Introduction
2024 is shaping up to be an absolutely massive year for live music. After a few years of disruptions and cancellations due to the pandemic, concerts and festivals are roaring back in full force. Music fans have a ton of epic tours and events to look forward to as the industry bounces back and some of the biggest names in music hit the road.
Some of the most highly anticipated tours headed for 2024 include Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, Bad Bunny’s World’s Hottest Tour, Blink-182’s reunion tour, and Olivia Rodrigo’s Sour Tour. These stadium-filling acts are embarking on their biggest outings yet, hitting up huge venues across North America, Europe, and beyond. On the festival side, all the major events like Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Bonnaroo are returning with a vengeance, promising unforgettable lineups and experiences.
The sheer number of A-list headliners hitting the road and massive festivals making a comeback make 2024 one of the most exciting years in recent memory for live music. For the first time in a while, the full force of the concert industry is back, which means more unforgettable shows to attend and special moments to share. Music fans who’ve sorely missed the communal joy of live shows will have their patience rewarded with an amazing slate of concerts and festivals to choose from.
With so many top-tier options, it can be tricky to decide which 2024 tours and fests to splurge on. This comprehensive guide breaks down all the must-see events, including dates, locations, ticket info, and tips to help you curate the ultimate live music experience. Get ready for the FOMO because 2024 is going to be absolutely epic!
Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour
Taylor Swift is embarking on her first proper stadium tour in over five years with the upcoming Eras Tour in support of her record-breaking 10th studio album Midnights. This massive global trek promises to be Swift’s biggest and most ambitious tour to date, showcasing the evolution of her music and live performances across her prolific 16-year career.
The Eras Tour will hit stadiums across the United States, the UK and Europe starting in March 2023. So far, Swift has announced dates in major cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, London, Berlin and Paris among others. Venues on the itinerary include SoFi Stadium, Soldier Field, MetLife Stadium, Wembley Stadium and Stade de France.
Given the high demand, Swift has implemented several presale opportunities for fans to get early access to tickets. Official fan club members, Capital One cardholders and those who pre-ordered Midnights on her webstore all received special presale codes. General on-sale for all dates is set for November 18. Prices range from $49 for nosebleed seats to $449 for floor tickets directly in front of the main stage.
If her previous Reputation Stadium Tour is any indication, the Eras Tour will be an incredible spectacle filled with multiple stages, elaborate costumes and set pieces tailored to each era of Swift’s career. Fans can likely expect mashups, medleys and tributes to her country roots, pop reinvention and alternative folk transition. With 10 albums worth of material to pull from, Swift is sure to deliver an unforgettable setlist of career-spanning hits and fan favorites.
Bad Bunny’s World’s Hottest Tour
Bad Bunny has cemented himself as one of the biggest global superstars following the massive success of his 2020 album YHLQMDLG and subsequent world tour. After selling out arenas across North America, Latin America and Europe, the Puerto Rican reggaeton star is embarking on an even bigger run of stadium shows in 2024 dubbed the World’s Hottest Tour.
Kicking off in March, Bad Bunny’s tour will hit over 30 cities across North and South America before heading to Europe in the summer. Some of the massive venues on the itinerary include Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, and Wembley Stadium in London.
Bad Bunny has tapped several popular Latin artists as opening acts for the tour. Feid, Jhay Cortez and Sech will support on various North American dates, while Chencho Corleone and DJ Playero have been confirmed for shows in Latin America. There’s also speculation that Bad Bunny may bring out special guests in certain cities, fueling rumors of potential collaborations with artists like Rosalía, Becky G and J Balvin.
With an emphasis on huge production value and his signature high-energy performances, the World’s Hottest Tour promises to be Bad Bunny’s most ambitious and electrifying show yet. Fans can expect him to perform hits from his entire discography, as well as preview new music from his upcoming album. It’s guaranteed to be one of the most in-demand concert events of 2024.
Olivia Rodrigo’s SOUR Tour
Pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo is embarking on her first-ever headlining tour in 2024 on the back of her smash hit debut album, SOUR. The SOUR Tour will see the 19-year-old perform hits from the chart-topping album at arenas across North America and Europe.
The tour kicks off in San Francisco in April 2024 before hitting major markets like Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto, New York, London, Paris and Berlin. Rodrigo and her band will be performing at legendary venues like Madison Square Garden and The O2 Arena.
