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Planning for Your Next Concert

by Karla Damian

 

Concerts happen year-round and knowing what to pack with you is crucial to having the best experience. Depending on where you’re going, each venue will and won’t allow certain items. Always check the venue’s website for accepted and prohibited items. The bag policy is what gets people the most. The most recent concert I went to at the United Center made it explicit that any bag larger than their specified measurements isn’t allowed, even if the material is transparent. I bought a clear fanny pack that’s big enough to carry what I needed, but small enough that it wouldn’t get confiscated.

This next category goes along with the previous one: prepare yourself for any weather conditions. If it’s raining, be ready to give your umbrella up if there isn’t a coat check. The best way to keep yourself dry is disposable ponchos. I did that for a concert last March and it was convenient because it was inexpensive and kept me protected from the rain.

Next up: what should you pack in your bag? The essentials. Again, everyone has necessary items they should bring with them, whether they’re for medical reasons or something else. I bring a portable phone charger because I’m a serial video-taker and that uses a good amount of battery. I take my wallet with me, of course, but I empty it to keep the important stuff like my credit card, ID, and some cash for parking fees. I wear glasses, so stashing a lens wipe cloth is crucial for me. I also carry around hand sanitizer because that’s something I personally feel incomplete without.

What about ear protection? In the past, there was a time I didn’t own earplugs. That was a big mistake! I frequently felt ringing in my ears after a show, so to prevent any future issues, I purchased some good quality earplugs. Mine came with a carrying case and a tiny carabiner so I have it attached to my concert bag indefinitely.

Since I wear makeup for concerts, I pack my mascara, chapstick, lipstick, and a compact mirror to touch up beforehand. I also tend to wear my hair down, so I bring hair ties in case my hair starts to annoy me. When I attended Lollapalooza in the summer, I brought sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.

I sometimes wear semi-uncomfortable shoes for concerts because they go with my outfit. As a result of this, I wear sneakers on my way there and then swap them out once I get to the venue. When the show’s over, I change into my comfortable shoes again.

I get hungry after concerts, so I pack a bag full of snacks. It mainly consists of quick eats like crackers, granola bars, fruit snacks, and/or chips. I also bring a water bottle because I’m extremely parched by the end of a concert.

This isn’t an ultimate list of everything, but it’s what I usually take with me to any show or festival. Everyone has their own preferences and needs, so what I keep in my bag is most likely going to be different from what others bring with them. However, I hope this can at least serve as a general idea of how to plan for your next concert.

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