General Concert Etiquette
Each venue has their own rules and regulations, but there are some common concert etiquette notes that everyone should be aware of:
- Have your ticket, ID, and hand ready when you get to the door/gate. Not only will they check your ticket, but they will likely stamp your hand as well. Depending on the venue, there may be a second checkpoint for IDs to be checked or the hand stamp. Just as you don't want to wait in line longer for the person in front of you to pull up their ticket and dig out their ID, the people behind you don't want to wait for you. Be respectful.
- You should have already looked at the venue's rules for bags and purses. Be ready to set your items aside and walk through a metal detector if necessary.
- If you are getting alcohol prior to entering the venue, go to the bathroom first. If you are in a group and there is a line, take turns to not lose your spot. Or just go to the bathroom and then get in line.
- Some venues require the ticket to be shown twice, so be ready if that is the case. If this is happening, you will likely recieve the hand stamp at the second ticket check.
- Once you are in the main GA area, find a spot you like and try to stay there. Trust me, maneuvering your way through a packed crowd can be very difficult.
- If you have to go to the bathroom or want more drinks during the show, take a buddy if possible. If you are in a large enough group, have a person or two keep your spot. When making your way back to your group or the spot you were at, DO NOT SHOVE people when walking through. If you are participating in moshpits, circle pits, etc., a little shoving is okay ;) Be respectful, annouce yourself passing through, and be kind.
- Enjoy the concert. Make friends with the people around you and create a good environment. It makes the show so much better. The more you interact and show your enjoyment, the more energy the performer will want to show.
