Solo Concert Survival Guide: Tips For Going To A Concert Alone
This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s fall editorial intern Raven Minyard. Find her on Instagram at @raven.minyard. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
The day has finally arrived. Your favorite music artist is coming to your city, and you’re determined to see them. The only problem is you can’t find anyone to go with you. You know you can’t pass up this opportunity, so you decide to go by yourself. If you’re thinking about going solo to a concert, you might be feeling a little anxious, especially if you’ve never gone to one by yourself before. The idea can be overwhelming, but going to a concert alone can be fun, sometimes even more fun than going with a group. You just have to know what to do to keep things safe and enjoyable. And today, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ve gathered the best tips on how to have fun and stay safe while going solo to a concert.
Research The Artist And Their Shows
If you’re a huge fan of the artist you’re seeing, you probably have a good idea of what to expect from their concerts, but it’s always a good idea to do some research beforehand. Concert environments will vary depending on the genre of music and specific artist you see, and some environments might be better for your first solo concert. For example, you can expect a Taylor Swift concert to be very different from a Ghost concert. If you’re nervous, it might be better to pick a concert you know will be pretty chill, but ultimately, you know what types of environments you can handle. By researching shows beforehand, you can avoid any unwanted surprises.
Know The Venue And Surrounding Area
While researching the artist you’re seeing, it might be a good idea to look up the venue as well, especially if you’ve never been there before or if you’re traveling to another city. Make sure you know where all the exits are and where to find security should you need assistance. It’s unlikely anything will go wrong, but you should always be prepared. You should also know what items the venue allows you to bring so you know you have everything you need.
If you’re driving yourself to the concert, make sure you know if there’s parking onsite or where the nearest parking lot or garage is. If you’re planning on utilizing a rideshare service, make sure you know if there is a designated drop-off/pick-up location. And if you’re walking, make sure you know the best route and stay with a group. Even though you’re attending the concert alone, there will be plenty of other concert-goers around you. Stay safe by walking with or near others in well-lit areas until you get where you’re going.
Set Your Own Schedule
I’m the type of person who believes if you’re on time, you’re late, and that especially applies to concerts. I always like getting there early so I have time to scope out merch, buy any snacks or drinks and make it to my seat before the opener. If you’re like me, you know it can be stressful trying to get a group together and still make it to the venue by the time you want to arrive. Alternatively, if you’re the type of person to skip the opener, you don’t want to stand around waiting for hours before the show begins.
One of the best things about going to a concert by yourself is that you can set your own schedule. You can arrive when you want to, then take your time getting merch or fight your way to the front of the pit. You don’t have to worry about waiting for your friend to get ready or stop to use the bathroom when you want to make a mad dash for general admission. You only have to worry about yourself, and that takes a lot of stress out of your day.
Share Your Location And Keep Your Phone Charged
Again, it’s unlikely you’ll have an emergency, but it never hurts to share your location with someone you trust, especially if you’re a woman. Share your location with a close friend or family member who you know will be available should you need them.
Make sure your phone is charged, and put it on power saver mode if necessary. I also recommend bringing a battery pack with you. You’ll want to take plenty of pictures and videos at the event, and you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of power left in case you need to call someone or use a GPS.
Stay Hydrated And Drink Responsibly
I can’t stress enough how important it is to stay hydrated at a concert. If you’re dancing and screaming, you’re going to be sweating a lot, so make sure to drink a lot of water. Buying drinks at the venue can be expensive, but many places allow you to bring a refillable bottle, and if you’re in the pit, the staff often hand out free cups of water between sets. Take advantage of it! Even if it means having to take a bathroom break, if you ask someone to hold your spot, they probably will.
And if you’re going to drink alcohol, drink responsibly and keep your eyes on your drink. Remember you’re there by yourself, so you’ll need to be able to take care of yourself.
Talk To People Around You
When I went to my first solo concert, the thing I was most worried about was feeling awkward and having no one to talk to. As an introvert, introducing myself to a group of strangers was daunting and not really something I wanted to do. Luckily, I ended up next to another solo concert-goer and was brave enough to start the conversation. The people in front of us overheard that we were there alone and quickly invited us into their conversation.
I definitely got lucky that I was surrounded by so many friendly people, but odds are, you’ll find nice people wherever you end up, so don’t be afraid to start a conversation! If you’re shy or introverted, I recommend looking for a smaller group or someone you think might also be there alone. Remember, you’re all there to see the same artist, so you automatically have a talking point. You can ask them if they’ve ever seen the artist before, what their favorite songs are or if they’re familiar with the opener. Once you break the ice, the conversation should flow naturally from there. You might even end up making some new friends. If you don’t want to talk to anyone else, that’s okay, too. Ultimately, you’re there for the music, so do what you’re comfortable with. Just remember to trust your intuition, and only reveal that you’re there alone if you feel safe doing so.
Have Fun!
Going solo to a concert might be nerve-wracking, but I promise it will all be worth it once your favorite artist takes the stage. You’ll get lost in the music and be too busy singing and dancing to notice you’re by yourself. There are always going to be things we’re afraid to do, and sometimes the best way to get over it is to just do it scared.
We hope this article helped you prepare for going solo to a concert. Do you have any other tips for a first-time solo concertgoer? Let us know in the comments!