Going to a concert alone is extremely intimidating! It’s easy to let anxiety talk you out of an experience you’ve been desperately looking forward to. However, you shouldn’t have to miss out on seeing an artist you love just because you don’t have someone to go with. I recently went to see Hayley Williams at the Hollywood Bowl for my first-ever solo concert. I was super scared, but I learned that a little preparation and trusting yourself can go a long way.
Here are a few things that helped me feel more comfortable attending a concert alone, and hopefully, they’ll encourage you to take that leap!
Research Before You Go
One way to alleviate some of that anxiety is to research the venue’s rules. One thing I learned beforehand was that the Hollywood Bowl offers stacked parking, meaning the person in front of you needs to leave before you can get out. Knowing this, I decided to take advantage of the venue’s shuttle system instead, which cost me a total of $12.45 for a round trip through Ticketmaster.
The goal isn’t to eliminate every uncertainty (it’s impossible!). You don’t have to plan out every single detail, but having a general idea of what to expect can help you feel safer and more confident navigating the venue solo. For example, look up the venue’s bag policy, entrance locations, parking or shuttle options, and more. Little things like this make your life easier and allow you to really focus on what you’re there for.
Join In On Fan Events
Artists nowadays are finding new ways to encourage fan interaction, and these events are a great way to find your community. From pop-ups to fan-led projects, concerts are about more than just music. For Hayley Williams’ tour, there was a trading post at every tour stop where fans could exchange trinkets they made for one another. Fans brought things like bracelets, keychains, stickers, pins and more. I unfortunately didn’t make anything to trade, but everyone was so nice that I still left with a keychain and some stickers.
Moments like these made the entire concert experience feel less lonely and intimidating. Small interactions throughout the night helped make the concert more enjoyable for me. It was a reminder that even if you arrive by yourself, you’re surrounded by people who already share something in common with you.
Be Aware Of your Surroundings
To address the elephant in the room, one of the biggest things that deterred me from going to a concert solo was worrying about my safety. While it’s important to be aware of your surroundings, remember that you don’t have to wait for a situation to escalate before speaking up.
When I got to my seat at the Hollywood Bowl, a man sitting far away kept inching closer to me. And while I scooted away from him, he kept inching closer until I couldn’t focus on Magdalena Bay (one of Hayley’s openers). I eventually decided to speak to an usher, which was the best decision I made that night. The ushers and supervisor reassured me that I’d made the right decision. They went above and beyond for me and even upgraded my seat from the nosebleeds to the lower bowl.
If you are ever in an uncomfortable situation at a concert (or anywhere!), don’t hesitate to reach out to guest services. You don’t have to confront anyone yourself, and you especially shouldn’t feel guilty for making sure you are safe. You deserve to enjoy the concert just as much as everyone else.
At the end of the day, I want everyone to feel empowered to go to the concerts they desperately want to experience, even if it means going alone. Don’t let the fear of not having someone to go with stop you from seeing a favorite artist. It’s normal to be nervous, and it’s okay to take precautions. But don’t let those nerves keep you from making memories that could last a lifetime. You can learn so much about yourself by doing something outside your comfort zone. I had the best time ever and am already planning my next show!