2026 has some great concerts in store. Harry Styles, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato and so many other A-listers are making their grand return to the concert stage, and if you’re aiming for a spot at the barricade, you’ve got to know the tricks of the trade.
With Harry Styles’ “Together, Together” tour rapidly approaching, we all remember people camping out for days at a time to get the best view at his 2022 Love on Tour set. “Harries” brought tents, chairs, and blankets for extended stays, and the earliest attendees would pass out wristbands to account for a fan-made line system.
Gone are the days of simply arriving at the airport an hour in advance. If you want to be up close, you’ve got to plan ahead.
Why Camp Out?
Most concertgoers who camp out do so in an attempt to be at the forefront of the action. Apart from simply getting a better view —an extremely viable motivation for shorter fans — artists are far more likely to interact with audience members if they’re close to the stage. Each night during the “Short n’Sweet” tour, for example, Sabrina Carpenter“arrested” a fan at or near the barricade for“being too hot.”
Music fanatic Lucy Marioni (@lucysplaylists on Instagram) is no stranger to camping culture. To date, the longest she’s camped out for a concert is 45 hours. Marioni argued that queuing is neither a notion of entitlement nor does it seek to deprive others of opportunities, as anyone is welcome to camp out.
“I always like to give the example of a line at an amusement park,” said Marioni. You have no control over the wait time throughout the day, but you can control when you get there in order to beat the rush. If you don’t feel like uprooting your schedule to get the best spot in line, that’s perfectly okay — just keep in mind that others are willing to do so.”
How long you’ll have to camp for depends on the artist and how important a barricade spot is to you. If you’re just looking to be near the action, the morning of — approximately8-10 hours before the start time — should be plenty. If you’re deadset on a front-row spot at a highly anticipated concert, however, camping out overnight, or over several nights, may be your only option.
Planning Ahead
Before you decide to camp out, make sure you check the rules and regulations for the specific venue. Some venues have outlawed camping entirely and won’t honor fanmadenumbering systems. Once you’ve confirmed your venue allows camping, you’re all set to start planning.
First and foremost, you need to pack accordingly. Concert campers often find themselves at war with nature and their own bodies. You’ll probably end up sleeping on the streets, especially if you’re camping for an extended period of time.
Keep in mind that many venues don’t allow large bags. Check your venue’s policies ahead of time, but it’s good practice to bring items you’re comfortable disposing of if need be. Also, make sure to find out if the concert has a VIP package. If it does, keep in mind that no matter what time you arrive, VIPs will always get first access. That being said, buying a VIP package can be a great way to minimize camping time.
Safety Tips
Concerts usually take place in or near big cities, providing less-than-ideal spots for sleeping on the streets. Such an activity will always bear risks, but there are steps you can take to minimize them.
Never camp alone. Always bring a friend(or several!) along for the ride. Not only will the company make the hours go by faster, but there’s also power in numbers. Trade off sleeping so one person is always able to keep watch
Avoid setting up camp in low-lying areas. If it rains, you’ll be flooded. Secure valuables, and only bring what is absolutely necessary.
Don’t let your hygiene suffer. Some concertgoers even have horror stories of fainting from the sheer force of bodily odor in concert pits. Try to rotate holding a spot with your peers and take a shower at a nearby gym or community center. Pack a travel toothbrush, a water bottle for rinsing and mouthwash.
Drink more water than you think you need to. The last thing you want is to have spent all this time camping only to faint at the concert! Concert camping is not for the faint of heart, but it can be incredibly rewarding. Remember to plan ahead and use your head, and you’ll be up close and personal with your favorite artist in no time.
words_ariana glaser. photo_ruby tavano.design_annamarie andrews.
This article was published in Distraction’s Summer 2026 print issue.
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