Hosting a theme or dress-up day at a family-friendly festival can transform your event into a vibrant, playful celebration. From toddlers in superhero capes to adults in elaborate fantasy attire, themed dress-up days spark imagination and community spirit. But playfulness thrives with planning – successful theme days require thoughtful preparation to ensure costumes are comfortable, fun, and safely incorporated into the festival atmosphere. This guide draws on decades of festival production experience to offer practical advice on making costume-themed days a highlight of your festival while keeping things running smoothly.
Encourage Imagination with Dress-Up Days
Festival-goers love the chance to become part of the spectacle. A well-designed theme day invites attendees to express themselves and engage more deeply with the event. Family-friendly festivals around the world have embraced dress-up culture – for example, Camp Bestival in the UK – helmed by veteran producers Rob and Josie da Bank – has made its annual fancy dress parade a beloved tradition (dorset.campbestival.net). Festival organisers have found that encouraging costumes boosts attendance and social media buzz; attendees get excited to share their creative outfits, effectively marketing the festival for you. And festivals don’t need to be ‘watered-down’ to be family-friendly – Australia’s The Lost Lands, founded by Falls Festival creator Simon Daly, wove in costumes, face painting, craft zones and more to create “a veritable wonderland for kids and adults alike” (pentopapermedia.com.au). A clear theme (such as outer space, pirates, or favourite storybook characters) can also tie into festival programming, from themed performances to special decor, making the entire day a cohesive, immersive experience.
However, to truly benefit from the added magic of costumes, organisers must plan carefully. That means considering everything from weather impacts on costumes to how security will handle prop lightsabers or fairy wands. The goal is to make dress-up day delightful for all ages – memorable for the right reasons (fun and creativity) rather than the wrong ones (sunburned kids in heavy costumes or long security lines).
Weather-Appropriate Costume Guidance
One of the first considerations for any outdoor festival is the weather, and this becomes doubly important on a costume theme day. Attendees may need guidance on tweaking their costumes to stay comfortable in your festival’s conditions. As an organiser, proactively communicate weather-appropriate costume tips through your website, social media, and pre-event emails. For example:
– If your festival is in the heat of summer, encourage lightweight fabrics, hats for sun protection, and costumes that won’t cause overheating. Suggest creative ways to stay cool: “dress like a pirate captain but swap the heavy coat for a breathable linen shirt,” or “a princess can trade the velvet gown for a comfy cotton dress with sparkly accessories.” Remind attendees about sunscreen and hydration if they’ll be in full costume under a hot sun.
– For wet or unpredictable weather, advise costumes that can incorporate rain gear. In the UK’s unpredictable summers, festivals like Camp Bestival remind families to pack wellies (rain boots) and ponchos that match the theme (bestivalfans.co.uk) (bestivalfans.co.uk). A little humour can help: “Our superhero day will go on rain or shine – capes look great under clear raincoats!” Encourage water-resistant face paint and secure costume pieces that won’t be ruined by a surprise shower.
– In colder climates or winter festivals, recommend layering for warmth. Costumes can be both fun and cozy: suggest that an astronaut costume can fit over a puffer jacket or that animal onesies keep kids warm on chilly evenings. The Québec Winter Carnival, for example, sees families bundle up under their festive outfits – organisers there provide warming stations and hot drinks so costumed participants can take breaks and heat up. Take a cue from such events by planning heated tents or indoor activities as part of your theme day if temperatures drop.
By tailoring costume advice to the forecast, you help attendees prepare outfits that won’t leave them miserable. This not only improves their experience but also reduces the chance of festival medical incidents like heat exhaustion or hypothermia from inappropriate attire.
Prioritizing Comfort and Safety in Dress-Up
Especially at family-friendly festivals, comfort is key. Little ones (and even grown-ups) won’t last long if their costume is too restrictive, scratchy, or cumbersome. Encourage comfortable costumes by highlighting practical choices. For instance, recommend comfortable footwear as part of any outfit – many a parent will thank you when they realise that princess costume can be paired with sneakers or that their child’s superhero suit should accommodate running and dancing. In festival settings, closed-toe shoes or supportive sandals are often wiser than delicate costume shoes, a tip that organisers can convey in a friendly way (e.g., “Harry Potter might wear boots, but he’d secretly pack trainers for the festival!”).
Safety is another aspect of comfort. Make sure your theme day guidelines include basic safety reminders: flame-resistant costumes for any events near open flames (like campfires or fire performances), no loose masks that block vision, and avoiding tripping hazards (secure those long capes and gowns). If your event has rides or active games, advise how costumes can be modified for safety (like removing capes on bouncy castles or not wearing bulky costumes on carnival rides).