Given the personal themes and distinct sound of SOUR, fans can expect an intimate show focused around Rodrigo’s heartbreak anthems like "drivers license," "deja vu" and "good 4 u." The production will likely draw inspiration from the album’s artwork and punk-pop aesthetics. Rodrigo’s raw, emotional songwriting will be on full display through stripped back arrangements of tracks like "traitor" and "enough for you."
With Olivia’s huge crossover appeal, the SOUR Tour is set to be one of the hottest tickets of 2024. Tickets will be in high demand, so fans should look out for pre-sales and prepare for quick sell-outs. Registering for verified fan presales through Ticketmaster is recommended for the best shot at good seats. The general on-sale dates will be announced closer to the shows.
Given the hype around Olivia’s tour, the secondary market is also an option for fans who miss out on tickets. Reputable resale sites like StubHub and Vivid Seats will have verified resale tickets at market value for those determined to see the SOUR Tour in 2024.
Blink-182 Reunion Tour
It’s official – the pop punk legends Blink-182 are reuniting for a massive world tour in 2024. After years of on-again, off-again turmoil and lineup changes, Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge, and Travis Barker are ready to take the stage together once more.
The band announced the reunion tour in late 2023, immediately sending fans into a frenzy. While full tour details are still emerging, Blink-182 has confirmed major stadium shows in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, London, and Sydney so far. Venues include the famous Wembley Stadium, United Center, and Madison Square Garden – indicating this long-awaited reunion tour will be bigger than anything Blink has done before.
With rumors swirling, fans are eager to learn who will join Blink-182 as supporting acts. There’s speculation that pop punk contemporaries like Green Day or Fall Out Boy may make appearances, which would make for an unbelievable nostalgic lineup. However, Blink also has close ties to newer bands like Machine Gun Kelly, who could help draw a younger crowd.
Regardless of the openers, the Blink-182 Reunion Tour will be all about the headliners. Fans are ecstatic to hear Mark, Tom, and Travis performing together again and expect a setlist packed with hits like "All The Small Things," "What’s My Age Again" and "I Miss You." There’s sure to be massive sing-alongs and non-stop energy when these punk rock legends take the stage again. For anyone who grew up in Blink-182’s heyday, this reunion represents a dream come true.
Coachella 2024
The iconic Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival will return to the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California from April 12-14 and April 19-21 in 2024. While the official lineup has yet to be announced, rumors are already swirling about who could headline the massive event next year.
Based on tour schedules and album release timelines, top contenders for Coachella 2024 headliners include Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, and Rihanna. Styles and Swift would both be making their Coachella headlining debuts, while Rihanna last topped the bill in 2018. Other artists predicted to perform major sets include Bad Bunny, Doja Cat, The Weeknd, and Dua Lipa.
Beyond the music, Coachella is known for its eclectic art installations, celebrity sightings, and bohemian fashion. Most attendees choose to camp on-site, with passes that include tent or car camping available. Amenities include showers, charging stations, and general stores. Off-site hotels tend to book up fast, so securing camping accommodations early is recommended.
To beat the heat, hydration and sun protection are essential. Comfortable shoes are a must for navigating the sprawling grounds each day. Packing light during the day and wearing layers at night is advised. And be sure to check the festival app for set times, maps, and any last-minute changes.
Securing Coachella tickets takes planning. Passes usually go on sale in January, often through a pre-sale registration. Following the on-sale can help score tickets, as limited batches are sometimes released. Many fans also turn to the vibrant resale market.
With iconic headliners, perfect weather, and its signature laidback vibe, Coachella 2024 is already shaping up to be one for the books. Start planning your trip to experience one of music’s biggest spectacles next April.
Bonnaroo 2024
After being canceled for the past two years due to the pandemic, Bonnaroo makes its triumphant return to Great Stage Park in Manchester, Tennessee in 2024. As one of the most iconic camping festivals in North America, Bonnaroo is a rite of passage for any live music lover.
With around 80,000 attendees camping on the festival grounds, Bonnaroo is like a vibrant city that comes alive for 4 days every summer. Fans revel in the communal spirit, diverse musical lineup, and the famous Tennessee heat. Camping amenities like showers, charging stations, and plazas make roughing it fairly comfortable.
