How to Make Friends at Concerts (Even If You Go Solo)

Concerts are one of the best places to meet your people. Everyone in the room already likes the same band, which takes care of the hardest part of making friends. Still, knowing how to make friends at concerts doesn't come naturally to everyone, especially if you're going alone.

Here's how to turn a crowd of strangers into people you'll actually text next week.

Why concerts are perfect for making friends

Most places make you guess whether you have anything in common with someone. At a show, you already know. You both bought a ticket, you both showed up and you both probably have strong opinions about the setlist. That's an instant conversation starter.

Shows also have natural downtime: the queue, the wait before the opener, the changeover between bands. All of it is built-in chatting time.

Before the show

Go solo sometimes

Going alone sounds scary, but it's one of the best ways to meet people. When you're with friends, you stick to your group. When you're solo, you're open to whoever is standing next to you. Lots of people go to shows alone, and nobody is judging.

Join the fan groups

Before a show, look for fan pages, subreddits, Discord servers or group chats for the band or the venue. People often post asking who else is going, looking for someone to queue with or selling spare tickets. It's a low-pressure way to show up already knowing a face or two.

Wear the shirt (or the patches)

Your outfit is a conversation starter. Band shirts, battle vests, patches, pins and creative makeup all give people something to comment on. It also works the other way: compliment someone else's look and you're already talking.

At the venue

The queue is your best friend

If you arrive early, the line outside is the easiest place to start a conversation. Everyone is bored, excited and standing still. Try:

"Have you seen them live before?"
"What song are you hoping they play?"
"Is this the line for general admission?" (Works even if you know the answer.)

The merch line

The merch line is full of people looking at the same shirts as you. "Which one are you getting?" is a perfectly normal opener.

Watch the opening band

People who show up for the opener tend to be music lovers who like discovering new bands. The crowd is smaller and more relaxed, which makes it easier to chat. Plus, you'll get to say you saw them first.

Use the breaks

Changeovers between bands are the best time to talk. The music is quieter, people are waiting, and everyone is buzzing from the last set. Ask what someone thought of the opener.

In the pit

The pit is surprisingly friendly. Picking someone up when they fall, holding someone's glasses or sharing a high-five after a great song builds instant bonds. Just learn the basics first in our guide to mosh pit etiquette, because the pit only works when everyone looks out for each other.

Easy conversation starters

You don't need a clever line. Simple, friendly questions work best:

"How did you get into this band?"
"What's the best show you've ever been to?"
"Are you going to any other gigs soon?"
"I love your jacket. Did you make the patches yourself?"
"Do you know who's opening?"

For more ideas, check out our list of conversation starters for goths. They work at shows too.

If you're shy

Not everyone finds chatting easy, and that's fine. A few low-effort ways to connect:

Stand near the same people for the whole set. By the end, a nod or a "that was amazing" feels natural.
Offer something small. Earplugs, a spare hair tie or taking a photo for someone are easy, friendly gestures.
React out loud. Saying "I can't believe they opened with that" to the person next to you is a full conversation starter, with no pressure.
Go with a goal. Decide to say hi to just one person. If it goes well, great. If not, you still saw a great show.

Shy people often make the best concert friends, because they actually listen. You don't need to be the loudest person in the room.

Reading the vibe

Not everyone wants to chat, and that's okay. Some people are there to lose themselves in the music. If someone gives short answers, looks away or puts headphones in, smile and let it go. If they ask you a question back, keep going.

Also remember that people are there for the band. Save the deep conversation for the breaks and just enjoy the songs together during the set.

Turning concert friends into real friends

Swap socials before you leave

The most common mistake is having a great night with someone and then never seeing them again. Before the end of the show, ask "Want to swap Instagram?" or share another way to stay in touch. It's normal, and most people will be glad you asked.

Message the next day

Send a quick message the next day about the show. A photo, a favorite moment or "I still can't believe they played that song" is plenty.

Plan the next gig

The easiest way to keep a concert friend is to go to another concert. Look up who's coming to town and suggest one you'd both like. Before long, you'll have a regular gig buddy.

Join the local scene

If you're new to a city, concerts are a great way to find your crowd. Our guide to finding the alt scene in a new city has more tips for meeting people at club nights, record shops and local shows.

Finding gig buddies before the show

Sometimes you want to meet people before you buy the ticket. That's where apps come in. On Alt Chat, you can join groups and live chat rooms with alt people near you, and every profile has an Anthem song, so it's easy to spot someone who loves the same bands. Posting "anyone going to this show?" is a perfectly good way to find someone to meet at the door.

Keep showing up

Making friends at concerts gets easier the more you do it. The same faces show up at the same venues, and after a few shows you'll start recognizing people. That's when a scene starts to feel like home. For more ways to grow your circle, read our full guide on how to make alt friends.

Now go buy that ticket, even if nobody else can come. You might meet them there.

FAQ

Is it weird to go to a concert alone?

Not at all, and plenty of people do it all the time. Going solo actually makes it easier to meet people, because you're more likely to chat with whoever is next to you.

How do you start a conversation at a concert?

Ask something about the band or the show, like how many times they've seen them or what song they're hoping for. Complimenting someone's shirt, patches or outfit also works really well.

How do you stay friends with someone you met at a concert?

Swap socials before the night ends, then message them the next day about the show. Suggesting another gig you could go to together is the easiest way to turn a one-night friend into a real one.

Where is the best place to meet people at a concert?

The queue before doors, the merch line and the area near the front during the opening band are the easiest spots. People are waiting, relaxed and already have something in common.