Music Tourism: How to Turn a Concert into an Epic Travel Experience
Have you ever booked a plane ticket just to sing your heart out at a concert in another city? You’re not alone.
Music tourism – the trend of traveling specifically to attend live shows – is booming, and nowhere is that more evident than with Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour. In November, I joined thousands of Swifties in Toronto and watched as the entire city came alive with music, excitement, and a shared sense of adventure.
But this isn’t just a Taylor phenomenon. From seeing U2 in the ultra-immersive Sphere in Las Vegas to catching Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden in New York, I’ve built itineraries around concerts – and trust me, the experience is unforgettable. If you’re someone who loves both travel and music, combining the two opens up a new world of discovery, fandom, and fun.
In this post, I’ll break down what music tourism really is, why it’s become such a popular way to explore the world, and how you can make the most of your next concert-centered getaway.
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What Is Music Tourism?
Music tourism is the act of traveling specifically to experience music – whether that’s attending a concert, a music festival, or visiting iconic landmarks tied to musical history. It blends two passions many people share: the thrill of live performances and the adventure of exploring new places.
For many fans, especially those living outside major cities, seeing their favourite artist means hitting the road or booking a flight. Combine that with the excitement of discovering a new destination, and you’ve got an unforgettable experience that’s both personal and cultural.
This isn’t just about mega tours like Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour or U2’s residency at The Sphere. Music tourism also includes travel to legendary sites like Graceland in Memphis or The Beatles’ hometown in Liverpool, giving fans a deeper connection to the music they love.
Why Music Tourism Is Booming Right Now
In recent years, travel has shifted. People are no longer just looking to check off bucket-list destinations – they want experiences that feel personal, memorable, and emotionally rich. This rise in experiential tourism has made concert tourism more popular than ever.
Live music offers something few other events can: an intense, communal energy. It’s not just about hearing the songs – it’s about feeling them. That emotional connection is a big part of what’s fueling this trend.
Take Taylor Swift’s Tour. I attended one of her six Toronto shows in November, and the city transformed for the occasion. From Taylor-themed pop-ups to visitors flying in from across the world, Toronto embraced Swifties in full. Some fans even found it more affordable to see her here in Toronto than in their home cities.
I also saw U2 at The Sphere in Las Vegas – a destination concert that doubled as a weekend vacation with friends. We bought tickets first, then built the itinerary around it. It’s a perfect example of how people now plan travel around events, not just destinations.
My Experience as a Music Tourist
Over the years, I’ve planned several trips specifically around concerts and each one has turned into something unforgettable:
U2 at The Sphere – Las Vegas
Seeing U2 live is special on its own, but seeing them at The Sphere? That was unforgettable. My husband and I traveled to Vegas for the first-ever residency at this one-of-a-kind venue, and it was truly a show within a show.
The Sphere’s immersive visuals and sound added a whole new layer to the performance – it was as much about where we saw U2 as it was seeing them at all.
Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden – New York City
We found amazing seats for Billy Joel in NYC – and they were cheaper than the Toronto options! We made it a family trip and brought our teenage kids. It became a weekend full of good food, sightseeing, and a legendary concert that turned our teens into lifelong fans.
Both of our teens left the concert as newly minted Billy Joel fans. It was one of those rare activities everyone could genuinely enjoy together.
Adele in Las Vegas
To celebrate my sister’s 50th, we splurged on Adele’s Vegas residency and it was hands down one of the most powerful shows I’ve ever seen. From the concert to the cocktails, pool time, and shopping, the trip was pure celebration.
A Weekend in Nashville
Sometimes it’s not about a single show. I visited Nashville with a group of friends for a birthday celebration. We filled our weekend with music: bar hopping, a night at the Grand Ole Opry, and exploring the Country Music Hall of Fame. It’s the ultimate city for live music lovers.
Looking ahead, Toronto is gearing up for an exciting summer of concerts, including performances by Coldplay and Oasis.
☞ If you’ve ever thought about visiting Toronto, why not time it with an epic show and make the most of the city while you’re here?
How to Plan the Ultimate Music Trip
If you want to make the most of a concert-focused getaway, here are my tried-and-true tips:
1. Buy Tickets Strategically (Especially for High-Demand Artists)
Big-name artists like Taylor Swift and Adele sell out fast – so getting on their pre-sale lists is key. Research tour dates, join fan clubs or credit card pre-sales, and set calendar reminders for ticket drops. It increases your chances of snagging great seats without paying resale prices.
And if your plans change? Reselling tickets for popular artists can sometimes help you recover costs. I once sold my extra Adele tickets and it paid for our hotel and new tickets!
2. Book Flights and Hotels Early
The closer you get to the concert date, the higher the prices climb. I’ve seen people end up booking hotels over an hour from the venue – or worse, missing out on flights that would get them to the city in time. The best tip? Book early, and focus on staying near the venue if you can.
When we saw U2 at The Sphere in Las Vegas, we booked a nearby hotel – and after the concert, we were so glad we did. The line for taxis and rideshares stretched forever, and we simply walked back and avoided the chaos.
If the concert is in a hotel, we try to book a room at that hotel. This helps with restaurant reservations as hotel guests usually have priority, and we can pre-drink in our room, which helps save on those overpriced concert drinks at the venue.
3. Make Dinner Reservations in Advance
Concerts bring huge crowds to nearby restaurants. If you’re hoping for a nice pre-show meal (especially near the venue), reserve ahead of time – you don’t want to spend an hour in line and risk being late.
