Summertime can mean beaches, poolside parties, and lots of suntan lotion, but it is also the breeding ground for outdoor, free concerts! Free! Just the word alone can draw in hoards of people anxious to see their favorite artists at absolutely no cost at all. In a time where concert tickets are a little more out of some people’s price ranges, a free, outdoor concert is like a gift from above. To those of you who have never experienced such a thing, glamorized images of what to expect may cloud your mind. I’m here today to lay out just what to expect at the majority of the free summer concerts you attend in the coming months!
- Get there early or be prepared to be as far away from the stage as possible. This is a pretty general rule for any time there’s something free, but especially helps with concerts. No matter the setting, indoors or out, people will most likely be camping out there several hours in advance. Let’s say the show doesn’t start till 7:00AM, people will probably be there at 4:00AM or earlier if it’s a big act. So to get the best sport, be prepared to be awake at all hours of the day and night.
- Ready your feet to be standing for hours on end. While this seems like a pretty straightforward tip, it can really help you prepare your outfit. I personally had no idea there wouldn’t be any seats at an outdoor concert I went to a few years ago. Sure I knew it was in a park, but I thought there was going to be chairs. Silly me went in platform flip-flops. Bad idea. Within a couple hours, my feet felt like they were on fire. If you can help it, wear some sort of comfortable footwear, and mentally prepare yourself for hours of standing before the concert begins.
- Stay hydrated and eat ahead of time. This one could literally be a life-saver. Once you’ve secured your spot in line before the concert even begins, you probably won’t want to move. With the uncertainty of when those in charge will allow you into the main area, even outdoors, it’d be risky to leave. Especially if it’s only one of you sent to get some food and drink? You could easily get lost amongst the masses. Then, when you’re inside, it’s such a mad dash to get the best possible viewing position that it’d be silly to leave it just to get an overpriced bottle of water. There also tend to be fewer vendors out at the early morning free concerts. To be safe and stay healthy, it’s best to bring your own (if allowed) or nourish yourself ahead of time.
With these three tips in mind, now you will know both what to expect and how to prepare for all the exciting, free summer concerts headed your way! And to know just which ones you’ll want to plan for, here is a link to those in your area: http://discoverlosangeles.com/play/arts-music-and-entertainment/concerts...
