A good fete kit is small. You are going to be dancing, jumping and getting covered in paint, powder and water for six hours. Every extra thing you carry is something to lose, break or worry about.
This is the kit we would pack for Midnight Riot, and it works for most soca fetes across the Caribbean.
The essentials
These are non-negotiable:
- Your phone, sealed. A waterproof phone pouch with a lanyard is the single best thing you can buy for a fete. You can still take photos through most of them.
- Photo ID. The name on your order goes on every ticket, so bring photo ID that matches. Keep it in the pouch with your phone.
- Your ticket. If you have paid, your QR ticket is in your email. Screenshot it before you leave home in case the signal is weak at the door. If you reserved and are paying at the door, bring your order number.
- Payment. One card and some cash, sealed with your phone. Leave the rest of your wallet at home.
- Your ride home plan. A driver's number saved in your phone, or a set pickup time with a friend. Decide this before you leave.
Strongly recommended
- Sunglasses or clear glasses to keep paint and powder out of your eyes.
- A bandana or buff. It covers your hair, wipes your face and can go over your nose and mouth when the powder clouds hit.
- Small pack of tissues or wet wipes in a zip bag.
- Lip balm and a mini sunscreen for the sunrise and the walk out.
- Hair tie or two on your wrist.
- A portable phone charger if your battery drains fast. Six hours of photos and videos adds up.
How to carry it
Choose one small bag that stays on your body:
- A waist bag worn in front or a small crossbody is ideal.
- Put everything inside a zip-top bag first, then in the bag. Paint gets everywhere.
- Avoid backpacks. They are hard to watch in a crowd and get in other people's way.
Leave these at home
- Expensive jewelry and watches. Paint gets into clasps and links, and things fall off when you jump.
- Your full wallet. One card, one ID, a little cash. That is it.
- Good sunglasses you love. Bring a cheap pair instead.
- Big cameras. Unless you are working the event, your phone in a pouch is enough.
- Anything you would be upset to lose. Fetes are joyful chaos. Plan for it.
- Your own paint or powder. Let the production handle the color, unless the event says otherwise.
Check the event terms for anything that is not allowed through the door before you go.
Before you leave home
- Eat a real meal.
- Drink water through the afternoon, not just at the fete.
- Charge your phone to 100 percent.
- Screenshot your ticket or order number.
- Apply a barrier layer of lotion or oil so paint washes off easier. More on that in what to wear to a paint and powder fete.
- Lay out a towel and a change of clothes for when you get back, or keep them in the car.
For the ride home
Paint and powder travel. Keep these in the car or at your door:
- An old towel or sheet to sit on
- A bottle of water
- A plastic bag for wet clothes
- Flip flops to change into
Your driver will thank you. So will your next rental car deposit.
Staying safe in the crowd
Fetes are about joy, but crowds still need common sense:
- Agree on a meeting spot with your crew in case you get separated.
- Stay hydrated and take short breaks when you need them.
- If something feels wrong, find security or event staff right away.
- Look out for friends who have had enough, and leave together.
The minimalist version
If you only remember one list, make it this one:
- Phone in a waterproof pouch
- Photo ID that matches your order
- Ticket screenshot or order number
- One card and some cash
- Sunglasses
- A plan to get home
That is a full fete kit. Everything else is optional.
Questions people ask
Do I need to print my ticket?
No. Your QR code on your phone works. A screenshot is a good backup in case the signal is weak at the door.
Can I bring a bag?
A small bag worn on your body is the easiest to manage. Check the event terms for anything that is not allowed.
How much cash should I bring?
Enough for taxis and small purchases, plus a card as backup. If you are paying for your tickets at the door, bring that amount too.
What do I do with my phone when the paint starts?
Keep it in a waterproof pouch on a lanyard so your hands stay free.
Still need a ticket? Reserve yours here. Coming from off island? Read about getting to Midnight Riot next.
