Managing Diabetes
Festivals Made Easier: Diabetes‑Friendly Planning With Dexcom G7
Published: Mar. 6, 2026
5 min read
From the desert skies of the Coachella Valley to the shoreline breezes of Miami, festival season brings a surge of excitement, music, and community. But enjoying these outdoor celebrations while living with diabetes can introduce unique challenges like rising temperatures, long days on your feet, crowded environments, and limited access to backup diabetes supplies.
With thoughtful planning and support from your care team or loved ones, navigating your next festival is not only manageable but totally doable. Whether you’re heading to your very first event with diabetes or gearing up for your best festival experience yet, these diabetes-friendly tips will help you feel confident, prepared, and ready to enjoy every moment.
Packing the Diabetes Essentials
Being prepared for any festival starts with creating a solid checklist of essentials so you can feel assured and ready for the day ahead. Before you start writing out your list, think through your personal “must‑haves” and any special factors to consider based on the event. Here’s a quick list to help you get started:
- Extra insulin
- Pump/CGM supplies, including extra sensors or infusion sets
- Small cooler or insulated freezer bag for insulin
- Test strips and glucometer backup
- Snacks or glucose tabs/gel
- Portable battery bank and phone charger
Dexcom Power Tip: Many festivals, concerts, and large events can store insulin for attendees at their medical or ADA tents. These teams often have refrigerators available to help keep medication properly stored. We recommend contacting the event’s medical staff ahead of the event to confirm this service is available and ask to be added to the accessibility entrance list for a smoother check in for these items. You can also check with them about sharps disposal if needed.
Insulin and Other Medication
If you plan to bring insulin or other medications to the festival or event, try your best to only bring the amount you’ll need for the duration of your day. Label your supplies “Medical Supplies” and keep all prescription medications in their original containers with your name clearly displayed. This name must match your government‑issued photo ID for event medical staff.
Upon arrival, you may be asked to have your medications cleared by the event’s medical team. At entry, request a crowd management supervisor who can connect you with a member of the medical staff for assistance.
Medical Bags, Security Checks & Smooth Entry
Understanding the venue’s bag policy is an essential part of your festival preparation. Most major events allow medical bags, even when general bags are restricted. Typically, clear bags made of plastic, vinyl, or PVC, no larger than 12" x 6" x 12", are required to help streamline security checks and can easily be inspected. Small, non‑clear clutch purses or fanny packs (usually around 4.5" x 6.5" to 6" x 9") are often permitted as well.
Many festivals also allow hydration backpacks, though these may need to be completely empty before entering the event grounds. Because bag policies can vary widely and may change from year to year, always double‑check your specific festival website for the latest rules to make sure your bag meets their standards.
In your bag, consider packing small, sealed snacks, like granola bars or candy, in case of a low glucose event. Keep in mind that some festivals and venues restrict outside food or drinks for security reasons, so it’s a good idea to check with the venue or festival staff ahead of time to confirm that any items you plan to bring are permitted.
Dexcom Power Tip: Screenshot the medical policy ahead of time and any communications you had previously with medical event staff to ensure smooth check-in and accommodations.
Service animals, including diabetes alert dogs, are usually welcome at these events. Festivals and event organizers follow ADA guidelines, so you can check out to see what is necessary for your service animal. If possible, let the event staff know ahead of time so they can help make your check‑in experience quick and easy.
Planning For The Festival Day
Know the Venue
Before you arrive, try to get familiar with the festival map and layout. Identify key spots like medical tents, shaded or cooling zones, water refill stations, charging stations, and designated meet‑up points with friends.
Prep Your Devices
Make sure your phone and any portable battery banks are fully charged. For extra support, if you use the Dexcom Share feature, consider sharing your G7 data with a trusted friend who's also attending and who has the Follow app*.
Use Dexcom G7 to Track Your Day
Your G7’s Log tab lets you log events like insulin doses, meals, activity, medications, and meter values if needed. You can even add short notes or emojis to capture anything else that might affect your glucose.
Communicate Your Needs
If you’re going with friends, let someone know how low or high glucose might look for you so they can step in if you need help. It also helps to pick a simple meet‑up spot ahead of time, just in case you get separated or need assistance.
Other Helpful Tips:
- Wear comfortable, supportive shoes to keep you moving confidently throughout the day.
- Consider bringing a light jacket or hoodie for later - once the sun sets, it can get chilly fast.
- Take short breaks in the shade throughout the day to help prevent fatigue.
- Drink water often, especially if it's hot outside.
- Use sunscreen and re-apply every few hours or when needed.
- Check your glucose regularly. Heat, walking, and excitement can all shift your levels!
- Keep quick carbs in a few different spots or with friends so they’re easy to find and grab.
Dexcom Power Tip: You can request free overpatches for your Dexcom CGM ahead of your next adventure! Read more Dexcom CGM adhesion tips here and you can place your overpatch request here: https://account.dexcom.com/en-us/support-forms/request-overpatch
Accommodations for People Living With Diabetes You May Not Know
U.S. National Park Free Admission
One unexpected perk of living with diabetes is that you may qualify for a free lifetime National Park Access Pass, giving you entry to recreation sites across the U.S.
You can apply in person for free, or online or by mail for a small processing fee. When applying, you’ll need to provide documentation confirming your medical condition, such as a brief statement from a licensed physician. You can learn more about the Access Pass here.
Air Travel Accommodations
The ADA (American Diabetes Association) partners with the TSA (Transportation Security Admission) to help make air travel easier for people with diabetes, ensuring you can bring your equipment and supplies on board without hassle. You can also request free preboarding, which gives you extra time to get settled, organize your medical items, and manage your glucose before taking off.
Just let the gate agent know and you’ll often receive a new boarding pass marked “PRBD”. Preboarding also helps guarantee you have access to overhead bin space for any medical supplies you need to keep close by. Read more details about traveling with your diabetes supplies and Dexcom G7 here.
With the right prep and an understanding of the resources available to you, managing diabetes at any event becomes not just possible, but empowering. Whether you proudly show off your diabetes tech or simply feel more grounded knowing it’s there, embracing your devices with confidence helps you, and others in the diabetes community, feel that “we got this!” Thoughtful planning and support from your care team or loved ones can help you feel prepared, self-assured, and ready to soak in every moment of your next concert experience.
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Explore how Dexcom G7 can support your diabetes management and keep you feeling in control wherever the music or art takes you.
*Separate Dexcom Follow app and internet connection required. Internet connectivity required for data sharing. Users should always confirm readings on the Dexcom G7 app or receiver before making treatment decisions. Compatible smart devices sold separately. To view a list of compatible devices, visit https://www.dexcom.com/compatibility