Most people can recall their favourite concert — the vibes, the sounds, the exhilaration. It’s something embedded in people’s memories, which they want to experience over and over again. That’s why music-themed events are such a huge draw.
Whether in-person or virtual, a music event connects people around a shared love of art and to bring joy to a large audience. If you add a virtual aspect to your in-person event, you can reach a global audience. Prepping for an event can be overwhelming, regardless of the format. But thankfully, we’re here to take some of the load off. Keep reading to discover music event ideas and expert tips to help you get the ball rolling.
7 Music event theme ideas
Music is a varied art form, so you can execute many creative concert ideas. Below are some options to spark inspiration.
1. Battle of the bands
Give local performers a chance to show their talent and earn bragging rights with a battle of the bands. Fans will enjoy rocking out to their favorite bands, and they’ll love watching a friendly competition. Encourage crowd participation by having fans vote for which band deserves the title of “Best Band in Town.” Incorporate audience response tools such as text and QR code polling.
2. Holiday music-related events
No matter what you celebrate, music is a big part of the holiday season. A festive music event is perfect for getting people in the spirit. How about hosting a caroling event encouraging people to come together and lift their voices? A Christmas musical featuring well-known holiday tunes is another event fit for the season.
3. Children’s music festival
Put a twist on the typical music festival and make it kid-friendly. Round up a group of performers kids and parents can jam to. And don’t forget to include activity zones with jungle gyms, bouncy houses, and slides. Bonus idea: include an educational element by offering interactive drum circles.
4. Benefit concert
Music concert ideas for fundraising purposes can include a low-key show at a local pub or a grand production with corporate sponsors, raffles, and merchandise. A benefit concert is an excellent way to bring attention to a worthy cause and attract music fans.
Since this event is for charity, consider a donation ticket model. With Eventbrite’s intuitive ticketing system, you can easily collect donations and include add-ons that amplify fundraising.
5. Gospel singing event
Indulge Christian music lovers with gospel singing event ideas. Invite local choirs to come out and flex their skills in a competition, or bring together artists across all subsets of gospel music and organise a festival. A talent showcase for local worship artists is another way to appeal to gospel music fans while shining a light on up-and-coming musicians.
6. Dance party
Invite people to come out and show off their dance moves. Narrow down your focus and appeal to a specific audience. For instance, appeal to country music fans with a country line dance event. Or, you can cater to breakdancing enthusiasts with an 80’s breakdance event. Hire a DJ to supply the tunes or book a live performer.
7. Intimate mini-concert ideas
Have limited venue space? No problem. Host a mini concert. Similar to NPR’s Tiny Desk series, a mini-concert allows artists to perform in an intimate setting. Host your tiny concert by choosing a cozy environment, such as a pub or coffee shop. Expand your audience by offering a livestreaming option.
Tips for hosting a music event
Now that you know a few ideas for music events, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and bring your own to life. Check out these seven steps for organising a music event.
1. Establish your goals
Before you begin searching for a venue and scouting artists, you must have clear goals. A memorable music event has a theme that attendees resonate with. Do you want to create an intimate affair for a niche genre or a large-scale festival? Once you’ve figured out the core of your event, begin ironing out the details.
2. Choose the right format
Decide what event format works best for you — in-person or livestreamed. Each type has perks and advantages, and the one you choose boils down to your intent and goals.
If you want an immersive experience, choose an in-person model. This way, you can incorporate more interactive elements and activities. Want to reach a broad audience? Livestream your event.
3. Find a venue that works for you
Keep in mind how many people your concert site will hold, but don’t forget that a venue is more than just an event space — it also provides ambiance. So, think about the mood you want to set.
Also, when choosing an outdoor venue for festivals or larger concerts, determine the type of weather your event might be dealing with and have a backup plan in case of extreme weather conditions.
4. Have the right technology
Your sound quality can make or break your music event, so ensure your sound and recording equipment is top-notch and ready for your performance. Hire a professional sound engineer if your venue doesn’t already have one. If your artists bring their own equipment, it helps to have backups of essential items such as microphones, stands, and amplifiers in case something malfunctions.
High-quality video and sound are just as crucial for a livestream concert. Choose the platform that works best for the style of the event and allows your virtual audience to feel engrossed in the music. Since virtual concerts are here to stay, investing in trusted online event tools is wise.
5. Find performers with a draw
Local musicians will do just fine — unless you’ve got big-name artists on speed dial. Get to know your local music scene and see which artists will attract a crowd. The key is to book musical artists whose style will speak to your target audience. Pull together several artists who span various musical genres to appeal to more people and amplify attendance.
When planning your music event, ensure the artists correlate with your theme and are somehow tied together.
6. Find sponsors
Working with sponsors can help take your events to the next level. The best sponsors for music events are those with whom your audience will identify and who will help enhance your event. Plan ahead and reach out to your potential sponsors early — they can help provide refreshments and merch, and keep your budget manageable. If you’re unsure where to start, create a sponsor wish list of the companies you want to work with.
Once you’ve snagged sponsors, ask yourself how you’ll incorporate them into your event. Think outside the box and include brand activations — engaging experiences that help the brand connect with attendees. Think branded food, interactive photo booths, and charging stations.
7. Come up with a marketing plan
You can plan amazing music events, but no one will come without a good marketing plan. Take the time to gauge how you’re reaching potential attendees via email, social media, digital ads, word-of-mouth, and other methods. If you need help growing your reach, check out Eventbrite Boost.
Host live music events with Eventbrite
The types of music events we highlighted give people opportunities to revel in the joy of music, making them popular events to plan all year round. When planning your event, always think about your audience and main marketing goals.
Got ideas for concerts or other music experiences you want to organise? Start with Eventbrite Music.
