By 
August 4, 2025
Originally published on Fast Company
The Orion Amphitheater shows how it can be more than a venue, providing space for programming and civic engagement.
Live music is booming. According to Goldman Sachs’ Music in the Air report, the global live music market is estimated to reach $38.2 billion this year and is projected to nearly double by 2035. People crave real-world experiences, and they’re willing to pay for them, whether they’re close to home or in faraway cities. Forward-thinking municipal governments are taking notice. If they’re not already, they should be.
For 21st-century cities, music isn’t just entertainment—it’s civic infrastructure. When designed intentionally, music venues can drive economic growth, foster social connection, boost local culture, and reflect a city’s identity.
