If you’re like me, live music is one of your greatest joys. There’s nothing quite like the rush when the lights go down and the first note hits. But as much as concerts and festivals are about connection and celebration, recent tragedies have shown just how quickly things can go wrong when safety isn’t prioritized.
With the release of the Astroworld documentary shining a light on crowd disasters and preventable loss, many music lovers are re-evaluating how they prepare for big events. It’s not just overcrowding that has caused heartbreak in the past decade. The Manchester Arena bombing at an Ariana Grande concert in 2017 and the Route 91 Harvest Festival mass shooting in Las Vegas in 2017 are painful reminders that security threats can take many forms — from surging crowds to targeted violence.
While no one wants to imagine worst-case scenarios when planning a night out, taking a few proactive steps can help you stay safer and look out for the people around you. Whether you’re heading to a stadium show, an outdoor festival, or a small club, here are some important tips:
Know Your Exits
It sounds basic, but in an emergency, it’s easy to panic and freeze. As soon as you arrive, take a moment to spot all the nearest exits — not just the main entrance you came through. In a crisis, side doors or emergency exits are often the fastest way out.
Stay Aware of the Crowd
If you start to feel compressed or notice people pushing forward, trust your instincts. Movement in dense crowds can build quickly, and even a slight surge can turn dangerous. Keep your arms up near your chest to protect your lungs and create space to breathe if needed. If you feel unsafe, move toward the edges of the crowd before it becomes too difficult.
Have a Communication Plan
Large venues often have spotty cell service, especially when thousands of people are trying to post and text at once. Decide on a meetup spot ahead of time in case you get separated from friends. Consider bringing a portable charger so your phone stays powered.
Watch for Unattended Bags or Suspicious Activity
Whether you’re indoors or outdoors, be mindful of your surroundings. If you see something that seems out of place — an unattended bag, someone acting erratically, or anything that feels off — notify security staff immediately.
Hydrate and Look Out for Each Other
Dehydration, heat exhaustion, and intoxication are common at large events, especially outdoors. Drink water regularly and check in on your friends. If someone is disoriented or unresponsive, alert medical personnel right away.
Don’t Be Afraid to Leave
This one is hard. You paid good money, you waited months for this show, and you want to see every song. But no concert is worth risking your safety. If the crowd feels dangerous or something doesn’t sit right, it’s okay to step out early.
Know Your Rights
Promoters and venues have a duty to provide a safe environment. If you’re ever injured or feel your safety was compromised due to negligence, you have the right to report it and seek support.
The tragedies at Astroworld, Manchester, and Route 91 Harvest were devastating reminders that large gatherings require vigilance from everyone involved — organizers, security, and attendees alike. As fans, we deserve to enjoy live music without fear. While we can’t control everything, staying aware, prepared, and looking out for one another can help make concerts and festivals safer for everyone.
Stay safe out there — and never stop celebrating the music that brings us together.
