Known for its vibrant music and horror scene, Chicago tends to draw in crowds internationally. From Lolla to the Chicago Horror Film Festival , events and attractions bring numerous fans together. Collectively, these events bring millions of dollars in revenue yearly. In Behind the Curtain, we dig in to the numerous variances that go into creating experiences for those who love them.
Fiends – feast on this weekend’s venture into the costs behind creating these events. Perhaps even an understanding what is possible on a DIY budgeting. Do larger shindigs equate more revenue for local businesses that are fortune enough to have a local in the area?
With the increase in numerous fees, it is easily seen how expenses add up when creating a larger than life experience for others. From venue to artist fees – we would hope local – marketing, security, effects, production…every skelly hand is collecting a portion.
Grave digging into challenges and opportunities that are often learned by producing enormous events, there are of course both challenges and opportunities that often found. Truly interesting are the adaptations to consistent changes that continue with each passing year. As of the current writing, numerous bands have cancelled tours based on expected numbers – including Chicago locals – Local H.
The Economic Impact of Chicago’s Music and Horror Events
A report issued by Crains told the tale of a $422 million dollar jolt to Chicago’s local ecom by 2023’s Lollapalooza alone. Included in these numbers are the costs of admission, grub and a place to sleep. These numbers also included indirect spending such as services, goods and local merchants.
Similarly, on the spooky end – annual scare fests such as the Chicago Horror Film Festival – hosted in historic Logan Theatre, built in 1915. This super fun festival contributes to their local neighborhoods economy by generating revenue for local biz and artists, creating additional local job ops
Of course when you have numerous opportunities for amaz adventures in Chicago, it gets difficult to keep a dark secret. The popularity and the offering of unique experiences amongst vibrant music, arts, unique history and culture – has created a reputation for attracting visitors from all haunted corners of the globe.
What’s this costing us Johnny?
When it comes to hosting an event located in Chicago, homework is necessary. Awareness of realistic budgets plus padding can be the ticket to making an event on any scale a success. Of course, location location location is another advantage. Venues in the city and beyond to the surrounding areas have increased significantly over the last several years. Let us not forget the necessary insurance for protecting your spooky self.
Takes Money to Perform
Refreshing to see the rise of support for artists it has also increased prices for performances. Costs varying upon popularity or the obscurity on the opposite end of spectrum. Artists are more self aware of costs involved with bringing the best possible experience. As with all excellent negotiations that Chicago is known for, often this can bring equal exchanges that benefit both parties involved. (Bit of Al Capone humor..)
Send in the Muscle
As with an ever changing atmosphere, a safe experience is necessary to ensure the proper enjoyment of festivities. This often requires the use of security, under-covers or a mix of the two offerings of muscle to help deflect super villains seizing their day.
Hey Ho..You have to go
How do you locate an interest? Get out of that haunted cabin and find your tribe. Much like 70s billboards, marketing and promotions are essential for even those DIY’ers. Creative opportunities await regardless of the path you take. Enjoyed was the creative success story of Meghan and the continued success of similar scares. Enjoy this cliffhanger…
You want me..to pay you?
The true costs of admission
Till next time fiends.
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