Getting your parents to buy you concert tickets can seem like a daunting task, but it’s definitely possible with the right approach. As a teenager, it’s understandable that you want to go to shows and experience live music with your friends. However, concerts can be expensive, and parents may be hesitant to spend a lot of money on something they see as frivolous. The key is to have an open and honest discussion with your parents, explain why this concert matters so much to you, and come prepared with ways to demonstrate your responsibility. Here are some tips to convince your parents to invest in this experience for you:
Do Your Research
Before you even approach your parents, make sure you have all the important details about the concert. What band or musician is performing? Where and when will the concert take place? How much are tickets? Is it an all-ages show or 18+? Compile all of this key info so you can clearly explain the concert you want to attend. That way when you sit down with your parents, you can walk them through everything in a straightforward, knowledgeable manner.
Explain Why This Concert Matters
Simply asking to go to a concert because your friends are going or because you think the band is cool is unlikely to convince skeptical parents. You’ll need to dig deeper and explain why this particular show is so important to you. Do you love this music and it’s gotten you through tough times? Is this your favorite band and you’ve always dreamed of seeing them live? Maybe it’s a milestone birthday coming up and you’d love this experience as a gift. Let your parents know what seeing this show would mean to you and why it’s worth the ticket price.
Propose a Budget
Concerts can get expensive, especially if you’re hoping to buy VIP tickets. That’s why it’s smart to do some price research ahead of time and think realistically about what you’re asking your parents to spend. Maybe you can find tickets for $40 if you act fast. Or maybe the cheap seats start at $75. Set a budget that seems reasonable to you and offer to chip in some of your own money from babysitting or other jobs. Demonstrating that you’re willing to contribute shows responsibility.
Promise It Won’t Impact School
A big parental concern about concerts on school nights is that it could interfere with your studies and attendance. Make it clear that academics will still be your top priority. Tell them you’ll still finish all homework beforehand and maintain good grades. And offer to do a few extra chores to “pay back” the time you’ll spend at the concert. Setting these expectations upfront is key.
Suggest an Adult Chaperone
Even if you’re hoping to just go with friends, consider extending the offer to your parents to chaperone the concert. Or see if another trusted adult like an aunt, uncle, older sibling or family friend would be willing to go too. Having a responsible adult there can offer peace of mind and make it more likely your parents will say yes.
Be Flexible on the Details
If your parents have concerns about the timing, day of the week, transportation, or other logistics, be willing to problem-solve together. Brainstorm solutions like attending a matinee show on the weekend, carpooling with other responsible friends, or setting an early curfew after the concert. Flexibility demonstrates maturity and will make your parents more inclined to allow you to go.
Appealing to Your Parents’ Values
Beyond the concrete details about the concert, it can also help to think about your parents’ own values and priorities as you state your case. Aligning your pitch with the things they care about most can give it added weight. Here are some values you might appeal to:
Responsibility
Emphasize that you’re committed to being responsible before, during and after the concert. That could mean finishing your homework first, sticking with your group, not talking to strangers, keeping your phone charged and checking in after the show. Proactively addressing responsibilities shows maturity.
New Experiences
Parents often want to see their kids try new things and expand their horizons. Position the concert as a chance to discover new music and be part of a one-of-a-kind experience you’ll remember forever. It’s a special opportunity you’re hoping they’ll support.
Trust
Acknowledge that letting you go to a concert requires trust on their part. Recognize that and reassure them that you can be trusted to make smart decisions. Share other examples of when you’ve shown you’re trustworthy both at home and at school.
Supporting Interests
Talk about how much you love this band’s music and how important that interest is to you. Knowing they support the things that matter most to your life will mean a lot. This concert is a continuation of your passion.
Milestones
If this will be your first concert without parental supervision, explain how it’s an important rite of passage and milestone in your teenage years. Everyone remembers their first show, and you’d love for them to support you having this formative experience.
Alternatives to Make It Work
If your parents still aren’t sold on the concert idea, negotiate and propose alternatives that might make them more comfortable:
Go to a Local Show Instead
Look into smaller local bands or venues near where you live instead. This reduces complications like travel, hotels, and late nights. Offer to research local upcoming shows for safer options.
Attend a Matinee
Compromise by going to a weekend or after school matinee performance instead of a late show. This allows you to still see the concert while avoiding issues like transportation at night.
