How to Do Saratoga Jazz Fest Right

We check in with some of the annual event's most devoted attendees to find out what gear they won't leave home without.

When we rolled up to day two of Saratoga Jazz Fest at SPAC a few hours after it started, we were surprised to find enough real estate on the easily-accessible upper lawn to fit a blanket and the two $12 chairs we’d just bought at Ocean State Job Lot. We set up our spot, and took a seat. Approximately four minutes later, we were sweating, and I realized our mistake: We didn’t have the right gear.

Now, I’m embarrassed to admit that despite growing up in Saratoga County and currently living 3.5 miles from SPAC, I’d never been to one of the most iconic events of the Saratoga summer. That’s why I didn’t know that if you’re going to post up for an extended period of time at Jazz Fest, you’d better come prepared.

I spent the rest of the day jealously eyeing the gear that all the seasoned Jazz Fest vets brought with them. Here’s what I found: