Plan for rain before you leave the house.
RainCheck is a short worksheet for concerts, festivals, and outdoor sports. Enter your event details and get a printable gear list, refund prompts, and exit-timing suggestions. No guesswork at the gate.
Your event worksheet
Fill in what you know. The plan updates as you type. You can save it in your browser and come back later.
Your rain plan
This is what you will print or share. If something looks wrong, go back up and edit the worksheet.
Gear checklist
- Fill in the worksheet to build your list.
Refund and ticket prompts
- Pick a ticket source to see the right questions.
When to leave or bail
- Add a start time and rain chance to get timing suggestions.
Kids and accessibility notes
- Mark group details for kid-friendly and mobility notes.
Check a live forecast the morning of the event. Follow instructions from venue staff on site.
Example plan
Here is what a finished plan looks like for a Saturday festival with two adults and a child.
Gear checklist
- Packable rain poncho x3
- Waterproof phone case or zip bag
- Small towel or bandana
- Flip-flops or old sneakers
- Clear tote or small clutch
- Kid-size rain jacket and hat
- Hand warmers if it will cool off
Refund and ticket prompts
- Bought from primary seller. Check the event page 12 hours before start.
- Take a screenshot of the postponement policy now.
- Paid with a credit card. Note the last day to file a dispute.
When to leave or bail
- Plan to arrive 45 minutes early to avoid wet parking lots.
- If lightning is within 10 miles, expect a delay. Do not leave shelter until staff say so.
- Pack up and head out if rain turns heavy after the first hour and no cover is nearby.
Common mistakes people make
These are the things that turn a wet day into a bad day. Use this as a quick double-check.
- Ignoring re-entry rules. Many festivals and amphitheaters do not let you come back in once you leave. If you step out to the car, you may lose your spot.
- Bringing a large umbrella into a crowd. Umbrellas poke people and block views. A poncho is safer and usually allowed even when umbrellas are not.
- Wearing cotton socks. Wet cotton stays cold. Wool or synthetic socks make a bigger difference than most people expect.
- Assuming the app has the latest delay info. Venue Twitter feeds, SMS alerts, and on-site staff are usually faster.
- Leaving the car keys in a pocket with no bag cover. Put keys and cards in a zip bag or waterproof case. A small dry bag solves this.
Typical venue bag and umbrella rules
| Venue type | Bags | Umbrellas | Re-entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major stadium | Clear tote, usually 12 x 12 inches | Rarely allowed | Sometimes, depends on event |
| Amphitheater | Small clutch or clear bag | Often not allowed | Often no |
| Multi-day festival | Small backpack, often searched | Usually not allowed | Yes with wristband |
| City park event | Backpacks allowed | Allowed | Usually yes |
Rules change. Always check the specific venue page for the event you are attending.
Questions people ask
- Should I buy ticket insurance?
- It can help if the event is outright canceled and the seller will not refund you. Read the fine print. Many policies do not cover postponements or bad weather that still lets the event go on. Check your credit card benefits first. Some cards already cover event cancellations.
- What if the event is postponed, not canceled?
- Most primary sellers will honor your ticket for the new date. If you cannot go, you may be able to get a refund or credit, but not always. Screenshot the policy before you buy so you can point to it later.
- What rain gear is worth packing for a concert?
- A packable poncho, a phone pouch or zip bag, and a small towel. If you are sitting on grass, a folded trash bag under your blanket keeps the bottom dry. A dry bag for keys and cards is also useful.
- How early should I leave if rain is likely?
- Add 30 to 45 minutes to your normal arrival time. Parking lots get crowded when people rush in at the last minute. Early arrival also gives you time to find cover or pick a better spot.
- Is this site a weather forecast?
- No. It is a planning worksheet. Check a real forecast on the day of the event and follow what venue staff tell you on site.