As the summer concert season heats up, many music fans are excited to see some of their favorite bands and artists live on the Red Hot Summer Tour. This multi-date touring festival features legendary rock bands and iconic music acts spanning different eras and genres. Some of the big names on the 2023 lineup include Hunters & Collectors, James Reyne, The Living End, The Angels, Baby Animals, Killing Heidi, Boom Crash Opera, and Bachelor Girl. With a stellar roster like that, it’s no wonder Red Hot Summer Tour tickets are in high demand!
If you’re lucky enough to have tickets to an upcoming Red Hot Summer Tour concert, you may be wondering: can I bring food and drinks from home to the show? That’s a great question to ask before heading out to a music festival or concert venue. The general rules around outside food and beverage may vary between specific venues and locations. So it’s always a good idea to check the official policies for the show you’re attending. Let’s break down some common concert food rules and tips for fueling up at a multi-act music festival like Red Hot Summer Tour.
Venue Policies: What You Can and Can’t Bring
Many major concert venues and music festivals like Red Hot Summer Tour have strict rules about what you can and cannot bring from the outside. This often includes prohibiting outside food and drinks. Some general policies may include:
- No outside food or beverages allowed – You must purchase all food and drinks inside the venue.
- Factory-sealed water bottles only – Empty reusable bottles and canteens must be empty upon entry.
- No alcohol, canned/bottled beverages, or glass containers.
- No large coolers or picnic baskets.
Rules are typically posted on the venue or festival website and will also be enforced by security at the entrance gates. Some venues may allow exceptions for medical or dietary restrictions. Always check ahead and contact the venue if you have special circumstances requiring outside food.
Practical Reasons for Limits on Outside Items
There are some sensible reasons why concert venues need to crack down on outside food and drinks at big events like Red Hot Summer Tour:
- Safety and security – Prohibiting outside containers helps limit prohibited items like weapons, alcohol, and glass from entering.
- Sanitation – Not allowing home-cooked food reduces risks of foodborne illness from improperly stored or prepared items.
- Revenue – Food and drink sales are a major revenue stream for festivals and venues. Bringing your own eats cuts into their sales.
- Exclusive contracts – Many locations have contracts with certain brands or vendors and must prohibit outside competitors.
While it may seem inconvenient as a concert-goer, these rules ultimately help events run more safely and profitably.
Getting Food Inside the Venue
Don’t worry – even if you can’t pack your own food, there will still be plenty of delicious dining options to fuel up on at Red Hot Summer Tour venues. Most concert venues offer a wide range of food and drink choices inside, from grab-and-go to sit-down options. Typical concert fare may include:
Food | Beverages |
---|---|
Hot dogs, burgers, and sausage | Soda & bottled water |
Pizza, nachos, fries | Alcoholic drinks |
Popcorn, pretzels, and snacks | Beer, wine, cocktails |
Candy, cookies, ice cream | Coffee, tea, juice |
Funnel cakes, turkey legs, lemonade | Energy drinks |
Prices may be on the steeper side, as is common at most entertainment venues and sports stadiums. Bringing cash can sometimes get you faster service compared to long lines for credit cards. But going prepared with a full stomach and some snacks in your pockets can help you save money and avoid overpaying for food inside.
The Best Foods to Sneak In
Assuming no major dietary restrictions, what kinds of foods travel well and are easy to sneak into a concert? Here are some smart choices:
- Trail mix – Packed with protein, fiber, and good fats, trail mix offers lasting energy.
- Protein or granola bars – Look for filling whole-food bars without too much sugar.
- Fresh fruit – Fruit like apples or oranges are healthy portable snacks.
- Dried fruit and veggie chips – Go for unsweetened, low-sodium options.
- Sandwiches or wraps – Use soft bread and securely wrapped fillings.
- Nuts and seeds – Almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds etc. make nutritious concert snacks.
- Energy balls – Make your own healthy no-bake energy balls at home.
Focus on non-perishable foods that don’t require reheating or utensils. Items like fresh veggies, loose popcorn or oatmeal are not ideal since they could spill and make a mess. Prioritize easily packable, mess-free finger foods.
