It’s easy to forget how much goes into preparing for a concert. You’ve endured the hassle of sitting behind your device, painstakingly waiting in a queue to get tickets for your favorite group. Now that’s done, and you’re wondering, “What’s next?” “How do I prepare for the concert?” “What do I take with me?” If you’re anything like me, the excitement of attending a K-pop concert can be both thrilling and overwhelming. You want everything to be perfect, from your outfit to your gadgets, so you can fully enjoy the experience. To help you out, I’ve put together the ultimate checklist to ensure you have a stress-free and unforgettable time. Let’s dive in!
At the end of this post, I’ll leave a link with the PDF file of the complete checklist, which you can download or print to use for your concert preparation.
What you need to pack for a concert
1. Essentials: The Must-Haves
▪️Tickets: Before anything else, make sure you have all your essentials, especially your valuables. You don’t want to go through the hassle of getting that precious ticket only to leave it at home! (Check out my post on securing concert tickets for more tips). Depending on the venue, you might need either a physical ticket or an e-ticket. Many venues now offer tap options, so you can download your e-tickets into your Apple or Samsung Wallet, tap, and enter. Some e-tickets work with codes, so have those ready on your phone for a smooth entry. Upgrading to VIP tickets comes with perks like early access to sound checks and merch, so be sure to consider it.
▪️ID: For verification if needed. Some venues are strict about this.
▪️Cash/Cards: You’ll definitely need money for buying merch or food. I like to bring both just in case. Concert Map/Guide: Know the venue layout and schedule. This helps a lot, especially if it’s your first time at that venue.
▪️Transportation Plan: How you’re getting to and from the concert. Plan this ahead of time. I’ve learned this the hard way!
▪️Emergency Contact Info: Just in case. Better safe than sorry.
▪️Tip: Cash-only merch lines are often shorter, so take a look at the official merch list ahead of time and make a note of what you want. Figure out how much you’ll need and bring small bills, just in case they don’t have change!
How do you prep for a kpop concert
2. Gadgets: Stay Connected and Capture the Memories
▪️Phone: Another essentials are your gadgets. Your phone is literally your lifeline at a concert. Most phones these days all have good quality cameras with great video and sound quality. Though i’d recommend taking some test shoots in different lighting scenerios. Took my iPhone 12 pro max, and it performed so bad in the sharp lights, making most of the videos unusable. I’ve heard some rave about samsung galaxy S lines. Make sure your phone is fully charged and clear some storage for all those photos and videos you’ll be taking. Buy more storage space if you can.
▪️Camera: If the venue allows cameras, bring one with extra memory cards. Sometimes, the phone just doesn’t capture the magic quite like a camera.
▪️Power bank: A must-have! Even if yiur phone has amazing battery life, concerts can drain your phone’s battery fast, especially with all the picture-taking and live-streaming. If you’re planning to arrive early, like 2-3 hours before the show, a portable power bank is essential. When buying one, opt for higher mAh power banks for longer-lasting power. I use the Anker PowerCore 20,000mAh, but it's hard to find on Amazon. I’ve listed some similar options along with other essentials here, so check them out.
▪️Chargers and Cables: Don’t forget the right cables for your gadgets. I always carry an extra just in case. Earphones/Bluetooth Earbuds: Perfect for listening to your favorite tracks while waiting for the show to start or during your trip home.
Packing the Kpop concert essentials
3. Lightstick: Energy Booster
▪️Lightsticks are the ultimate fan accessory! They’re a great energy booster, believe it or not. Imagine walking around with your fully customized and decorated lightstick, adorned with bling, bows, and stickers, and bumping into other fans. It's also a fantastic conversation starter. If you don’t have one, consider purchasing one before the concert. I got a pre-owned BTS Army lightstick on Mercari for under $60, and it came with all the accessories and extra freebies. Check your local K-pop shops for good deals, but buy early to allow for shipping.
▪️Tip: You can often find more affordable lightsticks online than at the venue, so try to get one beforehand. Personalizing your lightstick, as I mentioned, really adds to the excitement!
▪️Lightsticks Extra batteries: Bring a set of extra batteries for your lightstick. You don’t want it dying in the middle of your favorite song! Most lightsticks use either AA or AAA batteries, which you can buy in bulk.
▪️Tip: Always remember to remove the batteries at the end of a concert week. Leaving them in can lead to corrosion and ruin your battery case. There are a few ways to salvage it, but you might end up needing a new one.
Kpop Concert Checklist PDF cr. Tsuvi Creates
The rest of the checklist items are good to have but aren’t essential. Let’s quickly go through them in grouped sections;
4. Personal Touch: Show Your Love
▪️Photocard of Your Bias: Bring a photocard of your favorite idol. It’s a small token that makes the experience even more personal and special. Plus, it’s great for photos and showing off to fellow fans!
▪️Pins & Badges: To decorate your backpack
▪️Phone case: unique phone cases attract a lot of positive attention.
4. Toiletries & Cosmetics: Look and Feel Your Best
▪️Tissues: For those tear-jerking moments or unexpected spills. Trust me, you’ll need them.
▪️Hand Sanitizer: Crowds mean germs. Keep your hands clean and germ-free.
▪️Sunscreen: Essential if it’s an outdoor event. You don’t want to go home with a sunburn.
▪️Compact Mirror: Quick touch-ups are a breeze with a small mirror.
▪️Deodorant/Body Spray: Stay fresh all night long.
▪️Lip Balm: Keep your lips hydrated, especially if you’re singing along.
▪️Hand Fan: It'll be a shame to faint from a heat stroke don't you think ^^
▪️Makeup Essentials: I bring a touch-up kit with foundation, powder, mascara, and lipstick. You never know when you’ll need a little refresh. Sweat moves your powder, and mascara runs. Just don’t let it put a damper on your day and be prepared instead.
▪️Hair Ties/Brush: For keeping your hair in check, especially if you’re dancing a lot.
New Arrival: Jimin Muse Collection
5. Clothing & Accessories: Comfort Meets Style
▪️Comfortable Outfit: Pick something stylish yet comfortable. You’ll be standing and dancing, so think cute but practical. Check pinterest for cool & chic outfit inspo
▪️Layers/Jacket: Venues can get chilly. I always bring a light jacket just in case.
▪️Comfortable Shoes: This can make or break your entire experience. I recommend sneakers or boots that you can stand and dance in for hours are a must. Of course, they should match your outfit and, most importantly, won’t give you blisters.
▪️Sunglasses/Hat: For outdoor events, these are lifesavers.
▪️Poncho/Raincoat: Just in case it rains. You don’t want to be soaked and miserable.
6. Food & Drinks: Stay Fueled and Hydrated
▪️Mini Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is super important. Bring a mini refillable one if the venue allows it.
▪️Snacks: Non-perishable snacks like granola bars, nuts, or candy are perfect. I always get hungry waiting for the concert to start.
▪️Gum/Mints: Keep your breath fresh, especially if you’re meeting new friends.
7. Health & Safety: Be Prepared
▪️Face Masks: Especially important in crowded places. Safety first!
▪️First Aid Kit: Basic items like band-aids and pain relievers can be a lifesaver.
▪️Medication: Any personal medications you might need. I always keep mine handy
Preparing for a BTS concert
And there you have it – my ultimate K-pop concert checklist! 🎶 Following this guide has saved will save countless concert mishaps and make your experience so much more enjoyable. Whether it’s your first concert or your tenth, being prepared can make all the difference. Now, go out there and enjoy the concert of your dreams!
