How to Ask Your Parents to Let You Go to a Concert

Co-authored by Nora Oliver

Last Updated: November 6, 2023

Excited to go see an awesome concert? Well, that might mean you'll need to convince your parents first...but luckily, we've got you covered! Below, we've listed all the best tips for talking to your parents so that you'll be able to leave them totally convinced. We'll tell you exactly what to say and how to say it so that you get to see your show! Read on for more.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Asking Your Parents

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1
Find a time to talk. Before the tickets go on sale, you need to speak to your parents. Asking about the concert at the “right” time may increase your chances of hearing “yes.”
- Talk to them when they are free. “Hi, Mom. Do you have a few minutes to talk?” “Hey, Dad. Are you free right now?”
- Avoid asking them about the concert if them seem stressed, distracted, or busy.^{[1]
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2
Express your gratitude. Asking outright to attend a concert might result in an immediate “no” from your parents. You can soften your request with a few kind, appreciative words.
- “Thank you for working so hard to provide for me.”
- ”I really appreciate everything you do for me.”
- I am grateful for all of the opportunities you’ve given me.”^{[2]
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3
Introduce the concert into your conversation. Once you’ve told them how much you appreciate them, it is time to mention the concert. Provide your parents with the basic information:
- Who is performing?
- Where is the concert
- When is the concert
- What time is the concert
- How much will it cost
- ”My favorite artist, ____, is performing in ____ on ____. The concert starts at ____ and ends at ____. Tickets cost ____.”
4
Ask politely. The goal of this talk is to get permission from your parents. Instead of telling them you are going, ask them if you may go.
- ”May I go to the concert, please?”
5
Give your parents more information. Before your parents say “yes” or “no,” they may ask you questions about the concert. As you answer their questions, remain respectful and calm. Don’t get defensive.
- Let them know if your friends are planning to attend.
- Let them know if someone is chaperoning.
- Tell them more about the artist/group and the music.
- Explain how you plan to pay for the concert.
- Let them know if there is a designated “parents room” at the venue.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Bargaining With Your Parents

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1
Offer to help cover the expenses. Your parents may be reluctant or unable to pay for the concert. You can overcome this obstacle by:
- Offering to pay for part or all of the cost
- Offering to do work around the house in exchange for money towards the concert
- Asking for a loan from your parents
- Asking for the ticket for a holiday or your birthday present^{[3]
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2
Find a chaperone you can all agree on. Did you intend to go to the concert without a chaperone? The thought of you at a concert without an adult might make your parents uncomfortable. Rather than insisting you are old enough, mature enough, and responsible enough to go to a concert without an adult, present them with a few alternative solutions. Suitable options might include:
- An older sibling or cousin
- Your parents or a friend’s parents
- A trusted babysitter or nanny
3
Ask your parents to reconsider. At the end your conversation, your parents may say “no” to the concert. Rather than throwing a fit, remain calm, cool, and collected. Ask them to spend some time thinking about it. In a few days, ask if they’ve reached a decision.
- While you wait for them to decide, remain on your best behavior.^{[4]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Taking the Initiative

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1
Practice good behavior. Concerts are typically announced well in advance of tickets going on sale. This provides you with plenty of time to demonstrate to your parents that you are deserving and responsible enough to attend the concert. Before tickets go on sale:
- Work to improve your grades
- Fight less with your brothers and sisters
- Do your chores
- Help out extra around the house
- Keep your room clean
- Do your best not to break any of your parents’ rules^{[5]
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2
Consider how you will pay for the concert. Concerts are expensive events. In addition to purchasing a ticket, you may have to buy food, pay for transportation, and/or contribute to a hotel room. As a result, most teens can’t cover the cost on their own and require financial help from their parents. You can approach this hurdle in a variety of ways. After the concert is announced:
- Start saving money
- Find odd jobs around the house or neighborhood
- Ask for less from your parents^{[6]
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3
Research the artist, concert, and venue. When you ask your parents if you may attend the concert, they’ll want specific details about the artist, concert, and venue. To prepare for their questions, answer the following questions:
- Who/what group is performing?
- What type of music does the artist/group perform? Is it appropriate for your age group?
- Who listens to their music? Is it mainly people your age?
- When is the concert?
- Where is the concert? Is it close to your house? Do you need to pay for a hotel room?
- What time does the concert start and end?
- How expensive is the ticket?
- Are your friends going? Will one of their parents serve as the chaperone?^{[7]
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- Do they sell alcohol at the venue?
- Does the venue provide a free parents room?
- Are you allowed to bring your cell phone?^{[8]
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Community Q&A

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Question

My friend bought a ticket for me for my birthday my mom said yes my dad said no what should I do to convince him? He's scared I'll get lost and never come back.

Community Answer

Sit down with your dad and study the venue. Find a spot for you to wait for your friend in case you get separated.

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What if I have already bought the tickets with my own money and the concert is this weekend? How do I ask them if I can go?

Community Answer

First of all, you shouldn't have bought the tickets without permission from your parents. Don't tell them you already bought tickets. You could tell them a friend bought tickets and he/she wants to sell you one so you can go with them. If there is a responsible adult going, make sure to tell your parents that part, and tell them you'll come straight home after the concert.

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Question

What if my parents think it is too dangerous?

Community Answer

Ask them to contact the venue and discuss their concerns.

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Tips

Buy all the tickets with your group at once, so that your seats are together or if it's general admission, agree to stick together once you've arrived at the venue.

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Pre-arrange drivers before the concert.

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Check the lyrics of the song, and look for swear words. It may be a spoiler, but it’s worth it for age-appropriateness.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Let your parents know about the concert as far in advance as possible. Then they'll have more time to think about whether they'll let you go. If they say no or that they have to think about it, be on your best behavior, then ask again in a few days or weeks.
Learn everything you can about the concert, including what time it starts and what time it will be over. Tell your parents all of the details and ask them if there's any more information they'd want to know that could convince them to let you go.
If you know any adults or older kids who are going to the concert, ask them if they'd be willing to chaperone you before you ask your parents. This way, you can tell your parents that you'll have a chaperone when asking.
Any time your parents let you go to a concert, go straight home after so they will see that you are mature and responsible. This may lead to them letting you go to other concerts.
If they say no, tell them you're happy they made time to talk to you and go do something else. Being mature about hearing "no" might make them change their mind.
Save money so you can pay for all or part of the ticket money. Your parents may just want to see that you're responsible.
If your parents don't let you go, just say "I respect your decision. Please consider it though."

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Warnings

Don't act defensive or whiny when asking.

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If your parents say no don't complain or start arguments as this means that if you want to do more things in the future it could affect it.

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