Top 16 'Encore-Anticipating' Setlist Games to play with friends during the opening act - Goh Ling Yong
You’re at the venue. The electric buzz of anticipation hangs in the air, thick enough to taste. You and your friends found the perfect spot, the lights are low, and the distant thrum of soundcheck has faded. Now comes the in-between time: the opening act. It’s a fantastic opportunity to discover new music, but let's be honest—your heart is pounding for the headliner. The wait can feel like a lifetime.
Instead of endlessly scrolling through your phone or making small talk, what if you could transform that waiting period into a memorable part of the night? What if the anticipation itself could become a game? This is where the magic of setlist-centric games comes in. They’re more than just time-killers; they’re rituals that bond your concert crew, heighten your engagement with the artist's music, and make the final reveal of the setlist a thousand times more exciting.
These aren’t just random guesses. They’re calculated predictions based on your deep knowledge of the artist’s discography, recent tour stats, and pure gut instinct. So, put your phones on airplane mode (mostly), grab your friends, and get ready to turn the opening act into the ultimate pre-showdown. Here are 16 of our favourite games to play while you wait for the main event.
1. The Classic Setlist Predictor
This is the bread and butter of concert gaming, the foundational ritual for any dedicated fan. The rules are simple: everyone writes down their prediction for the entire setlist, from the opening song to the final note of the encore. The goal is to get as many songs right as possible.
To add layers of complexity and bragging rights, introduce a scoring system. Award one point for every correct song, regardless of its position. Give a bonus of three points for guessing a song in its exact correct slot. This method rewards both general knowledge (knowing the hits and new tracks they’re likely to play) and deep-cut expertise (knowing the specific flow of their current tour). It’s a fantastic way to dive deep into an artist’s catalogue and spark debates about what truly makes a perfect show.
- Pro-Tip: Use a notes app on your phone or a dedicated setlist prediction website. Before the show, do a little research on sites like Setlist.fm to see what the band has been playing on recent tour dates. This gives you a baseline, but remember—artists love to shake things up!
2. The Deep Cut Detective
Every fan has that one obscure song they’re dying to hear live. It's the B-side from a 1998 single, the unreleased demo that leaked online, or the album track they haven't played since their first tour. This game is all about that long shot. Each person in your group picks just one deep cut they think the artist might dust off for tonight’s show.
The stakes are high because the chances are low, which makes a correct guess incredibly rewarding. You’re not just predicting a song; you’re betting on a moment of pure fan service. When those first few, unfamiliar chords of your chosen deep cut ring out, the feeling of victory is almost as good as hearing the song itself. It's a testament to your faith in the band and your knowledge of their hidden gems.
- Example: For a Foo Fighters show, while everyone else is predicting "Everlong," the Deep Cut Detective might choose "A320" from the Godzilla soundtrack. If they play it, the detective wins ultimate bragging rights for the rest of the year.
3. Encore Gambler
The encore is a show within a show, a carefully curated final statement. This game focuses exclusively on that grand finale. The challenge is twofold: first, predict how many songs will be in the encore. Second, predict what those specific songs will be.
This is a game of psychology. Will the band go for a short, punchy two-song encore of their biggest hits? Or will they treat the crowd to a sprawling four-song epic that includes an acoustic number and a surprise cover? Points can be awarded for the correct number of songs and for each correct song title. The person who nails the entire encore sequence is crowned the undisputed champion of the night.
- Pro-Tip: Pay attention to the energy of the main set. A high-octane show might lead to a shorter, more explosive encore, while a more dynamic, emotional set could signal a longer, more varied one.
4. First & Last
For those who want a simpler, quicker game, "First & Last" is perfect. It boils the entire setlist prediction down to its two most crucial moments: the opening song that sets the tone and the final song of the main set that leads into the encore break.
Each person makes their two predictions. It’s a low-pressure game that’s easy for anyone to join, even more casual fans. Yet, it still sparks intense debate. What song makes the best opener? Is it a new banger to showcase the latest album or a beloved classic to get the crowd roaring from the first second? The person who gets both right is clearly the most in-tune with the artist’s live show philosophy.
- Example: Predicting Taylor Swift will open with "...Ready For It?" is a solid bet. Guessing she'll close the main set with "Long Live" before the encore break shows a deeper understanding of her show's narrative structure.
5. The Cover Song Sweepstake
Many artists love to throw a cover song into their setlist to pay homage to their influences or simply to have some fun. This game is a high-stakes bet on that possibility. First, everyone decides if they think a cover will be played at all (a simple "yes" or "no").
