Bikini Show Day Checklist: What to Pack & What to Expect on Competition Weekend
6 minute read
This bikini show day checklist covers the full competition weekend timeline, what appointments to expect, and exactly what to pack for your first (or fifth) bikini competition.
Nothing is more exciting than show day. It’s the day you’ve been working toward for months or maybe even years. And now it’s time!
With all that excitement, though… a bit of overwhelm might creep in.
After competing in and coaching athletes through multiple OCB and NPC shows, I’ve seen how much smoother show weekend goes when you’re organized and know what to expect.
This list works great for NPC Fit Model and Wellness athletes, too.
We’ll go into more than just what to bring to your Bikini competition on show day. We’ll go into what to expect on show weekend and, as a bonus, some best practices to make sure your competition weekend goes as smoothly as possible.
Bikini Competition Weekend Timeline: What Happens Friday & Saturday
Most shows happen on Saturdays. However, that isn’t a rule, so pay attention to what day your competition is scheduled for.
The weekend of the competition is busy! Knowing exactly where you need to be and when you need to be there is key.
Friday: Check-In, Polygraph & First Coat of Tan
Appointments you’ll probably have:
Polygraph
Athlete check-in (where you get your competitor number)
First coat of tan
What to know:
Host Hotel Address
Polygraph - TIME and PLACE
Tan - TIME and PLACE
Athlete Check-ins - TIME and PLACE
Usually, the tan, polygraph, and check-ins all take place at the host hotel. But always double-check.
Saturday: Show Day Appointments & Competition Schedule
Appointments you’ll probably have:
Make-up
Hair
Second coat of tan
Athlete meeting (some promoters don’t have this)
The competition, of course!
What to know:
Make up - TIME and PLACE
Hair - TIME and PLACE
Tan - TIME and PLACE
Athlete meeting - TIME and PLACE
What to know about the competition itself:
Where is the show?
Is it at a separate venue from the host hotel? This is common for natural bodybuilding competitions.
Is it at the host hotel? Common for NPC competitions.
Is it a straight-through format? Common with OCB.
Or is there a morning and night show? Common in NPC.
What time does the competition start?
If there is a night show, when does that start?
Is there an estimated start time for your division? Bikini is often the last group to go.
What time do doors open for you? For spectators?
Where can your friends and family buy tickets?
If you are traveling, this adds to the list.
When can you check into the hotel?
When are flights?
How long is the drive?
When do you need to leave to be on time?
This isn’t exhaustive. Each show and promoter can be different. Pay attention to any communication you get from the show promoter, tanning company, and hair and makeup artists.
It is your responsibility to know where to be and when to be there.
Creating a master show weekend timeline can be really helpful. List all the addresses you need, room numbers, and times for all appointments and events.
Me backstage at the OCB Omaha competition
A little peek at what it looks like backstage at a Bikini bodybuilding competition
What to Pack for a Bikini Competition: Complete Show Day Packing List
Here’s your complete bikini competition packing list for show weekend.
Show weekend is not the time to realize you forgot something. Overpacking is better than underpacking.
Start packing early!
Don’t stress yourself out by waiting until the last minute. You can bring almost everything with you to the venue if that gives you better peace of mind.
Bikini Essentials (Bring to the Venue)
Bikini
Backup bikini (if you have one)
Competition heels
Backup heels (if you have a pair)
Jewelry
Bikini Bite
Safety pins
Tan safe loose-fitting long-sleeve shirt (to wear over your suit back stage)
Tan safe loose-fitting pants (to wear over your suit back stage)
Flip flops or other sandals (to wear backstage and after your tan)
Athlete Number (You’ll get that at the athlete check-in. On show day, bring it to the venue!)
** NOTE: Wearing your tan clothes backstage helps protect your tan. I recommend wearing your suit and jewelry to the venue and tan clothes over top with sandals. That way, you are ready to go asap!
Backstage Gear for Bikini Competitors
Resistance bands (light or medium)
Phone + charger
Small standing mirror (if wanted)
Blanket or sweatshirt (venues get cold)
Suitcase/Bag to transport your stuff and keep backstage (no shoulder straps - rubs tan)
Tan, Hair & Makeup Items to Pack
Tan safe loose-fitting long sleeve shirt (to wear post tan and to bed)
Tan safe loose-fitting pants (to wear post tan and to bed)
Tan safe sheets
Tan safe pillowcase
Towel for post-show shower (don’t ruin the hotel’s towels)
Pee cups (Dixie cups) or similar (bring to venue)
Babywipes to ‘wash’ hands
Bobby pins
Hair spray
Make-up remover wipes (for post-show)
If needed:
Hair tools
Make-up kit
Fake nails
Hair extensions (if using)
Show Day Food & Drinks Checklist
All show-day meals (labeled + timed)
Backup food (rice cakes, nut butter, honey, jam)
Sodium source (salt packets, pickles)
Water bottle(s)
Gum or mints
Utensils
Dishes (if needed)
Important Documents & Admin Items
Registration confirmation
ID
Federation card (virtual - just know where to find it)
Cash (vending, vendors, emergencies)
Show Day Master Timeline sheet (know when and where everything is)
Tums (or the like)
Aspirin (or the like)
Pillow (worth it if you are picky)
Post-show outfit
All your normal traveling things too of course!
Bikini Show Day Best Practices (Avoid Stress & Stay Organized)
Competition weekend moves fast. A little organization ahead of time prevents a lot of unnecessary stress.
Here’s how to keep things smooth.
Be early for everything.
Arrive early to every appointment and to the venue on show day. Shows can run ahead of schedule, and you never want to be the athlete they’re waiting on. Because they won’t wait.
Create a Master Show Weekend Plan
Have one document (digital + printed) with:
All addresses
Appointment times
Room numbers
Phone numbers
Venue details
If the venue is not at the host hotel, which is common for many natural bodybuilding shows, drive there on Friday.
Know:
Where it is
How long it takes
Where to park
Which entrance to use
You don’t want to figure that out under pressure on the morning of the show.
Don’t Cut Arrival Too Close
Do most of your ‘waiting around’ for your division to start at the venue.
Don’t wait until the last minute. The show won’t wait for you, and sometimes shows run faster than expected.
Once Backstage: Listen Carefully
Don’t wear headphones and zone out.
There will be a person backstage directing everyone. This is the show expeditor. Pay attention and know who this person is.
The expeditor tells you exactly what to do, when and where to line up, and when to walk on stage.
Listen for your class being called. Be ready when they tell you to line up.
Make their job easy.
Capture the Moment
Order photos. Don’t rely on friends and family to get high-quality photos of you on stage. You worked hard, document the moment properly!
Bring Support If You Can
If someone is going with you, ask them for help. When you’re running around on show day, something as simple as them carrying your bags feels big.
And Finally… HAVE FUN!
This is a HUGE day, and you’ve worked so hard to be there.
Take all the photos. Soak up all the memories.
Remember, this is your day to shine.
Planning your first show and want support beyond the checklist?
Learn more about my 1:1 Bikini prep coaching HERE.