How To Rock Summer Concert Season

Do you remember your first concert? Mine was Rascal Flatts at the Minnesota State Fair. My high school BFF and I made shirts with our favorite lyrics scrawled on the back in permanent marker, swiped on an extra layer of Great Lash mascara and felt so grown-up making the two-hour trip to the Grandstand sans parental supervision. We sang our hearts out to “Bless the Broken Road” and “Mayberry” with boats of hot cheese curds in hand and thought life couldn’t get much better.

The experience kickstarted a hobby, and I started seeking out more concerts over the years—even going to a show solo when I lived in Madison, WI. I had moved to the Badger State to pursue my dream career and only peripherally knew a handful of people through work. I debated the pathetic-ness of going to a show without someone to chat with during sound checks, but eventually my passion for the Bleachers Strange Desire album won out. It ended up being one of my favorite concerts to date, and I’m so glad I didn’t skip it because I was afraid to stand alone. Now, “Rollercoaster” and “Wild Heart” are reminders of the courageous leap I made in moving to Madison.

Two years later, music helped me make a love connection (wink). When my fiancé and I first met, we instantly bonded over our shared goal of seeing a live show in Minneapolis every month. It seemed like an unusual goal to have in common—and an early sign that we were on the same wavelength. One of our first dates was to see Wild Belle, and we’ve swayed together in the dark to everything from Francis and the Lights (our favorite) to Fitz and the Tantrums since.

Live music has brought so much positive energy to my life and marked so many milestones, and I have no plans to dial back now that another summer concert season is underway (doesn’t music just sound better in the summer?!). Everyone at Evereve HQ is buzzing about the best shows to see before Labor Day and our approach is: why pick one? From the big arenas to chilled-out nights on the lawn, every concert is different—and to steal a line from Aerosmith, we don’t wanna miss a thing.

For the Big Arena Concert

Like that night at the State Fair, seeing the big headliner (and singing unapologetically off-key) with girlfriends only amplifies an awesome experience. Skip the homemade t-shirts for something more elevated but equally fun—a bold graphic tee and a bright lip sets the tone. Add a statement mini (with a hint of stretch to let you shake it) and sturdy block heels for staying on your feet until the final song.

Get the look: Sol Angeles Tee | Braeve Skirt | Splendid Heels | Thirty-Nine 42 Earrings and Cuff

Pro tip: If you’re heading out with a big group, grab dinner before the doors open to catch up so you won’t feel pressured to talk through the whole show (and totally miss what you paid for!). 

For the Small Club Concert

Chris and I spend plenty of nights on the couch, but catching a smaller performance on a random Wednesday is a fun way to break up the week with something we both love (and keep that initial spark burning!). A stripe cami is pulled together and understated (plus keeps you cool in packed houses) and our raw hem denim skirt is an effortless step up from everyday jeans. Give the look an edge with a lace bralette and cutout booties.

Get the look: Allison Joy Cami | Hudson Jeans Skirt | Diba Shoes Booties | Thirty-Nine 42 Earrings and Bracelet

Pro tip: Keep it hands-free! Your cute (but heavy) shoulder bag will only haunt you—weighing you down, making applauding a pain and distracting you from really getting into the moment. 

For the Outdoor Concert

Because the weather is begging us to be outside, make sure to pencil in a weekend block party or concert at the park. Our breezy floral tank won’t cling on hot afternoons and our mid-thigh Hudson cutoffs won’t ride up as you explore the street vendors and trek back and forth from the concession stand. Grab booties that can handle uneven terrain and load up the fam—or dare yourself to fly solo. You just might rock it.

Get the look: Allison Joy Tank | Hudson Jeans Shorts | Seychelles Booties | Thirty-nine 42 Earrings | Simbi Haiti Bracelets

Pro tip: Prep for the show by refreshing yourself with a few of the main act’s tracks. You’ll be 100% more engaged when you hear something familiar. 

What concerts are you seeing this summer?