Summer is the busiest stretch of the year for live music. Stadium tours, amphitheater shows, outdoor festivals and club dates all pile onto the calendar at once, and the best seats for the biggest shows can disappear in minutes. If you've ever been stuck in an online queue only to see "no tickets available," you know how frustrating it can be. Here's how to plan your summer concert season so you get great seats without overpaying.
Make your list early
Start by writing down the shows you really want to see this summer. Big tours are usually announced months in advance, and the shows people care about most - a favorite artist's stadium date, a reunion tour, a one-night-only performance - tend to sell out fastest. Knowing your priorities ahead of time helps you decide where to spend more and where to save. It also keeps you from making rushed decisions when a show you love suddenly goes on sale.
Understand the venue before you buy
Every venue is different. Stadium shows put you in a huge space where the view changes dramatically from one section to the next. Amphitheaters often have reserved seats up front and a general admission lawn in the back. Clubs and theaters may be general admission standing room, reserved seating or a mix of both. Before you buy, look at the venue map and think about the kind of night you want. Do you want to be close to the stage, or do you want a seat with a clear view and a little more room? Are you planning to stand and dance the whole time, or would you rather sit?
Plan early, choose wisely, sing loudly.
Floor vs. lower level vs. upper level
For arena and stadium concerts, the floor puts you closest to the artist, but it's not always the best view. If the floor is flat and you're toward the back, you may spend the night looking at the backs of heads and the video screens. Lower-level seats off to the side of the stage can be closer than you think, with an elevated view over the crowd. Upper-level seats are the most affordable and can offer a great look at the full stage production, lights and screens. When you call ABC Tickets, our agents can walk you through the trade-offs for any venue.
Watch the stage setup
Not every concert uses the same stage layout. Some tours use an end stage at one side of the venue, while others add a runway, a second stage or a stage in the round. The layout changes which seats are best. A seat that's far from the main stage might be right next to a runway or B-stage. If you're not sure how a tour is set up, ask - it can make a big difference in what you pay and what you see.
Timing your purchase
Concert prices on the resale market move with demand. For the hottest shows, prices can stay high or climb as the date approaches. For other shows, prices sometimes soften in the final weeks as sellers adjust. Weekend dates usually cost more than weeknights, and the first show in a city often draws more demand than an added second night. There's no one rule that works every time, which is why it helps to talk with someone who watches the market every day.
Plan for outdoor shows
Outdoor concerts are one of the best parts of summer, but they come with a few extra things to think about. Check the weather and dress for it - a hot afternoon can turn into a cool night. Bring sunscreen, a hat and a refillable water bottle if the venue allows it. Look up the venue's bag policy before you go, because many venues limit bag sizes or only allow clear bags. Know where you're parking or how you're getting a ride home, since traffic after a big outdoor show can take a while to clear.
Don't forget about smaller rooms
Some of the most memorable concerts happen in theaters, clubs and music halls, where you can see the musicians up close and hear every note. Tribute acts, touring bands and up-and-coming artists play these rooms all summer long. Tickets are often more affordable, and the experience can be just as unforgettable as a stadium show.
Protect yourself from fake tickets
Summer's busiest shows are also the biggest targets for ticket scams. Be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true, sellers who only accept wire transfers or gift cards, and anyone who offers screenshots instead of properly transferred mobile tickets. Buy from a seller you can call and hold accountable.
Let us help
ABC Tickets has been helping fans get into the shows they love since 1989. Every ticket we sell is 100% authentic and valid for entry, arrives in time for your event and comes with a full refund if the event is canceled and not rescheduled. All seats are side by side unless otherwise noted. Call 1-800-355-5555, Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm, and a live agent will tell you exactly what seats are available and what they cost - or browse concerts on our events page.
