You may be asking yourself, is it weird to go to a concert alone? The answer is definitely no!
It can be daunting to go to a music concert alone if you're an introvert like I am. Even worse if you're feeling anxious about being a woman alone in a large sea of people.
You never know what could happen! No one is there to have your back or tell you jokes, or make it look like you're cool and have friends!
Those anxious thoughts shouldn't stop you from going to concerts alone. Don't miss out on an awesome concert just because you don't have people you know with you.
You can still safely enjoy going to a concert alone and possibly have an even better time for it rather than if you went with some friends or family members of yours. Here are a few things to keep in your mind when you're braving the journey to that concert on your own.
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You first want to clear your head of any extra dramatic thoughts that will pop into your head, telling you all the reasons that this isn't a good idea.
These are just your fears trying to talk you out of things, and you may be familiar enough with automatic anxious thoughts to the point where you know they are often straight-up wrong.
Automatic thoughts can tell you things like "You won't have any fun" or "People will look at you funny for being alone".
Try to think of things objectively to avoid an overthinking, negative spiral that may stop you from getting those tickets and seeing your favorite band or artist.
People are at the concert because they are in love with the music and performing artists. Their main focus will be on the stage, not the people in the crowd. Their second main focus will be themselves (although this may actually be their first focus, then the music).
After those two main things, they may focus on the people they are with. After that, food, drinks, their phone, and so many other things take their attention. You do not stand out, and no one is judging you.
If you're an introvert, don't feel you have to say a few words to strangers around you to make the experience more enjoyable. If you don't feel comfortable, you don't need to be talking to anyone at the event unless it's someone working there.
Don't feel bad if you don't make a friend there. Don't feel bad if you don't even want to make a friend there. It's really about the concert experience and the artist you are supporting.
On the other end, it can be fun to bond with strangers when you are out enjoying a common interest. It can feel very natural at times, so there's no need to avoid it on purpose if people are naturally drawn to speak or interact with you.
Depending on the type of person you are, you may find that you'll feel better after connecting with strangers, and it will be more exciting than if you were just connecting with people you already know and are used to.
Meeting new people can be extremely rewarding in these types of environments as long as you don't force your friendship on someone or vice versa.
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If you find that anxious thoughts are still clouding your head, try to remember the real reason you're there in the first place. It's all about the music and the artist!
Pretend like you're home in your own space, just enjoying the vibe as you usually would. Then allow the atmosphere to just add to the overall live music experience and not take away from it.
Let the crowd of people just feed into the positive energy that makes a great concert with great music and talented performers.
Let yourself get lost in the experience, not lost in your head. Move your body to the beat to help put your body in a more relaxed state, and just go with the flow.
Utilize the benefits of freedom that come along with going to a concert alone. You don't have to follow your group to the bar if you don't want to go, or you don't have to wait for your friends in the bathroom forever.
You can move around the concert freely without feeling like you're about to lose someone that came there with you.
You can harmlessly flirt with strangers without someone in your group judging or holding you back! You can even leave early without feeling guilty if you aren't really liking the concert.
If you have a chance to get a certain type of pass that lets you bypass lines, or if you can show up early to avoid lines, try to do so.
The longest and most drawn-out part of concerts are the lines, and those aren't even that much fun when you're waiting with your buddies.
Treat yourself by spending the extra money to avoid waiting or preparing yourself by being there much earlier (or sometimes it helps to get there much later) than the crowd.
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Another time-waster can be unfamiliarity with a location in general. Know everything there is to know about parking, where you'll be sitting and standing, entrances and exits for safety, security, bathrooms, and similar facts about the concert.
Knowing your area can help you avoid sticking out like a sore, alone thumb like your negative thoughts are trying to tell you that you would. Also, the more you know about the area, the safer you can be.
You want to avoid overthinking the event, but also make sure you're not aloof and unaware of your surroundings when you're alone.
You don't need to be constantly on the hunt for danger, but as you move around the spot, keep an eye out for the closest security, exits, and anyone around you who may be acting funny.
Your anxiety may be telling you that something extreme like a kidnapping, getting trampled, or getting drugged could happen.
More common dangers like losing your phone, keys, or getting into an argument with a drunk person are far more likely yet still avoidable if you watch the people and things happening around you.
Know your drinking limits, stay hydrated and filled with food, and be in your most healthy state of mind and body just in case dangers really do arise.
For an extra feel of protection, try to get an alarm and/or pepper spray keychain like the one below that can seriously make you feel better about being alone in public.
I keep it on my keyring!
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I recently went to a concert at The Fillmore Silver Spring, where I've been a few times to enjoy some of my favorite performers. The last time I went, I wound up having a full-blown panic attack.
Here's what went wrong: I didn't consider my personal space limits and didn't anticipate that it the space could be different from what I expected.
The tickets were general standing floor seats, and while other times I got general admission tickets, I was fine. But this time, the concert was PACKED.
We all have different thresholds for what we're comfortable with, and I have larger personal space needs than others. If you find that you get uncomfortable in large and tight crowds, see if you can upgrade your tickets to a seat or something with more space.
Also, consider ADA seating if you have verification you suffer from anxiety; this could land you a better ticket for the same price.
I was lucky enough to have a very helpful coat-check worker upgrade my tickets to ADA seating after he witnessed my panic attack. Shout out to Carlos!
In conclusion, It’s always a great idea to support our favorite artists and musicians by attending their concerts and purchasing their merchandise. I recommend using Stubhub; check out the link below to see if any of your favorite artists have shows near you.
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As a session singer, writer, and producer that has worked with over 300 clients to provide high-quality jingles, singles, and features, Yona spends her time creating and marketing new music and helpful resources for creators. Check out Yona’s latest releases on her Spotify, her Youtube and share if you like it!
If you are in need of singer, songwriter or song producer services, see what Yona Marie can offer you on her services page.