For everyone who bets "yes," the real challenge begins: name the artist and the song. This is where your knowledge of the headliner's interviews, influences, and side projects comes into play. Did the lead singer mention they grew up loving The Clash? Have they been posting a lot of Harry Styles on their Instagram? It’s a fun, speculative game that can lead to some truly wild and hilarious guesses.
- Pro-Tip: Consider the city you’re in. A band playing in Nashville is more likely to cover a country classic. A show in Liverpool might just feature a Beatles tune. Local flavour can be the key to a correct guess.
6. Setlist Flow Forecaster
This game is less about individual songs and more about the overall vibe and structure of the concert. Instead of a list of titles, you predict the show’s narrative arc. Will it be a "wall of sound" with back-to-back hits? Or will it have distinct "chapters"?
Each person outlines their predicted flow. For instance: "High-energy opener, three songs from the new album, an acoustic mini-set in the middle, a block of '90s fan favourites, and then the big singles to close." You don't need to name the exact songs, just the emotional journey. The winner is whoever's forecast most accurately reflects the show's pacing and energy shifts, decided by a group vote after the concert. This is a game my friend Goh Ling Yong loves because it's about feeling the music, not just listing it.
- Example: For a band like The National, you might predict: "Brooding, atmospheric opener -> mid-tempo new songs -> emotional gut-punch piano ballad -> explosive, cathartic rock section -> hopeful, singalong closer."
7. The Lyric Snippet Challenge
This is a fast-paced game that tests your recall under pressure. One person thinks of a song they expect to be played and says just a short, distinct line from the lyrics. The first person in the group to correctly name the song gets a point.
The key is to pick a line that is recognizable but not too obvious. "We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl" is too easy for a Pink Floyd show. Something like "Did you exchange a walk-on part in the war for a lead role in a cage?" is a much better challenge. It keeps everyone on their toes and turns your collective memory of the artist's lyrics into a competitive sport.
- Pro-Tip: To make it harder, limit the snippets to non-chorus lyrics from verses or the bridge.
8. The "They Wouldn't Dare" Draft
This is concert prediction in reverse. Instead of guessing what the band will play, each person drafts one song they are absolutely certain the band won't play. This could be a song the artist has publicly said they dislike, a track that's technically impossible to perform live, or something from a universally panned album.
The rules are simple: if the band plays your "wouldn't dare" song, you lose. The penalty can be anything from buying the first round of drinks after the show to handling the post-concert merch run for the whole group. It adds a thrilling sense of jeopardy to every song transition. You’ll find yourself holding your breath, praying you don't hear the opening riff of that one obscure B-side you bet against.
- Example: For a Radiohead show, betting against "Creep" used to be a safe bet. Now, it's a risky move, making the game even more exciting.
9. The Instrument Switch-Up
Many multi-talented musicians love to change roles on stage. The guitarist might jump on the piano for a ballad, the bassist could pick up an acoustic guitar, or the lead singer might even take a turn on the drums. This game is all about predicting these moments.
Each person predicts if a specific band member will play a secondary instrument during the show. You get a point for predicting the switch and a bonus point if you can also name the song they'll do it on. It’s a great way to appreciate the musicianship of the band and notice the small details that make a live performance special.
- Pro-Tip: Watch some recent live videos of the band on YouTube. This is a great way to scout for any established instrument-swapping moments in their current tour.
10. Banter Bingo
Every live show has its unscripted (or semi-scripted) moments of interaction with the crowd. "Banter Bingo" turns these classic rock-and-roll clichés into a game. Before the show, create a bingo card on your phone with common phrases and actions.
Your squares could include things like: "Hello, [City Name]!", "This next song is off our new album," the lead singer telling a "funny" story about the bus breaking down, "You guys are the loudest crowd yet!", or the classic "Let me see your hands in the air!" The first person to get a bingo wins. It’s a hilarious, slightly meta game that makes you appreciate the art of stage banter.
- Example Squares: "Technical Difficulty," "Someone throws clothing on stage," "Band member puts on a fan's hat," "Shout-out to the opening act," "Let me hear this side of the room!"
11. The Merch Stand Scout
This game requires a designated scout (or a quick pre-show group trip). Without looking too closely at the prices, the goal is to guess two things: the single most expensive item at the merch stand and the single weirdest or most unexpected item.
