Nothing is more fun than watching some of your favorite bands performing outdoors, so you’re probably ecstatic about the fact that the summer concert season is finally here. Going to an outdoor concert isn’t quite the same as attending a show at a regular arena, though, because an outdoor show is often a multi-act affair that stretches the entire day. On top of that, you might need to drive several hours before you even reach the venue.
You need to know what to bring to an outdoor concert because being unprepared can really hamper your experience. You wouldn’t want to overpay for some trivial item that you could have just brought from home – or risk the possibility that the thing you forgot to bring isn’t available to buy at the venue at all.
Having the most possible fun at an outdoor concert means being prepared for anything, including sudden weather changes or an unexpected emergency. Here’s what needs to be on your list of things to bring.
Weatherproof Bag
The ideal storage solution for concert items is a weatherproof bag with a secure zipper and a strap that allows you to wear the bag crossbody or around your waist. A strap decreases the chance of someone grabbing the bag and running away, and a solid zipper helps to ensure that your items won’t fall out. This is a case, though, where you’ll want to check the venue’s rules before packing your items. Some outdoor venues have security checkpoints and require clear bags for easy scanning.
Emergency Poncho
Nothing can ruin an outdoor concert faster than a sudden downpour that leaves you cold and shivering for the rest of the show. You might not feel like packing an umbrella in your concert bag, but there’s no excuse not to have an emergency poncho. You can find ponchos in any store that has a section for camping supplies.
Extra Cash
Many outdoor concert venues have gone completely cashless for drinks and other concessions, which is great for convenience because it means that you can pay for items with your phone or a wristband and don’t have to worry a great deal about pickpocketing. That doesn’t mean, however, that you shouldn’t carry cash anyway. What would you do if your car didn’t start, and you needed an emergency ride home? Some taxi services take credit cards, and some don’t. Stick a little cash in your sock just in case.
Portable Power Bank
Aside from a sudden cloudburst, few things can dampen the outdoor concert experience more quickly than a “low battery” warning from your phone. Recording lots of video clips will drain your phone’s battery very quickly, and you’re not going to have a USB port handy for recharging your phone unless you want to go back to your car. Put a charged USB power bank in your concert bag in case your phone needs a quick top-up. Even if your own phone doesn’t die, having a portable charger available could make you a hero to a fellow concertgoer.
Spare Vapes
Do you vape? If so, you’re well aware of the fact that a nicotine fit is a terrible thing to experience when there are no nearby vape shops – and you’re almost certainly not going to find one of those at an outdoor concert venue. If your vape suddenly dies or runs out of e-liquid, there’s an easy solution for that: You can have another device available. Stick a spare vape or two in your concert bag.
If you do want to vape during an outdoor concert, don’t forget to check the venue’s rules first. Some venues allow people to smoke or vape wherever they want, and others might only allow you to do so in designated areas. You wouldn’t want to do anything that might cause you to get kicked out of the show.
Reusable Water Bottle
Did you know that an outdoor concert venue will often have a free water source that you can use to refill a water bottle? Take advantage of it by putting a reusable water bottle in your concert bag. You’re bound to get thirsty during the show, and you definitely don’t want to overpay for bottled water. Those $5 bottles really add up.
Snacks
At a long outdoor concert, you’re not just going to get thirsty – you’ll also get hungry. If you think that bottled water is overpriced at concerts, just wait until you see how much the food costs. You might want to spring for a quick meal while you’re there, but you definitely won’t want to return to the concession stand over and over when your belly starts to growl again. If the venue allows it, throw some snacks into your concert bag. Not every outdoor venue allows outside food, though, so don’t forget to check the rules before you go.
Sunscreen
Going to an outdoor concert means that you need to be prepared for extreme weather, and we’re not just talking about a sudden rainstorm. The situation could just as easily be the exact opposite – you might find yourself in full sun for hours. Too much sun exposure is bad for your skin for a variety of reasons, and a sunburn could leave you feeling sick for days. Bring sunscreen. Consider throwing a floppy hat and a pair of sunglasses into your concert bag as well because glare can make it extremely difficult to see what’s happening on the stage.
Bug Repellent
Are you going to a concert with a schedule that’ll stretch into the evening? If so, mosquitoes might be a concern. You’ll definitely want to have some bug repellent available because it’s hard to enjoy an outdoor concert if you can’t hear the band over the sound of yourself smacking mosquitoes.
Earplugs
Bringing earplugs to a concert might seem counterintuitive. If the concert is taking place at a venue that allows attendees to move around freely, though, you might find yourself close to the loudspeakers at some point. If that happens, you’ll be happy to have some ear protection. Hearing loss is a real risk if you stand close enough to the speakers, and no concert is worth that.
