How Long Are Concerts? A Complete Guide for Music Fans and First-Time Attendees

The anticipation of live music shows brings about an exciting mix of emotions. The captivating visuals, exhilarating ambience, and magnetic connection with the performers ignite a collective energy unparalleled in any other scene. Before attending a live concert, however, many concert-goers have a common concern- how long the event will last.

Given the broad range of live music experiences from soft and mellow concerts to rocking shows and even multi-day festivals, the length of concerts will vary considerably. This post will cover concert duration expectations and detail how to get the most from your concert experience.

We will provide duration expectations for various concert types, with examples and additional tips to enhance your concert experience.

How Long Are Concerts Usually?

Most concerts run between 90 minutes and 2 hours. When concert length is considered, it is important to engage the audience; therefore, there is enough time to perform full setlists of the artists’ most hit songs. However, many factors can impact the length of a concert, such as the artist, band, or music genre, as listed below:

1. The Artist or Band

While some artists are known for longer performances, others go for higher energy and shorter performances. For example:

• Zach Bryan: He is known for longer concerts, often running 120-150 minutes and including multiple encores as well as interactions with the crowd.
• Tate McRae: 75-90 minutes of performance time, and is often combined with an opening act.
• Tyler, the Creator: Concerts go for 90-120 minutes, of which he is known for minimal breaks. He has a theatrical presence.

2. The Genre

Clearly, other music genre types can create variable concert lengths. For example:

• Rock and Pop: Performances by Billie Eillish and Harry Styles often perform a total of 90-120 minutes, including encores and with complex productions.
• Classical and Acoustic: These are typically smaller and more intimate productions, typically 60-90 minutes.

3. The Venue

Concert length can also be affected by the size and type of venue. Larger venues such as stadiums and arenas may have breaks or encores that last longer than smaller venues, which have more strict time frames. For instance:

• Stadiums and Arenas: These venues host large-scale productions that can run longer and have intermissions.
• Clubs and Theaters: These smaller venues have shorter sets and focus on the music rather than the production.

4. Special Tours

Some tours, such as farewell or anniversary tours, have longer sets and more productions.

• Farewell Tours: Artists such as Elton John and KISS have extended their farewell to be longer and have special guests.
• Anniversary Tours: These often have full album performances, which can greatly extend the concert time.

How Long Do Concerts Last Including Opening Acts?

When opening acts are included, the concert experience can last from 2 to 3.5 hours. Opening acts are usually younger or newer artists who perform for 30 to 60 minutes to warm up the crowd for the main act.

Examples of Concerts that Feature Opening Acts

• Billie Eilish: Opening acts at her concerts last approximately 45 minutes, and then she performs for 90 to 110 minutes.
• Chris Brown: He typically performs for 120 to 140 minutes. He has an opening act that lasts 30 to 45 minutes.
• Festivals: Events such as Coachella and Glastonbury can last an entire day as they feature multiple opening acts throughout.

The Significance of Having Opening Acts

Opening acts fulfill multiple roles during the concert experience. They provide an opportunity for newer acts to gain some exposure, and they liven up the crowd prior to the main act. For example:

• Dua Lipa opened for Bruno Mars during his 24K Magic World Tour before becoming a global superstar
• Ed Sheeran gained significant recognition as an opening act for Taylor Swift’s Red Tour.

Pro Tip: Opening acts help establish the ambiance for the headliner, so arriving at the venue early will allow you the opportunity to discover new music.

How Long Are Candlelight Concerts?

Candlelight Concerts can be shorter than most concerts. They usually last about 60 to 90 minutes. They can be held in places such as historic buildings, churches, or any other area, where they can create an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. These concerts differ from most in the fact they can play covers of a wide variety of music, or just stick to the classics. They make the atmosphere with music, candlelight, and a place where they can create an artistic venue.

What to Expect Candlight Concert

• Music Selection: Candlelight concerts often feature classical pieces or acoustic renditions of popular songs. For example, a string quartet might perform Taylor Swift’s hits or Beethoven’s symphonies.
• Venue Atmosphere: These concerts are held in unique venues like churches, historic buildings, or outdoor gardens, with the entire space illuminated by candlelight.
• Audience Interaction: These concerts can be some of the most interactive. They put a lot of focus into helping the performers share the music.

Real-World Examples

• Vivaldi’s Four Seasons: A candlelight performance of this classical masterpiece might last about 75 minutes, with a short intermission
• Pop Covers: A candlelight performance of this classical masterpiece might last about 75 minutes, with a short intermission

These concerts are perfect for those who prefer a relaxed, shorter event with a focus on music rather than spectacle.

