How to Bet on Music Festivals: Which Acts Will Steal the Show?

Music festivals have become a massive part of the entertainment industry. Each year, millions attend festivals like Coachella, Glastonbury, Lollapalooza, and EDC to see their favorite artists perform. With the rising popularity of music festivals, betting on festivals has also grown. You can now bet on things like which acts will steal the show, who will have a surprise guest appearance, and more. Here’s a guide on how to bet on music festivals and pick which acts will steal the show.

Consider the Lineup Order

The lineup order is crucial when determining which acts are likely to steal the show at a music festival. The headliners in primetime slots like the final act of the night are meant to be the big attention-grabbers. Acts like Rage Against the Machine, Travis Scott and Frank Ocean are examples of recent headliners who delivered jaw-dropping sets, whereas rumored acts to appear at next year’s Glastonbury Festival include Fatboy Slim, the Libertines, Olivia Rodrigo, and CMAT.

While the headliners draw the biggest crowds, don’t count out acts lower on the lineup. Sometimes these lesser-known gems end up being the talk of the festival, especially when they play daytime tents and smaller stages. Still, your best odds are likely with the top billed artists.

Factor in an Artist’s Live Reputation

Beyond the lineup order, research how engaging an artist is as a live performer. Some major artists are known to phone it in or sound mediocre in a festival setting. Others take great pride in delivering a memorable live show. If an act is touring a new album, check out live videos to hear how the new songs translate on stage. For veteran acts, read up on recent concert reviews to see if they still bring the energy or if they are past their prime.

Consider an Artist’s Rarity and Novelty

Rarity and novelty can contribute to an act stealing the show. A reunion performance from a band that hasn’t toured in years can be a huge deal. Legacy acts or music icons who don’t often play festivals also command attention. A new or up-and-coming artist right before gaining more mainstream fame can end up drawing big curiosity and crowds.

Novelty plays a role too – an act known for elaborate live productions like props, dancers, pyrotechnics or light shows may leave a greater impression on attendees. Also, consider artists known for bringing out surprise guests, doing cover songs or unpredictable antics on stage. Rare, one of a kind festival moments tend to excite audiences.

Note Artists with Potential for Controversy

Controversial figures and artists with polarizing styles sometimes end up becoming the most talked about sets of a music festival, for better or worse. Kanye West’s appearances often generate buzz due to his outspoken persona and potential for rants. EDM artists known for starting mosh pits, defying rules and encouraging wild partying can also steal the spotlight. Consider artists who may spark debate and strong reactions – it may drive curiosity to see their set.

Watch for Special Occasions

Music festivals often happen on holiday weekends like July 4th. Are any artists celebrating milestones like birthdays or anniversaries of classic albums at the event? Acts are likely to go all out with special guests and rarely performed songs.

Don’t Ignore Nostalgia Artists

While reunion shows are obvious steals, even long-running bands cashing in on nostalgia like The Rolling Stones and New Kids on the Block have proven to bring huge crowds at festivals. The appeal of singing along to classics from your childhood shouldn’t be underestimated – it’s a huge draw – and classic artists like Cher are bound to attract fans if they appear at a major music festival. These nostalgia acts attract multiple generations of fans, from boomers to Gen Z.

Trust Your Gut on Breakout Potential

Even without a proven festival reputation, you may have a gut feeling that a certain artist is primed for a breakout moment. Trust your instinct if you’re sensing an up-and-coming act has star power or an existing artist is about to enter a new, popular era of music. Breakout sets where an artist LEVELS UP are always crowd-pleasers.

While tough to predict precisely, following these tips will help you determine which artists at a music festival have the potential to steal the show. Do your research on fan enthusiasm, an act’s live energy, and the special x-factors that create buzz. Trust your intuition too – you never know when you’ll make the right bet on which performance becomes the talk of the festival.