A great approach is to take inspiration from theme parks and large events that have dress-up rules for safety. For example, Disney parks allow children to wear costumes but restrict masks that cover the face for anyone over a certain age, and they ensure outfits are family-friendly in content. You might adopt similar rules: no realistic gore at a kids’ festival, and no costumes that resemble security personnel (to avoid confusion). Clearly communicate any costume do’s and don’ts well in advance, so parents can plan accordingly.
Comfort extends to the emotional realm as well – a child who feels self-conscious or over-the-top in their outfit might need extra encouragement. Create a positive atmosphere where all costume efforts are applauded. Consider having staff or volunteers complimenting kids on their costumes at the gate to set a welcoming tone. When families feel comfortable and accepted in their creativity, they’re more likely to fully participate and have a great time.
Craft Stations and Costume Support
Not everyone will show up in full regalia – and even those who do might need a tweak or two. That’s why successful theme days often include craft stations and costume repair support on site:
– DIY Costume Crafting: Set up a tent or booth where attendees can make simple costume accessories or touch up their outfits. This could be as easy as a table with craft materials for kids to decorate a mask or cape related to the theme. For example, if it’s Fairy Tale Day, provide paper crowns, stickers, and colouring supplies so children can create their own royal tiaras. At a science-fiction-themed festival day, a “build your own rocket pack” craft station with cardboard and foil could be a hit. These craft areas not only engage kids in a hands-on activity but also ensure no one feels left out for not having a costume. Even adults might join in on making a funky festival hat or pinning on some themed flair. To manage costs, partner with local arts nonprofits or crafting stores for donated supplies, and recruit volunteers or art students to help run the booth.
– Costume Repair Kits: Every festival producer knows that with active play, wardrobe malfunctions happen. Long days of dancing or walking can strain even the most well-made costume. Offer a costume “first aid” station or equip your info booths and first aid tents with basic repair materials. Stock up on safety pins, clear tape, a few sewing kits, fabric glue, and scissors. For bigger events, you might have multiple mini repair stations around the grounds. Conventions like comic-cons have embraced this idea – they often provide cosplay repair rooms with glue guns and sewing machines – and it works equally well at festivals. One family-friendly event in Jakarta found that simply having spare hijab pins and costume clips at info desks helped many parents fix kids’ outfits on the fly. Promote these facilities in your event guide (“Costume Repair available at the Info Tent by the main stage”) so attendees know help is at hand if a wing falls off a fairy or a superhero suit rips.
– Comfort Kit: Alongside repair tools, consider having comfort items available. Band-aids (plasters) for blisters from new shoes, wet wipes for face paint smudges, sunscreen, and even earplugs (some kids might find noise scary) can all be part of a family comfort kit station. Providing these little things shows that the festival cares – a hallmark of great family-friendly events.
By facilitating on-site crafts and repairs, you empower attendees to fully engage in theme day antics without fear of a costume catastrophe. It keeps the focus on fun rather than on a torn seam or a missing button. As a bonus, these stations can become interactive attractions themselves, where families gather, share tips, and help each other – building community in the process.
Picture-Perfect Photo Opportunities
When everyone has gone through the effort of dressing up, they’ll definitely want to capture the moment. Smart festival organisers plan photo spots and opportunities to celebrate the creative costumes:
– Photo Backdrops: Create a few dedicated photo areas related to your theme. This could be a simple banner or decorated wall with the festival name and theme, or an elaborate scene (for instance, a castle backdrop for a fantasy theme, or a spaceship for a sci-fi theme). At family festivals, consider the height of your attendees – a backdrop that works for both adults and crouching kids, or have footstools/benches so little ones can be seen in group shots. These set pieces not only give families a place to snap memorable pictures but also help spread the word when those photos get shared online. Branded backdrops subtly turn every picture into a promotional asset.
– Props for Photos: If budget permits, provide some fun props at the photo stations – things like speech bubble signs (“Having a blast at FestivalName!”), theme-related items (giant fairy wings, superhero logos, wizard wands) for those who might not have their own. Ensure they are durable and easy to clean (especially under COVID-conscious policies, if relevant).
– Roaming Photographers: Another idea is to have a few roaming photographers or a photo contest. Many festivals hire photographers to document the event; brief them to capture great costume moments and maybe even do quick posed shots for attendees who want a nice family photo. You could then share these on your social media (with permission) or in a post-event album. This both makes the attendees feel special and gives you vibrant content to promote future events.
– Make It a Contest or Parade: Tying photo moments to an activity, like a costume contest or mini-parade (discussed below), can encourage people to visit the photo spot. For example, you might say judges will be around the photo backdrop at a certain time to pick best-dressed awards. Festivals like Camp Bestival actually combine these elements, with a Family Fancy Dress Competition before their parade (dorset.campbestival.net) – families get on a stage or designated area, show off their outfits, get their photo ops, and maybe win a prize before joining the larger parade. This approach creates excitement and ensures everyone in costume gets recognition.
