European Festival Survey: Festivals lean domestic as costs and fees rise

Key findings from IQ’s European Festival Survey 2025 show that most festivals in Europe are dominated by home audiences and acts, with the biggest existential threats across the board being rising costs and increased talent fees.

In part two of our annual survey of hundreds of festival organisers from across the continent, festival professionals report their events are primarily drawing domestic audiences, with music tourism proving to be a slight part of the business overall. Find part one here.

The vast majority of festivals surveyed (80%) say that they draw 20% or less of their attendees from outside their home market. A mere 3% said that over half their audiences travel in from other countries.

What proportion of your audience is international?

There are, however, some…

You've used your free article this month

Create a free account to read 3 articles per month, or subscribe for unlimited access.

Create a Free Account Subscribe

Already have an account? Sign in