https://visitnebraska.com/gothenburg/lake-helen-recreation-area
Outdoor Concert Essentials
Festival Season is upon us! Whether you’re a concert newbie or you’ve been attending concerts for years, it seems like you’re always bound to forget something. We’ve got a list of essentials and tips for having the best time at your show and not regretting your decisions the next day.
Things to Bring: Sunscreen We’ve all said the words “I don’t burn” when watching our friends apply sunscreen or “I’ll only be in the sun for a few minutes” but it’s those types of people who wake up the next day in pain with skin that’s the same color as a lobster. Sunscreen not only protects you from burns, but also helps prevent sun poisoning.
Bug repellent Bug spray is always a good choice, but we also highly recommend bug repellent bracelets. They don’t leave the same sticky feeling as bug spray and you can also choose between wearing them around your wrist or ankle.
Sunglasses
Even if you aren’t a fan of wearing sunglasses, we recommend bringing a pair. Your face might get sweaty, but it beats having to squint to see the bands playing. Just make sure you don’t bring an expensive pair or you’ll be crying when they get smashed or lost.
Lawn blanket or tarp Most outdoor venues don’t allow lawn chairs, so if you want to avoid sitting in the dirt/mud or standing all night, you best bring a lawn blanket or tarp to sit on. The tarp also doubles as protection from the rain!
Umbrella/poncho
In the event it rains and you don’t want to get soaked, we suggest either bringing an umbrella or poncho. A poncho may look dorky, but some venues don’t allow umbrellas and it’ll prevent you from freezing the rest of the night with soaked clothes.
Water/empty water bottle Even if the venue doesn’t allow you to bring in outside water, it’s important to stay hydrated, so bring some water to drink while you stand in line and wait for the gates to open. They may also have a water fountain to fill up an empty water bottle if you bring one.
Snacks If snacks are allowed at the venue, you’ll have to pay attention to the size you’re allowed to bring in. If they aren’t allowed, it’s a good idea to eat a snack before the show or while you wait in line because food at concert venues it usually outrageously priced.
Hand sanitizer
If you’re lucky, there will be actual restrooms at the venue. If not, you’ll be stuck using the dreaded port-o-potty. One way to make your experience less dreadful is to bring hand sanitizer to use afterwards.
Tissues/wipes These are also going to come in handy if you get stuck having to use a port-o-potty. You never know when those things are going to be out of toilet paper. The tissues can also be used to wipe away your tears when you find yourself in crying during the emotional songs. The wipes can also double as a makeup remover if your mascara starts running down your face.
Portable charger More than likely, your phone will be nearly dead by the time the headliner comes on. If you plan on filming during your favorite song, you’re going to need some battery life. Not only does a portable charger help you capture some good memories, it also helps keep your phone alive if you need to use it as a GPS to find your way home, or call an Uber.
Fanny pack A fanny pack is small and easy to carry, making your outdoor concert experience more bearable. It allows you to carry all your essentials while also being able to dance the night away without worrying about your purse falling off your shoulder or getting stolen when you put it on the ground.
Ibuprofen or Tylenol If the venue is more than 20 minutes away from your house, the last thing you want to do is have a long miserable drive home with a headache after you’re already exhausted from the show. Avoid this problem by carrying a headache reliever on you, or stash some in your car.
Hair ties It’s going to be hot outside this summer, so bring some hair ties to throw your hair up in a ponytail to keep your hair out of your face and off your neck.
Hat
A hat can not only be a part of your outfit, but it can also provide some shade for your eyes and help prevent sunburns on your face.
Earplugs Concerts are fun, but if you want to stand upfront by the speakers, make sure to bring something to protect your ears. Your ears will either be ringing the next day, or your friends will have to shout at you all night because you won’t be able to hear a thing.
Deodorant We’ve all been to a concert and smelled stinky people around us. Don’t be the person that everyone hates; bring a travel size deodorant to reapply when you take a bathroom break.
Chapstick
The only thing worse than chapped lips is sunburnt chapped lips. Buy chapstick with SPF to protect your lips from the sun.
Bandana If the venue’s ground is covered in dirt, a bandana can be used to cover your mouth when the crowd kicks the dirt around. It also doubles as a way to stay cool. Just run it under some water and then tie it around your neck and you won’t have any regrets. Trust us.
Lighter/glow sticks There’s something about waving a lighter back and forth during a slow song that completes the whole concert experience. Glow sticks are also fun to wave around during the fast songs.
Things to Remember: Check venue website to see prohibited items You’ll typically have to go through security or at least a bag check before the show. Make sure you don’t bring any prohibited items or they’ll either be thrown away, or you’ll have to wait in line to retrieve them after the show.
