5 Must-Haves for a Summer Concert Pre-Game

A summer concert is only as good as the pre-game that comes before it. If you're trying to maximize fun and minimize rookie mistakes, here's your starting lineup:

1. A Cooler Full of Cold Drinks

Nothing kills the vibe faster than warm beverages in 90-degree weather. Everyone attending provides their own alcohol of choice, then there's the common denominator bottle of liquor for shots and losers of drinking games.

A well-stocked cooler is the MVP of any concert parking lot.

Happi Hour Rec: Coors Light, ice cold Casamigos, a versatile mixer (lemonade/fruit juice).

2. The Perfect Playlist

The artist you're seeing is only half the soundtrack. A great pre-game playlist should include the headliner, summer classics, guilty pleasures, and at least one song everyone swears they hate but somehow knows every word to.

Happi Hour Rec: Big Booty Mix (any version) and the artist you are going to see

3. A Resourceful Outfit

The outfit can be the make or break of any concert. Pockets are almost a must for the guys and comfortability is a necessary evil even for the girls. Whether its a stadium concert outside or we're trying to sneak in mini bottles, what you are wearing needs to be Instagram worthy, yet make sense for the occasion.

Happi Hour Rec: For the guys, your outfit should compliment the person you're attending with, if applicable. For the girls, dress like you're the headliner.

4. Snacks That Soak Up Bad Decisions

Chips, sandwiches, pretzels, pizza, or whatever your crew can get their hands on. Concert tickets are expensive enough. Don't let your first meal of the day be a $19 chicken tender basket inside the venue.

Happi Hour Rec: pizza rolls for before and after

5. One Friend Who Has Their Life Together

Every group needs a responsible veteran. The person who remembers where the car is parked, brings sunscreen, and somehow keeps everyone on schedule. They may not be the most exciting member of the group, but they're the reason everyone survives until the encore.

Happi Hour Rec: Gametime decision

A bonus sixth item? Good weather. Unfortunately, that's the only thing you can't control.

Remember: the goal is to make it to the headliner, not become a cautionary tale before the opening act.

Cheers to a summer full of concerts!