Showtime Superstitions: Weird Things We All Do Before a Big Night Out

South Africans don’t need much to get into the groove — a great outfit, a good vibe, and a ticket in hand. But let’s be honest: when it comes to getting ready for a night out, we all have that one weird ritual we swear makes the night better. From silently manifesting good parking to wearing “those lucky shoes,” the pre-party prep is almost more dramatic than the event itself.

Here’s a fun look at the quirky, chaotic, and strangely universal superstitions we share before we hit the lights, stage, and dance floor.

Because your clothes need rehearsal too.

You know the one — that shirt that never disappoints, the jeans that magically still fit, the jacket that survived five festivals.
If you skip it, the night just feels… cursed.

“Please let there be parking… please let there be parking…”

Some people pray. Some people chant. Some whisper it like a spell.
If manifestation was a sport, we’d all be Olympic athletes on a Saturday night.

You’ve checked your hair 14 times. You’ve changed your top twice. You’re now late.

But somehow, this last mirror check is the one that seals your fate.

You can’t leave the house until the hype song plays.

Bonus points if you blast it loud enough for your neighbours to rethink their life choices.

We all do it.

The ticket is stored in your email, your downloads, your gallery, your WhatsApp chat with yourself, and probably printed — just in case technology betrays you like it always tries to.

We all say it.

We all know we’re lying.

Moving on.

Even if you’re going to a concert inside a building, you’re on that weather app like a trained meteorologist.

Because… vibes?

You’re convinced that if you eat too much, you’ll feel bloated on the dance floor.

If you don’t eat, you will faint.

Either way, the risk is astronomical.

Doors open at 6.
You know this.

So why are you checking it again?

And again?

And again?

(We suspect trauma from events starting “African time.”)

A night out can only be successful if the group chat becomes chaos.
Messages must include:

Once this ritual is complete, the night is spiritually blessed.