Gig guide

Going to a country gig on your own

Want to go but nobody to go with? Why going alone is fine, how to plan it, how to meet people there, and how to look after yourself on the night.

2 min read

A festival crowd at sunset with their arms in the air

Your mates don't like country, or they do and they're busy, and the gig's in three weeks. Go anyway. Here's how to make it a good night.

It's more normal than you'd think

Look around any country gig and a fair few people came on their own: the ones who'd rather see the act than wait for someone to be free. Nobody notices, because everyone's watching the stage. And going solo has its perks: you stand where you like, leave when you like, and buy one round instead of four.

Before you go

Pick a gig you'd genuinely want to see on your own, not one you'd only enjoy with company. Book a seat or a spot you'll be happy in: a balcony seat is a different night from the barrier. Work out how you're getting home before you work out anything else, and know when the last train or bus goes. Tell someone where you're going.

Meeting people there

The easiest conversations at a gig are about the gig. Who's the support, have they seen this act before, what did they think of the new album. The bar queue and the merch stand are where it happens. If the venue has a smoking area or a beer garden, that's the friendliest place in the building between sets. And if you'd rather not leave it to chance, that's what lasso's Roundups are for: when lasso opens where you live, you'll be able to see who else is going to the same gig and say hello beforehand, so you might arrive already knowing someone. It won't guarantee you a friend, but it gives you a head start. lasso isn't out yet; the waitlist is how to be first in.

Looking after yourself

Keep your phone charged and your ticket somewhere other than your phone. Watch your drink. If you meet someone you've talked to online, meet them inside the venue, not outside it, and keep your own way home. Trust your gut: if something feels off, the venue staff are there for exactly that. Our safety guide has more.

A few coming up

Some of the next country gigs in the cities we list, if you're looking for a first one:

Or browse every UK country gig we know about, by city.

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