Summer Event Safety: What You Need to Know Before Your Next Concert, Festival, or Game

With the summer season in full swing, live events are back and bigger than ever. Millions of Americans gather to celebrate, dance, and cheer in packed venues nationwide, from music festivals and stadium tours to local block parties and championship games.

While most events go off without a hitch, large crowds and high energy can create potential safety concerns. Whether heading to a massive outdoor festival or an indoor concert, it’s worth taking a few steps to stay prepared, alert, and safe.

Here’s what you should know before you go.

General Event Safety Tips

Even seasoned concertgoers can forget the basics when excitement takes over. Here’s how to keep your experience fun and safe.

Stay Hydrated and Cool

Outdoor summer events can be brutal in terms of heat. Dehydration sets in fast, especially in direct sunlight and crowded spaces.

• Drink plenty of water or electrolyte beverages.
• Avoid excessive alcohol, which can dehydrate you faster.
• Look for shady areas when possible, and consider bringing a small cooling towel or fan if allowed.

Power Up Your Phone

A dead phone can mean lost directions, no ride home, or separation from your group.

• Fully charge your phone before leaving.
• Bring a portable charger.
• If you’re sending a teen to an event, get contact info for everyone in their group and coordinate check-ins.

Secure Your Belongings

Crowds are ideal environments for pickpocketing.

• Use a front-facing bag or fanny pack.
• Keep your ID and an emergency contact card easily accessible.
• Avoid carrying valuables unless necessary.

Know the Venue & Make a Plan

Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the layout before you arrive.

• Look up maps of the venue online.
• Upon arrival, locate exits, restrooms, and first aid stations.
• Establish a meeting point with your group if you get separated or need to evacuate.
• Use a buddy system and stay together when moving through large crowds.

Dress for the Day

Choose comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and footwear. Avoid loose or dangling accessories that could get caught or pulled in a crowd.

Follow Venue Rules & Be Prepared

Every venue has its own unique guidelines.

• Before the event, check for mask requirements, bag policies, and capacity limits.
• Follow all posted signs and staff instructions once you're inside.
• Don’t rely solely on security; take personal precautions, and be aware of your surroundings.

Crowd Surge Safety: What to Do in a Dangerous Situation

While rare, crowd surges can be incredibly dangerous. These occur when dense groups of people move suddenly toward a stage, entrance, or exit, creating a compact crush of bodies that can lead to injuries or worse.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Trust your instincts if the crowd feels too tight or you find it difficult to move freely.

• Try to move toward open space early.
• Avoid positioning yourself directly in front of barricades or fences.

Know Every Exit

Most people instinctively move toward the biggest or most obvious exits, but that can be risky during an emergency.

• Identify all exits, including side or rear options.
• Have a backup plan in case your first route is blocked.

Protect Your Oxygen

If you get stuck in a crowd surge:

• Stand with your feet staggered and your arms in front of your chest in a boxer-like position to create breathing room.
• Try to stay calm and avoid yelling, which uses valuable oxygen.

Stay Upright, If You Can

Falling down in a crowd is extremely dangerous.

• Don’t stop or bend down to retrieve dropped items.
• If you do fall, lie on your left side to protect vital organs and your airway. Lying flat on your back or stomach is more dangerous in low-oxygen conditions.

Smart Choices for Safer Experiences

In addition to the basics, a few thoughtful decisions can go a long way toward protecting your health and safety at events:

• Drink responsibly: Alcohol dehydrates you and can impair your judgment. Be especially careful if you’re mixing alcohol with medication or heat exposure.
• Watch your drink: Never leave your drink unattended or accept open drinks from strangers.
• Consider carrying a Narcan (naloxone) kit: If it’s legal in your area, it can reverse an opioid overdose and save a life.
• Limit your group size if needed: Large groups can get separated easily, especially in chaotic moments.
• Make a safety plan: Review potential emergency scenarios with your group before arriving. Agree on what to do and where to go if something goes wrong.

Injuries at Live Events: Know Your Rights

Not all injuries from concerts or sporting events are just “bad luck.” In many cases, the event organizers, venue owners, or private security companies may be responsible for preventable hazards like:

• Wet or uneven flooring
• Missing handrails
• Poorly lit staircases
• Inadequate crowd control
• Defective barriers or fencing
• Unmarked construction zones or cables

If you or a loved one slipped, tripped, or was injured at a live event, you may be entitled to compensation, especially if the incident was caused by poor planning, faulty equipment, or venue negligence. Documentation is key, so if you’re hurt:

• Report the incident to staff or security immediately.
• Take photos of the scene and your injuries.
• Collect contact information from witnesses.
• Get medical attention, even for injuries that seem minor.
• Reach out to a qualified attorney who can assess your claim.

Have Fun and Stay Smart

Live events are meant to be joyful. With a little planning and awareness, you can enjoy the music, the crowd, and the summer memories while keeping yourself and your loved ones safe.

If something goes wrong, we’re here to help. We’ve fought for injury victims at arenas, festivals, and public events nationwide, and know how to hold negligent parties accountable. If you’ve been hurt at a live event, reach out today for a free case evaluation.