My Night at a SZA Concert + Concert Etiquette Tips You Need to Know

If you’re a fan of R&B queen SZA like I am, you know the SOS Tour is one of the biggest tours of 2023. I was lucky enough to catch her live in Atlanta a few days ago, and let me tell you, she did not disappoint! When I was scrolling my TikTok feed after the concert, I came across a post about people who didn't have a great time because of the lack of "concert etiquette" they experienced. Although, I didn't directly experience this, it still feels like an important topic to cover for future concert-goers!

So here’s my list of concert etiquette + tips:

1. Arrive Early, But Not Too Early

If you’re as excited as I was, you’ll probably want to get to the venue early. But arriving hours before doors open isn’t necessary, especially for general admission venues. In most cases, arriving about 45 minutes before the show is perfect. This lets you:

• Skip the longer entry lines that form right before the concert starts

• Find a good spot if you have standing room tickets

• Get drinks, food, and merch before the crowd hits

2. Dress Comfortably (And Consider the Venue)

Concerts are exciting, and it’s tempting to wear something cute and trendy. But remember, concerts often mean lots of standing and sometimes dancing!

Tips for choosing your outfit:

• Footwear: Opt for comfortable shoes, especially if you’re in general admission.

  (Note: comfort is very subjective!! A LOT of people are comfortable in heels and can move around all night in them.)

• Layers: Indoors, concerts can get hot fast. Outside, check the forecast and bring a light jacket.

• Bag Policy: Many venues now only allow clear bags, so double-check before you go.

3. Respect Personal Space

This one should go without saying, but when the crowd gets excited, people can get pushy. At the SZA concert, everyone was understandably hyped, but respecting people’s space makes the experience better for everyone.

Things to remember:

• Avoid pushing or shoving, even if you’re trying to get closer to the stage.

• Keep your belongings close and avoid taking up extra space.

• Be mindful of your arms and elbows when you’re dancing or raising your hands.

4. Phones Down During Key Moments

We all want to capture those memorable moments on our phones, but watching the entire concert through a screen isn’t ideal for anyone. I took a few videos at the SZA show but made sure to keep my phone away during my favorite songs.

For concert filming etiquette:

• Record short clips instead of entire songs. It helps you stay in the moment.

• Avoid blocking people’s view by holding your phone too high.

• If you’re using your phone flashlight, be mindful that it doesn’t blind the people around you.

5. Sing (But Not Louder Than the Artist!)

We all love singing along to our favorite artists, and trust me, I was singing my heart out to “Garden.” However, remember that people came to hear the artist, not their neighbors.

Helpful guidelines for concert singing:

• Keep it moderate. Sing along but don’t overpower the performance.

• During quieter songs, keep your volume lower to let the artist’s voice shine.

• Respect the moments when the artist pauses for the crowd to listen.

6. Be Mindful of Bathroom Breaks

It’s totally understandable if you need a bathroom break, especially if the concert is long. But during a sold-out concert, navigating in and out of your row can be tricky and disruptive to others.

To avoid multiple bathroom trips:

• Go before the concert starts. The wait in line is usually shorter.

• Time your bathroom breaks to happen between sets or during less popular songs.

• Keep your trip quick so you don’t miss much of the show.

7. Be Kind to Concert Staff

Concert staff are there to help make the night safe and enjoyable for everyone. From guiding you to your seat to keeping the crowd safe, they’re doing important work.

Things to remember:

• Listen to staff instructions, especially during entry and exit.

• Be polite, even if you’re frustrated about a rule or restriction.

• Say thank you—it goes a long way!

8. Plan Your Exit

At the end of the concert, the crowd surge can be overwhelming. When SZA wrapped up her set, everyone was buzzing with excitement and eager to get out. Planning your exit can make things easier for you and those around you.

Exit strategy tips:

• If possible, wait a few minutes for the main crowd to disperse.

• If you’re driving, know where you parked and head straight there.

• For public transportation, check the last train or bus schedule ahead of time.

SZA’s concert was my favorite one thus far, and practicing good concert etiquette made the night even better for me and everyone around me. Following these simple tips will help you enjoy the show without stressing out the people next to you. Next time you’re at a concert, keep these in mind so you (and everyone else) can have the best time possible!