4. Research the Venue Details
Always review the venue’s policies before you go. I once showed up with a purse that was slightly too large and almost got turned away – if it weren’t for a kind security guard, I’d have missed the show. Bag rules, entry times, seating charts, and even camera policies can vary widely.
Also, pay attention to the venue’s location. For example, many people coming to Toronto this summer for Coldplay or Oasis may not realize that the new Rogers Stadium concert venue is far from downtown – with limited nearby hotels and transportation options. Planning ahead will save you serious stress.
5. Plan Your Transportation
Some concert venues are on the outskirts of the city (like the O2 in London) or tucked in tricky areas with limited parking (like HISTORY in Toronto).
Don’t assume public transportation or rideshares will be easy. Know your route ahead of time, and consider parking passes or shuttle options.
6. Maximize the Travel Part of Your Trip
You’re traveling for the concert, but don’t stop there. What else can you explore while you’re in the city? A local food tour, a museum you’ve always wanted to visit, or even just a great brunch spot can round out your trip and make it even more memorable.
Risks and Considerations for Concert Tourism
While music travel is exciting, there are a few things to be mindful of:
Concert Cancellations
Even major tours can get canceled or postponed – I’ve had it happen with Aerosmith and Billy Joel. Read your ticket insurance carefully and consider the city part of the fun, even if the show doesn’t go on.
Hotel Shenanigans
Hotels near major concerts have been known to cancel bookings to resell at a higher price. Book through trusted platforms and read reviews to protect yourself.
Flight Delays
Never fly on the day of the concert. When we traveled to see Heart, one friend’s flight was delayed, and he had to rebook last-minute – at a much higher cost – just to make the show.
Budget Wisely
Concert tickets, hotels, meals, merch – it adds up. Plan your budget with some wiggle room so you’re not stressed when the bill arrives.
Toronto Music Venues: Where to Catch a Show
Thinking of planning your next concert trip to Toronto? You’re in luck – the city is a major hub for live music, offering many different music venues for every type of fan, from massive stadium tours to intimate performances in historic halls. It’s an ideal Canadian city to visit as part of your musical travel plans.
Here’s a quick look at some of the best spots to catch a live music in Toronto:
Rogers Centre
Address: 1 Blue Jays Way, Toronto
A huge stadium located right next to the CN Tower in downtown Toronto. It’s used for sports and concerts alike, making it a prime venue for large-scale events. Bonus: it’s steps away from some of the city’s top attractions.
Scotiabank Arena
Address: 40 Bay St., Toronto
Home to the Raptors and Maple Leafs, this arena also hosts major artists. It’s easy to access – just minutes from Union Station and Rogers Centre – and a great choice if you’re staying downtown.
Massey Hall
Address: 178 Victoria St, Toronto
This newly renovated, historic venue offers an intimate concert experience with phenomenal acoustics. Located in the heart of downtown, it feels more like a cozy living room than a stadium – ideal for more acoustic or vocal-forward performances.
Budweiser Stage
Address: 909 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto
Located at Ontario Place, this outdoor venue is a summer staple. Lawn ticket options make it feel relaxed and festive, and if you time it right, you can pair your concert with a visit to the CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) – your concert ticket gets you free admission!
HISTORY Music Venue
Address: 1663 Queen St E, Toronto
Located in the beautiful Beaches neighbourhood, HISTORY is one of Toronto’s newest music venues. This 2,500-seat concert hall opened in 2021 with the majority of the seats standing-room – making it ideal for getting close to the entertainment!
Think: High-energy shows with top-tier sound. If you’re after that “festival” vibe, this is it.
☞ Thinking of attending a concert at HISTORY in Toronto? Here’s my list of the best hotels close to this music venue.
Rogers Stadium (Opening Summer 2025)
Address: YZD, 105 Carl Hall Rd, North York
Not to be confused with Rogers Centre, Rogers Stadium is currently being built in Downsview Park in North York. This brand-new outdoor music venue is set to launch with incredible concerts from Oasis and Coldplay in the summer of 2025.
Are you attending one of these concerts? Some planning will be required as the location is north of downtown without many parking options!
Visiting Toronto in July?
Don’t miss the Toronto Beaches International Jazz Festival. This free, city-wide celebration of music takes over parks and streets in the Beaches and wraps up with the lively Streetfest at the end of the month. It’s one of Toronto’s best music events – and it’s completely free!
☞ Planning a visit to Toronto? My guide to visiting Toronto for first-time visitors.
Final Thoughts: Is Music Tourism Right for You?
If you love the thrill of live music and the excitement of discovering new places, music tourism might be your perfect travel style. It turns a concert into a memory-making adventure – one that connects you not just to your favourite artists, but to cities, cultures, and people along the way.
Yes, there are risks, and yes, it can require more planning (and budgeting) than a standard vacation. But when it all comes together – the lights, the energy, the city buzzing around you – it’s absolutely worth it.
Whether you’re thinking about seeing Coldplay in Toronto, planning a Vegas trip around Kelly Clarkson’s residency, or turning a quick weekend into a music-fueled escape, music tourism can change how you travel.
So, next time you see a tour announcement and feel that spark of excitement, ask yourself: Where could this concert take me? It might just be the beginning of your next great adventure.
More Toronto Travel Tips
Looking for more information to help you plan a trip to Toronto? Here are some guides that will help.
