There’s a certain magic to the hours before a live music event — the buzz in the air, the crowd slowly gathering, and yes, the inevitable queue stretching further than you’d like. Whether you’re waiting for the car park to clear, lining up for the doors to open, or holding your spot near the front, killing time before the show is a skill every seasoned gig-goer eventually masters.
Make a Playlist (While You Still Have Signal)
The first thing any music fan should do while queuing is make the most of their phone’s internet connection before they lose it in the crowd. Download a few albums for offline listening, build a hype playlist for the walk in, or catch up on interviews and live sets from the act you’re about to see. You’ll thank yourself later when 50,000 people are all trying to stream at once.
Mobile Gaming is Having a Moment
Casual mobile gaming has become one of the most popular ways to pass time in queues, and it’s easy to see why — most games are free to try, endlessly replayable, and perfect for short bursts of attention. Slots and arcade-style games are particularly popular in festival queues because they require almost no concentration, meaning you can still chat to your mates and shuffle forward every thirty seconds.
If you fancy a spin while you wait, you can try the eye of horus demo before playing for real money — it’s a great way to get a feel for the game without spending anything. When you’re ready to play for real, eye of horus is well worth a go. Just remember to gamble responsibly and only ever spend what you can afford.
Chat to the People Around You
It sounds obvious, but some of the best gig friendships have started in a queue. You’re already surrounded by people who share at least one thing in common with you — the act you’re all there to see. Strike up a conversation about your favourite songs, compare setlist predictions, or swap stories from previous shows. Festival culture thrives on this kind of spontaneous connection.
Snack Smart and Stay Hydrated
Queues can be long and the weather unpredictable — especially in the UK. Use the waiting time to eat something, drink water, and top up your sunscreen if it’s a summer event. Going into a show hungry or dehydrated is a recipe for a miserable night, so treat the queue as your last chance to sort yourself out before the chaos begins.
People-Watch and Soak It All In
Finally, don’t underestimate the simple pleasure of just being there. Festival fashion, group costumes, emotional reunions between friends, kids at their first ever gig — queues are a brilliant stage for human theatre. Put the phone down for a few minutes and take it all in. The queue is part of the experience, not just an inconvenience before it.
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