What You Can’t Bring To A MT Concert Might Surprise You

BUTTE, MT - Going to a concert in Montana—whether it’s under the lights of a packed stadium or out in the open air under the Big Sky—can be a magical experience.

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But nothing kills the vibe faster than being stopped at the gate for something in your bag you didn’t know was prohibited.

Montana concert venues, much like those across the country, have become increasingly strict in recent years.

Heightened security, national trends in crowd safety, and even insurance requirements have pushed venue organizers to adopt long lists of banned items. While most concert-goers expect to leave their knives and outside alcohol at home, some rules are a lot less intuitive.

What surprising items are now banned at Montana concert venues?

From well-meaning parents packing earplugs and snacks for their kids, to the die-hard fans bringing signs, glow sticks, or even portable phone chargers—many find themselves surprised by what security asks them to toss.

And depending on the venue, those “rules” might shift slightly. A general admission outdoor show in Bozeman might have a different set of banned items than a seated, all-ages concert at the Metra in Billings.

The point, organizers say, is to keep everyone safe and the event running smoothly. But if you’re not careful, you could end up throwing out some of your personal belongings or walking back to your car just to get through the gate.

So, before you roll up to your next show with your favorite backpack or a bag full of concert “essentials,” take a few minutes to check out the full list of items commonly banned from Montana venues.

Some of them may surprise you—and save you a big hassle.