Eight Tips for Taking The Stress Out of Concerts
Concert anxiety doesn’t mean you love the artist any less. It means you care a lot, and your brain is trying to protect you. For us fangirls, the most stressful part of a concert isn’t the bright lights or the loud crowd. It’s everything that surrounds it: getting there at the right time, navigating exits and figuring out a plan on how to get home once the excitement wears off. Get prepared for your first concert or refresh your concert planning strategy with these eight tips on how to take the stress out of the process.
Have a navigation game plan and get to the venue early
Make sure you are aware of when the doors open versus when you would like to arrive. Getting to the show early means you can take your time to buy merch, find the bathroom, and get a snack. Getting to a show early also allows for time to mingle and make a new concert bestie! Be sure to know how you’re getting to and from the show in advance. Plan for a shared ride, take transit or grab a parking pass to avoid last-minute scrambling, but always have a backup plan in case of unexpected traffic or weather.
Find the nearest exit to your seat
Having an entrance plan means also having an exit plan. Once you are in your seat, find the nearest exit and know which direction you’d like to go in to get there. Once the house lights come on, getting out of the venue can be chaotic and overwhelming, so confirming a plan in advance can help you focus in the moment. If you’re going with others, be sure to designate a common meeting place once you’ve arrived, in case the group gets split up.
Screenshot everything
Apps can glitch, and you won’t always have wifi access or even cell service, so be sure to take screenshots of your tickets, parking information, VIP passes, and confirmation emails. This ensures that you will be able to show proof of your purchase even if technical issues happen. Adding your concert ticket to your wallet app can help with this as well. Lowering your phone screen’s brightness and closing background apps before the show will help save battery life on your phone. Don’t forget your portable charger and cord!
Check the venue’s bag policy
Checking your venue’s bag policy a month in advance allows you to go out and find a bag or order one online if the bags you own don’t meet all the requirements. Check what items are permitted to be brought inside the venue. There’s nothing worse than being next in line to enter, and being turned around to either go back to the car or throw away your bag because you didn’t drive. Most venues have some sort of size or transparency requirement, so doing your research beforehand allows for a smoother concert process overall.
Create a small concert essentials bag
Always pack your ID, spare cash (or credit card for cashless venues) and your phone in case of emergencies. Be sure to hydrate and eat before the show, but grab water and a snack from concessions if needed. Earplugs, a fan, sunscreen (for outdoor venues), hair ties and medication are all great examples of smaller concert essentials. Be sure to tailor your concert essentials to your needs while also following the venue’s policy on approved items. Only bring what you need. Bringing in too many things will limit your movement, making your overall experience less enjoyable. Keep a small snack and water ready after the show for when you’re back home.
Watch videos of other fans’ tour experiences
Headed to a venue you have never been to? Wondering what outfit to wear? Watch videos of other people on social media who have already been to a show and take their suggestions into consideration. They may have advice on anything from what time to arrive to how long each set lasts. Listening to tips firsthand from someone is perfect to prepare yourself. This tip is also an awesome way to see merchandise and how it is priced to pick out which items you’d like to grab beforehand.
Live in the moment and let loose
It is so easy to get caught up in what the people around you are thinking. Everyone is there to have fun and enjoy great music. Just remember: no one is watching you; they are watching the stage. Wear that new outfit you wanted to try. Sing out loud. Show off your dance moves. You don’t ever want to look back at a concert and say, “I wish I had done this or that.” The perfect time is now! Attending a concert is a special moment. You’ve spent the money, planned logistics, travelled, or maybe even taken time off work. It’s the day to have the best time you possibly can.
Plan for the day after the concert
After singing your heart out for hours and navigating home, you can be totally drained. Spending time to plan an outfit and pack a lunch for the next day means losing sleep. Go ahead and handle all your daily needs for the day after the concert before leaving the house. Your future self will thank you.
All fangirls stress about concert logistics from time to time. At the end of the day, a concert is only a few hours, but how you feel during and after it matters far more than how close you were to the stage. Preparing, prioritising comfort, and thinking ahead about the end of the night are acts of self-care. It is all about giving yourself room to enjoy what you love without worrying about every little detail. Whether you attend concerts once a month or once a year, it is always great to have a plan in place to avoid anxiety and give yourself permission to be present.
