Summer Concert Season: What You Need to Know

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the United States transforms into a vast outdoor concert stage. Amphitheatres, parks, stadiums, and festival grounds across the country host thousands of shows. Here is how to make the most of summer concert season.

Plan Early

Most summer tours are announced between January and March, with tickets going on sale shortly after. The biggest tours sell out quickly, so mark announcement dates and set alerts on Tickets9 for artists you want to see. Major amphitheatre tours in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago move fastest.

What to Pack for Outdoor Shows

Outdoor concerts require preparation that indoor shows do not:

• Sunscreen: Even evening shows mean hours of sun while queuing and during openers
• Water bottle: Most venues allow empty bottles you can fill inside
• Light rain jacket: Summer storms are unpredictable, especially in the South and Midwest
• Portable charger: Your phone will die from photos and videos
• Earplugs: Outdoor systems are powerful, protect your hearing
• Comfortable shoes: You will be standing for hours, possibly on grass or gravel

Lawn vs Reserved Seats

Most amphitheatres offer both reserved pavilion seats and general admission lawn tickets. Lawn tickets are cheaper and offer a festival-like atmosphere where you can spread a blanket and move around. Reserved seats guarantee a view of the stage. For amphitheatres like Red Rocks near Denver, every seat has a great view regardless.

Festival Season

Summer festivals run from April (Coachella) through September (Made in America in Philadelphia). Multi-day festivals require more planning: camping gear, food strategy, and a schedule to navigate multiple stages. Buy festival tickets as early as possible; early bird pricing can save 30-40%.

Dealing with Heat

Shows in Phoenix, Houston, Atlanta, and other southern cities can be brutally hot in summer. Hydrate aggressively before and during the show. Wear light, breathable clothing. Take breaks in shaded areas. Most venues have water refill stations throughout the grounds.

Finding Last-Minute Deals

Summer tours often have tickets available closer to the date as plans change. Check Tickets9 regularly for face-value listings from fans who can no longer attend. Day-of-show listings are especially common for amphitheatre shows.