How To Attend Events Solo Without Feeling Awkward

Have you ever wanted to go to an event but decided against it because you couldn’t get any of your friends to come along with you? Me too.

Going to events alone can be awkward, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, I’d say that attending events solo is a skill everyone should master. It helps to increase your confidence, overcome social anxiety, and you can make friends in the process. I know it sounds easier said than done, but I have some tips to help you.

1. Put some effort into your outfit: This is perhaps the most important thing to do if you’re attending an event solo. Nothing kills your confidence faster than being overdressed or underdressed for an event. Find out what kind of event it will be and dress accordingly. Make sure you are comfortable in your choice of clothing and add an interesting piece — a quote t-shirt, colourful shoes, cute earrings. The most effortless conversation starter is usually an outfit compliment, so you want to set yourself for success.

2. Get in the mood: For some people, it’s listening to a playlist while getting ready; for others, it’s repeating affirmations. Whatever it is, find what works for you — what gets you pumped and going. If music is your thing, we have a playlist right here to help you.

3. Have a safety plan in place: Going solo doesn’t mean going on ghost mode. Make sure your friends and family know where you are going, share your location and all the details. If you can, take a picture of what you are wearing and share it with your friends. Ensure your phone is charged and have a power bank to keep it juiced throughout the event. Be aware of your surroundings and be alert at all times.

4. Find other people there alone: Trust me when I say you are not the only one attending that event alone. Seek out other people who are there alone and would love to meet up. An easy way to do this is through social media. A quick ‘Who is at The Cavemen’s concert and wants to meet up?’ tweet is sure to connect you to other people or groups of friends you can tag along with for the event. If you would rather have an unplugged experience, look out for people fidgeting with their phones, standing by themselves and say hi to them. You’ll know them because they’ll look like what you’d look like if you didn’t read this article, haha.

5. Actually talk to people: Walk up to a stranger or a group of friends and compliment their outfits. Ask them where the bathroom is and if they’ve tried out any vendors and who they recommend to try, ask if they are having a good time, how they found out about the event, whose performance they are looking forward to the most etc. Ask questions, listen when people talk and make eye contact.

6. Have fun: The whole gist of this is to make sure you’re having fun. Whatever you do, make sure you are happy. Participate in everything going on — check out the vendors, buy merch, dance like no one is watching and just live life.

Stop waiting for other people to join you in doing things that make you happy. You’ll wait forever. 🧡

Looking for events to attend solo? Stay up to date with concerts, theatre shows, food festivals, shopping events and more around you with the event discovery page on tix.africa.

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