Let’s be real: few things ruin the vibe of an exciting event quite like circling endlessly for parking. Whether you’re off to a sold-out concert, a game, or your favourite festival, the question lingers in the back of your mind:
“Where am I going to park?!“
If you’ve ever driven around in circles hunting for a spot, you’re not alone. 73% of drivers find parking stressful, and more than half have even skipped events just to avoid the hassle. But this doesn’t have to be you. With a little planning, you can dodge the parking stress.
Here are our top event parking tips to help you park smarter, and stress way less.
1. Plan Ahead and Scope Out Your Options
If you want to avoid parking stress, don’t wing it. Before you even leave home, take a few minutes to check out the event’s official website or social media pages. They usually share helpful event parking tips about nearby parking lots or drop-off areas.
Then pull up a map and get a sense of the area around the venue. Look for a few solid parking options: official lots, public garages, or maybe a quieter side street a few blocks away.
Keep an eye out for local parking rules too, some neighbourhoods near venues require resident permits or have short time limits. Doing a bit of homework upfront means you’re not scrambling when you get there.
2. Use Parking Apps to Save Time
Parking apps are a lifesaver when you’re heading to a busy event.
Use an app like the Indigo Neo App to browse parking availability and even book ahead of time.
The Indigo Neo app is available in most Canadian cities and can help you sort through 100s of lots to find your perfect spot in minutes. You can even access special event parking rates directly from the app.
Parking apps make it super easy to find the best spot without circling the block forever.
3. Pre-Book a Spot If You Can
Pre-booking your parking spot is one of the smartest moves you can make.
Lots of event venues and parking services like Indigo Neo allow you to book in advance through an app. That means you know exactly where you’re going and when, so you can arrive on time for the big event.
For the latest info on events happening in your city, follow our Instagram page @Indigoparkcanada.
4. Skip the Lot and Take Transit or Park & Ride
Sometimes, the best parking strategy is not parking near the venue at all.
In cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montréal, many people combine driving with public transit to avoid traffic and make parking easier.
Park at a transit hub or park-and-ride lot and hop on the bus, subway, or train for the rest of the trip.
5. Show Up Early and Leave Smart
When it comes to event parking, timing is everything.
Try to arrive at least 30 to 60 minutes before things kick off. You’ll get first dibs on the good parking spots and avoid the worst of the traffic.
Plus, you’ll have time to relax—or maybe grab a snack—before the main event starts.
After the show, don’t feel the need to leave right away. Hang back for a bit, let the parking lot clear out, and then make your exit. Or park near an exit or on a less crowded side street so you can leave faster.
A little planning on the way out can save you a lot of stress.
6. Carpools and Parking Reminder
If you’re going with friends or family, why not carpool? It means fewer cars to park, and you can split the cost, which is always a plus. It also keeps fewer cars on the road, minimizing traffic.
One more thing: always remember where you parked. Sounds obvious, but after a big event, it’s easy to forget. Drop a pin on your map, snap a photo of a sign or nearby landmark, or mark it in your app. You’ll thank yourself later.
Conclusion
Looking for parking doesn’t have to ruin the night. With these event parking tips, you can avoid the worst of the stress and focus on the fun part—actually enjoying the event.
Want a simple way to get ahead? Try the Indigo Neo app to find, book and pay for parking in seconds.
And if you want more parking tips, sign up for our newsletter so you’re always a step ahead and can skip the stress of parking.
