your Grooveman festival style.