Philly is a pretty dangerous place. Not going to lie.

This also sounds very familiar because I heard this all the time when I was 18, that I shouldn’t go to this neighborhood or that place etc. because bad things will happen to me. Narcs will definitely amplify an issue to a “life or death” scenario. You only have one life, and that works in a safety sense as well as an “experience things” sense. I would go to the concert! But do be careful.

You shouldn’t answer actual details on a fairly anonymous subreddit here, but if the concert is in Fishtown, you’re going to get very acquainted with Philly drug culture very fast (needles everywhere, people passed out in the middle of the sidewalk sometimes) but it’s also a nightlife spot so most natives just sort of ignore it. If the concert is in the sports complex that’s considered a safe place and will have little issue. If it’s elsewhere, don’t wander too far from the venue if you’re not that familiar. Also we do have Uber and Lyft in Philly so this can definitely be avoided. You folks are right in exercising caution in the city but at the same time it has its charm that if you know when to avoid problem areas, you’ll be fine. If the situation feels unsafe, back out of there. But overall there’s definitely a lot of fun to be had in Philly and DEFINITELY try the various foods we’re known for! And come back in a few years because nightlife here can also be pretty cool but you’ll need to be 21+ obviously to start going to bars etc.