Dress for the weather
It may be hot during the day, but it tends to cool down on most summer nights, so be prepared to bring a light sweatshirt if you get cold easily. You should also be prepared in the event it rains.
Bring tickets Your ticket is the most important thing to get you into the show. Double check to make sure you have it when you walk out the door and then check again before you walk up to the venue.
Bring extra money for parking, merch and food
More than likely, you’re going to have to pay to park somewhere, and you’re going to need cash. You’ll also probably want to buy merch or some food and drinks while you’re there. If you’re lucky, they’ll accept cards, but carry some extra cash on you in the event they don’t.
Mistakes to Avoid: Bringing large backpacks Most venues don’t allow large backpacks, and some don’t even allow drawstring backpacks. Just be sure to read up on the venue’s policy before you go so you don’t have to wait in line and pay for bag check.
Wearing flip flops or open-toe shoes If you’re wearing flip flops in the middle of a crowd, you’re either going to end the night with nothing on your feet, or with a bunch of cuts and bruises from people stepping on them.
Arriving late
If you don’t want to miss any of the bands playing, be sure to check the time on your ticket and the venue’s website to make sure the times match up, and then arrive early. Especially if you want to have time to purchase merch before the show starts. Many venues live tweet as new bands take the stage, so check their Twitter feed to stay up to date!
Buying merch after the show instead of before The reason you want to get there early enough to buy merch before the show is because that shirt you’ve been eyeballing the whole night will probably be sold out in your size by the time the show is over. You can even try buying merch in between bands, but if you want to be guaranteed to get the items you want, you should buy them before the show.
Not charging your cell phone/portable charger before you leave Having a fully charged phone will help it last throughout the whole show. You can either charge your phone in the car or bring a portable charger. Just don’t forget to charge the portable charger before you leave or it’ll be pointless to bring.
Festival Season is upon us! Whether you’re a concert newbie or you’ve been attending concerts for years, it seems like you’re always bound to forget something. We’ve got a list of essentials and tips for having the best time at your show and not regretting your decisions the next day.
Things to Bring: Sunscreen We’ve all said the words “I don’t burn” when watching our friends apply sunscreen or “I’ll only be in the sun for a few minutes” but it’s those types of people who wake up the next day in pain with skin that’s the same color as a lobster. Sunscreen not only protects you from burns, but also helps prevent sun poisoning.
Bug repellent Bug spray is always a good choice, but we also highly recommend bug repellent bracelets. They don’t leave the same sticky feeling as bug spray and you can also choose between wearing them around your wrist or ankle.
Sunglasses
Even if you aren’t a fan of wearing sunglasses, we recommend bringing a pair. Your face might get sweaty, but it beats having to squint to see the bands playing. Just make sure you don’t bring an expensive pair or you’ll be crying when they get smashed or lost.
Lawn blanket or tarp Most outdoor venues don’t allow lawn chairs, so if you want to avoid sitting in the dirt/mud or standing all night, you best bring a lawn blanket or tarp to sit on. The tarp also doubles as protection from the rain!
Umbrella/poncho
In the event it rains and you don’t want to get soaked, we suggest either bringing an umbrella or poncho. A poncho may look dorky, but some venues don’t allow umbrellas and it’ll prevent you from freezing the rest of the night with soaked clothes.
Water/empty water bottle Even if the venue doesn’t allow you to bring in outside water, it’s important to stay hydrated, so bring some water to drink while you stand in line and wait for the gates to open. They may also have a water fountain to fill up an empty water bottle if you bring one.
Snacks If snacks are allowed at the venue, you’ll have to pay attention to the size you’re allowed to bring in. If they aren’t allowed, it’s a good idea to eat a snack before the show or while you wait in line because food at concert venues it usually outrageously priced.
Hand sanitizer
If you’re lucky, there will be actual restrooms at the venue. If not, you’ll be stuck using the dreaded port-o-potty. One way to make your experience less dreadful is to bring hand sanitizer to use afterwards.
Tissues/wipes These are also going to come in handy if you get stuck having to use a port-o-potty. You never know when those things are going to be out of toilet paper. The tissues can also be used to wipe away your tears when you find yourself in crying during the emotional songs. The wipes can also double as a makeup remover if your mascara starts running down your face.
Portable charger More than likely, your phone will be nearly dead by the time the headliner comes on. If you plan on filming during your favorite song, you’re going to need some battery life. Not only does a portable charger help you capture some good memories, it also helps keep your phone alive if you need to use it as a GPS to find your way home, or call an Uber.
