Do you go to social events by yourself?

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Do you go to social events by yourself without knowing anyone there in an attempt to make friends.
Is this an acceptable thing to do?
Awhile ago I found out about a free concert with local pop punk and hardcore bands playing. I went to the concert with out knowing anyone there. I really liked the music there it was definitely my style.
but there was long quiet periods in between each set when musicians set up their equipment and did sound checks. During this time everyone was socializing and talking to each other except me. One person did come up and talk to me and asked me why I was by myself not talking, then he asked me if I knew any people there. When I said I didn't know anyone he asked me "why did I even come then?". I left the concert early kind of just feeling like the one weird random guy that was there by himself. I have thought of going to similar concerts since then but haven't.
I recently found a Facebook page for local super smash bros (video game) players and saw there were having a tournament soon. I should have went but I was worried about not knowing anyone and thought it would end up like the last time I did something by myself.

I've certainly been there with you on this topic, from a comedy show to a charity fundraiser and who knows what else. There were times where I was looking for a friend there and never saw him/her/them, others I was worried I wouldn't find them and somehow there they were. I did have an episode almost but not quite what you experienced, but I talked my way out of it, though it made me feel awkward at the time.

I have done sometimes. Nobody has ever been that rude to me though. Gosh. Sometimes I would pretend I'm waiting for someone but for safety as I've had guys talk to me.

I wouldn't go to any social event which I'm not invited---unless the social event is for, say, all people who are interested in anthropology.

Assuming the event is open, i do this, on occasion.

It is not weird to go somewhere alone, especially if it's a concert or a reading or something.
As far as other people know, the friends that could be interested to join you are out of town or something, or none of your friends were interested; the guy in your example was rude and condescending.

As for going with the intention of making friends: sure, you gotta make them some way. After a certain age, a social group is assumed, but if an NT moves to a new city, he also needs new friends, which he'd make during open door social events...

This person was rude to you. People go to things by themselves sometimes. I wouldn't say it's common, but I used to do it when I was single and kid-less. I did it even when I had friends or a boyfriend, come to think of it. Sometimes you're into something and the people you know aren't, so you just go by yourself. No big deal. I'd take a book when I'd go someplace alone, though. It'd give me something to do, say, before the movie or band started, or in between action.

Now I go places with my toddler, which is kind of similar because he doesn't appreciate things in the same way I do. He'll be like, interested in the ceiling fan or a signpost.

My response to that dude would be, "Why did YOU come?"

Yes I sometimes go out somewhere by myself. I very often feel like they way you described, and I have also left many places early for the same reason.

I think that it is a feeling we're just going to have to get used to. Even when I know intellectually that this feeling is stronger than than the situation warrants, I still can't shake that feeling. It does get easier over time but I don't think it will ever go away completely.

If something is going on that you are interested in, do your absolute best to make sure you go instead of thinking of all the reasons you shouldn't go.

By the way if this becomes too big of a problem it might be a good idea to tell your doctor. I did, and was diagnosed with social anxiety and given an anti depressant and xanax. It has definitely helped me.

Seems like you had a run with the as*hole of your local music scene. Don't let it discourage you. From my experience, the hardcore/metal scene tends to welcome newcomers with open arms. Once you're in though, you're a brother for life!

Movies, concerts, theater, comedy shows, restaurants, parties, you name it, I've gone alone, not always, but consistently. If no one I know shares my interest or is available to join me why should I let that stop me? Sure, friends make nice security blankets in public, but those of us who are uncompromising in the pursuit of our interests will not let that stop us. I just pretend to be confident. Once you go to certain types of functions consistently, you become friends with the other die hard fans (likely aspies too).

No, I wouldn't go somewhere by myself if everybody else there is with somebody. I've always thought it was weird and kind of sad to do that to yourself, there is no way I could enjoy it without being in my head about it so it would just be for the purposes of appearances to the outside world and to delude yourself. I suppose weird and kind of sad is overall a good description of myself however so I guess if the shoe fits, I force myself to sit thru plenty and the while thinking over and over again how I want to bash my head into a wall just for the sake of appearances. There isn't much left that I care about enough to overcome the self consciousness of doing it, I just feel like a loser no matter what.

Social events are for social people---I have no business going to them.

I sometimes go to social occasions by myself if I'm in the mood. If I find it stressful, it is much easier to leave when you're solo than if you are with others who may not want leave.

I dont have too many close friends, and those dont share similar interests.

Yeah, that guy was being a jerk. Really. I mean, one great reason to go to a show, alone or not, is... to hear music. Or, to try to meet people...

I got to social events by myself from time to time. My experience sounds a lot like the one you described. I see a lot of people talking to one another. I am usually kind of milling around when there is nothing to focus on, usually without talking to anyone. Sometimes someone will come up and talk to me. It usually lasts a few minutes. I have never had anyone act like the guy in your situation, thankfully. Who cares what that guy thinks.