What to pack for a summer concert

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Summer concert season is upon us and that means Canadians coast-to-coast are gearing up to see some of their favourite bands at home, in other cities across the country, or even abroad. Concert-related travel is up thanks to demand: a survey from Reverb says that 7 per cent of show attendees now travel by air, but that number can certainly be higher depending on who the artist is and where they’re playing.

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I recently attended Beyoncé’s buzzy Cowboy Carter tour in London with Marriott. The two-hour show was held on a rainy evening in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and unfortunately, I found myself unprepared for the evening’s very wet festivities (shoutout to the Marriott team who saved the day with umbrellas, clear bags and phone chargers). 

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The hotel group has doubled down on concert-related initiatives, notably with Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in 2024, and now this year with Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter due to interest from their Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program members. The company has even allowed customers to use earned points towards concert experiences via the Marriott Bonvoy Moments initiative – if you are a point collector, keep an eye on these packages that include tickets, hotel stays and curated experiences like DJs and happy hours at select properties.

Upcoming offerings via the Moments page for Canada include Katy Perry’s The Lifetime Tour, Calgary-native Tate McRae’s Miss Possessive tour, as well as dates from Taylor Swift pal Gracie Abrams and hip-hop legends Wu-Tang Clan.

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While I almost got drenched at the Beyoncé concert, I still had an incredible time at the show: the superstar performed music from her latest album Cowboy Carter (“Tyrant” is my top track), along with hits from her now 28-year career. Queen Bey still has several dates to go for her tour, with stateside stops in D.C., Atlanta, and Las Vegas before the end of July. 

I was in comfort during the Cowboy Concert concert thanks to the right jeans and shoes, and my makeup didn’t move despite the wet and humid weather. Here’s a few of the items I packed for my concert trip – along with a few I wished I had (and that you definitely should) to stay prepared, stylish and comfortable no matter what.

Summer concert essentials

BÉIS The Stadium Crossbody

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Clear bags are a requirement at most major concert venues now as an increased security measure – but that doesn’t mean they can’t be both stylish and practical. Vancouverite Shay Mitchell launched the BÉIS Stadium Crossbody Bag last summer to much fanfare, which is sized according to stadium and arena regulations. It’s also made from a durable PVC, so you can be sure the bag will last for years to come. Available in black or beige.

Price: $78
Where to buy: BÉIS 

Coach Stadium Swinger Bag

For a more elevated clear bag, look no further than Coach’s Stadium Swinger Bag. This style is inspired by the brand’s 1987 archival collection, and pays tribute with a turnlock closure, leather accents and the brand’s signature logo tag. The zip-top shoulder bag ensures all of your essentials stay secure whether you sport it as a clutch or shoulder bag. Choose from an array of colours, including red, blue, white and black. 

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Price: $180
Where to buy: Coach

Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank

Phone batteries drain quickly once you get into concert venues due to weaker cell phone signals, as well as increased use depending on how much photo and video you take. I never want to get caught with a dead phone battery before getting home for the evening, so a power bank is essential to have on hand. I’m a big fan of the Belkin BoostCharge, which holds about three full charges for my iPhone 16. It conveniently has a USB-C cord built-in, meaning you can charge other devices like headphones, smart watches and tablets. Best of all, the Belkin is a compact design that can easily fit into a small bag.

Price: $40
Where to buy: Best Buy | Amazon

Loop Experience 2 Earplugs 

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While this concert essential is an optional one for most, your older self will probably thank you. Loop has developed a stylish accessory for hearing protection at live concerts and events: the Experience 2 model filters noise while keeping sound clear and crisp. They are also customizable to your ear size with different ear tips, and come in a compact carry case. Choose from black, gold, rose gold or silver.

Price: $50
Where to buy: Loop | Amazon

Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow

Years ago, a friend declared to me that these were “the best eyeshadows.” I wholeheartedly agreed with the assessment and seven years later, I’m still rocking with this product because it looks great both in real life and in photos. Beyond that, it doesn’t budge – which is exactly what you want for concert-approved makeup where humidity is unavoidable between weather and/or crowd heat. This Stila shadow in Kitten Karma is consistently my most complimented makeup item.

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Price: $33
Where to buy: Sephora | Amazon

e.l.f. Power Grip Primer

A makeup primer is another essential to keep everything in place before a long night out, especially one that’s going to involve sweaty dancing, humidity or both. e.l.f’s gel-based primer is a product I snoozed on for years, but am glad I finally tried – and for the $13 price point, really does make an e.l.f-ing difference. The clear formula is hydrating without feeling thick, and creates the perfect base for the rest of your makeup to stick to. 