Before you attend a candlelight concert, check out the video below to see what the experience is like:

How long do The Weeknd concerts last?

The Weeknd’s concerts are known for their high production value, featuring elaborate stage designs, pyrotechnics, and a mix of his chart-topping hits. His performances typically last 90 to 120 minutes, depending on the tour and setlist.

What to expect at The Weeknd Concerts

• Setlist: His concerts often include a mix of his biggest hits, such as “Blinding Lights,” “Save Your Tears,” and “Can’t Feel My Face.”
• Visual Effects: The Weeknd’s shows are renowned for their stunning visuals, including elaborate lighting, pyrotechnics, and stage designs.
• Tour Examples: During his “After Hours Til Dawn” tour, The Weeknd performed a 2-hour set that included a mix of his chart-topping hits and fan favorites.

If you’ve gone to a concert, you may have noticed how the concerts are set up. There is hardly any time for breaks in individual performances, because a lot of the time, they are focused on delivering a high-value experience for the audience

How Long Are Concerts by Popular Artists?

Here’s a detailed comparison of average concert lengths for some of today’s most popular artists:

Artist	Average Concert Length	Notes
Tyler, The Creator	90-120 minutes	High-energy set with minimal breaks
Tate McRae	75-90 minutes	Shorter sets, often with opening acts
Zach Bryan	120-150 minutes	Long performances, frequent encores
Chris Brown	120-140 minutes	Includes dance breaks and costume changes
Billie Eilish	90-110 minutes	Tight setlist, strong visuals
Hozier	100-120 minutes	Extended songs and crowd interaction

 

Note: Concert durations can vary based on tour type, venue, and encore performances. Always check the event details for the most accurate timing.

Elements That Influence Concert Duration

Numerous variables may affect the overall length of a concert.

1. Artist’s Style

Depending on the artist’s preference, concerts may vary in length. For instance, while some artists may prefer a more audience interactive and drawn out concert, others may prefer a shorter and more energetic concert. For instance:

• Beyoncé: With one of the most active and elaborate stage shows in the industry, her concerts run approximately 120-150 mins.
• Ed Sheeran: His solo performances, featuring just him and his guitar, his concerts tend to run 90-120 minutes.

2. Music Genre

Depending on the genre, the length of the concert may be influenced. For example:

• Rock/Pop: Artists like Coldplay and Harry Styles often perform for 2+ hours, including encores.
• Classical/Acoustic: This genre tends to have shorter concerts, which usually have a more intimate setting and last for 60-90 mins.

3. Tour Type

Longer setlists and more elaborate productions are often par for the course with special tours like anniversaries and farewells. For instance:

• Farewell Tours: Elton John and KISS are just two examples of artists who have extended their tour farewells with special guest appearances and longer sets.
• Anniversary Tours: These can often include performances of full albums, which can add significant length to the concert.

Practical Tips for Enjoying a Concert

Here are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure that you get the most out of your concert experience:

1. Arrive Early: To avoid the hassle of rushing to your seat and missing the opening song and to buy merchandise, arrive at least 30 minutes before the show starts.
2. Check the Schedule: Before the concert, make note of any opening acts and the precise start time of the concert so you can avoid missing any music that you worried about beforehand.
3. Expect Encores: Usually, artists perform 1-3 encore songs, so don’t duck out after the last song before the encore.
4. Stay Hydrated: Only if your venue allows it, water can keep you energized at standing-room-only concerts and can be really helpful in physically demanding situations.
5. Plan Your Exit: Make a run to the restrooms before the show ends to avoid the long lines and heavy traffic after a show at large venues. Plan where you want to get picked up in advance so you don’t get stuck in traffic after the show.

How long are concerts usually?

Concerts usually last 90 minutes to 2 hours, but this can vary based on the artist, genre, and venue.

How long do concerts last including opening acts?

With the opening act, a concert can typically last between 2 to 3.5 hours in total.

How long are candlelight concerts?

Candlelight concerts can last between 60-90 minutes and usually provide a more intimate experience with still a considerable amount of time.

How long is The Weeknd concert?

The duration of The Weeknd concerts is usually between 90-120 minutes. The Weeknd concerts offer a wide variety of songs and active visual displays.

Summary

Concerts are a magical experience, whether you’re attending a high-energy stadium show or an intimate candlelight performance. While most concerts last 90 minutes to 2 hours, factors like opening acts, encores, and the type of event can extend the duration. By planning ahead and knowing what to expect, you’ll be ready to enjoy every moment of the show.