I went to a concert alone & you should too.

It’s no secret that I’m a concert junkie. I originally wrote this post in 2019, my best year of concerts ever. 2019 was the year I saw KISS, Fleetwood Mac, Queen + Adam Lambert, went to my first ACL festival, and so much more. Obviously concerts have taken a backseat due to pandemic circumstances. However! That will not stop me from sharing this memory and reminiscing on festival days. 

Concerts are almost always a group experience. I can think of many times I’ve dragged someone to a show with an artist they didn’t even listen to. There aren’t many things I love more than buying tickets last minute. 

When I knew I was going to be moving to Austin, I knew ACL was something I hands down had to attend. I bought my ticket and was so excited for my first festival. But, slight problem, I knew literally no one going. Like no one. In hindsight, I probably shouldn’t have spent $300+ on a weekend pass with no real plan but whatever. At first, the thought of going alone absolutely terrified me. Concerts are a group experience! I didn’t want to be alone in the crowd. I was convinced I was going to be miserable by myself. 

Finally, I made a friend in Austin that bought a ticket. My fear was gone! Except, she didn’t want to see Tame Impala or Still Woozy, two bands I was not going to miss the opportunity to see. So, I was determined to go by myself because what else was I supposed to do? 

Friday of ACL, I went to see Tame Impala alone. I took the Austin city bus by myself and figured out the system alone (something I am still very proud of). I went to ACL for the first time by myself, not knowing a single person there, and I was okay with it. I felt way too awkward to interact with anyone there so I was not about to make friends with the people around me. I walked into the festival in my own world, continually reassuring myself that I was fine. I could do whatever I wanted and not have to worry about anyone else. 

I was early, of course, so I walked around until it was time for Tame Impala. I kept telling myself that I was just going to meet my friends (lol) but once I was in the crowd I was completely okay. You’re all there for the same reason. Besides, no one is really focused on having a conversation during a concert. Once they started to play, I had so much fun while immersed in a crowd of strangers all singing the same songs. 

On Sunday, I went to Still Woozy by myself. This time, I was much more confident. I danced in the crowd without a care in the world and screamed my favorite songs with everyone else. I loved it. 

I’ll admit that sometimes I’m too afraid to go take the trash out by myself so I understand it sounds ridiculous that I was okay with this. But, sometimes you have to be able to have fun by yourself. I tested it out so you don’t have to. There’s no rule that buying one ticket means you’re going to be lonely. Don’t let going alone stop you from seeing someone you love!

Buy that ticket, wear that outfit that’s only acceptable for a festival, and go dance alone in the crowd. But invite me next time!