January 2026

6 Major artists continue to drive ticket sales and global touring revenue. Immense tours covering multiple con- tinents have become stan- dard, with stadium-level concerts outpacing mid-tier shows. The Weeknd’s long- running “After Hours ’Til Dawn” tour, for example, has grossed over $1 billion and drawn millions of fans across four continents a sign of just how powerful live touring remains in 2026. Festivals remain a cor- nerstone of the live mu- sic season, with outdoor and multi-day events continuing to flourish. Nearly half of all con- THE STATE OF LIVE MUSIC IN 2026: TOURS, FESTIVALS & TICKETING After a period of uncertainty, live music has returned with remarkable strength. Tours and festivals are sell- ing out across the globe, attendance is rising, and fans are eager for in-person experiences that streaming sim- ply can’t replicate. This resurgence reflects both endur - ing demand and a rapidly evolving industry landscape.