For many teenagers, scrolling through social media has made concerts seem to become almost a social expectation, even though ticket prices continue to rise and the experiences themselves are rare opportunities.
Concert tickets can range anywhere from $80 for a smaller venue to hundreds of dollars for major artists at large arenas or fairs. Despite the costs, many teenagers still try to make concerts fit into their summer plans.
As a teenager myself, I’ve learned that attending concerts on a part-time babysitting budget takes planning and compromise. After spending countless hours searching for affordable tickets, thrifting outfits and splitting costs with friends, I’ve found ways to make the experience possible without spending a fortune.
Where Should I Buy Tickets?
My favorite ticket app that I’ve had the most personal success with is TickPick. Not only do they always have cheap options, the app makes it super easy to search artists and find shows near your location. They provide minimum prices, average prices, and even show current and estimated ticket price fluctuations. There are features on the app that allow you to track tickets with your friends, and overall the process is very easy.
There are definitely some sketchy ticket apps, but I have bought almost every concert ticket with TickPick and never had any issues with them! Some other well reviewed ticket apps include Gametime and Ticketmaster, but I recommend doing some research about each app prior to purchasing a ticket.
Also, I know so many people who skip out on concert experiences because the only tickets they can afford are nosebleeds. In reality, with an open mind sitting in a nosebleed seat, listening to an artist you love is so much better than watching the concert from social media wishing you would’ve gone. The seats don’t always make the experience, and you can still have the time of your life, even far away from the stage!
Unfortunately, finding affordable tickets is only part of the challenge.
Where Do I Get My Outfit?
This is such a good question because as a teenage girl picking out concert outfits truly feels like the most important decision of my life.
When picking out an outfit you ask yourself so many questions. Which one matches the vibe of the artist? Which one will look best on my Instagram feed? Which shirt will look best in the lighting? And so on…
While yes, all those things are materialistic, they do matter! It’s fun to get all dressed up but it’s not fun to spend $80 on a shirt you’re going to wear once.
My biggest piece of advice would be to go to thrift stores. There are so many thrift stores in the West Des Moines area including multiple Goodwill locations, Many Hands Thrift Market, Style Encore, The Salvation Army, and more!
You could also try a store like Plato’s Closet, which is cheaper because it’s second hand clothing, but the pieces are name brand and slightly more expensive compared to a thrift store like Goodwill.
The truth is, you don’t need to spend over $100 at the mall on a concert outfit on top of all the other concert costs. You can find a really good outfit at a thrift store. Make it fun! Go with your friends and spend the day thrifting looking for outfits.
Now let’s say you maybe have a higher budget, but you still don’t want to spend too much on an outfit. I recommend going to TJ Maxx, Marshalls, or even stopping by the mall and checking the sale racks. There are always some hidden gems!
What Concerts are Near Me This Summer?
There are so many concert opportunities in Iowa this summer! The headliners at the Iowa State Fair are HARDY, Rod Stewart with Richard Max, The Red Clay Strays, Lainey Wilson, Staind, TLC & Salt-N-Pepa, AJR, Riley Green, and Josiah Queen, alongside a dozen free stage performances.
At the Casey’s Center this summer Luke Bryan, Journey, Tyler Childers, Lil Wayne, Treaty Oak Revival and more will be performing.
The Great Jones County Fair is hosting performances from artists like Megan Moroney, Bailey Zimmerman and Riley Green. You can also look on TickPick or other ticketing websites to find events near you!
Beyond tickets, clothing, and artists, planning ahead can make or break the experience.
What Else Should I Know?
Concerts are so much fun, but they can be miserable depending on many variables. Imagine standing in a crowded pit with hundreds of strangers on no sleep and an empty stomach. That sounds awful!
I always recommend eating before the event, drinking a lot of water, especially if the venue is outside, planning rides and carpooling in advance, and making sure that you’re in a comfortable enough outfit that you won’t be uncomfortable.
Also, always check the regulations for bags and items of the specific venue you’re going to. What is the size limit of bags? Do they have to be clear? What can I bring into the venue? These are important questions to ask yourself before you go, so that you don’t get in an awkward situation while checking in.
You can also try to split costs between friends or parents. If you and your friends are driving to the venue, everyone can pitch in for gas. If you can only pay for part of the ticket, try and convince your parents to cover the rest and then pay them back later on.
I understand the stress that can come from buying an expensive ticket, outfit, driving to and from a venue, and overall the chaos that occasionally comes with the experience. But it’s so worth it.
Concerts may look ordinary on social media, but for many teenagers they are exciting, once-in-a-lifetime memories. With planning, budgeting and a little creativity those experiences can still be possible without spending thousands of dollars.
