With a steady stream of shows coming to Singapore, the concert scene has never been busier. From K-pop boy bands to Western pop stars, there’s always another artist taking the stage, and if your favourite happens to be in town, chances are you’ll be scrambling for a ticket.
But even the most seasoned concert-goers can find themselves lost when navigating a new venue, figuring out entry points or working out the best time to arrive. Whether it’s your first concert or your fiftieth, there’s always something new to learn.
Before you find yourself stuck in the standing pen or rushing through the venue because you arrived late, here’s our ultimate concert survival guide. From what to bring to how to make the most of your concert experience, here are 15 things you’ll wish you knew earlier to save yourself time and stress.
Have multiple choices for your ticket type & seating
Ticketing is definitely the first hurdle you have to overcome before the fun can even begin. Before ticket sales open, discuss with whoever you’re going with which ticket categories and sections you’d be comfortable choosing from.
Seats can sell out incredibly quickly, especially for popular artists, and you may find yourself scrambling to secure anything that’s still available. That’s why it helps to have a few backup options in mind. If your first-choice section sells out, you’ll already know where you’re willing to sit instead of frantically deciding while the tickets disappear before your eyes.
Figure out your transportation plans
It’s no surprise that traffic can get congested before and after a concert, so plan your journey ahead of time if you want to avoid the crowds. If you don’t mind missing the encore, leaving slightly earlier can help you beat the post-concert rush.
If you’re planning to take a taxi or ride-hailing service, check the venue’s designated pick-up and drop-off points beforehand. Instead of heading straight to the most popular pick-up spots, consider walking a little further to a less crowded location where you may be able to get a ride more quickly. Planning your route in advance can save you plenty of time getting to and from the venue.
Check if there’s a dress code
If you’re attending a concert with an enthusiastic fanbase, there may be a suggested dress code that can be a fun way to join in with the crowd. K-pop concerts, for example, sometimes have fan-organised dress codes inspired by the group’s colours or a particular theme.
While these dress codes are usually optional, dressing up to match can make the concert experience even more fun. It also makes for cute photos and gives you an easy way to feel a little more connected with fellow fans.
Pack a power bank
Credit: Shopee
I cannot stress this enough. If you’re the type to record clip after clip on your phone to relive the memories later, bring a power bank; you’re definitely going to need it. The last thing you want is for your phone to run out of battery right when your favourite song comes on, leaving you with no way to capture the moment.
Clear your iphone storage beforehand
Procrastinators, listen up. Take a few minutes to clear your iPhone storage before heading to the concert. The last thing you want is to run out of storage while recording your favourite song, only to spend the next one frantically deleting photos and videos you no longer need.
You’re there to enjoy the concert, not spend it managing your storage. So do yourself a favour and clear some space beforehand. Your future self will thank you.
Set up your video recording settings
If you have one of the latest iPhone models but find yourself wondering why other people with the same phone seem to get much better concert footage, your camera settings could be the culprit.
Before heading to the concert, check your camera settings and choose the video quality and frame rate that work best for you. A safe option is HD at 30fps, which gives you clear, smooth footage without taking up as much storage as higher-quality settings.
Keep in mind that the higher the video quality, the more storage space your recordings will take up. If you’re planning to film throughout the concert, make sure you have enough space beforehand so you can capture all your favourite moments without having to compromise on quality.
If you’re heading to a concert where there’ll be plenty of jumping, comfortable footwear should be a priority even if you want to look your best for those concert photos. This is especially important if you’re in the standing pen, where you could be on your feet for several hours with little to no opportunity to sit down.
If you’re opting for boots or platform shoes for the extra height and a better view, just be prepared for the toll they might take on your feet. Pack some blister plasters or pain-relief patches in your bag so you can keep going when your feet inevitably start complaining. Looking cute is important, but so is being able to walk home after the concert.
Check the concert restrictions
No matter how tedious it may seem, always check the concert rules and venue restrictions before you head out. The items you carefully packed may not even be allowed inside, and finding out at the entrance can leave you scrambling to make alternative arrangements.
For example, some concerts may prohibit mini digital cameras, while banners larger than A4 may need to be stored in a locker. Having to return an item, find a locker or throw something away can take up valuable time, which is the last thing you want when you’re trying to get into the venue before the show starts.
Take a few minutes to check the restrictions beforehand so you know exactly what you can and cannot bring. It could save you from an unnecessary headache at the entrance.
Reach early
You never know what kind of hiccups might come your way on the day of the concert, so it’s always better to be an early bird. Some concerts may have longer security checks, crowded entrances or multiple gates, and finding your section or seat can take longer than expected.
Give yourself plenty of time to get through the entrance and find your way around the venue without rushing. Think of it like catching a flight — you’d rather arrive early and have time to spare than risk missing the start of the show.
Check your ticket benefits
If you’re a VIP ticket holder, your ticket may come with extra perks such as exclusive merchandise, early entry or access to a soundcheck. Make sure you check the details of your ticket beforehand so you know exactly what’s included and when and where to collect or access each benefit.
After spending a little extra on a VIP ticket, you’ll want to make the most of everything that comes with it. Don’t let a benefit slip by simply because you didn’t know about it!
Eat and hydrate before the concert
Yes, concert food and drinks can be expensive, but staying hydrated and well-fed is important, especially if you’ll be standing for several hours. The combination of crowds, heat, noise and constant movement can leave you feeling drained, particularly if you’re in the standing pen with little room to move around.
Have a proper meal before the concert so you have enough energy to get through the show without your stomach growling halfway through your favourite song. If the venue allows you to bring water or snacks, check the rules beforehand and take advantage of it. Most importantly, listen to your body. If you start feeling unwell or faint, step away from the crowd and seek help from the venue staff.
Check your tickets
Some concerts may require you to exchange your mobile ticket for a physical ticket before entering the venue, so be sure to check your ticket details and entry requirements beforehand. You don’t want to arrive at the venue only to realise you need to collect a physical ticket first.
Phone etiquette
If you don’t want to be that person, be mindful of how you use your phone during the concert. Avoid holding your phone too high for long periods, as you could end up blocking the view of the people behind you. The last thing you want is to end up getting called out on TikTok because someone’s view was ruined by your phone!
It’s also a good idea to keep your phone on silent so your notifications don’t go off during the show and earn you a few dirty looks. It’s simple concert etiquette, and being mindful of those around you can make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
Know where the washrooms are
Your bladder is going to scream for help, and you’ll definitely regret not going when you have to spend ages holding it in while waiting in the queues before and after the concert. Before the show starts, take note of where the toilets are so you know exactly where to go if nature calls during the concert.
If the venue is near a shopping mall or other nearby facilities, consider using those toilets instead. They may have shorter queues than the ones inside the concert venue, especially before the show starts. A little planning beforehand can save you from desperately searching for a toilet when you really need one.
Bring along a portable fan
Credit: Shopee
Trust me, you’ll be dying from the heat while waiting in the queue in Singapore’s weather, especially if you’re dressed up in an elaborate outfit for the concert’s dress code. If you still want to look cute in your pictures rather than sweaty and frazzled over the heat, a portable fan can be a lifesaver.
It may seem like a small thing to pack, but you’ll definitely appreciate it when you’re standing in a long queue with little shade and the heat starts getting to you.