Fanny pack A fanny pack is small and easy to carry, making your outdoor concert experience more bearable. It allows you to carry all your essentials while also being able to dance the night away without worrying about your purse falling off your shoulder or getting stolen when you put it on the ground.
Ibuprofen or Tylenol If the venue is more than 20 minutes away from your house, the last thing you want to do is have a long miserable drive home with a headache after you’re already exhausted from the show. Avoid this problem by carrying a headache reliever on you, or stash some in your car.
Hair ties It’s going to be hot outside this summer, so bring some hair ties to throw your hair up in a ponytail to keep your hair out of your face and off your neck.
Hat
A hat can not only be a part of your outfit, but it can also provide some shade for your eyes and help prevent sunburns on your face.
Earplugs Concerts are fun, but if you want to stand upfront by the speakers, make sure to bring something to protect your ears. Your ears will either be ringing the next day, or your friends will have to shout at you all night because you won’t be able to hear a thing.
Deodorant We’ve all been to a concert and smelled stinky people around us. Don’t be the person that everyone hates; bring a travel size deodorant to reapply when you take a bathroom break.
Chapstick
The only thing worse than chapped lips is sunburnt chapped lips. Buy chapstick with SPF to protect your lips from the sun.
Bandana If the venue’s ground is covered in dirt, a bandana can be used to cover your mouth when the crowd kicks the dirt around. It also doubles as a way to stay cool. Just run it under some water and then tie it around your neck and you won’t have any regrets. Trust us.
Lighter/glow sticks There’s something about waving a lighter back and forth during a slow song that completes the whole concert experience. Glow sticks are also fun to wave around during the fast songs.
Things to Remember: Check venue website to see prohibited items You’ll typically have to go through security or at least a bag check before the show. Make sure you don’t bring any prohibited items or they’ll either be thrown away, or you’ll have to wait in line to retrieve them after the show.
Dress for the weather
It may be hot during the day, but it tends to cool down on most summer nights, so be prepared to bring a light sweatshirt if you get cold easily. You should also be prepared in the event it rains.
Bring tickets Your ticket is the most important thing to get you into the show. Double check to make sure you have it when you walk out the door and then check again before you walk up to the venue.
Bring extra money for parking, merch and food
More than likely, you’re going to have to pay to park somewhere, and you’re going to need cash. You’ll also probably want to buy merch or some food and drinks while you’re there. If you’re lucky, they’ll accept cards, but carry some extra cash on you in the event they don’t.
Mistakes to Avoid: Bringing large backpacks Most venues don’t allow large backpacks, and some don’t even allow drawstring backpacks. Just be sure to read up on the venue’s policy before you go so you don’t have to wait in line and pay for bag check.
Wearing flip flops or open-toe shoes If you’re wearing flip flops in the middle of a crowd, you’re either going to end the night with nothing on your feet, or with a bunch of cuts and bruises from people stepping on them.
Arriving late
If you don’t want to miss any of the bands playing, be sure to check the time on your ticket and the venue’s website to make sure the times match up, and then arrive early. Especially if you want to have time to purchase merch before the show starts. Many venues live tweet as new bands take the stage, so check their Twitter feed to stay up to date!
Buying merch after the show instead of before The reason you want to get there early enough to buy merch before the show is because that shirt you’ve been eyeballing the whole night will probably be sold out in your size by the time the show is over. You can even try buying merch in between bands, but if you want to be guaranteed to get the items you want, you should buy them before the show.
Not charging your cell phone/portable charger before you leave Having a fully charged phone will help it last throughout the whole show. You can either charge your phone in the car or bring a portable charger. Just don’t forget to charge the portable charger before you leave or it’ll be pointless to bring.
MAP AND LOCAL INFO - BRING YOUR TENTS AND CHAIRS. PLENTY OF ROOM FOR ALL!
HOTELS AND CAMPGROUNDS LOCALLYLafayette Park CAMP
Website Directions Address: 315 27th St, Gothenburg, NE 69138 Phone: (308) 537-2299 Check availability Blue Heron Campground
Website Directions Address: 1102 S Lake Ave, Gothenburg, NE 69138 Phone: New Ownership Check availability Comfort Suites
Website Directions Address: 315 Platte River Rd Drive, Gothenburg, NE 69138 Phone: (308) 537-7378 Howard Johnson by Wyndham Gothenburg
Website Directions Address: 401 Platte River Dr, Gothenburg, NE 69138 Phone: (308) 537-2684 Check availability Camp Comeca Lodging Available!
http://campcomeca.com/ Jordan Suhler deals with all of our bookings and you can reach him at jordanccrc@greatplainsumc.org or (620) 680-0570. |