If you are attending a gathering always telephone and check all is in order. Sometimes a table or room is booked and you need to add your name[s] to the numbers. Sometimes a venue is arranged for somewhere that is closed. Reassure yourself the place exists. Sometimes a place is chosen that is not open at the required time or day, but the organizers have noticed and left a message of an alternate gathering. Telephone and check, it does no harm and might be informative. When you telephone you can ask how many others are expected. You might want to bring a friend if you are the only person known to be going! But it is rare for a gathering, even a weekday lunch, not to be crowded.Also note that unless otherwise specified, all lunches will commence at 12:30, pre-concert drinks at 6:00, and apres concert drinks after the concert. Should the bar close people usually go on to a hotel bar where concert goers are staying. Ask around, you'll track people down fairly easily.
If you see a planned gathering place which looks foolish to you -- too far from the venue, gone downhill recently, or something similar -- please advise
and suggest a more sensible place. Same goes if you are are under the legal drinking age -- if the gatherings are planned for pubs and you worry about getting in, please let us know. It is quite possible there are others in your situation.
We know some find just concert tickets, cadging rides, and sleeping on people's floors is still a strain on their budget. In the past it has not been uncommon for people to come to a rec.music.dylan lunch having already eaten, have a drink or two, or have coffee. Little enough expense but you get the same meeting and chatting and trading of interesting illegal aurally stimulating objects. ;-)