Getting old sucks, or so you’ve been made to think. We beg to differ because with age comes wisdom and experience. If your passion is live music, and you started at a young age, by 30, you’ve probably learned a thing or two about navigating the world of live music. If you’re worrying about growing old, don’t. You’ve been through quite a lot, and you know better than ever before. It’s just the beginning of your journey as a live music professional!

1. You can afford the seats you’ve always dreamed of

One of the perks of getting older is you can finally afford the things you wanted when you were younger. It’s time to get up close and personal with your favorite band or artist. Good riddance, nosebleeds!

2. You can take your kids to the show and have fun too!

So you have kids and you love going to concerts? That can be a win win! Going to concerts with your kids can be a great bonding experience and you’ll see that they will have a blast too. You may even meet new parents who share your love for music. If you have to hang in the back, set up a blanket and let your kids play while you dance the night away.

3. How to make the most out of your festival trip

By now you should know that hanging around the campsite all day can be a waste of time. If there’s not a band you want to see playing at the moment, go check out an awesome art installation or grab some local food from a food truck. Festivals have so much to offer and you should know that by now.

4. At this point in your life, the best show you’ve ever seen is the one you’re seeing now

Live in the moment and reflect on where you are. Don’t be a music snob. Bands have good days and bad days, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t still giving it their all. You’ve seen enough shows to know that at this moment, you’re creating memories that will last a lifetime. Soak it up and cherish every note!

5. You surround yourself with people who get it

The days of hanging out with people who don’t totally understand you are gone by now. You’ve sifted through the good, the bad, and the ugly, and you’ve found your tribe. Love them hard and treat them right! They will most likely be your besties forever.

6. Things won’t always go as planned

Yes, sometimes there might be a 7 hour wait to get into a festival, or, the co-worker who invited you to the show bails on you at the last moment (because your friends wouldn’t do that to you), or maybe the guitarist you really wanted to see had to call out sick and now there’s a replacement. Hey, that’s okay! Roll with the punches.

7. You don’t care what other people think of you

With age comes confidence, and confidence is like Iron Man’s armor. It will protect you and deflect any missiles fired your way. Doesn’t it feel good?

8. It’s okay to change your music tastes and your mind

As humans, we’re always learning, and what’s so great about our DNA is that we can make the choices to do or not do something, say or not say something, or like or dislike something. What even better is that we can change our minds! Once you give things a chance, you may find you actually like them. It’s okay to have a guilty pleasure band or song.

9. You know when to call it a night

It's 2:30AM and you’re about to crack open a brand new six pack. Then, suddenly, you remember, hey, this is really going to feel pretty terrible in the morning. So what do you do? What any responsible 30 year old would do. Put down the sixer, grab some water, take a preventative aspirin, and hit the hay. It’s okay to slow it down.

10. You make your car purchases based on reliability and safety on the road, not because it's stylish

By now you've accumulated 30 year of junk, and if you're now traveling with a family, that means you've got even more junk! Plus, now that you're a festival professional, you're probably traveling with a grill and an air mattress. Forget that little sports car and go for the SUV!

11. Get there for the opening band, even if you don’t know who they are

Sure you’ve been following your favorite band around for 15 years now, but that doesn’t mean a brand new band can’t surprise you. Hey, you may be 30, but that doesn’t mean you’re the all-knowing Einstein of music. You may find yourself surprised and delighted.

12. Reduce your festival carbon foot print

Set an example for the younger festival goers, they look up to you. Car-pool or use a ride-share for transportation to the festival grounds, pick up trash wherever you see it or volunteer for an organized trash pick-up during a set you don’t necessarily want to see. You’re older now, display your maturity by setting a good example to those around you.

13. Keep your inner child alive and well

Yes you’re older now but that doesn’t mean you have to walk around like a curmudgeon! Keep your inner child alive and don’t be afraid to be silly or weird. You can run around in that sprinkler at the festival and still go to sleep on your air mattress in your tent like a respectable adult.

14. Some things and worth dropping everything for

As we get older, we realize more and more that we should live everyday like it’s our last. If your favorite band announces a tour across the country and there’s nothing more in the world that you want to do, just DO IT! You only have one life to live.

15. Don't be afraid to meet new people

We bet by now some you’ve met some of your best friends at concerts of music festivals. A simple hello to your campground neighbor can lead to something magical. Make friends with stranger and don’t be afraid to smile at them. You never know who you will meet and who will inspire you.

16. You only get one chance in this body

Since you only get one chance, you better make it a good one. Take good care of it. Drink water, eat healthy food, and put down the cigarettes!

17. How to go to a show or festival alone

When you're by yourself, you're free! You get to do whatever you want without having to worry about anyone else. Sometimes being alone at a concert or festival can be liberating! Just make sure you're being safe.

18. You’re a pro at your favorite festival

Where’s the best food truck to eat? How far away is the main stage from the campground? Where will the late-night DJ set take place? You know it all, and you’ve got the festival ground memorized like the back of your hand. Now go teach the youngsters how to do it right! They’ll thank you one day.

19. Put down your phone

C’mon guys. You get this by now. Facebook and work will always be there, but each live note from your favorite band only comes at that moment once in a lifetime. You can’t download a live music experience. Put your d*amn phone away!

20. It's cool to be a "sophisticated" show goer

You've had your fun rolling around in the mud at festivals, but at 30, you're better than that. It's cool to go for the glamping tent, or pay $10 for a shower instead of stick to a festi-shower, aka baby wipes. You're older now and you need a little cushion for that 30 year old tush.

21. If you're feeling lazy, a webcast can be just as fun

Sometimes, your idea of a fun Saturday night is sitting in your PJ's and watching your favorite band rock on your TV or computer screen. Is that the door bell ringing? Pizza!!

22. The "good old days" helped you forage the new good days

By 30, you're probably already reminiscing with your friends about the "good old days," and that's perfectly fine. Those days helped you become who you are today. Learn from them and grow from them, and start making some new memories for when you hit 90!

23. "I'm too tired" is a perfectly justifiable statement

We've all been there. Don't force yourself to go out or you won't have a good time. If you're not feeling it, you know by now it's acceptable to stay home.

24. Having a checklist is crucial

So your memory isn't as good as it once was? That's okay. A checklist is a very helpful way to insure everything goes smoothly. It's pretty much crucial for any festival trip.

25. Anyone under 25 may need your help

You're older, wiser, and way more experienced than these 20-somethings. If you happen to see one lost like Bambi, do your 30-year-old duties and look out for them. You would have wanted someone to do the same for you, right?

26. Getting carded is a good thing

There comes a time in your life when getting carded is fun. Now is that time.

27. You can put down the High Life

By now, you’ve gone through years of unfortunate drinking choices due to the fact that you’re wallet was screaming at you to stop spending. Finally, you can afford something tastier, or, why not try a home brew kit? We have faith in you.

28. Music festivals and concerts can be “family” reunions

Although time passes and friends may be apart, gatherings like concerts and festivals can keep them close by heart!

29. Who you can trust, and who you can’t

As a concert and festival goer, you’ve probably met a lot of people in your life. There’s going to be some people who will lift you up and other who will bring you down. All you need to know is how to make the right choice and pick the right friends. You got this!

30. Why people say life begins at 30

Your life is just beginning. You finally know what you want, so go out and get it!