Price: $13
Where to buy: e.l.f. Cosmetics | Amazon

Reformation Val 90s Mid Rise Straight Jeans

Multiple generations would agree that jeans are essential concert wear. Reformation’s denim line has become the fashion editor’s go-to thanks to their fit and quality in recent years. The Val 90s Mid-Rise is a comfy, flattering style on just about anyone thanks to the relaxed, straight leg cut. Best of all, they have a vintage look to them that also feels relaxed and lived in.

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Price: $258
Where to buy: Reformation

Sezane Gaspard Cardigan 

While concerts can get hot, they can also be cold if held outdoors – and don’t dismiss that lengthy walk back to a parking lot, train or Uber. I always suggest bringing an extra layer, and Sezane’s iconic Gaspard Cardigan does just the trick. The comfy, ribbed button-down comes in a slew of shades from neutrals to bolder reds and yellows to suit all types of styles. Throw it on over a tank top with jeans, or keep it tied around your waist during the show.

Price: $170
Where to buy: Sezane 

Adidas Samba OG Shoes

If you follow one recommendation from this list, it’s to always wear comfortable shoes to a concert. From dancing and singing to the dreaded post-show walks and train lines (looking at you, Rogers Stadium), the last thing you want is achy feet at the end of the night. The Adidas Samba sneaker has been trending for a while, and is a great option for something that looks chic but is also practical. The Samba comes in tons of colour combos guaranteeing something for everybody’s taste and style. 

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Price: $130
Where to buy: Adidas

Touchland Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer

Touchland’s Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer is by far my favourite offering on the sanitizer market, and a great item to have on hand during a concert due to crowds and shared spaces. The sleekly designed packaging not only feels great in your hand, but easily slides into any type of bag without taking up a ton of space. The scents are the real winner here, particularly the delightful Beach Coco. 

Price: $14
Where to buy: Sephora | Amazon

Levi’s 501 Mid Thigh Women’s Shorts

If it’s too hot for jeans, shorts it is. You can’t go wrong with Levi’s 501 Mid Thigh Women’s Shorts which aren’t just comfy, but flattering on all body types. The vintage-inspired straight leg fit is fitted through the waist, and features a high rise cut and longer inseam. Choose from various shades of washed blues or black. 

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Price: $88
Where to buy: Levi’s | Amazon

Upcoming summer concerts across Canada

Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber

July 14: Toronto – Scotiabank Arena 

The Weeknd: After Hours til Dawn Tour

July 15 & 16: Vancouver – BC Place
July 19: Edmonton – Commonwealth Stadium
July 24 & 25: Montreal – Parc Jean-Drapeau
July 27 & 28, Aug 7 & 8: Toronto – Rogers Centre

Shania Twain

July 15 & 16: Toronto – The Theatre at Great Canadian Casino Resort

Katy Perry: The Lifetimes Tour 

July 22: Vancouver – Rogers Arena
July 24: Edmonton – Rogers Place
July 26: Winnipeg – Canada Life Centre
July 29: Ottawa – Canadian Tire Centre
July 30: Montreal – Bell Center
August 1: Quebec City – Centre Videotron

Gracie Abrams: The Secret Of Us Deluxe Tour

July 26: Toronto – Budweiser Stage 

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Tate McRae: Miss Possessive Tour

Aug. 4 & 5: Vancouver – Rogers Arena
Aug. 7: Edmonton – Rogers Place
Aug. 9: Winnipeg – Canada Life Centre
Aug. 19 & 20: Toronto – Scotiabank Arena
Aug. 22: Ottawa – Canadian Tire Centre
Aug. 24: Montreal – Bell Centre

Linkin Park

Aug. 5 & 6: Montreal – Centre Bell
Aug. 8: Toronto – Scotiabank Arena
Sept. 21: Vancouver – Rogers Arena

Oasis Live ’25 Tour

Aug. 24 & 25: Toronto – Rogers Stadium

Teddy Swims: I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy Tour

Aug. 30: Vancouver – Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre 

Benson Boone: American Heart World Tour

Aug. 29: Toronto – Scotiabank Arena
Aug. 30: Montreal – Bell Centre
Oct. 4: Vancouver – Rogers Arena

Veeps’ Concert Live Streams

Can’t make it to a live venue this summer? Tune into live music shows online with Veeps and score an exclusive 30 per cent discount for Canoe readers when you sign up for a VEEPS All Access membership.

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July 14: Karen Mason in Birdland Jazz Club, New York
July 19: Straight No Chaser’s Summer Tour Livestream
July 15: Emily Kinney’s The Summer Series Part 4
July 26: Cody Jinks’ In My Blood Album Release Show Live from Red Rocks Amphitheatre 

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Love concerts, but can’t make it to the venue? Stream live shows and events from your couch with VEEPS, a music-first streaming service now operating in Canada. Click here for an introductory offer of 30% off. Explore upcoming concerts and the extensive archive of past performances.

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