The summer is upon us, bringing with it the most saturated season of concerts. And while it’s a blessing to have so many options during your most free months of the year, it also provides a challenge. All of the different shows are jockeying for your wallet’s attention, and some, inevitably, will get the ax.
Instead of choosing all of the blockbuster concerts, you should consider going with some of the less obvious options. Taylor Swift, Nicki Minaj, and Drake will surely put on great performances, but arena shows are rarely the most satisfying unless you can throw major guap at close seats. Your best bet is checking out the under-the-radar tours at smaller venues. You’ll get a more intimate experience with artists who could very well end up playing arenas in a matter of years. We went and found some of the best such tours to help you optimize your summer.