Tips For a Successful Spring/Summer Concert Season!

Now that we've settled into the new year, Spring and Summer concerts are starting to be announced. Going to a concert spontaneously, attending your first concert, or going to your first show in a while doesn’t have to be stressful. If you’re planning to catch a show this year, here's some tips to make the best of your experience!

1. Drink water throughout the day before attending a concert.

Obviously it is important to stay hydrated during a show, but it's also crucial to ensure you are hydrated before going out. If the concert has general admission instead of assigned seating, a lot of people are hesitant to leave their spot once they're in a good place in the crowd. Even when there are assigned seats, most people don't want to leave to get water during a set. So, before you go to a concert, make sure you're hydrated! It's the best for your safety. Concerts get hot, and dehydration is dangerous. To make sure you can have the best time possible, drink some water.

2. In the same vein, make sure you eat before going to a concert. 

Food is always super expensive at events. It isn’t worth breaking your budget to try to eat a full meal at a concert. It’s easiest to eat beforehand and just get a snack if you need one. Plus, some venues have very limited menus; you might not be able to find something you want to eat. Make sure you have eaten so you can be at peak energy to jump, dance, and sing.

3. Look up the venue rules.

Every venue has different rules. Make sure you're familiar with them before attending an event. Some venues will allow you to bring in an unopened water bottle. Check to see if your venue will allow it so you can save your money. Venues also have varying rules about the sizes of bags and whether or not they need to be clear. Always double-check online before going to a venue so you can make sure your bag will be suitable. Plus, some venues do not accept cash. If you have any intentions of buying food, drinks, or merch, make sure you'll have the appropriate payment method on hand.

4. Talk to people.

It may seem daunting, but concerts are a great place to make friends. If someone is at the same concert as you, there's a good chance you already have one common interest. Concerts are a great way to get to know people that love the same music as you. Plus they're probably from the same area. So, in addition to gaining a new friend, you might even gain a new concert buddy! At music festivals in particular, there's plenty of time in between sets. You might as well use that waiting time to make conversation with the people around you. 

5. Check in on yourself and your friends.

We mentioned it in the first tip, but it should be repeated that venues get hot. Take breaks from singing, jumping, or dancing when you feel it is necessary. It is better to sit down or stop moving for a minute than to risk injury or feeling unwell. If you're with a group, check in on them too. If someone looks like they're not feeling well or not having a good time, take a second to assess what is going on. They might just need a reminder to sit or drink some water. It isn’t fun to feel unwell at a concert, and it’s easy to take a moment to make sure you’re doing all right.

6. Have fun!

This list has included a few safety precautions, but ultimately the biggest concert tip is to enjoy yourself. If you want to get up and dance, go for it! If you want to record, do it! There's nothing wrong with wanting to preserve those memories. Also, dress up if you want to. If we learned anything from Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and Beyoncé's Renaissance Tour, it's so much fun to dress up for a concert. (Though be aware you may want to prioritize comfortable shoes over fashionable ones.) Friendship bracelets have extended beyond the Swifties too. People are trading them at all sorts of concerts. If you have a fun idea to connect with your fellow fans, go for it! Concerts are a place to get away from your everyday life and have a good time. Live your best life, and don’t let anyone put a damper in your excitement.

It is such a gift to be able to see our favorite artists live in person. Stay safe and have so much fun at those Spring and Summer concerts this year!