Outdoor concert Essentials!
Whether you’re a concert newbie or you’ve been attending concerts for years, it seems like you’re always bound to forget something. We’ve got a list of essentials and tips for having the best time at your show and not regretting your decisions the next day.
Things to Bring
Sunscreen
We’ve all said the words “I don’t burn” when watching our friends apply sunscreen or “I’ll only be in the sun for a few minutes,” but those types of people wake up the next day in pain with skin the same color as a lobster. Sunscreen not only protects you from burns but also helps prevent sun poisoning.
Bug repellent
Bug spray is always a good choice, but we also highly recommend bug repellent bracelets. They don’t leave the same sticky feeling as bug spray, and you can also choose to wear them around your wrist or ankle.
Sunglasses
Even if you aren’t a fan of wearing sunglasses, we recommend bringing a pair. Your face might get sweaty, but it beats having to squint to see the bands playing. Just make sure you don’t bring an expensive pair or you’ll be crying when they get smashed or lost.
Lawn blanket or tarp
Most outdoor venues don’t allow lawn chairs, so if you want to avoid sitting in the dirt/mud or standing all night, you best bring a lawn blanket or tarp to sit on. The tarp also doubles as protection from the rain!
Poncho
If it rains and you don’t want to get soaked, we suggest bringing a poncho. It may look dorky, but most venues don’t allow umbrellas.
Water/empty water bottle
Even if the venue doesn’t allow you to bring in outside water, it’s important to stay hydrated, so bring some water to drink while you stand in line and wait for the gates to open. They may also have a water fountain to fill up an empty water bottle if you bring one.
Snacks
If snacks are allowed at the venue, you’ll have to pay attention to the size you’re allowed to bring in. If they aren’t allowed, it’s a good idea to eat a snack before the show or while you wait in line because food at concert venues is usually outrageously priced.
Hand sanitizer
If you’re lucky, there will be actual restrooms at the venue. If not, you’ll be stuck using the dreaded port-o-potty. One way to make your experience less dreadful is to bring hand sanitizer to use afterwards.
Tissues/wipes
These are also going to come in handy if you get stuck having to use a port-o-potty. You never know when those things are going to be out of toilet paper. The tissues can also be used to wipe away your tears when you find yourself in crying during the emotional songs.
Portable charger
More than likely, your phone will be nearly dead by the time the headliner comes on. If you plan on filming during your favorite song, you’re going to need some battery life. Not only does a portable charger help you capture some good memories, but it also helps keep your phone alive if you need to use it as a GPS to find your way home or call an Uber.
Fanny pack
A fanny pack is small and easy to carry, making your outdoor concert experience more bearable and usually fits within the guidelines of bag sizes.
Hair ties
It’s going to be hot outside this summer, so bring some hair ties to tie your hair up in a ponytail, keeping it out of your face and off your neck.
Earplugs
Concerts are fun, but if you want to stand up front by the speakers, make sure to bring something to protect your ears. Your ears will either be ringing the next day, or your friends will have to shout at you all night because you won’t be able to hear a thing.
Deodorant
We’ve all been to a concert and smelled stinky people around us. Don’t be the person that everyone hates; bring a travel size deodorant to reapply when you take a bathroom break.
Chapstick
The only thing worse than chapped lips is sunburnt chapped lips. Buy Chapstick with SPF to protect your lips from the sun.
Bandana
If the venue’s ground is covered in dirt, a bandana can be used to cover your mouth when the crowd kicks the dirt around. It also doubles as a way to stay cool. Just run it under some water and then tie it around your neck, and you won’t have any regrets. Trust us.
Things to Remember
Check the venue website to see prohibited items
You’ll typically have to go through security or at least a bag check before the show. Make sure you don’t bring any prohibited items, or they’ll either be thrown away or you’ll have to wait in line to retrieve them after the show.
Dress for the weather
It may be hot during the day, but it tends to cool down on most summer nights, so be prepared to bring a light sweatshirt if you get cold easily. You should also be prepared in the event it rains.
Bring extra money for parking, merch and food
Most venues are cashless these days, but it never hurts to carry a few extra dollars for bootleg t shirts in the parking lot.
Mistakes to Avoid
Bringing large backpacks
Most venues don’t allow large backpacks, and some don’t even allow drawstring backpacks. Just be sure to read up on the venue’s policy before you go, so you don’t have to wait in line and pay for bag check.
Wearing flip flops or open-toe shoes
If you’re wearing flip flops in the middle of a crowd, you’re either going to end the night with nothing on your feet or with a bunch of cuts and bruises from people stepping on them.
Arriving late
If you don’t want to miss any of the bands playing, be sure to check the time on your ticket and the venue’s website to make sure the times match up, and then arrive early. Especially if you want to have time to purchase merch before the show starts. Many venues live tweet as new bands take the stage, so check their Twitter feed to stay up to date!
Buying merch after the show instead of before
The reason you want to get there early enough to buy merch before the show is that the shirt you’ve been eyeballing the whole night will probably be sold out in your size by the time the show is over. You can even try buying merch in between bands, but if you want to be guaranteed to get the items you want, you should buy them before the show.
Not charging your cell phone/portable charger before you leave
Having a fully charged phone will help it last throughout the whole show. You can either charge your phone in the car or bring a portable charger. Just don’t forget to charge the portable charger before you leave, or it’ll be pointless to bring.
What's your most important essential? Let us know at [email protected].