Getting Food In – Sneaky Tips and Hacks
Wondering how to sneak restricted items like outside snacks past security? People get creative when hunger calls. Here are some popular techniques:
- Stash small food items in your bag’s interior pockets or compartments.
- Place snacks in a clear plastic baggie hidden in a tampon box or “feminine product” bag.
- Keep a few protein bars tucked into your shoes or socks.
- Safely tuck tiny snacks into a glasses case, inside chapstick tubes, etc.
- For ladies – conceal bite-size foods in your bra.
- Put sandwiches, fruit or other larger items at the very bottom of your bag under everything else.
- Cover food with a jacket when going through security checkpoints.
- Place drinks in a sealed water pouch under your clothes around your waist area.
Keep in mind that while some items may get past distracted ticket takers, blatant disregard for policies could get you ejected or banned. Use your best judgment bringing in prohibited items.
Saving Money on Food and Drinks
Beyond sneaking in your own food, a few other tips can help you stick to your budget for concessions:
- Eat a full meal before arriving – Avoid overpaying for food when you’re already starving.
- Share items with friends – Split larger portions of food and snacks.
- Price compare menu items – Sometimes combo meals are cheaper than individual items.
- Skip the alcohol – Booze blows up budgets fast.
- Load up on lower cost fillers – Opt for cheaper sides like fries versus main entrees.
- Only buy one meal – Make it last by packing your own snacks.
- Avoid vendor cart snacks – Vendors roaming the crowds tend to overcharge.
- Hydrate with free water – Fill up your bottle at drinking fountains.
A little planning goes a long way. With smart strategies, you can enjoy concerts affordably – sneaky snacks and all!
Healthy Eating Tips for Concerts
Between greasy food vendors and excited appetites, it’s easy to overindulge on junk food at concerts. But you can maintain balanced nutrition even in tempting festival environments. Some strategies include:
- Pack nutritious snacks from home – Fresh fruit, nuts, whole-grain bars etc.
- Split or share fried/greasy foods – One serving may satisfy your craving.
- Choose grilled instead of fried – Go for grilled chicken or shrimp skewers.
- Load up on veggie sides – Fill up on healthier options like salads.
- Opt for water instead of soda – Stay hydrated without empty calories.
- Limit sweets and desserts – Fresh fruit can satisfy a sweet tooth.
- Watch alcohol intake – Booze leads to poor diet choices.
- Read nutrition labels – Compare carb, sugar, and sodium content.
Balancing indulgence with nutritious choices can let you enjoy treats without diet derailment at concerts.
Food Allergies and Restricted Diets
If you have food allergies or stick to a restricted diet like gluten-free, vegan, etc., concerts present some unique challenges. Here are some tips to eat safely with dietary limitations:
- Research menu options online ahead of time.
- Pack plenty of snacks from home.
- Seek out allergen-friendly vendors if available.
- Ask vendors about preparation methods and ingredients.
- Clarify diet needs with friends if sharing food.
- Wash hands frequently before eating.
- Carry allergy medication like Benadryl or an EpiPen.
- Know your emergency action plan in case of reaction.
- Consider eating a larger meal beforehand as a precaution.
Being prepared with safe snacks and awareness about cross-contamination risks is key for anyone with food restrictions at crowded venues.
Staying Hydrated
Hot summer concert crowds and dancing call for proper hydration. Follow these tips to stay hydrated:
- Drink 8 oz. of water before arriving and another 8 oz. when you get there.
- Bring an empty refillable water bottle – Take advantage of free taps.
- Aim for 8 oz. of water every hour in hot weather.
- Choose water over alcohol and sweetened beverages.
- Notice the color of your urine – Dark yellow signals dehydration.
- Drink more after dancing and sweating heavily.
- Avoid excess caffeine and sodium which promote water loss.
- Eat fruits and veggies with high water content.
- Use hydration supplements like electrolyte powders as needed.
Don’t let dehydration ruin your festival fun. Hydrate consistently and drink more when sweating to stay refreshed.
Conclusion
Attending music festivals like Red Hot Summer Tour means planning ahead for things like food and hydration. While most venues prohibit outside food and drinks, you can still eat well and save money. Pack smart snacks, follow venue rules, balance indulgences, plan for dietary needs, and hydrate consistently. Remember to rock out and have fun once you’ve squared away your food strategy!