The 7 Things You Must Bring With You To A Concert

By Elana Goodwin on February 22, 2016

Going to a concert is a lot of fun and really exciting; besides getting to see artists and bands you love perform live, there’s this energy in the venue even before the show starts as the crowd is all eagerly anticipating the upcoming experience.

Whether you’re going to an outdoor concert, an arena show, or taking in a concert at a smaller venue, there are certain items you’ll want to make sure you bring with you and others you’re better off leaving at home. Here are the seven things you must bring with you to any and all concerts.

Photo Credit: dailyprincetonian.com

1. Cash. Depending on what concert you’re going to and where it is, you may end up spending more than four hours on the event, between getting to and from the place and the actual opening acts and show itself. And let’s be honest — going about four hours (less, sometimes) without food or a drink is almost impossible for a college student (unless you’re on the “broke student” diet). Of course, besides possibly needing money for food, there’s usually band swag and souvenirs for sale at the concert which you may want to buy, especially if you really like the band.

2. Tissues. Even if you’re not going to an Adele or Beyonce concert, you may still get emotional — whether it’s from a song or simply because you’re seeing an artist you love perform live. Unless you want to use your sleeve or the back of your hand when your face starts dripping from all the feelings, you should stuff some tissues in your purse or pocket so they’re there for you when you need them.

3. Pockets/Small Cross-Body Bag. Depending on where the concert you’re going to is being held and whether or not you’re going to be standing for the duration of it or if you have seats, you’ll want to plan your concert outfit accordingly. For smaller venues that are pretty much just standing room only, you’re better off going without a purse or bag as you’ll have to have it hanging off you the entire night and even if there’s not much in it, it can still feel heavy or dig into your shoulder after a while.

Plus, if everyone’s standing close together, it’s easy to be pick-pocketed. If the concert is one where you can do without a bag, make sure you have pockets so you can slip your phone, cash, and whatever else you’re bringing along into them. If it’s an outdoor concert or one at a bigger venue, use a cross-body bag so it’s more secure and easier to keep on you for the night.

4. Sharpie. On the off-chance that you manage to meet one of the band members or performing artists or snag yourself an invite to a meet-and-greet, it’s good to have a sharpie or pen with you. This way, if you meet them randomly, you’re equipped to have them sign something for you, but also in case you’re in a line and the pen runs out or doesn’t work, you can save the day and get yourself that autograph — the boy scout motto has it right: be prepared.

5. Something to Sign. What good is bringing a pen or sharpie if you don’t have something to be signed? Getting a signature on your body won’t last and if you wore your favorite shirt to the concert, do you really want that to be what you end up having autographed? While you can always buy a T-shirt, hat, poster or other band paraphernalia at the concert, if you don’t want to have to stand in line and spend a bunch of money, you may want to bring something with you that you’d like to have signed but that is convenient enough to hold on to or wear for the concert.

6. Musical Knowledge. It’s not that fun to go to a concert where you’re not familiar with the band or only really know their one big hit song. To properly enjoy and get the most out of a concert, you need to prepare for days (if not weeks) beforehand, by listening to the band and getting to know their music. It doesn’t hurt to add some of the opening acts’ tunes to your playlists either, as you’ll be listening to them for a while before the main event and you might as well have a good time and appreciate their tracks too. Plus, this way when everyone is singing along to a song, you’ll for sure know the lyrics and won’t just have to half-heartedly sing along and pretend you’ve heard it before.

7. Digital Camera. If you don’t have a smartphone (or even if you do), you’ll want to bring a digital camera with you to a concert. Slim ones will be able to fit in your pocket if you’re leaving your bag at home and it’s good to have a real camera on you just in case your phone dies or gets low on battery before the night is through. After all, pics or it didn’t happen, right?

So whenever you go to a concert next and for whatever concert you’ll be attending, don’t forget to bring these seven things with you so you get the most out of your concert experience!

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