Don’t forget to encourage attendees to share their photos with a special hashtag. Something like #FestivalNameDressUpDay spreads the fun online and builds community among attendees. Just make sure your photo areas are accessible and don’t create bottlenecks in foot traffic – placing them slightly off to the side of main thoroughfares works well.
Props and Security: Adjusting Safety Checks
Props can make costumes extra fun – a pirate needs his sword, a wizard his wand – but these items can pose challenges at security checkpoints and on festival grounds. It’s crucial to strike a balance: keep everyone safe without killing the playful vibe.
Plan ahead with your security team about the types of props that will likely accompany your theme. List out what’s acceptable and what’s not:
– Generally safe: lightweight items like foam swords, plastic wands, toy ray guns with obvious orange tips, homemade cardboard shields, musical instruments (toy drums, etc.), and accessories like fairy wings or plastic crowns.
– Generally prohibited: real or replica weapons that could injure someone (metal blades, heavy staffs, any prop that fires projectiles), extremely sharp or pointed items, and anything that could be mistaken for a real weapon. Also, if your festival has a no-glass policy, extend that to props (e.g., a glass bottle “pirate rum” prop should be swapped for plastic).
Publish a prop policy along with your costume guidelines. Take a cue from large fan conventions which often have detailed prop weapon policies; they demonstrate that you understand props are part of the fun but safety comes first. As one major event organiser put it, costumes are a huge part of the fun, but ensuring everyone has a fun and safe time is paramount (leftfieldmedia.com). You might state, for example, “toy weapons must be obviously fake and peace-bonded (tagged at security)” or “large props over 1m long are not allowed in crowded areas.”
To make things smoother, consider having a separate bag check or “prop check” line at the entrance on theme day. Train a few security staff in how to inspect props quickly and respectfully – they can tag approved items with a ribbon or sticker so attendees aren’t hassled about it inside. This extra step shows your attendees that you welcome their creativity, as long as it’s safe. For instance, MCM Comic Con in London tags checked props and bans realistic weapon replicas; festival organisers can adopt a lighter version of this approach. If someone shows up with an unsafe item (say, a real arrow for their archer costume), staff can offer to hold it at the gate for pick-up later or direct them to return it to their car/campsite, rather than simply confiscating and souring their mood.
Also, double-check any local laws – some places have regulations about carrying even fake weapons in public. If your festival takes place on city streets (like a street parade), coordinate with local authorities and make sure participants know the rules in advance.
Finally, remind all staff and security to treat costumed guests, especially kids, with friendliness. A child might not understand why their toy sword needs a tag or why a squirt gun isn’t allowed; security should be briefed to explain kindly on their level. Keeping the approach “safety first, but fun a close second” will maintain a positive atmosphere.
Parades: Keeping Themed Marches Short and Sweet
A highlight of many theme days is the costume parade – a chance for participants to strut their stuff and feel like stars of the show. When planning a parade or procession at a family festival, shorter is better. Young children (and even enthusiastic adults in heavy costumes) can tire quickly. Instead of an hours-long march, design a compact parade route or a contained area for a showcase.
Some effective approaches:
– On-site Parade Loop: If your festival is within a defined venue like a park, create a loop that winds through the main areas without leaving the site. For example, lead the parade from the kids’ zone, past the main stage, and back to the starting point. This way, it’s easy for families to join or exit as needed, and you don’t need extensive road closures or escorts. Camp Bestival excels at this – their fancy dress parade starts at the designated “Kids’ Catwalk” and travels a short route with a marching band, delighting onlookers without exhausting the participants (dorset.campbestival.net).
– Keep It Time-Bound: Aim for the parade to last maybe 15-30 minutes from start to finish for participants (plus maybe another 15 minutes of viewing if spectators line the route). It’s better to leave the crowd wanting more than to have kids dragging their feet halfway through. A short, lively parade can pack in energy – consider having a high-tempo marching band or a fun soundtrack to keep everyone moving and upbeat.
– Themed Mini-Parades: If your festival runs multiple days or has different zones, you could do a small parade each day with different themes, rather than one giant parade. This breaks up the excitement into manageable chunks. For instance, at a multi-day fair you might have “Superhero Saturday Parade” and “Fantasy Sunday Parade,” each confined to a short route and time slot.
– Parade Alternatives: Not every festival site or schedule can accommodate a moving parade. An alternative is a stationary “costume showcase” on a stage or a designated area where groups come up, show off their attire, maybe perform a quick pose or dance, and then step down. Essentially, the parade comes to the audience. This can be more comfortable for participants (no long walk) and easier to manage production-wise. It’s similar to a fashion show format. If you choose this route, make sure to create a festive atmosphere – an emcee can announce each group or play theme music, and confetti or special lighting can make it feel celebratory.
