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Just throwing it out there—we heard some dude named Harry Styles is on tour.

So you've decided that you're ready to take the plunge and hit a major music milestone: going to your first concert. Buuut now that the initial rush of excitement has turned into a wave of confusion/planning anxiety/social imposter syndrome, you're wondering if this is actually a good idea after all.

Pause. Take a deep breath. Got it? Fabulous. Now exhale all that nervous energy out of your body (and life), because what you're reading rn is a complete guide to making sure your first concert experience is one you'll never forget...in the best way possible.

Before the show

@dovecameron

Buy tickets ASAP. Step one in your concert-going experience (well, after getting the OK from your parents to attend) is securing tickets to the event. If you have your heart set on seeing a specific artist (especially a popular one), sign up for their newsletter/updates as soon as the tour is announced, then plan to buy tickets the moment they go on sale. Most big shows sell out super fast, so if you don't get yours ASAP, you could end up paying way more from a reseller. One insider tip? Go to the actual venue IRL. Some hold tickets to sell at their box office even after the show sells out online.

Read the venue's "know before you go." This email has all the important info. Your instinct might be to trash these kinds of messages, but they are full of super useful stuff like when doors open, what you're allowed to bring into the show and tips on transportation and parking.

Figure out how you're getting there. If you're hoping to get a ride from your parents or sibs, get their commitment way in advance (and make sure to text them when the show is almost over so they can avoid stressful post-concert traffic). Mom insists on coming along? If you don't want her singing along to "Watermelon Sugar" right next to you, suggest a separate seat within eye view or find a nearby restaurant or hotel lobby where she can hang during the show.

@caitlinmckillop

Check your phone storage. That awkward moment when your favorite artist comes onstage...and you get the notification that your storage is full? Yeah, not something you want to deal with. Make sure that you clear out old, unwanted pics and apps so you can snap and film away. And if you're bringing an old-school camera, don't forget to clear your memory card ahead of time.

Dress smart. Keep in mind that you'll want to be able to dance (and that it can get hot inside crowded venues), so breathable fabrics are usually best. If it's an outdoor show, grab a hoodie or long-sleeve tee that you can easily tie around your waist. And you don't have to wear full-on dad sneakers, but remember you will be standing for hours. Our pick? Boots like Doc Martens are a) adorable and b) perfect for dancing all night.

Eat something. You might feel too excited for a meal, but trust us: You'll need the fuel to power you through the night.

What to bring

@conangray

The basics, obviously. Before you leave the house, triple-check that you have the essentials—your phone, wallet and, of course, the ticket (which is likely on your phone, but make sure you can easily access it and your battery is at 100%).

Camera. Yeah, phone pics and vids are great, but consider bringing a camera instead. That way, you can document the memories without draining your battery or being pulled out of the moment by random alerts and notifications—plus, it perfectly completes your Y2K aesthetic.

@kelly.schwint

A clear wristlet. Many places have strict restrictions on what bags you can bring in, but a clear wristlet should always do the trick. These mini purses are perfect because they're super light and hard to lose.

Portable charger. You're probably going to be draining your battery taking pictures, so make sure you have a way to charge throughout the show.

Earplugs. If you don't do well with loud noises or have assigned seats really close to the stage or speakers, it's best to protect your ears.

At the show

@itsjojosiwa

Share your phone location with your friends. If you get separated at any point, you'll always be able to find each other. That said, stick to the buddy system: No one goes to the bathroom or snack bar solo.

Buy your merch early. Yes, it will mean that you'll have to hold onto your new tee during the show, which can be a pain, but lines tend to be super long after the show (and you risk the items/sizes you want selling out).

Scope out a good spot. Are your seats general admission? As soon as you arrive, snag your spot. And remember: Getting as close to the stage as possible isn't always the best move—standing farther back in a less crowded area is safer, more comfortable and actually gives you space to dance.

Move together. It can be easy to lose people in a concert crowd, so if you're walking through a packed area, link arms or hold hands to make sure no one in your group gets left behind.

@shayrudolph

Stay hydrated. If the venue doesn't allow you to bring your own water bottle, buy one first thing when you arrive. Dancing with a million other sweaty/bouncing fans = a recipe for dehydration and overheating.

After the show

@dualipa

Don't rush out. Sometimes bands do an encore and return to the stage for a bonus song after it seems like the night is over. (Once the house lights are back up, though, that's a good sign that the show is finito.)

Look for potential meet and greets. On big stadium tours, you usually have to buy special tickets to get face time with your fave, but at smaller shows, you might spot members of the band hanging around after their gig, signing autographs and taking pics with fans. Keep your eyes peeled.

Wait to post. It can be tempting to immediately start uploading videos the second you have a strong enough signal, but hold off until you have time to review your content (with audio) before you post. Learn from our mistakes: The v. loud belting along with the song that felt *so* right during the show might not be a sound you want immortalized on the internet for all time. Just sayin'.

@thenavarose

Hey, girl! Just wanted to let you know that this story originally ran in our August/September 2022 issue. Want more? Read the print mag for free *today* when you click HERE.

Slider: @taylorswift
Header: @harrystyles

by Kayleigh Roberts | 8/20/2022