While Bonnaroo has yet to announce a lineup for 2024, rumors are swirling around possible headliners. Legacy jam bands like Phish or Dead & Company seem likely choices to anchor the bill. Pop superstars like Harry Styles or Billie Eilish would also draw huge crowds. And Bonnaroo has a history of reuniting legendary acts – could we see Led Zeppelin or Pink Floyd on the 2024 poster?
Some all-time iconic Bonnaroo headliners over the years include Paul McCartney, Elton John, Kanye West, Stevie Wonder, and the Beastie Boys. There’s sure to be some exciting nostalgia acts in 2024 to celebrate the festival’s grand return. Stay tuned for lineup announcements and ticket information!
How to Score Cheap Concert Tickets in 2024
With so many incredible concerts and festivals happening in 2024, tickets are bound to be in high demand. Luckily, there are ways savvy music fans can get deals on seats without breaking the bank.
Overview of Safe Resale Marketplaces
Instead of buying tickets from sketchy brokers or scalpers, use trustworthy resale sites like StubHub, Vivid Seats, and SeatGeek. These marketplaces let fans safely resell extra tickets, often at big discounts compared to face value prices. Sort by lowest price to find the best deals. Read customer reviews to gauge reliability.
Presale Code Tips and Strategies
Take advantage of presales by joining artist fan clubs or following venues on social media to get special early access codes. Set calendar reminders for presales and be logged in ahead of time with payment info saved to score tickets quickly. Check presale ticketing sites like Ticketmaster, AXS, and Ticketfly.
General Onsale Best Practices
When tickets go on general sale, be ready on your computer and phone. Refresh right at the sale time and have multiple browsers open. If you get waitlisted, don’t give up – keep trying as inventory opens up. Avoid getting overexcited and overpaying early on. Prices often drop as the event nears.
Budget Seat Options for Major Tours
For stadium shows, look for upper level or "nosebleed" seats. Outdoor amphitheaters have discounted lawn tickets. Festivals offer single-day passes. Seek out early bird pricing. Join venue newsletters for special offers. Check Groupon and LivingSocial for periodic deals. With preparation and persistence, you can experience major 2024 tours and festivals on a budget!
2022 Tour & Fest Recap
2022 marked the triumphant return of live music after a couple tumultuous pandemic years. Fans were overjoyed to reunite with their favorite artists and bands on massive world tours and at iconic festivals.
Some of the year’s biggest tours included The Weeknd’s After Hours Til Dawn Tour, which grossed over $130 million with its futuristic production and setlist spanning The Weeknd’s hit-filled catalog. Bad Bunny’s World’s Hottest Tour also shattered records, with the Puerto Rican superstar performing to over 3.3 million fans globally.
On the festival front, Coachella made a spectacular comeback in April after three years off, hosting over 125,000 fans per weekend and memorable headlining sets from Billie Eilish, Harry Styles and The Weeknd. Other major festivals like Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo and Austin City Limits reported their biggest years yet in 2022.
The live music industry took away important learnings from 2022 that will likely shape tours and festivals in 2024 and beyond. Fans are hungrier than ever for the communal, cathartic experience of live shows. Demand for tickets continues to heavily outweigh supply, so expect planning ahead and buying early to be essential in 2024.
After the growth that continued through 2022, next year looks poised to take things even further. 2024 has all the makings of a special year, with so many top artists gearing up to get back on the road after years off. For live music fans, the nostalgia and magic of 2022 will carry through – and 2024 promises even bigger and better things to come.
Conclusion
2024 is shaping up to be one of the biggest years ever for live music, with so many epic tours and festivals on the horizon. From Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras stadium tour to Bad Bunny’s first-ever global trek to the triumphant return of Coachella, there are so many reasons to get amped up about the upcoming concert season.
After several years of disruptions and delays, the live music industry is roaring back in full force. The tours and festivals previewed in this guide represent the best of the best – the must-see events that every music fan should have on their radar. While 2022 marked a celebratory return to live shows, 2024 is poised to take things to the next level.
Start getting your plans in order now. Plot out which of your favorite artists’ tours you want to catch. Book travel and accommodations for the big festivals circled on your calendar. Sign up for pre-sale alerts and prepare those credit cards for when tickets go on sale. Join the mailing lists of your local venues so you can be the first to know about newly announced shows.
Most importantly, keep this guide bookmarked so you can stay on top of all the latest tour and festival news as more details emerge. The 2024 concert season promises to be one for the history books. Let the countdown to the big year begin! Live music is back, and the energy is electric. 2024 can’t come soon enough.