The Ultimate Concert Guide
How to actually survive and enjoy your next concert
If there is one thing I have learned from going to an absolutely ridiculous number of concerts, it is that there is ALWAYS something you forget until you are already standing in line outside the venue.
Forgot your portable charger? Your phone is dead!
Wore the wrong shoes? Your feet are destroyed by the second opener!
Didn't check the bag policy? Congrats, now you're standing outside trying to figure out what to do with the bag you brought.
Concerts are incredible, but there is definitely a little bit of preparation that can make the entire night so much better. Whether this is your first-ever concert or you're basically living at your local venue, here are some of my biggest tips for getting ready, surviving the show, and actually being able to enjoy yourself once you're inside.
Before Anything Else, CHECK YOUR TICKET
This feels like an obvious one, but please, PLEASE check your ticket before you leave.
Look at the date, venue, doors time, show time, seat information, and whether you have general admission or an assigned seat. I cannot stress this enough because “doors at 6” does not always mean the artist is walking onstage at 7. Different venues have different start times, and this often varies from show to show. So go in and double-check: what time does music start?
There could be one, two, or even three opening acts before the person you actually came to see. And honestly? Don't skip the openers just because you don't know them. Some of the coolest artists I have ever found have been opening for someone else. You never know when you're going to accidentally discover your new favorite band.
Check the venue rules before you go
This is probably the least exciting part of concert prep, but it will save you SO much trouble.
Every venue has slightly different rules about bags, cameras, outside food and drinks, water bottles, signs, and basically anything else you might want to bring inside. Check the venue's website before you leave, especially if you're trying to bring a camera. There is nothing worse than getting all the way to the front of the line just to find out that your bag is too big or your camera isn't allowed. Most venues have metal detectors in addition to security who will be going through your bags; make sure you leave anything that you don’t want thrown away at home.
Also: some venues have completely different rules for different events, so don't assume that because you went there last month with something that you'll automatically be able to bring it again.
Things to bring
Comfortable Shoes
I know, this part sucks. You have the perfect outfit planned. You have been thinking about it for three weeks. You absolutely want to look cute. You can still do that!! But PLEASE wear comfortable shoes.
Especially if you're going to a general admission show, because you could be standing for several hours! And if you're planning on being close to the stage? You're probably going to be on your feet for even longer. I can remember every single show that I wore painful shoes, and every single one I spent more time thinking about how sore I was instead of focusing on the concert. And then pair that with the next-day post-concert crash???? Forget about it.
Earplugs
I CANNOT RECOMMEND THIS ENOUGH. Concerts are LOUD. Like, really REALLY loud. And no, wearing earplugs does not mean you're ruining the concert. There are earplugs specifically made for concerts that lower the volume while still letting you hear the music. Your ears will thank you later. Especially if you go to a lot of shows, this is one of those things that I think should just become part of your standard concert bag.
I am so unbelievably passionate about hearing health, and that’s largely due to one: having permanent hearing damage in my right ear, and two: spending time in the hospital after a CONCERT blew out my eardrums and gave me crippling vertigo. This sounds overdramatic, but I’m just wanting to double down: PROTECT. YOUR. HEARING. Don’t you want to be able to listen to music forever?
Hydration & Sustanance
Listen, you're excited. The show starts soon. I know you're thinking, “I'll just grab something at the venue.” And you totally CAN, and I encourage this because so many venues have tasty treats (shout-out to the Denver venue Marquis and their stupid tasty pizza)
But please also eat something before you go, especially if you're going to be standing for hours. Concerts can be exhausting. You're walking around, standing, dancing, screaming, and generally using way more energy than you realize. And yes, get the $14 venue snack if you want one. I fully support that! Just don't make them your only meal of the day.
Water and staying hydrated FEELS obvious until you’re halfway through the concert and realize you haven’t had any water today. If you’re outside, if you’re in the sun, if you’re at a higher altitude, if you’re over 21 and you’re drinking, all of these factors make it an even bigger priority to make sure you’re staying hydrated. Make sure again to check your venue rules on this, but oftentimes you can bring in an empty bottle that you can refill once you’re in the venue!
Lastly, don’t overpack! Travel with essentials only.
Your Phone Does Not Need to Be Out the Entire Time
I love concert photos! I love concert videos! Those two things are literally my entire life! I love looking back at the absolutely chaotic 17-second video I took of my favorite song six months later. But let’s be totally real here, we both know you do not need to record the entire show. Take your photos!! Get your video!! Capture the moment you know you're going to want to remember. But then you should go ahead and put your phone away. (Not to mention, this saves your battery in cases of emergencies!)
There is something so special about realizing you're standing in a room full of people who all came here for the exact same reason, watching an artist you love perform right in front of you, feeling the energy of the space while you all sing along to your favorite songs. There’s a special kind of healing that’s done in spaces like this! You don't want to miss that because you were trying to make sure your camera was perfectly centered. That’s what you have us for, anyway.
PLEASE Be Considerate of Other People
This is one of my biggest concert pet peeves. I genuinely love seeing people lose their minds at shows; I love a good mosh pit; I love the screaming and crying and insane energy that exists at shows. But try to remember that there are other people around you; they paid the same amount as you did, they likely love the artist to the same level as you, and they want to have a great night as well.
Don't shove people just because you want to get closer. Don't hold your phone six feet above your head for the entire set. Don't have a full-volume conversation through someone's favorite song. And if someone around you looks like they're struggling, check on them! When someone gets knocked down, pick them up!
Concerts are supposed to be fun for everyone.
Should You Look Up the Setlist?
This one is completely up to you!! Personally, sometimes I LOVE knowing what songs are coming, and then other times I try and keep the suspense. If you are someone who likes surprises, stay off TikTok, Instagram, and basically every fan account for the few hours before your show because somebody WILL post the setlist. If you love knowing what you're going to hear, looking at recent setlists can be a really fun way to get excited. Setlist.fm is one of my favorite places to check for sets!
Just remember that artists can change things! Just because they played a certain set the night before doesn’t guarantee they’ll do the same for your show.
Don't Forget About the Merch!
If you want merch, don't wait until the last possible second!! Popular sizes and designs can sell out, and the merch line after the show can be absolutely insane. If you know you want something, I usually recommend checking out the merch table when you first get inside. You’re going to have to carry it around all night so plan for that, but at least it ensures you get the piece that you want!
Have a Plan for Getting Home
This is one thing you should figure out BEFORE the concert starts.
Know where you're parking, or you're getting picked up. Know whether public transportation is still running after the show. If you're using a rideshare, oftentimes venues have designated pickup areas, so try to know where that is. If you're with friends, pick a meeting spot in case somebody's phone dies, or if you get separated. Because once the show ends, there are suddenly thousands of people trying to leave the same place at the exact same time, it can get chaotic. So try to make a plan, and stay safe!
The Most Important Thing: Actually Enjoy It
At the end of the day, there really isn't a perfect way to attend a concert. Whether you got barricade or you were in the very back, if you screamed until you lost your voice or you cried during your favorite song, maybe you discovered an opening band you’re now obsessed with, or maybe you went to the show alone and you made a new friend waiting in line to get into the venue.
Having the experience be different every single time you go to a concert is what makes them so special. Everyone showed up because they love the same music that can’t be replicated anywhere else.
So yes, check your ticket, bring the right things, check the venue rules, protect your ears, but once you’re there and you’re inside?
Forget about doing everything perfectly. Put your phone down for a minute, scream the lyrics, dance with your friends, and let yourself have a stupid amount of fun.