– Logistics and Safety: Even for a short parade, plan the logistics. Have volunteers or staff “parade marshals” to lead the way, keep it organized, and watch for any child that might wander off or any costume that needs a quick fix en route. Mark the route clearly so spectators know where to watch without blocking the path. If the parade is through a public area, coordinate with security to momentarily hold back any general crowd to let the costumed group through. And of course, ensure hydration is available – maybe have a water station at the end of the route, especially on a hot day.
A well-run mini-parade can become a cherished memory for families. Parents often talk about the thrill their child had being “in a parade” for the first time – it’s a simple thing that can make your festival stand out as truly engaging rather than just something to watch. By keeping it short and safe, you maximize enjoyment and minimize meltdowns or fatigue.
Plan Ahead to Let Playfulness Soar
The common thread through all these elements – weather-ready costumes, comfort, crafts, props, parades – is meticulous planning and communication. Theme days add wonderful complexity to a festival, and that means organisers need to coordinate across departments:
– Scheduling & Programming: Work the theme day activities (parades, contests, craft workshops) into your schedule so they complement rather than clash with other festival highlights. For example, don’t schedule the big costume contest final at the same time as your headliner concert – families can’t be two places at once. Instead, perhaps hold it in the morning or early afternoon, leaving the evening for main stage acts. Communicate the schedule clearly in programmes and apps, so everyone knows when to be at the kids’ stage for the parade or at the craft tent for mask-making.
– Staff & Volunteer Training: Brief your team about the theme day specifics. Ushers at the gate should know if there’s a special entry for costumes with props. Volunteers at craft stations should have supplies sorted and instructions ready. Security should be well-versed in the prop policy and how to gently enforce it. Medical teams should be alert to weather-related costume issues (like heatstroke signs in someone wearing a fur suit). If everyone is prepared, the day will feel seamless to attendees.
– Attendee Communication: Start promoting the theme well in advance. Use your ticketing platform (for instance, Ticket Fairy’s promotion tools) to email all ticket-holders about the upcoming dress-up day, including tips and guidelines. Social media can be leveraged to build excitement – share “Costume Idea of the Day” posts or throwbacks to costumes from previous years if it’s an annual affair. The more clearly you set expectations (like what to wear, what to bring, what not to bring), the more people will participate and the fewer issues will arise on the day. Clarity is especially important if your theme might be culturally sensitive – provide guidance on respectful costumes, echoing how New Zealand’s Splore Festival encourages creativity while keeping things culturally respectful and sustainable (www.splore.net).
– Community Engagement: Involve your community in planning and executing the theme day. You can collaborate with local costume makers, schools, or cultural groups. For example, if you’re doing a World Cultures dress-up theme, maybe a local cultural association can put on a small show or lend authentic costume items for display (with guidelines to avoid cultural appropriation issues). If it’s a Superhero Day, perhaps a charity that works with children’s hospitals can bring some of their cosplay volunteers to appear as famous heroes, adding an extra layer of delight. Community partnerships can also help spread the word and make the event more inclusive.
Finally, remember that flexibility is part of planning. Have contingency plans: a wet-weather option for the parade (like moving it to a sheltered area or pivoting to a stage show), extra water if it’s hotter than expected, or extra craft supplies if participation is higher than anticipated. When you plan thoroughly, you can adapt on the fly without losing the fun.
In the end, the objective of a theme day is pure joy. By addressing the practical details behind the scenes, festival organisers allow that joy to flourish. Whether it’s a small-town fair where a dozen kids march in homemade costumes, or a massive international festival where thousands join a themed parade, the principles remain the same. Plan for the weather, support your costumed guests, keep safety in mind, and encourage creativity. Do this, and your theme day will likely become a legendary part of your festival’s story, talked about for years to come.
Key Takeaways
- Choose Exciting Themes & Communicate Early: Pick fun, family-friendly themes that fit your festival’s vibe, and announce them well in advance so attendees can prepare costumes.
- Weather & Comfort Are Crucial: Provide guidance on adapting costumes to the weather (heat, rain, cold) and encourage comfortable outfits and shoes so everyone stays safe and happy.
- Support the Costumed Crowd: Offer craft stations for DIY accessories and stock repair kits (safety pins, tape, glue) at info points to fix costume mishaps on the go.
- Capture the Fun: Set up photo spots and consider contests or mini-parades, but keep any parades short and sweet to accommodate young participants. Make it easy for families to snap memories and share them.
- Plan for Props & Safety: Have a clear props policy and adjust security screening to allow safe costume props. Brief staff to be friendly and ensure rules don’t dampen the fun.
- Organise Meticulously: Integrate theme activities smoothly into your event schedule, train your crew on theme-day specifics, and have contingency plans. Thorough planning behind the scenes lets the playful spirit of dress-up day shine through for everyone.
25th August 2025