If you haven’t been to a concert in years (or decades!), trust me, you’re not alone. I remember the first time I finally got out again—standing in line, masking some nerves, and wondering if I’d forgotten how to do this. That little flurry in your gut? Totally normal. But as soon as the music gets going and the lights go down, you’ll wonder why you waited so long.
Pick Your Spot—And Make Life Easy
A little planning goes a long way. We’re not in our twenties anymore and let’s be real, comfort rules. Choose seats that give you a clear view and, bonus points, quick access to bathrooms or exits. Sitting near an aisle is a game-changer, especially if you like stretching your legs or ducking out for a breather. I usually check the venue’s map online, and if spending a little extra means I can actually see the stage without someone’s hat blocking my view? Worth it.
Get there early if you can so you’re not rushing to find your seat, and if you’ve got your heart set on that souvenir T-shirt, grab it before the crowd swarms the merch table. AARP has a few extra smart hacks for concertgoers—like calling ahead to see if you can bring a small cushion or if there’s a bag size limit.
Don’t Sweat Asking About Accessibility
Venues are a lot better than they used to be about making concerts easy for everyone. If you need ramps, elevators, or seats with a little more space, ask in advance. Need earplugs? You’d be surprised how many places hand them out now. If you’re part of an assisted living community, check if they set up group trips for residents. Odds are, someone else in the crowd wants in too, and it can take the stress out of getting there and back.
Dress For Reality—Layers Are Your Friend
There are basically three temperatures at a concert: oven-hot when you’re crammed in, chilly when the AC’s blasting, or—if it’s outside—mystery weather all night. Go for comfort. Sneakers, your favorite jeans, a hoodie you can tie around your waist. Rolling Stone has a whole list of what to bring and, yes, you’ll find “phone charger, wet wipes, and ear plugs” on there.
Mind Your Ears, And Don’t Forget to Drink Water
We’ve all done it—stood too close to the speakers, lost our voices for a week because we got caught up in the music. Now I always bring earplugs (seriously, they’re lifesavers) and keep a water bottle handy so I don’t feel wrecked the next morning.
Make It About the Music
Don’t stress about being in the middle of the crowd the whole show. Slip out for air if you need it, and dance or just tap your feet—do whatever feels right. Don’t spend the whole time snapping photos. Just enjoy being there, in the moment, with the music and energy all around you.
Go out, enjoy the night, and let yourself soak in every bit of it. You might just find yourself planning the next show before you even leave the parking lot.
