Carnival & Fair News

Higher costs will once again be the rule rather than the exception for live entertainment this year. However, the range of concert acts coming to fairs this season has never been more eclectic. As demographics continue to shift and millennials make up a larger portion of the fairgoing public, fairs are adjusting to new realities in talent buying. But what exactly are those new realities?

To get a clearer picture, Carnival Warehouse spoke with one of the leading talent buyers in the fair industry, Clay Campbell, President of Triangle Talent. In a candid interview, Campbell explores the complex outlook for talent buying in a year of increasing economic uncertainty.

What is your forecast for fair entertainment in 2026?

Clay Campbell: It is the same as it has been the last few years. Our clients are seeing good ticket sales and strong interest in the shows they have announced. At the same time, act prices are higher. More and more, our fair clients are trying to be value providers. Not necessarily cheap, but a good value for their patrons.

How was 2025 for fair entertainment? Was talent buying easier or more difficult than 2024?

Clay Campbell: It keeps getting harder. There is still a lot of competition for acts, and prices keep going up.

What trends did you see in 2025 that you expect will continue in 2026?

Clay Campbell: Everyone's costs are rising. It costs more to travel and more to attend events. Fairs that can provide a good value saw strong numbers in 2025, and I think that will continue in 2026.

What trends do you hope continue in 2026?

Clay Campbell: A willingness on the part of fairs to present a diverse program that can bring new audiences in.

What has been the impact of inflation on outdoor live entertainment? Were costs higher in 2025 compared to 2024?

Clay Campbell: Yes, it was more expensive for everyone involved.

What is your forecast for 2026? Will production and other costs rise, fall, or plateau?

Clay Campbell: I think they will continue to rise.

Are fairs passing along these increases to attendees, or absorbing the costs to avoid raising prices? What are you recommending?

Clay Campbell: I think fairs are passing along some of the costs, mostly on the food and beverage side, and some on ticket prices. The challenge is still to provide a good value to the consumer.

What can fairs and fairgoers expect for grandstand concert entertainment in 2026?

Clay Campbell: A good year of entertainment. There are a lot of strong shows out there, including acts that have not played fairs in the recent past.

From the artists' and promoters' point of view, what is the appeal of playing a fair?

Clay Campbell: Fairs can deliver strong crowds, and the act is the sole performer for the night, not part of a lineup with many other acts.

What is the biggest complaint artists and their management have about playing fairs?

Clay Campbell: Not having their full production show.

Are fairs booking earlier or later than in previous seasons? Is there a trend?

Clay Campbell: Everyone is booking earlier. Those who wait are left with fewer options.

How will comedy do in 2026?

Clay Campbell: The challenge with comedy is finding enough acts that can sell tickets and still play clean. Comedy has also become so popular that many acts are moving into arenas and bypassing fairs.

What advertising channels are working best for grandstand entertainment?

Clay Campbell: Having an effective social media presence is essential. We are working with some artists who get no radio play but still sell well because younger audiences know them through social media.