IC invites submissions for summer events at outdoor venue

The Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) has opened submissions for summer events at the Macau Outdoor Performance Area in Cotai, aiming to fill available dates in July and August with diverse entertainment offerings.

The venue, designed to accommodate over 50,000 spectators, is situated on a 94,000-square-meter government-owned site near the Grand Lisboa Palace.

The outdoor venue was constructed last year under former Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng’s administration as part of Macau’s ‘1+4’ development strategy. This initiative seeks to diversify the local economy and establish the city as a “City of Performing Arts.”

The Macau Outdoor Performance Area held its inaugural event on December 28, 2024, but then temporarily ceased operations.

After a period of idleness, it held its first commercial performance on June 15 with the “Alan Walker 2025 Live in Macau” concert.

The concert drew approximately 11,000 residents and tourists, and the IC emphasized that “safety first” remains the guiding principle during the venue’s operation as it continues to improve facilities and event management.

The June 15 event served as a crucial test of safety protocols, transportation logistics, crowd control, and event coordination.

A cross-departmental team – including the Police Headquarters, Public Security Police Force, Transport Bureau, and Tourism Bureau – collaborated to ensure a smooth and secure experience.

Since then, the IC stated the venue has received numerous applications for activities scheduled in the second half of the year and is actively working on project planning and coordination.

However, according to media reports, the IC explained that the performance area still has available dates from July to August and is inviting bids to rent the venue for events.

Venue, variety, and versatility

According to its official website, the Macau Outdoor Performance Area is suitable for a wide range of events, including large-scale outdoor cultural festivals, international performing arts programs, music festivals, award ceremonies, gala evenings, festive celebrations, carnivals, and concerts.

Che Fok Sang, president of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition & Tourism Sectors, previously praised the venue’s appeal to international artists from Europe, the U.S., and South Korea. “Many performers prefer the unique atmosphere of outdoor concerts,” he said.

The IC encourages stakeholders interested in hosting events to submit detailed proposals to help diversify Macau’s performance offerings. Proposals should include information on organizers, sponsors, content, performers, target audience, dates, and stage requirements.

Upcoming events confirmed at the Macau Outdoor Performance Area include the Waterbomb Macao Festival on August 9-10 and the S2O Macao Water Music Festival on September 6-7.