Festival season is officially here—cue the sunshine, music, food trucks, and the vibrant energy that only outdoor events can deliver. Whether you're organizing a local arts fair, music festival, pop-up market, or community celebration, one thing is for sure: merch matters.

The right merch doesn’t just create an additional revenue stream, it builds brand recognition, fuels social sharing, and gives attendees a tangible memory to take home. So how do you make sure your merch stands out and sells out? Here’s what to keep in mind.

Know Your Crowd

Understanding your audience is step one. Is your event attracting teens and Gen Z festivalgoers? Think bucket hats, enamel pins, and oversized tees. Hosting a family-friendly street fair? Tote bags, reusable cups, or coloring books for kids might fly off the table. Tailor your merch to who’s showing up.

Design for the Experience

Outdoor events mean people are walking, dancing, and soaking up the atmosphere. That means your merch should be:

• Wearable – think comfy, breathable materials
  
  
• Portable – nothing bulky or awkward to carry
  
  
• Photo-worthy – a good design becomes free advertising when it shows up in attendee selfies. Just your logo will not accomplish this goal. Get creative with designs, we can help.

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Short Runs, Big Impact

Limited edition, event-specific designs create urgency and exclusivity. Don’t sleep on them. Think outside of the box for your limited edition merch. Less is more - create a buzz and make them jealous.

Source Smart, Source Early

Festival season gets busy fast. Plan your merch timeline ahead of the rush. Here's how:

• Get ideas from emblm, today.

• Order samples early to check quality
  

• Go sustainable – recycled fabrics, eco-friendly inks, and compostable packaging are more in demand than ever. (Read our recent blog about Environmentally Conscious Swag for every budget)
  
  

Sourcing overseas can make your merch one of a kind. We'll handle the logistics and handle any shipping details, customs clearances and international production.

Make It Part of the Experience

Don’t just sell merch, integrate it. Set up a merch booth that feels like an extension of the event. Offer on-site customizations (like embroidery or heat-press stations), bundle items with tickets or drinks, or incentivize early buyers with exclusive access or discounts. Learn more about our On Site Offerings here.

Pro tip: Create a “photo wall” near your booth where fans can show off their merch. It boosts visibility and encourages sharing on social media.

Make It Happen

Great merch doesn’t just happen, it’s planned. And when it’s done right, it becomes a part of the festival experience that lives on long after the last song plays or the last booth packs up.

So if you're organizing an outdoor event this season, don’t treat merchandise as an afterthought. Make it a moment.

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