Concerts and music festivals are a blast. Loud music, enthusiastic fans, big acts with impressive stage presence, and unexpected acoustic sets can all form core musical memories and plant the seeds of lifelong fondness for bands and musicians.
Despite the inevitable joy that comes with attending a concert, there are also big crowds, unfamiliar venues, and enough potential safety concerns for which it’s important to stay prepared.
Whether you’re relying on public transport, navigating your way to the venue, or dealing with inconsistent wifi, keeping a sense of concert safety top-of-mind can help you avoid potential trouble and make the most of the music scene.
10 concert safety tips so you can rock out
1. Sign up for event apps for real-time updates
These days nearly every concert or music festival has their own app to keep attendees updated with pertinent information like set times, security information, and venue maps.
These apps can be super helpful while you’re enjoying the music and need to find your way around, locate friends, washrooms, lockers, or to be aware of any last-minute changes to the line-up.
2. Use aloSIM for reliable data at concerts
Large or small, concerts often have overloaded wifi networks with all concertgoers attempting to stream or post or stay connected, which can make getting online a nightmare.
With an aloSIM data plan, you don’t have to depend on fighting for weak or non-existent wifi. Instead, rely on a stable connection for things like ordering a ride, meeting up with friends, and checking in with family, all without worrying about dropped service or getting booted.
Get an aloSIM plan for the city where you’re attending the concert, before you even head to the venue, so you’ll have reliable data from the moment the band takes the stage.
3. Pick a meeting spot
It’s easy to lose track of your friends at big or crowded events. When considering concert safety, before the concert starts, pick a designated meeting spot, like a noticeable landmark or food stand, in case anyone gets separated from the group or your phones run out of battery.
4. Stay aware of your surroundings in the crowd
Keep your wits about you for maximum concert safety and be mindful of the people in your vicinity. Always have an idea of where the exits are located, your proximity, and the safest route to the doors.
5. Protect your phone and valuables
Even in generally safe locations, a packed crowd can invite theft and pickpockets. Keep your phone, wallet, keys, and any other valuables in a secure, zippered pocket or in a crossbody bag (or, yes, a fanny pack) that can sit against your front.
Try to avoid backpacks or anything that will be out of sight as they’re too easy for thieves to get into without you noticing.
6. Be cautious when meeting strangers
Make new friends but be cautious if you’re meeting up with anyone you only know from social media or a dating app. Stick to brightly-lit areas and let a trusted friend know who you’re with where you’ll be.
7. Stay hydrated (and watch your drinks)
Concerts are hot and high-energy so bring a reusable water bottle (if permitted) or make sure to buy water at the venue. And if you’re drinking any alcohol, keep your drink covered and never let it out of sight.
8. Stick to well-lit areas around the venue
As you make your way into the show or exiting afterwards—whether you’re heading to your car, hopping on a bus, or waiting for a car, make sure to stick to the well-lit and populated areas around the venue.
Never walk alone through dark, deserted, or unfamiliar streets, especially if it’s a city with which you’re unfamiliar.
9. Download Uber or Lyft apps ahead of time
If you already have a plan to depend on a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, have the app installed, logged-in, and ready to go before you head out the door.
Pre-loading your payment info is also crucial so that you can quickly book your ride as needed (ahead of the masses, if you’re lucky).
10. Share your location with a friend
No matter how late the show might go, it’s always a good idea to share your real-time location with someone you trust when heading to attend a concert.
Drop a pin on your Apple Map or share your location via text to make it easy to find you in case of an emergency.
