Six Must-Haves In My Concert Survival Bag
New Kids On The Block Concert
July 2021
Fenway Park, Boston, MA
You are planning a night out to see your favorite artist at a concert on a Saturday night with your best friends. The concert festivities will begin at 7 pm and end at around 11 pm. And you are deciding what you should bring. I have developed a list of essential items every concert-goer should include in your survival kit in addition to your cell phone.
Portable Phone Charger
A Portable phone charger is pretty much your concert’s “life insurance”. You are going to spend the night taking pictures with your friends and your favorite artists. You also want to capture and record your favorite singer’s performance. On top of that, your ticket is stored on your phone and you need that to check into the venue. At the end of the night, you need the phone to order Lyft/Uber home. That is a lot of battery juice! Whether you are in a theater, arena, or even an intimate speakeasy, you will not be anywhere near an outlet. That’s why you need a strong and reliable power bank in your bag to ensure your phone is fully charged.
ID/Driver’s License
This goes without saying. But I put ID/Driver’s License on this list as a reminder to not leave without it at home! This card is especially needed when you enter venues that only allow 18+. Also, sometimes venues want to ensure the names on the tickets match the person who is actually attending. And FYI - some venues don’t always accept photographed copies of your ID on the phone. Once, I went to an LA PRIDE event hosted by Lance Bass and I forgot my wallet!! At first the security guard was not going to let me in even when I presented a picture of my ID on my phone. Fortunately, I was able to make friends with the Assistant Event Manager who persuaded security to let me in. I was relieved but learned a valuable lesson to always bring my ID!
Cash/Credit Cards
Similar to the ID, it’s important to include your credit cards. Especially when you want to buy drinks, food, or merchandise. Also it’s helpful to have some cash on you as some vendors only accept cash.
Sharpie and Artist Memorabilia
If you are doing VIP Meet and Greet with your favorite artist or going to the afterparty, always great to have on hand a sharpie for their autograph! Also, most importantly, ensure you have something for them to sign. It could be a photo of them (and you!). Or you can just have them sign your VIP lanyard.
Lip Balm
Your lips will get dry throughout the night. You will need lip balm to moisten the lips.
Hand Sanitizer
Most venues now have hand sanitizing stations due to COVID-19 pandemic. However, if you are stuck in the crowd or placed somewhere faraway, it’s helpful to have your own sanitizer or disinfectant wipes. Especially if you are eating at the venue or being crushed in the crowds.
Additional Suggestion: In regards to bag type and size, I recommend using a crossbody mini bag with zippers and multiple compartments that you can easily sling it in the front of you and retrieve your whatever items you need. Also you can still dance and move your body during the concert and not worry about losing the bag or items falling out of it.
My favorite ones is the Kipling crossbody bag found here.
