Music festivals face market stabilization and rising costs

The music festival market is experiencing a period of stabilization following the post-pandemic surge in events. Gabriel Andrade, founder and curator of the Coala Festival in São Paulo, noted that the market is returning to a ‘old normal’ after years of accelerated expansion. The 12th edition of Coala will return to a two-day format at the Memorial da América Latina on September 12 and 13, a shift from the three-day programming held between 2022 and 2025.

Andrade highlighted that increased competition from stadium shows, national tours, and international artists has inflated costs for performers and suppliers, squeezing profit margins for many festivals. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a unique brand identity to survive this competitive landscape.

In Portugal, the Les Siestes festival is scheduled for August 28 and 29 in Coimbra. Organized by Casa das Artes Bissaya Barreto, the event features free entry and focuses on electronic music, experimentation, and new sounds. The lineup includes various international and local artists, such as Alana Vegana, Feeo, and the Ottomani Parker Quartet, with performances held at Jardim da Sereia.