When attending a concert, you want to focus on making memorable experiences and taking a break from the usual buzz of everyday life. However, being unprepared can keep you from being immersed in the music and enjoying your concert to the fullest. Read on for a rundown of what you should bring to a concert or music festival. For more planning tips, explore TicketSmarter’s concert ticket guides and browse upcoming concert tickets and music festival tickets.
Concert Tickets
This is a clear essential for any event, let alone a concert or music festival, but it can be easy to have things slip your mind. Do not be the person that realizes you do not have the tickets when you are halfway to the show or worse, in line to get through the doors.
After purchasing your tickets, take note of the access instructions for entry. If physical proof of entry is required, you will need to have the printed ticket sent to you or print out the tickets yourself. If proof of entry is required and the tickets are electronic, you will need to access them through a mobile device. Once you get your tickets, download them to an easily accessible wallet app on your phone or take a screenshot of the ticket or QR code. It does not hurt to have a copy of tickets printed out as backup in case you cannot access them on your phone. You can also save your confirmation email and policy pages offline in case connectivity is limited at the venue. If you are comparison shopping, learn the best time to buy concert tickets.
Portable Charger
It can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of seeing your favorite artist perform right before your eyes. But taking a bunch of pictures or videos can drain your phone pretty quickly. Bring along a portable charger and avoid missing out on a photo-op with a drained battery. Keeping your phone charged is also important in case you need to find your friends, find a way home safely or get help in case of an emergency. A portable charger is a great tool to have not only for future concerts but also at work or stashed in your car.
Quick tips:
- Fully charge your phone before you go and carry a compact power bank. Many venues allow power banks up to about 20,000 mAh, but always check the venue policy.
- Some festivals provide charging zones or battery rental kiosks you can return at the end of the night.
- Store your mobile tickets in your phone wallet and keep a screenshot as backup in case the app has issues.
Driver’s License or State ID
If you are driving in a personal vehicle to the show, you are going to need to have your license on you anyway. Having your official personal identification on hand is great for whether there will be ID checks at the door or if you want to grab a drink before or during the show.
Remember:
- To purchase alcohol or access age-restricted areas in the U.S., you generally need a state-issued photo ID or passport. The legal drinking age is 21.
- Birth certificates are not accepted for alcohol purchases because they do not include a photo.
Money
First things first, plan out a budget for the event. It can be easy, especially with a debit or credit card, to lose track of how much you are spending. Stop by your bank or an ATM for cash unless the venue specifically states that it is cash-free or card-only. Carrying cash is also a good way to stay conscious of your spending. Switch out your usual wallet for a small card carrier to dissuade any pickpocketing and save room in your bag for other essentials as well as any cool merch you might purchase.
Bag
Having a place to store your gear is a great way to keep your hands free and cut down on stress. Depending on the specific concert or music festival that you are attending, there may be detailed requirements regarding bags and other items brought into the venue.
When choosing a bag to bring to a show, a good rule of thumb is to avoid large backpacks and tote bags. Instead, opt for a small crossbody bag, running belt or fanny pack. This will also make it easier for you to breeze through any security checks and keep an eye on your belongings throughout the show.
Common requirements regarding bag size are that it be under 6 x 9 and made of a see-through material like clear plastic or vinyl. If you are not sure if your bag is the right size, try to use one that is the size of your hand. Many venues post size limits similar to 5 x 9 x 2 for small clutches and may require clear crossbody or belt bags to speed entry. Choose secure closures and consider anti-theft features like cut-resistant straps or RFID-blocking pockets for cards and IDs.
Eye Protection
If you find yourself heading to an outdoor concert, grab your shades before heading out the door. Even at night, things can get a bit too bright for comfort with any lights or strobes going off during the show. And if you wear contacts, bring an extra pair of contacts along with contact solution, eye drops and glasses, in case your eyes get irritated.
Earplugs
Earplugs are not only a great way from keeping your ears ringing the next day but proactively slow down any hearing loss which can worsen over time, especially if you go to concerts often. When choosing earplugs, look for ones specially designed to be used in loud environments, rather than earplugs you might wear while sleeping. These kinds of earplugs are designed to protect your hearing without blocking out any or all sounds and even if you join the rest of the crowd in dancing or jumping around, they will not fall out easily. Music-friendly options like Etymotic ER20xs or custom-filter styles can reduce volume while preserving sound quality.
Ticket buyers should also expect venues to support hearing safety: the World Health Organization’s new global standard recommends that venues provide hearing protection, quiet zones and limit average sound levels to protect patrons’ hearing, so asking about those measures when you buy tickets is reasonable and practical (WHO: Global standard for safe listening at venues and events). In the U.S., a CDC survey found that a majority of adults support measures such as sound-level limits, warning signs and use of hearing protection at amplified-music events, which reinforces that these protections are effective and broadly accepted (CDC: Safe Listening at Venues and Events, 2022).
Emergency Items
If you or a member of your group has a particular health condition that requires specific medication, make sure to bring it along. Any emergency medical items like inhalers or EPI pens, should definitely stay with you at all times.
Make sure to have your emergency contact information memorized and written out. It also would not hurt to have your medical insurance and an up-to-date list of any allergies you have to medications or materials on your person. Having these items on hand can cut down on any delay in receiving medical attention and it is always better to be safe than sorry. If you carry medically necessary items, a doctor’s note can help speed security checks.