Is the priciest piece a limited-edition signed vinyl box set or an embroidered bomber jacket? Is the weirdest item a branded yoga mat, a hot sauce, or a set of custom guitar picks? After everyone has made their guesses, the scout reveals the truth. It's a fun look into the band's marketing and a great way to decide if that tour poster is really worth it.
- Pro-Tip: The scout should take discreet photos to present as evidence. No cheating allowed!
12. Opening Act Oracle
Don't ignore the opener! They're pouring their heart out on stage, and this game helps you and your friends pay closer attention. The objective is simple: after the opening act finishes their set, everyone in the group has to guess which of their songs got the best reaction from the crowd.
This isn't about which song you liked best, but about reading the room. Was it their catchy radio single? The heavy, headbanging track? The emotional ballad that had everyone swaying with their phone lights on? After a brief debate, your group comes to a consensus on the winning song and the person who guessed it. It’s a great exercise in crowd analysis and a respectful nod to the hard-working support band.
- Example: The opener plays an upbeat pop-punk song that gets a few people jumping, but their slow, acoustic final song gets a massive, heartfelt applause. The winning guess would be the acoustic song.
13. The A-to-Z Album Challenge
How well do you really know your favourite artist's discography? This game will put it to the test. Starting with the letter 'A', the first person has to name a song by the headliner that starts with that letter. The next person takes 'B', the next 'C', and so on, moving around the group.
The first person who can't name a song for their assigned letter is out. The game continues until only one champion remains. This is a fantastic way to dig up forgotten album tracks and test the depth of your fandom. For artists with huge catalogues, this can get incredibly competitive around letters like 'Q', 'X', and 'Z'.
- Pro-Tip: For a collaborative twist, work together as a team to try and complete the entire alphabet. It's a great bonding exercise.
14. The Guest Star Gamble
This is a game of pure, high-stakes speculation. Will there be a surprise guest? This is especially fun in music-centric cities like Los Angeles, Nashville, or London, where fellow musicians often drop in on each other's shows.
The first bet is a simple yes/no. For those who say yes, the follow-up is the million-dollar question: who will it be? Is it the lead singer from the opening act coming back for a duet? A legendary musician who lives in the city? The artist they just collaborated with on their latest single? A correct guess here is the stuff of concert legend. The team here at the Goh Ling Yong blog still talks about the time someone correctly predicted a surprise appearance at a festival.
- Example: At a Kacey Musgraves show in Nashville, guessing that a member of a famous local band might join her for a song is a smart, calculated risk.
15. The Timekeeper's Bet
The schedule says the show starts at 9:00 PM, but every seasoned concert-goer knows that's more of a suggestion. This game is brutally simple: everyone guesses the exact time (down to the minute) that the first note from the headliner will be played.
Write down your predictions. The moment the house lights go down and the intro music starts, check the time. The person whose guess is closest to the actual start time wins. It's a simple, universal game that builds tension in the final minutes before the show, turning every passing second into a point of suspense.
- Pro-Tip: Consider the venue's reputation. Some are known for starting on time, while others are notoriously late. A little local knowledge goes a long way.
16. The Post-Show Playlist Curator
This game starts during the opening act but pays off after the concert is over. Each person in your group creates a short, three-song "after-party" playlist on their streaming service. The theme: "The Perfect Vibe for the Walk/Ride Home."
The playlists should be inspired by the concert you're about to see. Will it be a high-energy rock show that demands more anthems for the journey home? Or a thoughtful, indie-folk performance that calls for some mellow, contemplative tunes? After the final encore, on your way out of the venue, everyone shares their playlist. The group then votes on which 3-song mix best captures and continues the mood of the night.
- Example: After a euphoric, dance-heavy show from someone like Carly Rae Jepsen, a winning playlist might be "Lizzo - 'Good As Hell', Robyn - 'Dancing On My Own', and CHVRCHES - 'The Mother We Share'."
The wait during an opening act is a shared, universal experience for every music lover. By turning it into a playground for these games, you’re not just killing time—you're enriching the entire concert experience. You're creating inside jokes, fostering friendly competition, and building a deeper connection with the music and the people you share it with.
So next time you find yourself standing in that pre-show limbo, pull out one of these games. You’ll be surprised how quickly the time flies and how much more invested you are when the headliner finally takes the stage.
What are your go-to concert waiting games? Did we miss any classics? Share your favourite ways to pass the time in the comments below—let's build the ultimate concert-goer's playbook together
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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