Imagine you are at a concert, lights flashing, and this overwhelming chaos of people singing to the lyrics as the shadow silhouette of their favourite artist walks onto the stage. This would be all perfect until your phone dies, a gust of cold wind wraps its body around you, and someone accidentally spills their drink all over your dress.

Yeah... I’ve been there. More than once.

After a few hectic concert experiences (and learning the hard way), I now never leave for a concert without these essentials. Adequately consider it your personal survival guide, so you can enjoy the whole evening, without the drama:

Image Credit: Photo by Nainoa Shizuru on Unsplash

1. A Crossbody Bag or Fanny Pack (Zipper = Your BFF)

I once brought a cute open tote to a concert. By the end, I’d lost my lip gloss and some other stuff.

A crossbody with a zipper is the only way to go. It keeps your hands free and your stuff safe when things get wild in the crowd. In addition to that, it looks way more put together than stuffing things in your pockets.

2. Portable Charger (Non-Negotiable)

I’m not saying your phone will die... but it will die.

Whether you’re filming videos, using Google Maps, or texting your friends “WHERE ARE YOU,” your battery doesn’t stand a chance.

I bring a slim portable charger that fits in my bag, because the only thing worse than being lost is being lost with 1%.

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3. Cute and Comfortable Shoes

You think you can handle standing for 5 hours in platforms? You can’t. I tried. I cried.

In order to make sure that my legs don't cry again: I make sure to wear sneakers and footwear that I know won't betray me. The truth, however, is that no one actually cares what footwear you're wearing once the lights are turned off. Your feet will care a lot, though.

4. Empty Water Bottle = Lifesaver

Let me tell you—dehydration hits different when you’re jumping, screaming, and it’s 95 degrees in a crowd of sweaty strangers.

Some venues let you bring an empty bottle and refill it inside. It’s free, it’s simple, and it might just save your night.

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5. A Light Jacket or Flannel You Can Tie Around Your Waist

The “I’m freezing in the parking lot at midnight” walk of shame? Not fun.

Bring a light jacket that isn't too heavy to carry and can easily be tied around your waist, so you don't have to worry about being cold or asking someone for their jacket. (That is not rizz)

6. Mini Hand Sanitizer + Wipes = Concert Royalty

Thinking about bathroom lines, spilled drinks, and nasty germs? A tiny hand sanitizer and a pack of wipes will never leave me in any kind of situation. These have saved me from sticky hands and gross bathrooms more times than I can count.

7. Bandaids (Trust Me on This One)

This one’s random, but clutch.

Blisters, ripped nails, paper cuts from merch—Bandaids are tiny but mighty. Toss a couple in your bag and thank me later.

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8. Your ID & Some Cash

Some venues ask for ID (even if you’re not drinking), and you’d be surprised how many food vendors still only take cash.

I bring a little emergency $10 bill just in case — it's helped me buy merch when my card flaked and got me snacks when I was hangry. Priorities.

9. Your Phone — But Don’t Film the Whole Show

This is a hot take, but hear me out: take your videos, snap your photos, but then put your phone away and actually be there.

The best memories aren’t always filmed — they’re felt.

Real Talk: My Worst Concert Mistake

Let me tell you one of my worst experiences yet when attending a concert. About two years ago, I went to my first ever concert in brand new shoes and forgot my charger. I was limping by hour two, my phone died, and I had to ask a stranger if I could borrow theirs to call my ride home.

Never again. Ever since, I’ve had this checklist burned into my brain. And now — it’s yours too.

Image Credit: Photo by Andre Benz on Unsplash

Final Word

So, whether it’s your first concert or your fifth, make sure to stick with this list to enjoy the concert to its fullest.

These small things? They make sure your night is about the music—not the mess.

Now grab your essentials, throw on your fit, and go have the time of your life. I’ll be screaming from the barricade with you.