
This year, Broccoli City Festival Founders Marcus Allen, Darryl Perkins, Jermon Williams and Brandon McEachern are taking things to new heights. Not only are a collection of hitmakers set to hit the stage, but Issa Rae, Duke Dennis and a star-studded cast of creatives and entertainers will also be in the nation’s capital. To top it all off, educator turned entrepreneur Angel Gregorio is bringing dozens of local businesses to Audi Field for a pop-up Black + Forth business expo. With all of that going on, it may be easy to overlook the simple things. What if you need to call an Uber after the festival ends, but your phone dies? What will you do if it rains and you can’t bring an umbrella into the venue? From portable chargers to ponchos, Def Pen has curated the latest edition of The Grocery List, a complete set of recommended items that cn take your festival experience from good to great.
CHAMP Portable Charger

To learn more about the CHAMP Portable Charger, please click here.
Named the “Best Overall” portable charger by WIRED, the Nimble Champ (Series 2) is the best option if you’re looking to give your phone a bit of extra juice as the night carries on. Weighing 6.2 ounces, the Nimble Champ (Series 2) is a lightweight portable charger that can deliver 20 watts to charge two devices at once. Better yet, the Nimble Champ (Series 2) is made with bioplastics and sold in minimal plastic packaging to reduce environmental impact. At $60, it is a bit expensive, but the charger’s ability to provide up to three days of power makes it worth the price.
Loop Experience 2

To learn more about the Loop Experience 2, please click here.
No earplugs aren’t solely worn to block out all noise. They are often used to protect your ears in abnormally loud areas like a music festival while still allowing you to hear most of the noise around you. Picked as one of the “Best Earplugs for Concerts” by the New York Times, the Loop Experience 2 allows consumers to lose themselves in the rhythm of the festival without damaging their eardrums. The Loop Experience 2 filters noise by 17dB to provide certified hearing protection. With its bold, sleek design, the Loop Experience 2 will stay put throughout the day and remain easy to clean and reusable for the next day. At $35, the Loop Experience 2 is the best option for those looking to protect their ears while watching their favorite artists in person.
Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1

To learn more about the Smartish Slayer Vol. 1, please click here.
When making your way through security at your favorite music festival, it’s always best to travel light. Thankfully, the Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 allows you do just that. The Smartish Wallet Slayer’s spring technology holds up to three cards and cash securely, so you don’t have to worry about your valuables falling to the ground while your favorite artist performs. In addition, the Wallet Slayer is drop-tested from six feet to ensure your phone stays safe in case of a flash moshpit or an unfortunate accident. If you want to limit the number of items you have to keep track of during this year’s Broccoli City Festival, the Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 is definitely worth taking a closer look at.
Lifestraw Peak Series Collapsible Bottle

To learn more about the Lifestraw Peak Series Collapsible Bottle, please click here.
If you ever attended a mid-summer music festival, you know the struggle of remaining hydrated while enjoying a day out with friends. The Lifestraw Peak Series Collapsible Water Bottle combats dehydration with its compact squeeze filtration system that can hold up to one liter of water. Made from premium materials, the collapsible water bottle can fight through warm days and the grind of a two-day festival. Best of all, the bottle is collapsible at less than 4 ounces, making it easy to stick in your pocket once your done or making your way through security.
Anyoo Waterproof Rain Poncho

To learn more about the Anyoo Waterproof Rain Poncho, please click here.
Inclement weather and major music festivals are a duo that goes back further than peanut butter and jelly. Just last year, Coco Jones serenaded the crowd with a performance of “Double Back” as the rain poured down. Also, the first day of the festival was shut down early due to the threat of lightning. While we all hope the weather holds this weekend, it’s best to be prepared rather than drenched in rain. The Anyoo Waterproof Rain Poncho is affordable, easy to carry and available in several colors to match your festival outfit. No one wants to carry around a poncho around all day, but it may come in handy.
Note: Def Pen does earn commission for any of the items purchase. Please refer to the official Broccoli City Festival website to ensure any item you purchase will be permitted on Broccoli City Festival grounds.