If you clicked on this article, I’m willing to bet you’ve definitely asked your parents to go to that super cool indie band concert in Brooklyn, only to get the dreaded “are you crazy?!” response. Been there, done that. Over time, though, I’ve learned there are many ways to climb over the seemingly high walls of parental concern. Come with me, as we talk about how to convince your parents to let you out of the house, and how you’re going to stay safe while doing it.
To prove my expertise, I’ve gone to 10 concerts in the past year, with 8 of them being in New York City. So yes, I’ve done the field research. Let’s dive in.
Step One: Finding a Cool Concert:
Everyone’s music taste is different, but live music is always worth it. That said, let me show you where to find concerts in New York.
Our first stop is Spotify, which actually hosts a whole catalogue of concerts and live events near you. Just search “Live Events” and boom, this is where you find all the cool indie bands playing in NYC.
Next up is Ticketmaster. Opinion warning: I strongly dislike Ticketmaster, but it’s reliable. First off, their prices are always higher than quite literally anywhere else. To add onto the hate train, the fact that they charge a “service” fee already disqualifies them from having a spot on my recommendation list. But, they are always authentic tickets, and they offer a money back guarantee. To add, their customer service is pretty nice too. If you can’t find an alternative place to get your tickets, Ticketmaster isn’t a bad option.
I could sit here and give you every website that sells concert tickets, with a detailed description of why they’re good or bad. I’m still going to give them to you, but let’s compromise on the detailed description part, deal? Perfect. So, some of the best websites are: AXS, Live Nation, and Vivid Seats. Also, be sure to check out any of the hosting venue’s websites, as they don’t charge extra processing fees.
Lastly, my personal favorite way of obtaining tickets: last minute resell. You’d be shocked how many people realize they can’t make it hours before a show. Sites like TickPick can score you last-minute deals, sometimes way cheaper than face value.
Step Two: Transportation:
New York City, being one of the transportation hubs of the world, makes getting to and from shows typically easy, with a few caveats.
From Cresskill, you’ve got three solid bus lines:
166(T): Objectively the worst line. It takes forever unless you catch the express line, which comes once every blue moon, if you’re lucky. The local bus, which comes every 15 minutes, usually takes around 2 hours to get to Manhattan unless the express decides to show.
167(Q/T): A better, but not perfect option. The Q (local) runs hourly all week, and the T (express) runs every 30 minutes on weekends. But after 10:30pm, expect slow service (thanks, NJ transit).
177X: The holy grail of buses. Only 10 entire stops, a highway route, and it only takes 35 minutes to get to the city. If you can, always take it. My only grievance is that it only runs early mornings, from 4:00 to 10:30 am, everyday.
Once you’re in Manhattan, it’s subway time. Port Authority Bus Terminal (where you get dropped off) connects to almost every line, and transfers are simple. Plan your route beforehand, use Apple Pay or a card at turnstiles for your fare, and double check that you’re on the right train. Nothing is more frustrating than ending up in Queens by mistake.
Step Three: Staying Safe:
Arguably the most important part of concerts is staying safe while enjoying them. Pretty obvious, but some individuals don’t consider it as much as they should. NYC is amazing, but also unpredictable.
Be aware: If your surroundings feel sketchy, move.
Know your route: Figure out your transportation ahead of time, and don’t wander cluelessly at 1 a.m.
Stick with friends: If possible, don’t go alone! Safety in numbers is real.
Use common sense: Sounds super obvious, but decisions made in the moment can make or break your night. Make sure you think twice before making any rash decisions.
Conclusion:
At the end of the day, concerts are about having fun, hearing great music, and making memories, not stressing your parents out, or getting lost in Brooklyn at 2 in the morning. If you show them you’ve done your homework (where the concert is, how you’re getting there, how you’ll stay safe) they’ll be way more likely to say yes. So, go buy your ticket, grab your friends, and get ready for one of the best nights you’ll ever have!
