“Life is short. Buy the concert tickets.”
So stated a meme I ran across some time ago, likely at a moment when I was waiting for a sign that yes, I should plunk down hundreds for Paul McCartney tickets.
There is some truth to that meme. It also speaks to a larger tourism trend called “gig-tripping.” With ticket prices skyrocketing and many tours bypassing Buffalo, many local music fans are finding that it makes more sense to travel to attend a concert and make the show one part of a trip.
“For younger generations who place higher value on experiences rather than things, gig-tripping allows them to combine two high-value interests: concert-going and travel,” says Ashley Rochefort, media relations manager, US & CA Leisure, for Destination Toronto.
I had my own experience with gig-tripping during this past summer. Oasis, the band behind “Wonderwall” and “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” has been my favorite group for—gulp—more than 30 years. When the band announced a reunion tour, I knew I had to be there. This involved overnight trips to Toronto and New Jersey.
Buffalo Magazine contributor Kellie Mazur and her friends Katie Murphy and Kerri Linsenbigler are legitimate gig tripping hall-of-famers; their recent list includes Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Orville Peck, HAIM and The Killers.
“My friends and I have a three-hour rule when it comes to traveling for a show,” Kellie says. “If an act we really love isn’t playing in Buffalo but it will take us three hours or under to get there, we’ll buy tickets and drive to see them. That puts Toronto, Cleveland and Pittsburgh in play for us.”
“I think you can approach it in one of two ways,” adds Kerri. “Either keep tabs on your favorite band and pick the closest show to Buffalo for easy travel. Or, prioritize the location and wait for an artist you like to be in that area.”
Tickets first, the rest later
Oasis at Wembley Stadium in London.
Planning a concert-focused trip starts, unsurprisingly, with getting show tickets. Not always easy and often pricey, as anyone who tried to score Swift’s Eras Tour tickets can tell you. Once tickets and lodgings are in place, it’s time to ponder what else can be added to the trip.
“We secure the tickets first, then lock down a hotel or Airbnb and then build the trip from there,” Kellie says. “We’ll scope out some fun places to eat, and we also try to find a local record store and some attractions.”
When it comes to hotels, Katie says location is paramount.
“Is anything within walking distance to and from the venue? Finding restaurants is just as important. I hit up Yelp, Instagram and TikTok to look for cool and high-rated options in the area.”
Brendan Orr has traveled around the world for shows. His latest conquest—fitting for the vocalist with local Oasis cover band the Shakermakers—was Oasis at Wembley Stadium in London.
“My friends and I had a running list of places we wanted to check out, which helped give us some direction,” he says. “We had just as much fun stumbling around the city, finding places along the way and getting recommendations from locals.”
Keeping it (somewhat) affordable
Katie Murphy, Kerri Linsenbigler and Kellie Mazur before seeing the Killers at CMAC in Canandaigua.
It is an undeniable fact that tickets for major concert tours are not cheap. Here are a few expert tips to help keep other costs in check:
“We’ll head to a bar before the show so we don’t have to drink at the venue, where prices are much higher.” (Kellie)
“Utilizing public transportation is a way to keep costs in check, so it helps if you’re staying within a short walk to a subway station.” (Brendan)
“Hotels are expensive, so Expedia, Booking.com and credit card partner discounts have become my best friends.” (Katie)
Beyond affordability, Kellie says it is important to not let the fear of logistics stand in the way of seeing some of your favorite bands.
“Get the tickets, then trust you’ll figure out the rest,” she says. “It doesn’t have to be a fully-fledged trip; you have your main event in the concert, then find places for dinner and for coffee in the morning and you’ve got yourself a nice little getaway.”
Priceless experiences
Janelle Monáe performs a Live concert at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.
During my two Oasis shows during the summer of 2025, I had the realization that these events were more than just concerts. They were unforgettable life experiences. These feelings are recognizable to many out-of-town concertgoers.
“Last year I traveled to New York to see Beyoncé with my childhood best friend,” says Katie. “To have a weekend with her—someone I don’t get to see often—that culminated in an epic Beyoncé concert was a priceless experience.”
Kerri says the Eras Tour in Pittsburgh on her birthday in 2023 stands out.
“For the second surprise song, Taylor sang one of my sentimental favorites, ‘Seven,’” she says. “I went to the show with my twin sister and our close friends, and it was magical to hear a song about childhood innocence with them by my side.”
Yes, the music matters, but everything surrounding the experience is just as important. So, don’t look back in anger. Buy the tickets, book the trip and make the memories.
