How to Enjoy an Outdoor Concert in the Rain

If you’re a live music enthusiast, it’s likely that you will eventually encounter an outdoor venue. After attending several open air live shows over the years, I believe that there are a few essential items to ensure a good time regardless of the weather. Here are my tips on how to enjoy an outdoor concert in the rain.

POST UPDATED OCTOBER 2024

Firstly, we need to address the magic concert that inspired this post to begin with. Of the two stops Beyoncé made in Canada on her Formation World Tour, Edmonton was thankfully one of them. I’m still so thrilled I was able to go! Queen B was in fine form wowing the crowd with her masterful show-woman-ship. Her unbelievable voice was complemented by a stage production that was nothing short of a feast for the eyes. I couldn’t get enough of the fashion we were being blessed with. Each costume change had me wishing I had a wardrobe of jumpsuits and jumbo hats at my disposal.

That being said, the show was at Commonwealth Stadium. Being an open air venue, we were at the mercy of the elements and we all know how unpredictable weather can be. Beyoncé can do many things, but as far as I know she cannot control the mother nature – yet. It was a cloudy evening that slowly turned to mixed showers but we weren’t about to let that ruin our time. We made lemonade out of lemons instead.

WHAT TO BRING & WEAR TO AN OUTDOOR EVENT

LAYERS

First and foremost, layers are an absolute essential. (This couldn’t be more true when it comes to festivals like Coachella. Check out my post 10 Sensible Things to Bring to Coachella for more on that!) It’s a bonus if they’re also waterproof! Weather is unpredictable. While it may be raining early in the evening, it could clear up. Or it could get much worse. Because of this, I like to wear a few different layers – preferably ones I can tie around my waist or are light to carry. A large square scarf is a convertible item that can be used as a hat, a blanket, or a shawl.

RAIN PONCHO

While umbrellas are a wonderful invention, they aren’t practical in a concert setting. They’re bulky and obstruct the view of others. And that’s even if you’re able to bring them inside a venue! A better option is a poncho. They’re usually available at a dollar store and can be embellished to reflect your favourite artist. Case and point: people bejeweled and drew lemons all over their yellow ponchos for Beyoncé. If you’re in a pinch, a large trash or recycle bag works just fine. Belinda Carlisle from the Go-Go’s wore a trash bag dress and made it fashion. So can you. 🙂

POCKET WARMERS / GLOVES

While a hoodie pouch or a pocket will do in a pinch, but a small pair of gloves are much better. If you really want to guarantee toasty fingertips, pack a pocket warmer too.

HANDS FREE BELT BAG

Now that I have a Lululemon Belt Bag, it’s impossible to think of a better option for festivals and events. As cool as a record tote is, I’m preferring a hands free style these days. Not only does it allow you to dance without restriction, it’s also a lot harder to be robbed when you’re wearing a cross body belt bag. I didn’t have this option back when I originally posted this blog in 2016, but I do now. I will continue to share the merits of hands free bag life whenever I can. For the venues that require see through bags now, there’s now a Lululemon transparent Belt Bag!

HOOD OR HAT

Picking a jacket with a hood (bonus if it’s waterproof like the Lululemon oversized rain jacket with hood) is a great way to stay dry and warm. I deeply dislike getting soaking wet and having to sit in that discomfort for hours. Especially if it’s my entire head of hair that’s soggy. This may just be a me thing as I suspect I have a sensory processing disorder. However, the body does lose about 10% of its heat from the head and I imagine that number might go up if you’ve been drenched by a storm.

WATERPROOF FOOTWEAR

I have a pair of rubber heels which at first seemed like they could be a silly item but have since proved to be very useful. When rubber boots won’t compliment your outfit, a pair of rubber high heels is the answer. Sorel keeps coming out with new styles every year and the latest version is the Caribou X Heeled Chelsea Boot. If heels are too much of a commitment, there’s a flat platform option, the Ona Ave X Chelsea Boot which is a great alternative. When fashion meets function, we all win.

FRONT OF THE LINE

Beyonce and Rihanna’s Anti World Tour were just two amazing shows where I got to experience Amex’s Front Of The Line access for myself. Each year, Amex provides Cardmembers access to some of the hottest events across the country. You can unlock more memorable experiences for yourself by visiting www.AmexInvites.ca to learn more about exciting upcoming live events in your city, not just concerts! American Express Invites opens the door to unforgettable offers and experiences for American Express Cardmembers, including Front Of The Line® Advance Access, Front Of The Line Reserved Tickets, Front Of The Line eUpdates, Special Offers, Experiences and Special Access.

This post was sponsored by Amex Canada. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are purely my own.

photographs  – Sandy Joe Karpetz / Mike Ng