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

Co-authored by Nora Oliver

Last Updated: September 5, 2023

Finding a fun concert with an artist or group you love is easy; convincing your parents to let you go is the difficult part. When you ask for permission, be prepared to compromise. Your chances of hearing a “yes” may increase if you agree to pay for part of the expenses or let your parents choose a chaperone.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Asking Your Parents

Download Article

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]
  X
  Research source}
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]
  X
  Research source}
Advertisement
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

Download Article

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]
  X
  Research source}
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]
  X
  Research source}

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Taking the Initiative

Download Article

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]
  X
  Research source}
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]
  X
  Research source}
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]
  X
  Research source}
- Do they sell alcohol at the venue?
- Does the venue provide a free parents room?
- Are you allowed to bring your cell phone?^{[8]
  X
  Research source}

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
As a small thank you, we’d like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full price—wine, food delivery, clothing and more. Enjoy! Claim Your Gift If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 23 Helpful 94
Question

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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
As a small thank you, we’d like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full price—wine, food delivery, clothing and more. Enjoy! Claim Your Gift If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 16 Helpful 60
Question

What if my parents think it is too dangerous?

Community Answer

Ask them to contact the venue and discuss their concerns.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
As a small thank you, we’d like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full price—wine, food delivery, clothing and more. Enjoy! Claim Your Gift If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 34 Helpful 84

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

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.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Pre-arrange drivers before the concert.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Check the lyrics of the song, and look for swear words. It may be a spoiler, but it’s worth it for age-appropriateness.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Show More Tips

Warnings

Don't act defensive or whiny when asking.

Thanks
Helpful 180 Not Helpful 33
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.

Thanks
Helpful 78 Not Helpful 28