How to Score the Best Seats at The Summer Night Concert Series!

For the last 7 years I’ve done weather from the PNE, not just one day a year but for the entire fortnight.  Before that, I did 10 years at the CNE in Toronto.  I’ve spent countless hours at Klondike Days in Edmonton and Westerner Days in Red Deer.  If you’re in TV weather you’re the “Go-To Summer Fair Guy.”  As a result, I’ve eaten every fair food item invented (the worst item, deep fried Pop Tarts, the best, loaded 2 foot long hot dog), and trust me when I say, I know a thing or two about The Fair.

Ya, some summer fairs have themes like the Calgary Stampede but they are all basically the same: rides, food, attractions and bands.  With that being said, the Summer Night Concert Series at the PNE has never been better.  It’s tough to beat a lineup that includes The Doobie Brothers, ZZ Top and Huey Lewis.

A few years ago there was a plan to get attendance up at the Fair.  Part of that plan included moving the concerts to the larger PNE amphitheatre.  I remember seeing Serena Ryder at the old smaller stage by the beer garden.  The new location is way better but it’s become a tough ticket. There’s reserved pay seats for the shows but there are still spots for people who just paid the park gate fee. The lineups for those spots were so crazy last year that they blocked traffic flow through the park.  A change had to be made, so this year the PNE has gone to a wristband setup.  Now people are lining up for wristbands but way earlier in the day. You can’t just head to The Fair for the evening to go on a ride or 2 and see the concert. You have to make a day of it. It’s a bit of a hassle but I’m sure the food vendors love it!

So here’s my tip if you’re heading to The Summer Night Concert Series:

One of the best shows I’ve seen at the PNE was a sound check.  A couple years ago I was walking to my weather hit and I heard The Beach Boys song Good Vibrations.  I poked into the Amphitheatre and there they were, Mike Love and the band.  Nobody was there but for a few families looking to find a place to eat funnel cakes.  They played 3 songs with a few stops and starts.  I didn’t have to wait for a wrist band or fight the crowds and I got a great, almost behind-the-scenes, look at an iconic group.  The sound check was around 4 PM.  You might want to swing by to see if you can catch a listen to one of this year’s acts!

~ Michael Kuss