The Concert Survival Guide

By Mackenzie Eyles

Concerts are an amazing experience - bright lights, great music, seeing your favourite artist in person. It is unreal. But whether you’re a concert newbie or a recurring fan, there are so many things you NEED to know to make the most of it. From outfit choices to crowd survival tips, this guide has everything to help you have the best concert experience possible (without losing your voice or your sanity).

1. Ticket Tips: Don’t Get Scammed!

There are so many scam websites out there for concert tickets which many people have fallen for. Only buy from official websites such as Ticketek, Ticketmaster or the artists official website. Never buy concert tickets from someone you do not know. It is safer to save your money and buy the official ones rather than sending the money to a random person that doesn’t give you the product in return.

2. Outfits - What do I wear?

Deciding on outfits is one of the toughest things to do in preparation for a concert.

Many artists have themes, traditions or even songs you can dress up as. For Billie Eilish, the @billieeilishtours instagram page has offered themes for every night in every city. 

But, if you don’t want to dress up, wear a casual outfit and maybe pair it with that artist’s merch. But no matter what you wear, comfy shoes are a must. Sore feet and a sore throat is not a good pair, you will hate yourself if you are in the mosh, stuck wearing uncomfy heels for the whole concert.

3. What to Bring: Essentials Only

Make sure to bring a camera, it could be a phone but it is such a good thing if you never want to forget that night. If you bring either of these, bring a portable charger. There is nothing worse than your phone dying when you’re mid-way through filming a video of your favorite song. 

Then there are the “just in case” items such as earplugs (for the girls whose ears hurt with the loud sound), hair ties (for when you start sweating) and also extra cash (for the merch or food), but note that most venues are cashless and require a card to be able to purchase anything.

4. Arriving & Surviving the Crowd

Arriving at a concert is a stressful experience especially while in General Admission. Camping isn’t always required as there is evidence of people who camp ending up at the back and people who arrive an hour prior getting to the front. It depends how early you can get there. For assigned seating make sure to know what level you are on and get there when the gates open so you have time to wander and enjoy the community experience.

Concerts can get wild, especially if you find yourself in the middle of a mosh pit or packed into a pushy crowd. The key is to stay calm, be aware of your surroundings, and go with the flow rather than fighting against it. If moshing isn’t your thing, stay toward the edges of the pit, and if you ever feel overwhelmed, signal to security or fellow concertgoers for help. Hydrate, wear secure shoes and most importantly, look out for each other!

5. Concert Etiquette: Don’t Be That Person

A concert is more than just a show—it’s a full experience, from the moment you secure your tickets to the post-show adrenaline crash. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned fan, knowing concert etiquette and how to handle the aftermath can make all the difference. Here’s your guide to being the best concertgoer and keeping the magic alive after the final encore.

📱 When to Record & When to Put Your Phone Away

We all want to capture the moment, but there’s a fine line between making memories and watching the whole show through a screen. A few short clips are fine, but holding your phone up for an entire song (or worse, the whole concert) blocks others’ views and kills the atmosphere. Enjoy the show with your own eyes—it’s way better than through a shaky phone screen.

🫂 Personal Space & Being Respectful

Crowded concerts mean close quarters, but that doesn’t mean basic manners go out the window. Be aware of your space, don’t shove your way to the front, and avoid waving your arms or hair in someone’s face. If you’re in general admission, be mindful that everyone wants a good spot—no cutting in front of fans who camped out for hours!

6. Post-Concert Tips: The Aftermath

Once the lights go up and the crowd starts heading home, the post-concert blues hit hard. Here’s how to make the magic last.

That “I can’t believe it’s over” feeling is real. Combat the sadness by reliving the best moments—rewatch your videos, talk to other fans, and scroll through concert hashtags. Planning your next show (even if it’s months away) gives you something to look forward to!

A great way to hold onto the experience is by creating a photo dump, tracking the setlist, or showing off your merchandise. Some fans even keep ticket stubs, wristbands, or confetti from the show as souvenirs.

Once you experience the rush of live music, it’s hard not to crave another. The energy, the connection, the shared love for an artist—it’s an unbeatable feeling. Keep an eye on upcoming tour dates, join fan communities, and start budgeting for your next ticket. 

Because let’s be real… one concert is never enough.

I wish you luck in the Ticketek and Ticketmaster wars. 

Enjoy your concerts now that you are prepared.