tips for the average concert attendee

from someone that has spent way more money than she would like to admit.

I have gone to multiple concerts each year, with the exception of 2020 (thank you COVID-19). The obsession began in 2015 when I saw The 1975 for the first time.

Since then I have seen bands like Good Charlotte, X Ambassadors, LANY, Hippo Campus, COIN, and many more.

You start to learn little tips and tricks once you start going to concerts frequently.

1. Turn on Tweet Notifications

When an artist drops an album, this typically means that they are planning a tour around the new album. This is a good time to turn on their tweet notifications so you can be prepared for ticket updates. Typically, the artist will tweet about ticket presales a day or two before it begins.

2. Get a Presale code

When you have the tweet notifications on, sometimes artists will give a hint to their presale code. Artists will do this so fans have a chance to buy tickets before ticket scammers and bots get ahold of tickets.

For example: Harry Styles had standing room pit tickets for sale in presale for $150. Shortly after the tickets went on sale, they were being sold for $300+. Some of the tickets can even cost thousands of dollars.

3. Dress Appropriately

This step is especially important because everyone seems to have an opinion on what people should or shouldn't wear. Some people will go all out, others want to blend in.

It's totally fine to wear whatever you want as long as YOU are comfortable. Also, if you're going to wear heels in the pit, remember not to lock your knees.

4. Look up bag restrictions beforehand

Some venues are cracking down on the size/type of bag you can bring in the venue. Some venues only allow clear bags, while others have strict measurements that you have to meet. If you are allowed to have bags, I definitely recommend wearing a fanny pack.

let me list the pros and cons for you really quick:

Pros: Easy access to put away and take out your phone, everything is within arms reach, easy to keep an eye on, and it will fit everything that you need (i.e your phone, money, and tickets).

Cons: I can't think of a single one.

5. Parking

If you are planning on parking close to the venue and you're going to a large venue... forget it. Unless you buy parking passes when you buy tickets, you can expect to pay anywhere from $20-60 for parking.

If you are parking somewhere near a concert venue, please do not forget to put any valuables in the trunk or under the seat in your car. Do not leave anything in the floor board or seat of your vehicle because people suck and they will break into your car.

6. Don't be the THAT person

Let's be very clear about something, if you are paying to go to a concert and you want to record the whole song on your phone and you're allowed to, that is your business.

If the person with their phone out is blocking your view or the artist asks that phones are put away, then you should politely ask them to put their phone away. If neither of these things are happening then let them come to the conclusion on their own.

It is extremely liberating to watch a show without pulling out your phone, but don't be that person that tells them to "live in the moment," because they will more than likely ignore you anyway.

Also, I even met someone at the LANY concert in Raleigh that sent me this photo after the show, so sometimes it can even help you make friends or start a conversation.

7. Be considerate

Yes, you are paying to enjoy the concert, but so are people around you. Please don't be that person that's talking throughout the show, speaking badly of the opening act, or talking on the phone/texting throughout the entire show.

8. Don't forget your tickets

If you paid ahead of time for your tickets, don't forget to print them out or have the barcode pulled up on your phone. Also, be sure to have your brightness all the way up because it can be hard to scan your tickets otherwise.

9. Upgrade your tickets

If you have tickets in the nose bleeds and there are still tickets available before the show, you can usually contact your ticket provider to pay the difference and upgrade your tickets.

10. Google the set list

When you are getting ready for a concert, unless you are the very first stop, you can usually find the set list online. This gives you a chance to make a playlist and refresh the lyrics before the big show, or it allows you to know a good time to take a break or leave the show.

You may not like every single song the artist is playing so while the song you don't like is playing, go to the bathroom, get a drink, or walk around. This could also give you a chance to leave early to beat traffic.

11. Merch

If you are seeing a smaller artist, I definitely recommend grabbing merch at the show. Every small show I've been to has had a pretty short line for merch after the show, plus you can talk to people in line.

Some artists offer discount codes after the show to people who had tickets. For example, Taylor Swift emails 20% discount codes after each stop on tour to fans that went to the show. This is a great way to skip the line, think about what you want to buy, and gives you a chance to get something that may have been sold out in person.

Lastly, ENJOY and have fun! You're seeing an artist that you love so don't be afraid to sing/dance and have a good time.