M'era Luna Festival Packing List: What to Bring & What’s Banned

Understanding the Festival Setup

M'era Luna takes place annually at the Airfield Hildesheim Drispenstedt, a former military airfield that transforms into a temporary city for the dark music scene. The festival traditionally spans a weekend in August, with many visitors arriving as early as Friday to set up camp. For comprehensive details, including ticket advice and camping options, refer to the M’era Luna Festival Guide.

The venue hosts two main stages, with performances spanning genres like Gothic Rock, Dark Wave, Industrial, EBM, and Synthpop. Beyond the music, you'll find a market with medieval and Gothic offerings, plus food and drink stalls, though the official site doesn't specify what's sold on-site—so it's wise to check closer to the event.

Essential Documents and Entry Must-Haves

Before you pack anything else, ensure you have your festival ticket or day pass, a valid ID, and any camping reservation confirmation if you booked a spot. Your wristband will be attached upon entry to the event grounds, so keep your ticket accessible until then.

Security checks happen every time you enter the concert area, and you'll choose between two lanes: the Fast Lane is for people with minimal luggage (one piece of hand luggage or less), while the Slow Lane accommodates larger items like handcarts. Pick the right lane to speed up your entry.

If you're traveling from afar, you'll want to plan your route in advance. Check out our guide on how to get to m'era luna festival for tips on trains, shuttles, and driving to Hildesheim.

Camping Gear: Comfort on the Site

Your tent is the foundation of a good festival weekend. Pack a sturdy, weatherproof tent with enough space for you and your gear, plus a groundsheet and pegs. Camping chairs and tables are welcome, and you can bring a standard gazebo (3×3 meters) per group of about ten people—larger groups can bring multiple.

For cooking, gas stoves are allowed with small canisters (up to 450 g). You can also bring drink barrels up to 5 liters, cans, and plastic bottles to store water and other beverages. Make sure to pack a reusable cup or bottle for daily use.

Sleep essentials matter too: a sleeping bag suited to cooler nights, an inflatable mattress or sleeping pad, and a pillow. A headlamp or flashlight is handy for late-night trips to the bathroom, and earplugs will help you rest despite the festival noise.

Clothing and Footwear for August Weather

August in northern Germany can be warm during the day but cool after sunset, so dress in layers. Pack t-shirts and light tops for the heat, but also a hoodie or jacket for evenings. Rain is always possible, so include a lightweight rain poncho or waterproof jacket—umbrellas are allowed on the festival grounds but not huge ones.

Comfortable footwear is non-negotiable. You'll be on your feet for hours, often on grass or gravel, so sturdy boots or sneakers with good grip are ideal. Break them in before the festival to avoid blisters.

Many attendees embrace the Gothic aesthetic with black clothing, lace, and leather. While there's no dress code, packing a few statement pieces can enhance your experience. Just balance style with comfort—you'll thank yourself after a long day.

Hygiene and Personal Care Essentials

On the festival grounds, you can bring liquid hygiene and health products up to 100 ml in plastic containers (maximum two per person). That includes hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and insect repellent. For the campsite, you have more freedom, but remember there are no guarantees of shower facilities—check the official info for what's provided.

Pack biodegradable wet wipes, toilet paper (just in case), and a small towel. A washbasin or collapsible bucket can be useful for washing up. Don't forget personal medications—keep them in their original packaging and consider a small first-aid kit.

Food and Drink: What's Allowed

You can bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks to the campsite, including drink barrels up to 5 liters. Cans, plastic bottles, and Tetra Paks are fine there, but remember that no glass containers are allowed anywhere on the festival site.

On the festival grounds, rules are tighter. You're allowed to bring one packed lunch per person for personal consumption, plus empty, foldable drinking bottles or empty Tetra Paks. There are likely food vendors inside, but the official site doesn't confirm what's available—so plan ahead and verify before you go.

Festival Ground Essentials: Bags and Small Items

Bags larger than DIN A4 size are not allowed on the festival grounds. If you want to bring a gym bag or sports bag, it must be at least one-sided transparent and not exceed DIN A4. Bum bags and hip bags are permitted, making them a practical choice for carrying your phone and wallet.

You can bring empty, foldable drinking bottles or drinking hoses up to 1 liter, and open reusable cups up to 0.5 liters. Fill them once you're inside, as filled plastic bottles and Tetra Paks are prohibited.

Power banks are allowed on the festival grounds, so you can recharge your phone while enjoying the music. A small crossbody bag or fanny pack is perfect for keeping your essentials close and within the size rules.

Power and Tech: Staying Charged

Your phone is your lifeline for meeting friends, checking schedules, and capturing memories. Bring a high-capacity power bank (allowed on festival grounds) and charging cables. At the campsite, you may have access to electric hookups, but don't rely on it—check the camping info provided by the organizers.

Consider a solar-powered charger as backup, but note that power generators and external car batteries are not allowed. If you're staying in a caravan, it might have its own power source, but verify the rules for your specific camping area.

Medical and Safety Items

Pack a basic first-aid kit with plasters, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any prescription medication you need. Keep medications in their original packaging and bring a doctor's note if necessary. Sunscreen and insect repellent are essential, even if the weather seems cloudy.

A small personal alarm can be a deterrent in crowded spaces, and earplugs are crucial to protect your hearing during loud sets. If you have allergies, bring antihistamines and know the location of medical tents on site.

What NOT to Bring: Prohibited Items

Certain items are banned on the entire festival site, including the campsite. These include glass bottles and containers, large gas cylinders, generators, weapons of any kind, fireworks and pyrotechnics, animals, and megaphones. Grills are not permitted, so leave your barbecue at home.

On the festival grounds specifically, you cannot bring cans, plastic bottles, hydration backpacks, filled containers, or chairs and seating furniture. Recording devices with professional equipment are also not allowed—stick to your phone or a compact camera. For a full list, check the official guidelines.

Pro Tips for First-Timers

To breeze through security, pack transparent bags for the festival grounds and keep your luggage minimal. If you're bringing a lot of camping gear, use the Slow Lane to avoid delays. Label your tent and valuables to prevent loss.

Make a list before you start packing and check off items as you go. Roll your clothes to save space and use packing cubes to organize. Keep your valuables in a small lockable bag on your person rather than in your tent.

If you're exploring music festivals beyond M'era Luna, consider browsing our roundup of the best music festivals in Germany. But remember, M'era Luna is a unique experience—embrace the community and the music.

Final Checklist

A well-planned packing list makes all the difference. Remember your ticket, ID, and camping reservation; pack weather-appropriate layers and sturdy shoes; bring a power bank and transparent bags for the festival area. Double-check what's allowed on the campsite versus the concert grounds, and you're set.

Before you head out, verify the latest rules and any updates on the official M'era Luna Festival page and review the how-to-get-to guide if needed. With this packing list in hand, you're ready for an unforgettable weekend in Hildesheim.