I like to consider myself a regular concert goer, a concert veteran if you will, and in my 11 years of attending various concerts, I've come to actually learn a lot. Most concerts I have attended in my life have been held at fairs or music festivals. Stadium and arena tours are sprinkled in here or there. My concert resume has some length to it considering it all started back in 2007. My very first concert was in Wisconsin and I saw Corbin Bleu. Yes, the Corbin Bleu from High School Musical. I saw him at a fair and Drake Bell opened for him. I thought it was the coolest thing ever back in 2007 and I guess it was, since it started the journey. From there on I have seen artists from all different kinds of genres: from pop to country to small indie shows. Throughout my time, I sure have racked up a few pointers to get anyone through any kind of concert.
1. Game Plan
GiphyYou. Need. A. Game. Plan. There is absolutely no "winging it" at a concert. Are you going to get there early to tailgate? If so, prep the night before and have list after list of plans and who is in charge of what. Do you have General Admission tickets? You need to get there right when the doors open if you want to be at the barrier. How are you even getting there? You need rides planned at least 2 weeks ahead. Are you leaving before or after the encore? Do you want merchandise? There are many, many questions you need to answer before you can even get excited about the concert, okay?
2. Merchandise
GiphyReferencing the first point, do you want any merchandise? If so, you need to show up, money in hand, with your pick ready to go. Usually, you can find pictures of merchandise and prices online. If not, check the artists' shop on their website to at least get a ballpark estimate. With money in hand, you get up to that counter and pick out your shirt 9have a back up plan!) and know your size already. For the love of God, know your size! If you're a medium, get a medium. Do not sit there and hold up every size to pick one out. I will hate you. Everyone will hate you. (It's just a concert shirt, you probably won't wear it in a year)
3. Drinking (Alcoholic and Non-alcoholic!)
GiphyIf you're of age and would love to have a nice refreshing, alcoholic drink at a concert, that's great. However, I would never advise being so drunk you don't even remember the concert. It makes everyone around you uncomfortable and you just wasted a good amount of money on something you're not even going to remember. You'll absolutely regret it.
On the other end of this, you are going to need to drink something. If it is an outdoor concert, it's most likely in the summer and super, duper hot. Even if under some shade, stay hydrated. You kind of don't wanna be that person the little event ambulance is coming for. In closed arenas, I would still recommend staying hydrated. You work up a sweat from dancing!
4. Rain
GiphyDepending on your venue, rain shows may actually be a thing. They tend to be more common in stadium concerts and, guess what, they're absolutely worth it to attend. I've known people to not go to a concert because it was going to rain but that's kind of trash. Rain shows are so incredibly fun. There's nothing like dancing in the rain, singing along to your favorite songs surrounded by people who share the same interest.
5. Phone Battery
Here's my foolproof way for saving your phone battery: when you get to the venue, put your phone on "battery saver" mode and turn on "airplane" mode. I know, you're probably thinking, "But Hayley! How will I ever get my videos on snapchat during the concert?" Um, one short answer: you won't (see tip #6). This will allow you to preserve as much batter as possible and if anything happens, it is one quick tap to take it off that mode. Your signal comes back in seconds. If weary about this, put your phone on "do not disturb". It works almost the same way but you'll still be able to make calls.
6. Snapchat
Posting Snapchat videos at concerts works maybe half the time because everyone is using the signal around you. This makes it run slower and videos just never really go through that well. So, an easy solution to still have a Snapchat story to post, while still on "airplane" mode (see tip #5!), take your videos and send them to your story. It will say "failed to post" but you can just hit "retry" once you leave. Videos will be posted as if you posted them hours ago! Take this advice but never post the whole concert on your story. No one wants to see that. No one cares that much.
7. Outfit
GiphyEveryone wants to achieve the perfect concert look but I'd rather choose to be comfy over fancy. Your outfit should be something you're confident in but also practical to move in. Going with a jean and t-shirt combo is great. You can move and feel great. Going in a shirt that keeps falling weird or shorts that are just slightly too short might make you comfortable. I never like having to readjust my outfit in the middle of dancing.
8. The Pit
GiphyOh, the good ol' pit. The worst or best thing that could ever happen to you. I am not exactly the biggest fan of them and really only seem them as a photo op. The only way I know how to survive them is to stand your ground. Establish a place that is yours and keep it that. Don't be afraid to fight with someone if they're getting in your space. They should know to have their own personal area. Keep aware of everyone around you and just try to have a good time.
9. Kindness
GiphyThe most important rule to attending any event is be kind to everyone! You're all being connected through music so don't be rude or annoying. Have proper manners and good concert etiquette. Dance in your own space, don't push anyone, and be aware of who you're around. We're all just here to have a good time so don't spoil it for someone. You never know how much that concert could mean to them.
