Tomorrowland - The biggest EDM (Electronic Dance Music) festival in the world, that sells 180,000 tickets in a blink of an eye, is not something you want to be unprepared for. To make it to one of the world's best adult playgrounds and create memories to last a lifetime there are a few things to think about.
This blog aims to answer the important questions such as….
How do I prepare for Tomorrowland?
What should I bring to Tomorrowland?
What can I NOT bring to Tomorrowland?
How do I prepare for Tomorrowland?
Getting your ticket is obviously step one (our advice is to get them as early as possible - not only does it sell out but you’ll save some $$ on pre-sale tickets).
There are so many ticket and accommodation options to choose from, which one you pick depends on how many days you want to attend, the kind of sleeping arrangements you want, how you are planning on travelling to the festival and more.
Camping at the festival adds to the whole experience, but this isn’t for everyone, if you do choose not to camp at the festival there is the other option to stay at nearby cities like Antwerp, Mechelen or Brussels, but you will need to book this accommodation separately and be aware that travelling to and from the festival will take some time and effort each day.
Plan and book how you will get there in advance. Tomorrowland offers a “Global Package” ticket which includes travel, accommodation, ticket options etc. all in one big package - to make your life easy you can go with this option. But, if your budget doesn’t allow this you will need to plan on how to get there and book shuttle buses etc. in advance - surrounding cities are busy during festival time so don’t delay and be left with slim pickings.
Tomorrowland is a cash-free environment, the currency used at the festival is called “pearls' ' which are stored on your wristband. You can purchase ‘pearls’ at the festival itself but you will get the option of purchasing them at a better price when you buy your ticket (note: anything not spent will be returned to you). Budget for things like food, drinks, memorabilia etc.
For a breakdown of all the options available, prices and where to buy check out this blog.
Plan your schedule! Tomorrowland has more than 200 DJs and 16 stages, you are bound to have to miss a few acts. But study the schedule (you can download an app) and work out your “must-sees”. Remember that the festival grounds are huge and getting from stage to another is going to take time. Don’t worry if you can’t see everyone you want or if your schedule gets thrown off track, it’s bound to happen. Tomorrowland is also a great place to discover new favourite DJs, but having a base plan in mind helps.
What should I bring to Tomorrowland?
You’ve bought your ticket, you know how you’re getting there, you’ve even examined the line up and chosen your favorites and now the week of the festival has arrived -But, where do you start with packing?
If you’re camping you obviously need to bring a decent tent, sleeping bag, air mattress, camping chair, headlamps etc. (depending on your camping / glamping options). Beyond these basics there are some things you won’t want to forget to pack....
- Sleep Aids - Ear plugs and an eye mask will help you get some much needed shut eye when you do eventually choose to leave the party.
- Personal hygiene Items - although some accommodation options have shower facilities, most people will not get a chance to shower for the 3 days and you still want to feel somewhat fresh. Wet wipes, deodorant, toilet paper, dry shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste, mouthwash and a hand held mirror are all things you will be thankful you brought.
- Weather prep - the weather in Belgium is unpredictable so be prepared for both sun and rain. Bring sun cream, a hat / visor and sunglasses along with a rain jacket / poncho.
- First Aid / The Hangover Help - A small typical first aid bag is great to have with the addition of some antinausea, antihistamine, pain relievers and electrolytes. Don’t let things like a little trip, cut heels from a day of dancing in questionable shoes or a hangover ruin your day!
- Clothes - Festival fashion is like no other. Don’t be afraid to stand out and wear all that glitter and colour you only wish you could wear everyday in life. Check out our collections for some great festival wear ideas.
- Drinks & Food - You can’t bring outside food and drink into the festival itself but if you are camping, plastic bottles, cans and food are allowed. The maximum amount of drinks that may be brought to DreamVille is 6 cans of alcoholic beverages (max. 50 cl per can) and 6 cans or plastic bottles of soda or energy drinks (max. 50 cl per can/plastic bottle) per person. You are allowed to bring your own food to DreamVille.
- Water, Water, Water - Bring a supply of water if you are camping and a water bottle that you can refill at the festival. Don’t be that person that passes out from dehydration or sun stroke, keep yourself hydrated! An unlimited number of bottles of water; only closed packages are allowed.
What can I NOT bring to Tomorrowland?
Just as important as the things you pack, are the things you don’t. Some things are not allowed and you don’t want the hassle of getting it there only for it to be confiscated or worse, you don’t even get in.
It is not allowed to enter the festival ground with the following objects:
- Cars, motorbikes, trailers, caravans, campers, etc. (note: there is no camping allowed in the carpark so don’t plan on sleeping in your car or a camper van here)
- Gas installations exceeding 500gr
- Glass
- Candles
- Dispensing equipment
- Generators
- Music systems
- Dry ice
- Animals (except guide-dogs)
- Spray cans
- Drugs (except accompanied by a doctor's note) - There are sniffer dogs at the festival so don’t carry anything illegal. This policy is rigorously enforced and in relevant cases means handing over to the Police.
- Weapons - blunt, stab or thrust weapons or firearms or other items that might be used as a weapon
- Football club flags
- Sticks, walking sticks (medical crutches and devices excepted)
- Banners
- Items with discriminating and/or provocative texts and/or expressions.
- Bonfires and/or barbecues are not allowed between the tents. However, a small barbecue and small simple gas rings (up to 500gr) are permitted in one of the 10 BBQ areas.
We hope this helps you have the best (and safest) Tomorrowland experience possible!