Going to a concert alone: how to enjoy it (and find company)
Practical tips for going to concerts and events on your own, and how to find a buddy to go with safely.
You can really want to hear an artist and still feel awkward about walking into the venue on your own. You don't need to become outgoing overnight or find a friend before you buy a ticket. A little planning gives you room to enjoy the music, with company as an option rather than a requirement.
1. Make the first part of the evening easy
Pick a show you genuinely want to see, not one you think you ought to enjoy. Before leaving, check the venue's door time, age restrictions, bag policy and ticket instructions, and distinguish the door time from any published performance time. Plan your way home and a backup, so you're not solving the whole journey after the encore.
Good to know
- Save your ticket in the format the ticket provider requires; don't assume a screenshot will work.
- Charge your phone, pack hearing protection and check whether you can bring water or need to buy it inside.
2. Give yourself a small arrival plan
If waiting alone is the part you're dreading, decide what you'll do first: find your seat, locate the toilets or look at the merchandise. Aim to arrive with enough time for entry without forcing yourself into a long wait you won't enjoy. A simple first step can make the evening feel manageable before the music starts.
3. Choose a spot that suits you
You don't have to stand at the front to count as a proper fan. If you have a standing ticket, choose somewhere you feel comfortable and can move away from if you need space; with a seated ticket, follow the seating arrangements. Take breaks when you want them, protect your hearing and let yourself listen without feeling you should look busy or sociable.
4. Find company without making it a test
If you'd like someone to share the show with, use Socroo's Event Buddy feature to look for company around the event. Start with something specific: which song are they hoping to hear, or are they watching the support act? If you decide to meet, agree on a clear public spot and whether it's before or after ticket checks. You can also enjoy a brief chat with someone nearby without needing it to turn into a friendship.
Good to know
- Agree that it's fine to prefer different spots or split up during the show.
- Buy and keep control of your own ticket, and keep your own way home.
5. Let yourself change the plan
You can have a good evening without staying until the last song, making a new friend or loving every minute. Keep an eye on your transport options, and tell a trusted person your plans if that helps you feel settled. If someone makes you uncomfortable, move away and ask venue staff for help; you don't owe a new acquaintance the rest of your night.
Quick tips
- Set one modest aim: hear the artist you came for. Everything social is a bonus.
- If you meet an Event Buddy, choose a precise public meeting point and agree how long you'll wait.
- Keep your phone, ticket and journey home under your own control, even if you decide to spend the show together.
- Ready to choose a show? Check upcoming events in your city on Socroo below and find someone to go with.