As the pandemic started sweeping the nation, talent buyers began to brainstorm and experiment with new socially distant concert ideas, and the one that seemed to take the biggest hold around the country was the drive-in.
Drive-in concerts are a great way to structure in-person shows following social distancing guidelines, and with the pandemic lasting longer than originally anticipated, we know some of our clients are interested in hosting a new variant of shows. Here are some things to consider when planning a drive-in concert.
(Before you get started, you’ll need to know the basics of planning a concert. Download our free Successful Show Planning Guide by entering your email on the right side of this page. Or email Luke if you’re already on our mailing list.)
Location
Where you are going to host this event and what is the capacity are two of the tougher questions to address. You could use large parking lots, empty fields, or rent a local drive-in theater that could assist with operations. Regardless of the location, you will need to have your local authorities determine car capacity (number of lanes, how far apart the cars are, etc.) and entry and exit points for access to and from the event.
You will also need to consider what facilities will be provided at that location. Are you going to have restrooms and concessions available for the crowd? What procedures will be used to keep those sanitized and to keep people socially distant when outside of their cars? If you have a local drive-in facility near you, we suggest partnering with them – they likely already have procedures and staff in place to help make these events run as planned!
Security & Operations
With your location and capacity set, you will need to determine fencing for security, the number of crew members needed to take tickets, and how to enforce safety policies. Your team will be responsible for making sure people stay in their allocated space for the entire show. Additionally, you will need your local to outline procedures for keeping the artist team safe on site – masks, sanitizing rental / shared equipment, socially distanced sound-checks, and private hospitality spaces. Artists will want to know that you have a solid plan and experience before putting their reputation and safety on the line for a drive-in show during a pandemic.
Other questions to consider
- What do you do with patrons who try to walk in or gather near the security fencing?
- How many people are allowed in each car?
- Are people required to stay in the car for the event or can they gather around it?
- What is the maximum sized vehicle you can admit?
- Is there a touchless entry option you can utilize for tickets?
- How do you manage garbage safely if concessions are provided?
Test
Before you spend a ton of time and energy planning a full drive-in concert, we think it is best for you to do a test run with a drive-in movie in the same location. Get the basics figured out before you invest in such a high-profile event. The drive-in show can be logistically challenging to pull off – but if you plan for it correctly, it can be a really cool and unique experience for your attendees.
Have questions or other tips and tricks to host successful drive-in shows? Reach out to Jolene.
As the pandemic started sweeping the nation, talent buyers began to brainstorm and experiment with new socially distant concert ideas, and the one that seemed to take the biggest hold around the country was the drive-in.
Drive-in concerts are a great way to structure in-person shows following social distancing guidelines, and with the pandemic lasting longer than originally anticipated, we know some of our clients are interested in hosting a new variant of shows. Here are some things to consider when planning a drive-in concert.
(Before you get started, you’ll need to know the basics of planning a concert. Download our free Successful Show Planning Guide by entering your email at the bottom of this page. Or email Luke if you’re already on our mailing list.)
Location
Where you are going to host this event and what is the capacity are two of the tougher questions to address. You could use large parking lots, empty fields, or rent a local drive-in theater that could assist with operations. Regardless of the location, you will need to have your local authorities determine car capacity (number of lanes, how far apart the cars are, etc.) and entry and exit points for access to and from the event.
You will also need to consider what facilities will be provided at that location. Are you going to have restrooms and concessions available for the crowd? What procedures will be used to keep those sanitized and to keep people socially distant when outside of their cars? If you have a local drive-in facility near you, we suggest partnering with them – they likely already have procedures and staff in place to help make these events run as planned!
Security & Operations
With your location and capacity set, you will need to determine fencing for security, the number of crew members needed to take tickets, and how to enforce safety policies. Your team will be responsible for making sure people stay in their allocated space for the entire show. Additionally, you will need your local to outline procedures for keeping the artist team safe on site – masks, sanitizing rental / shared equipment, socially distanced sound-checks, and private hospitality spaces. Artists will want to know that you have a solid plan and experience before putting their reputation and safety on the line for a drive-in show during a pandemic.
Other questions to consider
- What do you do with patrons who try to walk in or gather near the security fencing?
- How many people are allowed in each car?
- Are people required to stay in the car for the event or can they gather around it?
- What is the maximum sized vehicle you can admit?
- Is there a touchless entry option you can utilize for tickets?
- How do you manage garbage safely if concessions are provided?
Test
Before you spend a ton of time and energy planning a full drive-in concert, we think it is best for you to do a test run with a drive-in movie in the same location. Get the basics figured out before you invest in such a high-profile event. The drive-in show can be logistically challenging to pull off – but if you plan for it correctly, it can be a really cool and unique experience for your attendees.
Have questions or other tips and tricks to host successful drive-in shows? Reach out to Jolene.
Jake Ostrow
Jake worked as a middle buyer for How To Concerts from 2018 to 2023, helping organizations with their concerts, comedians, and speakers.
Want to know how How To Concerts can help you with your next event? Call us at 920.764.1200 or set up a free consultation today!
Jake Ostrow
Jake worked as a middle buyer for How To Concerts from 2018 to 2023, helping organizations with their concerts, comedians, and speakers.
Want to know how How To Concerts can help you with your next event? Call us at 920.764.1200 or set up a free consultation today!
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