The Ultimate CMA Music Festival Packing Guide

This week, thousands of country music fans from all over the United States (and the World!) will embark on a trip to Nashville, TN for the 2012 CMA Music Festival. CMA Fest is a country music fan’s dream – a chance to get up-close-and-personal with country music hottest stars, discover new artists, meet new friends, and so much more.

Packing for CMA Fest can be overwhelming, so we thought we’d help! As seasoned CMA Fest attendees, we’ve come up with a list of must-have items for your fun-filled week in Music City. Be sure to pack everything listed below….you can thank us later!

• Comfortable Shoes- There are two kinds of people at CMA Fest: those who wear comfortable shoes and those who wish they had. Do yourself a favor and invest in a pair of good tennis shoes. They may not be the most fashionable clothing item on the market, but trust us, it’s worth it.
• Sunscreen- Protecting your skin is VERY important. Pack some sunscreen and make sure to re-apply throughout the day. If you get sunburn, the rest of your trip will be ruined, and you don’t want that to happen!
• Deodorant- You might laugh now, but this is something quite a few people forget! The last thing you want to do is meet your favorite country star smelling like a hot, sweaty mess. Be sure to pack a stick of deodorant. It might also be a good idea to bring a travel stick with you to use throughout the day!
• Fan- This might be a good time to purchase a battery operated fan. The forecast for this week shows highs in the mid to upper 80s, so a fan will definitely come in handy. The misting water bottle fans are a lifesavers!
• Sharpies- Even though most artists have their own, it’s a good idea to bring a few Sharpies with you (black & silver!). You never know when you’ll run into your favorite country star!
• Autograph book- Some fans like to have artists sign an autograph book or scrapbook. It makes for a great keepsake! Whatever you decide to do, be sure to have something for the artists to sign- you don’t want to run in to your favorite star with nothing to be autographed except for your body!
• Tickets- Don’t forget to pack all of your tickets for the week. This includes your 4-day CMA Fest passes, fan club party tickets, City of Hope Celebrity Softball Game tickets, etc.
• Water- If you’re flying, you can’t bring a case of water along with, but it’s something you should pick up before you check in to your hotel. It is extremely important to stay hydrated throughout the festival. The heat can be brutal and it’s cheaper to purchase water by the case vs by the bottle. You can also bring a water bottle and fill up for FREE at one of CMA Fest’s 3 water stations.
• Energy Drinks- CMA Fest is A LOT of fun, but it is also very tiring. You may want to stock up on some energy drinks or 5-hour energy bottles because sleep is pretty hard to come by. It’s totally worth it though!
• Poncho- Thankfully the forecast shows a very small chance of rain, but you never know what will happen. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
• Backpack/Tote Bag- It’s a good idea to bring along a backpack, tote bag, or large purse (no fanny packs, please!). You’ll find this helpful to hold all of your belongings in throughout the day.
• Your Cell Phone – Not only can you call and brag to your friends about all the stars you’re meeting, but it’s also a great tool to stay up to date on last minute giveaways and contests via Twitter, Facebook, texting, etc.
• CMA Fest Mobile App- If you have a smartphone, the official CMA Fest app is a must have! It will help you plan out which of the official CMA Music Festival events you want to attend.
• CMIL’s Guide to the 2012 CMA Music Festival- Be sure to bookmark our guide to CMA Fest on your phone. This will help you keep track of all of the events throughout the week including special Opry events, fan club parties, and more.
• Cash- While most places accept credit/debit cards, it’s always a good idea to have cash on you at all times.
• Hand Sanitizer- You’ll be shaking a lot of hands throughout the week, so be sure to pack a bottle of hand sanitizer to take along with you throughout each day.
• Camera- The number one thing you cannot leave the house without is your camera. This will be your chance to meet some of your favorite stars and you’ll want to capture the moment. Don’t forget your memory card and extra batteries too!

We can’t wait to see you at the 2012 CMA Music Festival! Be sure to follow CountryMusicIsLove on Twitter, Facebook, and Foursquare for CMA Fest updates.