Are Music Festivals Becoming the New Family Vacation?

by The Metalverse

Updated August 22, 2025

In a recent 2025 State of Play report released by Ticketmaster (the world’s largest ticket marketplace and a subsidiary of Live Nation Entertainment) they released a series of statistics on changes and trends in the music festival industry.

It’s no secret that music festivals are booming, major U.S festivals like Louder Than Life have announced massive expansions, meanwhile many festivals are boasting increasing attendances.

In the data report, Ticketmaster shares some major changes for music festivals:

Festivals are becoming a family event, with 73% of parents stating that they beat traditional trips exposing children to new cultures, 65% creating stronger memories, and 43% seeing festivals as a full replacement for summer holidays. There has been a 155% year-over-year increase in 2-4 year olds at festivals.
Attendance among older audiences is growing as well as solo festival-goers. In addition fans are demanding more eco-friendly and sustainable events.
VIP upgrades are rising with 47% of festival attendees wanting improved bathrooms, showers, and rest areas.

Sarah Slater, SVP Music & Festivals at Ticketmaster UK, said:

“Festivals are the new family holiday, the new weekend escape, and the place people go to connect. Fans want more than just the music – they’re after comfort, culture, and moments that mean something. Our State of Play report shows just how much festivals are evolving – and why they matter to every generation.”

Memories through music:

57% say being with their children enjoying live music for the first time is a highlight

51% value the shared experiences and bonding time
50% enjoy discovering new music together

Solo attendees are rising

The report highlights that solo attendance is a growing part of festival culture, with almost one in three Brits (29%) attending a festival alone, and nearly one in five (18%) saying they would consider it in future.

Many who travel alone to festivals cite the flexibility to enjoy events without compromise, with support from social media communities and meet-up groups that make solo trips easier to plan.

Older audiences are making festivals their own

Overall, 66% of festival goers are over 35 with Millennials (38%) and Gen X (24%) making up the largest demographic. Nearly four in ten (38%) now attend with younger family members, and 29% with older relatives–making festivals one of the only spaces where generations party side by side.

Fans want more eco-friendly fests

67% of fans say sustainability impacts their ticket choices
77% want less waste
66% want low-carbon travel options

Social media is changing how fans discover festivals

25% say they find new festivals through social platforms
33% say documenting their experience is part of the ritual
12% feel pressure to post while there

Festival organisers are responding with selfie zones, ‘Get Ready with Me’ stations, and stronger Wi-Fi to support content creation.

VIP = Very Important Plumbing

Luxury isn’t just about exclusivity–it’s also about better toilets.

47% upgrade to VIP for improved loos, showers, and rest areas
8% always opt for VIP
Younger fans are leading the charge: around a third of 18–34s who’ve tried VIP say they’d do it again - compared to fewer than 1 in 10 over-55s

Read the full report here to see all data:

Thanks for reading!