15 Tips For The Best Concert Experience

Ever since attending my first concert in the 4th grade, (Black Eyed Peas, if you were wondering), I have loved live music. I’ve attended several shows over the years and have learned a thing or two about how to have the best concert experience possible. I wanted to share some tips that can help you fall in love with live music as well.

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Buying Tickets

Concert Tip #1: Buy Tickets Early Or Last Minute

Buying concerts these days can really be a warzone depending on the artist. If it is a super popular performer, your only chance at affordable tickets (or tickets at all) might be to fight for a presale spot. For your average concert, however, finding the right time to buy tickets can require some strategy. If attending this concert is really important to you, you might want to buy tickets as early as possible to avoid the risk of them selling out. However, if you don’t mind waiting it out, tickets can really decrease in price as it gets closer to the concert. This is because resellers are desperate to get rid of the tickets they have.

Concert Tip #2: Research The Venue

Researching the venue ahead of time can help you figure out where the best seats are. Some seats in the venue might have an obstructed view or might just be farther from the stage than you’d like. On the other hand, some seats might be better than you can imagine just from looking at a Ticketmaster seat map. Researching the venue ahead of time can also just help you feel more prepared before attending the concert. You might want to look into safety guidelines, bathroom locations, concession prices, etc.

When researching the venue, look into parking as well. Figure out if you should buy a parking pass ahead of time, look for cheaper parking somewhere off-site, or would be better off Ubering, etc.

Concert Tip #3: Don’t Get Pit Tickets If You Can’t Handle A Crowd

Having pit tickets can sound exciting since it is typically the closest you can get to the performer. However, most pits are general admission and can become crowded since everyone tries to inch as close to the stage as possible. Specific genres of music also tend to prompt a mosh pit which can be overwhelming especially if you have never experienced it before.

Concert Tip #4: Finding The Perfect Spot For A Shorter Person

As a short girl, I know the struggle of having to look at the back of someone’s head rather than the performer for most of a concert. To try to avoid this as much as possible, I have learned that if you’re standing on flat ground, you have to either be at the very front of a concert or the very back. If you can manage to get to the front of a crowd with no one blocking your view, that is great. However, that can be hard to do especially if you don’t want to get to the venue hours early. For some concerts, I like standing in the very back because it gives you the most room, and if someone isn’t standing directly in front of you, it is much easier to see. Also, consider wearing platform shoes for that extra boost.

Preparing For The Concert

Concert Tip #5: Check The Setlist To Familiarize Yourself With The Songs

I always check the setlist on setlist.fm before every concert to make sure I familiarize myself with as many songs as possible. Sometimes, you can find a setlist on Spotify as well if someone has made it into a playlist. In my opinion, concerts are more fun the more songs you know. Of course, if you want to be surprised by each song, then avoid checking the setlist.

Concert Tip #6: Dress Comfortably

I can’t recommend dressing comfortably enough. I understand that you might want to use this night as a chance to dress up, but concerts are much more enjoyable when you can jump and dance around. It is possible to dress both cute and comfy at the same time. Also, if you don’t want to give up on wearing that cute but unconventional outfit, maybe opt for at least wearing comfortable shoes.

Concert Tip #7: Eat Before You Go

It is no secret that concert venues tend to have overpriced concessions. That is why you should avoid having a rumbly tummy at the show. Save money, and eat something before you go.

Concert Tip #8: No Bag = Quicker Line

When walking through security at concerts, there are usually separate lines for those with a bag and those without. The line of people with bags moves more slowly due to each bag needing to be checked. Therefore, if you are someone who hates lines, don’t bring a bag.

Concert Tip #9: Follow Bag Guidelines

If you must bring a bag to your concert, be sure to check the venue’s bag guidelines ahead of time. Most venues require a bag to be small or clear but it varies depending on where you go.

Concert Tip #10: Be Courteous With Signs

A big part of concert culture is bringing a sign for the artist to read. However, please be realistic. If you have tickets that are not in the pit, it is highly unlikely that the artist will be able to see your sign, and it will just be a hindrance to yourself and others. However, if you do have tickets close to the stage, be courteous with your sign. Don’t hold it up while the performer is singing. They don’t tend to read the signs in the middle of a song, and you will just be blocking the view for someone behind you. A lot of artists also usually have a designated time during the show that they read and respond to fans’ signs, so try to only hold it up when it might get attention.

Concert Tip #11: Bring Earplugs

The loud volumes at concerts can do damage to your ears if you attend a lot over the years. Consider getting earplugs to protect them. If you also don’t like loud sounds, having earplugs can make the concert more enjoyable for you.

At The Concert

Concert Tip #12: Don’t Overdo It With The Videos

I used to take so many videos at concerts thinking that I would want to watch them later, but I will say I don’t think I have ever rewatched them. They typically just end up taking up space on my phone. They also prevent you from just living in the moment and enjoying the show. These days, I typically just pick a song or two to get some short videos of if I want to share them on socials or treasure them. There is no need to record almost every song.

Concert Tip #13: Stay Hydrated

When you’re spending the whole night dancing around and singing, it is important to stay hydrated. Buy water at the concessions, look for water fountains, or even check to see if you’re allowed to bring your own to the venue. Some places allow you to bring in unopened water bottles.

Buying Merch

Concert Tip #14: Buy Merch Before The Concert

Avoid waiting until after the concert to buy merch. Lines are usually long, your favorite item might be sold out, and you will likely be tired after the show. Get to the concert early enough that you can get your merch before the show starts.

Concert Tip #15: Check Etsy For Merch

Some artists have pretty underwhelming merch for what it costs (I’m looking at you, Harry Styles). That is why I like to look on Etsy to see if there is any cheaper or cuter fan-made merch for a concert before I buy official merch.

The most important aspects of a concert are to be safe and have fun. Be mindful of those around you and enjoy some live music. No matter how big or small the show is, live in the moment. Hopefully, these listed tips can help you have the best time possible at your next concert.

For music festival tips, click here.

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