Macau sees increase in concerts held last year

Macau is moving closer to its goal of becoming a “City of Performing Arts,” with an industry insider estimating that the number of concerts held last year rose by about 20%, alongside calls for the government to hand management of the city’s outdoor performance venue to professional operators.

Lawrence Che, president of the Macau Federal Commercial Association of Convention & Exhibition Industry and CEO of Chessman Entertainment Production (HK) Ltd., stated in a media interview that the development of Macau’s concert market in 2025 fully met expectations, with the number of events increasing by approximately 20% compared to 2024; however, exact figures to confirm this growth are not yet available in a report by Macao Daily News.

As quoted, Che indicated that this year’s concert schedule is not expected to see a significant increase, stating, “This year may remain on par with last year,” attributing this to shifts in audience spending habits.

He noted that, according to the report, “After two years of consumption booms, audiences have moved beyond ‘blindly chasing shows’ (attending performances based solely on popularity). They now purchase tickets more cautiously, setting clear entertainment budgets and strategically selecting preferred performances rather than following trends indiscriminately.”

Meanwhile, he added that ticket prices for performances in Macau and mainland China are largely comparable, with minimal variation for the same artists across both regions. Future changes in ticket prices are also anticipated to be minimal.

The report, quoting Che’s remarks, noted that “Macau’s concert market in 2025 featured numerous highlights.”

Among these, Che stated that “the frequency of performances by top-tier stars has significantly increased, becoming the core driver of market growth.”

He believes that the ongoing optimization of border policies has positioned Macau as a preferred destination for singers’ tours, reflecting their growing recognition of the Macau market.

He further noted that the rising popularity of large-scale concerts has injected endogenous momentum into the local industry’s development, adding that “small- and medium-sized performances are increasingly utilizing local teams.”

However, he also pointed out that the industry currently faces challenges, including talent shortages and increasingly rational consumer spending habits.

The industry insider also expressed concern over the effectiveness of the outdoor venue. Citing the authorities’ earlier announcement that the performance venue in Cotai would be formally transferred to market-oriented professional operators next year, Che informed multiple media outlets that this decision offers significant advantages in resource allocation, market forecasting, and performance planning.

He noted that this approach allows for a more precise matching of venues with performance demands, thereby invigorating venue vitality more effectively than traditional regulatory operational models.

According to Che, referencing a case in which an entertainment production company announced late last year that it would hold a concert at the outdoor performance venue but later postponed it due to force majeure, he expressed hope that the government will promptly transfer management of the venue to professional operators.

“This change would enable better assessment of the organizer’s credibility and the feasibility of events, while also establishing a clear deadline for the organizer to announce the lineup. This way, audiences would have sufficient information to make informed decisions about ticket purchases,” he noted.

IC opens tender for catering at Cotai venue

The Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) has launched a public call for local catering businesses to provide light meals during concerts at the Macau Outdoor Performance Venue on Feb.7-8. Six food containers will be available on-site, with each selected operator managing one container independently and assuming all licensing responsibilities. Applications are free and open until 5:45 p.m. on January 27, submitted in person or by mail. Selection will consider menu diversity, pricing, operational feasibility, compatibility with the event atmosphere, and team experience.