Practical venue-level safety measures include providing earplugs, monitoring sound levels and creating quiet zones; the WHO’s “Making listening safe” handbook offers guidance venues can use to implement these steps, which is why you should feel empowered to ask about hearing-safety measures before you go (WHO: Making listening safe handbook).
Clothing
Two things that should be taken into account when dressing for a concert are the weather and whether the concert venue is indoors or outdoors. Some venues do not allow guests to bring umbrellas, so opt for a rain poncho or waterproof jacket of some kind. Avoid wearing heels, instead opt for shoes that will not cause blisters and that you can stand comfortably in for hours at a time. Dressing in layers is a great way to stay comfortable, no matter the weather conditions. If it gets hotter than expected, you can easily shed any outer layers and stay cool. And make sure that you pack the sunscreen too, in case the sun is out.
If you find yourself in a stadium or arena for something like Taylor Swift’s The Eras tour or Beyonce’s Renaissance tour, take the opportunity to dress up and have fun with your concert look. For outdoor weekends, check festival-specific resources like our Coachella festival guide to plan outfits for heat, dust and long days.
Extra Non-essentials
The following are just some additional items that you should consider bringing along:
- Gum or mints
- Hair ties
- Tissues
- Hand sanitizer/wipes
- Empty water bottle or hydration pack
- Mini-fan
- Glow sticks or LED bands(if allowed)
Small comfort upgrades like a cooling towel, hat and sunscreen can make a big difference during daytime sets. If you plan a destination weekend, you can also look for ticket and hotel bundles on TicketSmarter such as ticket and hotel deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring snacks or drinks?
Most concert venues will have food kiosks or bars set up, so there is no need to bring anything of your own. Concert venues will typically forbid outside food or drinks from being brought in for this reason and to prevent any prohibited items from being snuck in. If you have a medical condition that requires outside food or drinks, make sure to contact the venue and ensure that you are allowed to bring these items. TicketSmarter recommends bringing a doctor’s note for medically necessary items to avoid delays.
What do I do if I lose my ticket?
If you lose your physical ticket or have issues accessing your mobile or electronic tickets, contact the point of sales from which you purchased your tickets as soon as possible. They will have guidelines in place to handle such situations and are the most likely to have accurate information regarding entry to the concert. If you bought with TicketSmarter, review your order confirmation and keep mobile tickets in your phone wallet for easy access.
What should I pack in a small clear bag to meet venue rules?
Most venues allow a small clear crossbody, belt bag or clutch that is about 5 x 9 x 2, plus a small wallet. Pack only essentials: phone, ID, tickets, payment cards or a little cash, car key, travel-size sunscreen, sanitizer, mini tissue pack, earplugs and a compact charger. Choose a bag with a zipper and consider RFID-blocking pockets. TicketSmarter’s concert ticket guides cover entry tips and bag checks in more detail.
How can I keep my phone charged during a long concert or festival?
Start fully charged, bring a compact power bank and keep your screen brightness low. Many festivals have charging stations or portable battery rentals you can return at the end of the night. Save your mobile tickets offline and consider airplane mode between sets to conserve battery. TicketSmarter mobile tickets are easy to store in your phone wallet for quick scanning.
Which earplugs are best for loud concerts?
Look for earplugs designed for live music that reduce volume evenly so the sound stays clear. Popular options include Etymotic ER20xs and custom-filter styles. Choose a snug fit that will not shake loose if you are dancing. TicketSmarter encourages hearing protection at arenas, stadiums and outdoor festivals where sound levels can be high for extended periods.
What items are typically prohibited at concert venues?
Commonly banned items include fireworks, coolers, laser pointers, noisemakers, drones, weapons, studded accessories and professional cameras with detachable lenses. Some venues also limit large keychains or wallets on chains. Always check the venue policy in your order details. If you need medically necessary food or medication, carry a doctor’s note. You can plan ahead with TicketSmarter’s concert ticket guides.
How do I store and access digital or printed tickets without issues at the door?
Add mobile tickets to your phone wallet and keep a screenshot of the barcode or QR code. Save your confirmation email offline and carry a printed copy as backup if allowed. Arrive early so you have time to resolve any app or connectivity issues. If you are still shopping, you can browse verified concert tickets and festival passes on TicketSmarter, including major events like Made in America Festival tickets.
Special Accommodations
If you or someone coming with you to the show needs to bring a service animal or requires ADA accommodations make sure to contact the venue at least three days before your event. Most have a 48-hour policy so that there is time to prepare these accommodations, especially if it requires a change to the venue layout.
Many concert halls and clubs will have accommodations available like sign language interpreters, assisted listening devices, wheelchair rentals or escorts, etc. As long as you plan ahead, you will be well-prepared for anything that could hinder your live concert experience.
Get 2025 Concert Tickets Now
With these guidelines on essential items to bring to a concert, you will be set for an amazing experience. If you are a festival aficionado, check out all of the music festival tickets available through TicketSmarter. You can browse thousands of concert tickets for genres ranging from hip-hop to country to rock and roll and more. Cut down on costs by checking out exclusive travel deals available with HotelPlanner or explore TicketSmarter’s concert ticket guides for more planning tips.
Updated date: December 12, 2025
