2026 Concert Guide: What you need to know
As the end of the year approaches, the fall concert season is just beginning. Around this time many people love to go out and see their favorite artist perform the many songs they released throughout the year. Here’s a look into what you should know and how to prepare for shows you plan on seeing!
How should I prepare?
- Β First things first, guarantee your seat! Before doing anything else you need to make sure you can even attend the concert. Check dates, available seating, accommodations, and anything else you think you need to know before committing to the concert.
- Β Β Check the bag policy. Different arenas have different bag policies. Some may require clear bags, some require different dimensions and some don’t allow bags at all. So be sure to check before you pack your bag.
What should my bag have?
- Β Bring a power bank. Though most phones nowadays might be able to take constant battery usage, you always want to be safe. The last thing you want is for the concert to end and have no way of contacting anyone!
- Β Any form of identification. Good to have and often necessary for entry!
- Β Money in any form!! Almost all concert venues have food or merch, and those can be expensive, so youβll 100% need money. Even if you donβt plan on spending a lot, you never know when you’ll need a dollar or two!
- Pick your outfit out before. If you’re anything like me and love to make your concert outfit the perfect reference ever or album-accurate, outfit planning is ESSENTIAL. Nobody wants the stress of trying to figure out the outfit before unless you truly donβt mind wearing whatever. And remember, itβs your time to have fun, so wear what you want to express yourself!
- Β Last but not least, make memories! Even if that includes recording. A lot of people say βlive in the momentβ but sometimes you want to savour that moment forever too, and that’s okay. As someone who has been to concerts, I always kept βlive in the momentβ in the back of my head and later had regrets about not recording because I didnβt want people to judge me for taping the entire concert. Yet later I couldn’t remember or relive certain moments afterwards and wished I could. My verdict is that you should live in the moment but if you wish to record, please do so! You absolutely CAN live in the moment while recording and savouring it as well.
What shouldn’t I do?
- Β Donβt be unaware of your surroundings. Nobody likes to be pushed around, shoved, or have a sign block their view. Treat others how you want to be treated and donβt be disrespectful to others!
- Β Donβt be disrespectful if you’re in the front row. Being in the front row holds many different responsibilities; you shouldnβt be blocking others’ views and being rude to anyone that’s behind you. If there’s a situation like passing out waters, donβt be rude and not help out the others around you.Β
- Donβt force anyone into things they donβt want to do. If anyone seems unsure about joining into an activity or making it obvious they donβt want to be bothered, don’t bother them! Nobody wants to be forced to do something they donβt want at an event they’re supposed to have fun at.
Concert Culture Fun Facts
Every type of music and country has different cultures at their concert events.
Freebies. You see this in many different concert cultures. People spend their time on small cute or funny gifts to give out for free before the show. Make sure to come early if you want to snag some!
Similarly to freebies, some people trade. They make items like bracelets and share them with different people. An example of this was during Taylor Swift’s Eras tour! It has expanded throughout other tours around the world as well.
Lightsticks. Though mainly seen in Kpop concert culture you can see them at almost any artist’s show. Many people like to personalize them and bring them around to express a sense of community. Some even bring different groups lightsticks to different concerts, so don’t be surprised if you see a Neobong (NCT Lightstick) even at shows like Tyler the Creator and Pinkpantheress!
Mosh Pits. Mosh pits originated in the late 1970s during the Hardcore Punk scene but now seen in others like Heavy Metal and Rock. It is a style of dancing where people push or slam into each other while everyone surrounds. Mosh pits are still extremely popular today and are a common occurrence at many different shows!
Throwing things on stage. Have you ever seen a video about someone throwing a bra on stage? Crazy right! Throwing things on stage like bras originated in the rock and pop scenes but has since expanded to many other cultures. Artists like Harry Styles, Drake, Miley Cyrus, & Jackson Wang have experienced this!
Cool Upcoming Concerts to Check Out
Washington DC
The Anthem
Victoria Monet 11/27
Tyla 12/02
Flo 02/17
Lola Young 04/09
Capital One
Doja Cat 11/21
Stevie Wonder 11/23
Jingle Ball 12/14
Gracie Abrams 03/4-5
Maryland
The fillmore
Lukas Graham 03/04