You have found the event and bought the tickets. Now the goal is to make sure the evening itself goes smoothly, so you can spend your energy enjoying the show instead of dealing with problems.

Use this checklist as a starting point and adjust it to the event you are attending.

A week before

  • Re-read your confirmation. Check the date, the doors-open time and the start time. They are often different.
  • Check the venue's rules. Many venues have policies on bag size, cameras and outside items. A quick look now avoids a stressful moment at the entrance.
  • Decide how you will get there. Parking near popular venues can be expensive and slow to leave. Public transport or a shared ride is sometimes easier.
  • Coordinate with your group. Agree on a meeting point and a time, and share it with everyone.

On the day

  • Charge your phone, and if your tickets are on it, save a copy where you can open it without a signal.
  • Bring a valid ID if the event asks for one.
  • Wear comfortable shoes. You may spend much longer on your feet than you expect.
  • Dress for the weather and for the venue. Indoor arenas can be warm, and outdoor events can turn cold after dark.
  • Eat something before you arrive. Food inside venues is convenient but can be expensive and slow.

Getting there

Aim to arrive before the doors open rather than at the start time. Queues for security and entry are usually longest just before a show begins. Arriving early also gives you time to find your seat, use the restrooms and settle in.

Use the map on Events Near Me to see which restaurants and bars are close to the venue, and consider booking a table for before the event.

During the event

  • Keep your valuables in a secure front pocket or a zipped bag.
  • Note where the nearest exits are.
  • If it will be loud, earplugs are a cheap way to protect your hearing and still enjoy the music.
  • Take a few photos, then put your phone away and enjoy the moment. Those are the memories that last.

Getting home safely

The end of an event is when everyone leaves at once, so it helps to have a plan:

  1. Decide in advance how you will get home, and agree on a meeting point if you get separated.
  2. Consider walking a few streets away before booking a ride, since pick-up points near the venue can be busy.
  3. Check the time of the last train or bus.
  4. Make sure everyone in your group has a way to get home.

After the show

Share photos, thank the friend who bought the tickets, and start thinking about the next one. The best way to keep the habit going is to look at what is coming up. Search events near you and put the next date in your calendar.

New to buying tickets online? Read our ticket buying tips before your next purchase.