Concert nights and the outdoor spaces we plan around them

Morrissey's 2024 North American tour announcement has long since passed, so rather than revisit dates, this note looks at something closer to home for this journal: how big touring announcements shape the way people use their outdoor spaces before and after a show.

When a well-known artist tours, fans often gather beforehand at someone's house for a meal, a drink and a playlist of the old records. In Australia that gathering usually happens outside, on a deck, under a pergola or on a covered verandah. If you host these evenings regularly, a few practical points make a real difference.

Shelter that works after dark

Pre-show catch-ups tend to run from late afternoon into the evening, when light fades and weather can turn. A solid roof over a pergola or verandah keeps people dry in a sudden shower, while a slatted or louvred design lets warm air escape on humid summer nights. Think about where the sun sets in your yard; western glare at five o'clock can make an uncovered deck uncomfortable.

Lighting and sound with neighbours in mind

Low, warm lighting along steps and edges keeps everyone safe without flooding the street with brightness. If music is part of the night, speakers pointed into the house rather than towards the fence line help, and most councils have rules about noise later in the evening. It is worth checking your local council's guidance before a big gathering.

Planning the trip to the venue

Whatever the concert, the same advice applies: confirm dates and tickets through the official tour or venue channels, book transport ahead, and allow extra time around major venues. Our Venues section and Guides look at how outdoor and covered spaces are designed, and the Gallery shows decks and pergolas that suit exactly this kind of evening.