I wholeheartedly agree: Monster truck stadium shows are once-in-a-lifetime events—as in, see one, and you’re good for life. That said, they’re hugely entertaining, and I’m glad I went.

Other things I would recommend in the “see at least once and you’re good” category:

1/ A major sporting event where the fans believe something is at stake, like the run-up to the playoffs. In the U.S., baseball tickets can be had for reasonable prices in small markets late in the season, and the seats don’t matter. You want to experience the emotion and energy firsthand. Unlikely to turn you into a fan, but the experience will be one you think on for years to come.

2/ A live sporting event where the outcome makes no difference, like your local minor league team. Again, seats don’t matter—you want to feel the buzz and sense of community.

3/ Amateur musical theatre. The on-stage talent is often top-tier, while the rest of the production is endearingly amateurish. But the enthusiasm, honesty, and agenda-free earnestness of the production will make you love people a little more.

4/ Opera…

You get the point. Any endeavor where a group of people dedicate huge energy—often their lives—into making a show, along with their incredibly enthusiastic fans, is worth your time. Also, sometimes you can get corn dogs or drink wine out of a plastic cup.

Opera is dangerous like cocaine. Most people can do it once or twice and that’s fine. Others see one opera and can’t get enough.