When attending a concert, you want to focus on making memorable experiences and taking a break from the usual buzz of everyday life. However, being unprepared can keep you from being immersed in the music and enjoying your concert to the fullest. Read on for a rundown of what you should bring to a concert or music festival.
Concert Tickets
This is a clear essential for any event, let alone a concert or music festival, but it can be easy to have things slip your mind. Don’t be the person that realizes you don’t have the tickets when you’re halfway to the show or worse, in line to get through the doors.
After purchasing your tickets, take note of the access instructions for entry. If physical proof of entry is required, you’ll need to have the printed ticket sent to you or print out the tickets yourself. If proof of entry is required and the tickets are electronic, you will need to access them through a mobile device. Once you get your tickets, download them to an easily accessible wallet app on your phone or take a screenshot of the ticket or QR code. It doesn’t hurt to have a copy of tickets printed out as backup in case you can’t access them on your phone.
Portable Charger
It can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of seeing your favorite artist perform right before your eyes. But taking a bunch of pictures or videos can drain your phone pretty quickly. Bring along a portable charger and avoid missing out on a photo-op with a drained battery. Keeping your phone charged is also important in case you need to find your friends, find a way home safely or get help in case of an emergency. A portable charger is a great tool to have not only for future concerts but also at work or stashed in your car.
Driver’s License or State ID
If you’re driving in a personal vehicle to the show, you’re gonna need to have your license on you anyways. Having your official personal identification on hand is great for whether there will be ID checks at the door or if you want to grab a drink before or during the show.
Money
First things first, plan out a budget for the event. It can be easy, especially with a debit or credit card, to lose track of how much you’re spending. Stop by your bank or an ATM for cash unless the venue specifically states that it is cash-free or card-only. Carrying cash is also a good way to stay conscious of your spending. Switch out your usual wallet for a small card carrier to dissuade any pickpocketing and save room in your bag for other essentials as well as any cool merch you might purchase.
Bag
Having a place to store your gear is a great way to keep your hands free and cut down on stress. Depending on the specific concert or music festival that you’re attending, there may be detailed requirements regarding bags and other items brought into the venue.
When choosing a bag to bring to a show, a good rule of thumb is to avoid large backpacks and tote bags. Instead, opt for a small crossbody bag, running belt or fanny pack. This will also make it easier for you to breeze through any security checks and keep an eye on your belongings throughout the show.
Common requirements regarding bag size are that it be under 6” x 9” and made of a see-through material like clear plastic or vinyl. If you’re not sure if your bag is the right size, try to use one that’s the size of your hand.
Eye Protection
If you find yourself heading to an outdoor concert, grab your shades before heading out the door. Even at night, things can get a bit too bright for comfort with any lights or strobes going off during the show. And if you wear contacts, bring an extra pair of contacts along with contact solution, eye drops and glasses, in case your eyes get irritated.
Earplugs
Earplugs are not only a great way from keeping your ears ringing the next day but proactively slow down any hearing loss which can worsen over time, especially if you go to concerts often. When choosing earplugs, look for ones specially designed to be used in loud environments, rather than earplugs you might wear while sleeping. These kinds of earplugs are designed to protect your hearing without blocking out any or all sounds and even if you join the rest of the crowd in dancing or jumping around, they won’t fall out easily.
Emergency Items
If you or a member of your group has a particular health condition that requires specific medication, make sure to bring it along. Any emergency medical items like inhalers or EPI pens, should definitely stay with you at all times.
Make sure to have your emergency contact information memorized and written out. It also wouldn’t hurt to have your medical insurance and an up-to-date list of any allergies you have to medications or materials on your person. Having these items on hand can cut down on any delay in receiving medical attention and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Clothing
Two things that should be taken into account when dressing for a concert are the weather and whether the concert venue is indoors or outdoors. Some venues don’t allow guests to bring umbrellas, so opt for a rain poncho or waterproof jacket of some kind. Avoid wearing heels, instead opt for shoes that won’t cause blisters and that you can stand comfortably in for hours at a time. Dressing in layers is a great way to stay comfortable, no matter the weather conditions. If it gets hotter than expected, you can easily shed any outer layers and stay cool. And make sure that you pack the sunscreen too, in case the sun is out.
If you find yourself in a stadium or arena for something like Taylor Swift’s The Eras tour or Beyonce’s Renaissance tour, take the opportunity to dress up and have fun with your concert look.
Extra Non-essentials
The following are just some additional items that you should consider bringing along:
- Gum or mints
- Hair ties
- Tissues
- Hand sanitizer/wipes
- Empty water bottle or hydration pack
- Mini-fan
- Glow sticks or LED bands(if allowed)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring snacks or drinks?
Most concert venues will have food kiosks or bars set up, so there’s no need to bring anything of your own. Concert venues will typically forbid outside food or drinks from being brought in for this reason and to prevent any prohibited items from being snuck in. If you have a medical condition that requires outside food or drinks, make sure to contact the venue and ensure that you are allowed to bring these items.
What do I do if I lose my ticket?
If you lose your physical ticket or have issues accessing your mobile or electronic tickets, contact the point of sales from which you purchased your tickets as soon as possible. They will have guidelines in place to handle such situations and are the most likely to have accurate information regarding entry to the concert.
Special Accommodations
If you or someone coming with you to the show needs to bring a service animal or requires ADA accommodations make sure to contact the venue at least three days before your event. Most have a 48-hour policy so that there is time to prepare these accommodations, especially if it requires a change to the venue layout.
Many concert halls and clubs will have accommodations available like sign language interpreters, assisted listening devices, wheelchair rentals or escorts, etc. As long as you plan ahead, you’ll be well-prepared for anything that could hinder your live concert experience.
Get 2023 Concert Tickets Now
With these guidelines on essential items to bring to a concert, you’ll be set for an amazing experience. If you are a festival aficionado, check out all of the music festival tickets available through TicketSmarter. You can browse thousands of concert tickets for genres ranging from hip-hop to country to rock and roll and more. Cut down on costs by checking out all exclusive travel deals available with HotelPlanner.
