How to Go to a Concert if You Are a Teenager

• Check out the venue's policies, regulations, and age limit before you buy tickets.
• Get permission from your parents to go and arrange transportation to and from the show.
• Bring a charged phone and cash with you to the concert. Eat before the show or bring enough money for snacks and water.
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are appropriate for the weather. Have a great time and stay safe!

Tickets and Logistics

Check to make sure that the concert venue is for all-ages. Some venues, particularly those that serve alcohol, will only allow entry for guests who are over 21 years old. It's best to research the venue's age policies online or by phone before you make plans to attend a concert. If you buy a ticket and get turned away at the door, you likely will not get your money back.

Ask your parents for permission. It’s best to check in with your parents before you buy tickets to make sure you’ll be allowed to go. Have a conversation with your parents to figure out how you will travel to and from the concert, and to talk about ground rules for staying safe at the event.

Find a friend to go with. For your safety, it’s best not to attend concerts alone.reasons. Find at least one friend to go to the concert, and plan to stick together on the day of the event. If you’re having trouble finding company, consider posting on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to see if other people in your social network are interested.

Buy tickets. If the concert is for a popular band, figure out exactly when the tickets go on sale, and be prepared to buy them as soon as you can to guarantee the show won’t sell out. Ticketmaster.com sells tickets for bigger shows, but if you’re going to a smaller show, look online at the venue’s website for information on how to purchase tickets. Once you buy the tickets, print them and keep them in a safe place where you won’t risk losing them. Make sure you can afford the tickets before your purchase. If you can’t, ask your parents for a loan, and figure out how you can repay them through extra housework or an outside job. Never assume you can buy tickets at the door, as you will run the risk of getting turned away. Avoid buying tickets from online from resellers, who will likely try to scam you.

Research venue policies and regulations. Find the venue’s webpage to get a sense of what to expect, and to avoid any hassles the day of the concert. Figure out how early the doors will open, and whether or not you’ll be able to bring your own food/water. Be sure the venue is not 21+ so you won’t risk getting turned away at the door.

Coordinate transportation. Make a plan for how you will get to and from the concert venue. Ask your parents for a ride, and suggest a carpool if your friends will be going to the concert. If your parents are driving you, be sure to solidify pick up/drop off times and locations in advance of the concert. If you can’t find a ride, figure out how to travel via public transit.

Listen to the music. If you don’t know the all of the bands who will be playing, it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with their music ahead of time so that you can make the most of your concert experience.

Attending the Concert

Pack a small bag of the essentials. Bring a charged phone, cash (at least $20-30), a water bottle, sunblock (if the concert is outdoors), earplugs, and snacks. Make sure you pack your tickets!

Eat a meal before you leave for the concert. Concerts can be exhausting, and the food sold at concert venues is often overpriced, so you’ll want to fuel up beforehand to make sure you’ll have enough energy to enjoy yourself. Be sure to drink plenty of water as well.

Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. Concerts tend to get hot with crowds of people and lots of dancing, so light, loose clothes - like shorts and a t-shirt - are your best bet, and comfortable shoes are a must. If the event is outdoors, bring a hat to shade yourself from the sun, and if there’s a chance of rain, bring a rain jacket or poncho. Be prepared for rowdy crowds, so skip any dangly jewelry.

Arrive early. Show up at least an hour in advance to guarantee you are able to get into the venue, find your seats, and get settled before the show begins. If your tickets are for standing room only, you will have a better view the earlier you arrive. If you want to be near the front for a large concert, consider showing up a few hours early.

Take note of the exit locations. In case of emergency, you’ll want to know where you can exit as quickly as possible. If you’re with friends, choose a landmark near the exit where you can meet up in case you get separated.

Stay hydrated. Especially if the concert is outdoors, you’ll be getting hot and sweaty, and you’ll need to drink water to curb the risk of dehydration. Bring your own water bottle, or be prepared to buy one at the event. Many outdoor venues have water refill stations for you to continue hydrating throughout the event.

Take breaks when you need to. If you’re feeling tired from all the singing and dancing, don’t be afraid to step away from the crowd and take a rest. Find a place away from the crowd to sit down, cool off, and drink some water. You’ll enjoy the show much more if you take a break before you reach your limit.

Exit safely. Once the concert is over, people tend to leave venue all at once. The rush can be overwhelming, and sometimes unsafe. Stick with your buddy and be careful not to fall. If big crowds are scary, consider skipping the encore and leaving the concert a few minutes before it ends.

Wind down after the concert. After a great concert, you’ll probably be a combination of exhilarated and exhausted. Once you get home, you’ll want to start winding down so you can get some rest. Be sure to drink some water, and consider eating a snack and/or watching some TV to help wind down.