# Competition weekend packing checklist

Source: https://dancerdeals.com/quick-answers/competition-weekend-packing-checklist
Markdown: https://dancerdeals.com/quick-answers/competition-weekend-packing-checklist.md
Last updated: 2026-05-27

> When you have six numbers, three costume changes, and a 6am call time and you know from experience that something always gets forgotten.

## Quick read

The order to pack it, how to organize by number instead of by category, and the backup list that saves the day when something goes wrong backstage.

## Do this now

- Four weeks out: pull costume sheet for every number: write down required shoes, tights shade, and hair/makeup spec before you shop anything.
- Two weeks out: verify shoe fit and check tights stock; reorder now if you are low: sellers with 2-day shipping still have Friday cutoffs.
- One week out: pack garment bags by number, not by category: costume, matching tights, and labeled shoes in one bag per number.
- Three days out: build the hair and makeup kit from the costume sheet; add backup quantity of high-failure items: bobby pins, lash glue, safety pins, a second pair of tights for the high-traffic numbers.
- Night before: load the main competition bag with water, snacks, sewing kit, phone charger, a sharpie, and the changing tent if your venue does open backstage.
- Morning of: open every garment bag and verify shoes before loading the car: a missing heel cap at the venue is not fixable.

## Mistakes to skip

- Do not pack by category: 'all shoes together, all tights together' is how one shoe ends up in a different bag from its costume at 7am.
- Do not assume 'studio tan' tights are interchangeable across brands: confirm the required shade against the costume sheet, not just the label.
- Do not skip the makeup and hair practice run at least once before event day: competition morning is not the time to find out the hairpiece does not hold.
- Do not wait until Tuesday before a Saturday competition to order tights: confirm shipping cutoffs before you place the order.
- Do not forget the changing tent if the venue uses open backstage: every competition parent who has needed one and not had one packs one every time after that.

## Related buying guides

- /reviews/dance-bags-for-competition-weekends
- /reviews/garment-bags-for-recital-costumes
- /reviews/dance-tights-for-recital-and-competition
- /reviews/dance-hair-kits-and-bun-supplies
- /reviews/stage-makeup-kits-for-dance-competitions
- /reviews/pop-up-changing-tents-for-competition

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