The Live Tourism Events That Will Shape 2026

January 1st, 2026 at 8:56 AM EST

Photo Credit: Lady Gaga performs in Manchester on October 7, 2025. The Mayhem Ball continues in 2026 with stops in Japan and the U.S. Wikimedia Commons / Biagio2103

Skift Take

There’s no Taylor Swift Eras Tour in 2026, and the future of consumer spending remains murky. That doesn't mean the travel industry is any less excited about live tourism.

Nearly three years after Taylor Swift launched her record-breaking Eras Tour, live tourism continues to be a major force in the travel industry.

Cities like London and New York are leaning into music residencies to draw in crowds. More than 562,000 fans in India traveled to a different city for a music event — up 18% from last year. A recent survey from Live Nation, Ticketmaster’s parent company, found 40% of live music attendees traveled at least 500 miles for a music event in 2025.

“More than ever, fans are willing to travel to see live music,” said Alisha Strother, Live Nation’s vice president of fan insights. “Fans are traveling not only for mega-tours, but also for pop, country, Latin, EDM, and legacy rock, as well as for festivals, residencies, and multi-night runs.”

Events Driving Live Tourism in 2026

Among the standout live events in 2026:

Solar Eclipse: On August 12, a total solar eclipse will pass over R

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The Live Tourism Events That Will Shape 2026

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