Big outdoor shows and what they teach us about open-air spaces

When a band like Twenty One Pilots plays an outdoor stadium fixture such as the NHL Stadium Series, held in early 2025, the event says something about how people enjoy music and sport in the open air. An ice rink built inside a football stadium, a stage under winter skies and tens of thousands of fans wrapped in layers is an extreme version of something many Australians do on a much smaller scale every weekend: gathering outside and making the weather part of the experience.

Stadium crews plan for wind, rain, cold and glare long before the first note is played. The same questions apply at home, even if the crowd is a dozen friends on a deck rather than a full stadium.

Lessons for a backyard gathering space

  • Shelter matters more than size. A pergola with a solid or louvred roof, or a verandah, keeps a gathering going when a summer storm rolls through Sydney in the late afternoon.
  • Think about sound. Hard surfaces like paving and metal roofing bounce noise around. Timber decking, planting and fabric shade can soften it. Be mindful of neighbours and local noise rules.
  • Light the space safely. Event crews light walkways as carefully as stages. Low path lighting and step lights on a deck reduce trips after dark. Fixed outdoor wiring should be installed by a licensed electrician.
  • Plan for the season. Winter events show that cold need not end outdoor living. Enclosed sides, outdoor heaters rated for open areas and a sheltered corner can extend use of a patio well beyond summer.

Before building anything permanent, check with your local council about whether approval is needed. Rules for structures like pergolas and decks vary across New South Wales and other states. Our FAQ covers common questions, and the gallery shows how different covered outdoor areas look in real Australian homes.