While they’re a ton of fun, there are also a few tips for attending an outdoor concert that you need to remember the next time you decide to go to one. It’s easy to forget about some of the essentials when you’re so excited for your concert! The next time you plan to go to an outdoor music show, take these tips for attending an outdoor concert into consideration!
I can’t stress this enough. Water is one of the most essential tips for attending an outdoor concert, and not only to combat dehydration. There’s a very good chance that it will be hot and you will be screaming, meaning that you will want water more than anything else in the world. Save yourself the ridiculous price tag and bring your own water, and lots of it, to your next concert!
It’s going to be very, incredibly hot. Not only is it important to wear as little clothing as possible, it’s also essential to make sure you’re comfortable in what you’re wearing. Light-colored clothing that flows with you is probably your best bet at an outdoor concert. If you feel comfortable in what you’re wearing, your overall concert experience will also be so much more comfortable.
The less clothes you wear means the more sunscreen you need to put on. There are few instances more uncomfortable than when you can physically feel your skin burning while spending hours at an outdoor concert. Save yourself the burns and peeling and wear as much sunscreen as possible. If you can find time during the concert, it’s also important to reapply whenever possible.
Always choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. For those who plan to dance the day away, water-resistant options are a lifesaver. Don't forget to cover often-missed spots like the tops of your feet, your ears, and the back of your neck. For added protection, bring along a hat or a light, long-sleeved cover-up. Remember, overexposure to the sun isn't just painful; it can also lead to more serious health issues down the road, so slather on that SPF and enjoy the music worry-free.
Find an area that you can go to sit down and get shade if you need it at any time throughout the day. You’ll spend a lot of time on your feet, as well as in the direct sunlight. Try to find somewhere where you know you can sit and cool off, preferably out of the direct sunlight.
It sounds trivial, but the right bag is essential at outdoor concerts. Bring a purse that you can sling over your shoulder, or even a cross body bag. You need to bring a bag that’s big enough to carry everything you’ll need, but won’t get in the way. A cross body is perfect for that. You can just sling it over your shoulder and not worry about it. If you bring a purse that can’t sit on your shoulder, you’ll spend the entire concert worried about where it is, and that’s not worth it.
Outdoor concerts are often at sunset. That means that the sun will probably be directly in your eyes for the majority of the concert if you don’t bring sunglasses. It may also mean that you won’t get a very good view of the artist you came to see. Sunglasses may seem like an obvious choice for an outdoor concert, but you’d be shocked how many people I’ve seen at outdoor concerts who have forgotten them.
It’s essential to know as much about the concert and venue you’re attending as possible beforehand. Information such as when the doors open is just one of many issues that can arise. Look into the opening acts, and if you don’t care for them much, don’t feel guilty if you skip out on them. I got stuck at an outdoor concert last summer that had six opening acts because I couldn’t find enough information beforehand. If you can find the information online, look into it and save yourself the heat exhaustion.
What’s your most important tip for outdoor concerts? Have you used any of these? Let me know in the comments!