Save Up and Pay Yourself
Tell your parents you respect them not wanting to pay and will start saving up your own babysitting, pet sitting or summer job money to cover the ticket. Set a dollar goal and timeline. Then independently buy your ticket once you’ve saved enough.
Get Tickets as a Gift
Rather than asking your parents to pay, request that concert tickets be your big gift for an upcoming birthday or other holiday. Make it your primary gift request to increase the chances they’ll get them.
See a Tribute Act Instead
If the main concern is expense, research to see if any local tribute acts or cover bands for the group are performing. Going to see a free or very cheap imitation act could be a good compromise.
When and How to Ask
Timing is everything when trying to get buy-in from your parents:
Pick a Good Time
Try to ask at a time when your parents are relaxed and in a good mood, like during a family weekend breakfast or while relaxing after dinner. Avoid times when they’re preoccupied, stressed or need to be somewhere soon.
Plan Ahead
Ideally start the conversation at least several weeks (or more) before the concert. This shows responsibility and gives you both time to sort out all the details. Don’t wait until the last minute.
One-on-One Is Best
Having the conversation with one parent at a time, instead of both together, can sometimes work in your favor. Decide who is most likely to say yes and start there.
Do It In Person
Discussing the concert over text or email is unlikely to get the same results. Sit down in person, make eye contact and have an earnest discussion. They’ll appreciate it.
Come Prepared
Bring the concert details, ticket prices and your reasoning to the conversation. Being organized demonstrates your maturity and self-sufficiency.
Showing Gratitude Goes a Long Way
However the discussion goes, remember to thank your parents for considering your request, listening with an open mind and caring enough to talk it through. Let them know you appreciate that they want what’s best for you, even if you disagree on what that is sometimes. If they ultimately decide to get you tickets, express sincere gratitude for their trust and generosity. Maybe even send a thank you card, give extra hugs or do something thoughtful in return. That courtesy can strengthen your case, both for this concert and situations down the road. Parents respond well when their child’s gratitude feels genuine.
What to Do If They Say No
If your parents won’t budge on buying you tickets, try not to overreact or get angry. That will just make the situation worse. Instead:
Accept Their Decision Calmly
Let them know you’re disappointed but understand where they’re coming from. They want to avoid rewarding pushy or disrespectful behavior.
Learn for Next Time
Ask what objections or reservations they still have so you can improve your approach next time you request something big. Growing from the experience will impress them.
Try Again Later
Don’t pester constantly, but if some time passes, politely check to see if they’ve reconsidered as the concert gets closer. Persistence paired with patience is key.
Spend Your Own Money
Ultimately it may come down to paying your own way if your parents won’t. That’s their prerogative as your guardians. Start saving now so you can buy a ticket in time.
Enjoy the Next Best Thing
See if any friends or relatives got tickets and are willing to FaceTime with you from the concert so you can at least experience it remotely. Live vicariously and start planning which concert you want to see next.
Conclusion
Getting your parents on board to buy concert tickets is possible if you lay the groundwork thoughtfully. Approach them with facts, empathy and maturity. Find creative compromises and alternatives if needed. While a “no” is disappointing, focus your efforts on showing responsibility and gratitude. This respectful approach to both what you want and their role as parents can open more doors, both for concerts and other enrichment opportunities, as you grow older. With the right strategy catered to your specific parents, you can convince them that this concert is a worthwhile investment in your happiness.
Tactic | Example |
---|---|
Do your research | Know the band, venue, and ticket pricing details |
Explain why it matters | It’s your favorite band and a dream to see them |
Propose a budget | Offer to pay for half the $75 tickets |
Promise no impact on school | Agree to finish homework first and maintain grades |
Suggest a chaperone | Invite your aunt to go with your group |
Be flexible | Go to a matinee instead of late show if they prefer |
Appeal to their values | Note it’s a milestone experience and form of trust in you |
Pick the right time | Ask on a relaxed weekend morning rather than rushed weekday |
Express gratitude | Send a thank you card if they pay for the tickets |
Key Takeaways
- Research concert details so you can knowledgeably explain what you want
- Frame the concert as important to you and tied to your interests
- Be responsible in your approach by budgeting, maintaining school focus, suggesting supervision, etc.
- Appeal to parental values like responsibility, trust and expanding your horizons
- Thank your parents for considering your request, even if the answer is no
- If they decline, earn money toward tickets yourself and learn for next time