As summer comes closer and closer, there are many things to look forward to. No school, hanging out with friends, relaxing, and doing nothing are great examples, but summer is even more special this year since this summer (and early next fall) many artists are going on tour. From Ariana Grande to Bruno Mars, and even BTS, there is truly something for everyone. No matter your music taste, there is something for all genres. Whether you want to cry your heart out to a powerful ballad, rock out, or just want to dance and have fun, this is the summer to go out on one of these tours. So pick up some friends and start saving up because going to one of these concerts might just be your best experiences in Summer 2026.  

Artists touring this summer include: Ariana Grande, Bruno Mars, BTS, Shakira, The Weekend, Harry Styles, Sombr, Alex Warren, and Zara Larsson. Doja Cat will also be touring during the summer but mostly in Europe; she tours in the US starting in the fall. Artists touring early fall include: Olivia Rodrigo, LE SSERAFIM, Laufey (only in Europe), and KATSEYE.

These artists have very unique styles when it comes to their music and concert aesthetic. So you might be asking, “What should I wear?” Well, that really depends on the concert you choose to go to. For example, if you choose to go to the Zara Larsson tour, you might want to consider wearing bright summer colors. However, if you choose to go to a Laufey concert, you might want to wear a coquette dress or a skirt. Or if you want to rock out at an Olivia Rodrigo concert, you should wear a sequenced skirt with black platform boots. If you want to go to a Bruno Mars concert, you should consider wearing a lot of red clothing. Basically, it’s best to dress based on the aesthetic of the performer of the concert you choose to go to, since it will help maximize your concert experience!

However, many may be hesitant to attend these tours because of the surge in concert ticket prices. This rise in prices leaves many fans disappointed, as they often can’t afford it. Not only are the fans disappointed, but the artists can be too, as a decline in ticket sales can lead to concerts being postponed or even cancelled.

There are many theories as to why ticket prices have become so expensive. Some believe that the culprit behind these prices is the practice of people buying and reselling tickets. Larry Magid, a retired legendary concert promoter, says, “The recording artists now want the money that the scalpers are getting, since they’re the performers.” Some artists are even using systems called “dynamic pricing” where they can change ticket prices in real time depending on demand; this method is similar to how hotel rooms work. Others believe that the surge in prices is influenced by the fact that live music performances have traditionally been undervalued. Concerts and tours used to be ways of promoting a new album, but now streaming has become the promoters, paying the artists less than the tours did.

There are many ways to find affordable tickets, whether it’s through raffles, discounts, or some other means. But if you can afford the trip this summer, there is truly something for everyone! So, if you’ve never been to a concert before, this is the year to go! Or if you already have, go to something new and listen to new music. There are so many opportunities this summer to dress to impress, jam to your favorite artists, and make this summer unforgettable. This is not just the summer of tours: it is the year of tours.