Entertainment

The live music scene is booming. From Beyoncé’s record-breaking stadium shows to The Weeknd’s extended “After Hours til Dawn Tour,” fans are eager to experience music in person. But with ticket prices continuing to rise, attending concerts requires careful financial planning. As more of our favorite artists – including Cardi B, J. Cole, and Summer Walker – announce tour dates for 2026, now is the time to start strategizing how to afford those unforgettable nights.

Cardi B is currently captivating audiences on her “Little Miss Drama Tour,” known for its viral moments and elaborate costumes. Other major tours are already underway, with Doja Cat’s “Tour Ma Vie” kicking off in late 2025. Looking ahead to 2026, J. Cole, fresh off the release of his album The Fall Off, Summer Walker, B2K, and Ari Lennox are among the artists planning to hit the road across the U.S. But the cost of seeing these performers live extends far beyond the price of the ticket itself.

According to a 2025 analysis by Pollstar, the average ticket price for the top 100 worldwide touring artists reached nearly $133. Though, that’s just the beginning. Transportation, food and beverages at the venue, new outfits, and, for those traveling long distances, flights and accommodation all add up quickly. For many music lovers, making these experiences financially feasible requires a proactive approach to budgeting.

Four Tips to Prepare Your Finances for Concert Season

If your budget is already stretched thin, don’t worry. Here are four practical tips to help you get your finances in order before buying concert tickets in 2026:

1. Realize Where Your Money Is Going

The first step to saving for concerts is understanding your current spending habits. It’s easy to avoid tracking expenses, but knowing exactly where your money is going – and coming from – is crucial, especially when planning a significant purchase. Consider using expense tracking apps or creating a custom spreadsheet to monitor your income and outgoings.

2. Optimize Your Spending Splits

Financial experts generally recommend allocating your after-tax income strategically. A common guideline suggests dedicating around 50% to essential needs like rent and food, at least 20% to savings (whether in a high-yield savings account or an emergency fund), and the remaining portion to wants. “By consciously directing towards what truly matters to you, you’ll balance spending that serves your long-term happiness with savings,” explained Mary Hines Droesch, head of consumer and small business products and analytics at Bank of America, in a previous interview.

3. Set a Clear Savings Goal

Saving without a specific target can feel overwhelming. To effectively prepare for a concert, calculate the total expected cost, including the ticket price, transportation, and any other anticipated expenses. Establish a timeline for reaching this goal, tied to when you need to have the funds available, rather than the concert date itself. This will help you determine if attending is financially feasible.

4. Identify Areas to Cut Back

Regularly review your income, spending, and savings progress. Then, identify areas where you can reduce expenses to accelerate your savings. Consider delaying non-essential purchases and redirecting those funds towards your concert budget. Exploring opportunities to increase your income, such as negotiating a raise or taking on side gigs, can also improve your financial position. And with tax season approaching, factor in any potential refund you may receive.

As more artists announce tour dates and ticket prices continue to climb, proactive financial planning is essential for music fans. By implementing these strategies, you can increase your chances of experiencing the thrill of live music without breaking the bank.

What concerts are you hoping to attend in 2026? Share your plans and budgeting tips in the comments below!

The blazer is getting a makeover. After years of embracing oversized, boxy silhouettes, fashion is shifting towards a more architectural aesthetic and the peplum blazer is leading the charge. This isn’t your mother’s peplum – or even the peplum of the early 2010s. The 2026 iteration is about creating a dramatic, flared silhouette that feels more like art than workwear, echoing the elegance of Dior’s post-war “New Gaze” for a modern audience.

The trend officially landed on the style radar when Elle Fanning debuted a stunning blazer and skirt suit set from Givenchy’s spring/summer 2026 collection at the 98th Oscars Nominees Luncheon in Beverly Hills. The look, designed by Creative Director Sarah Burton, featured strong shoulders and a draped peplum hem that flowed into a matching skirt with ruffles and a daringly high slit. Fanning’s appearance was particularly noteworthy as it marked her first nomination for a Best Supporting Actress Academy Award, recognizing her performance in Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value.

This isn’t a simple revival of a past trend; it’s a reimagining. The peplum blazer of 2026 is about structure and drama, a departure from the more relaxed, oversized styles that have dominated recent years. It’s a statement piece designed to cinch the waist and create a visually striking silhouette. As New York Fashion Week’s fall 2026 shows demonstrated, the 2010s are back, but with a sophisticated update.

The Return of the Peplum: A 2026 Take

The resurgence of the peplum isn’t happening in isolation. NYFW 2026 also saw a revival of other millennial-era favorites, including skinny jeans and statement necklaces, signaling a broader embrace of 2010s fashion. However, the peplum blazer stands out as a particularly impactful trend, appearing on runways from Tory Burch to Proenza Schouler, each designer offering their own unique interpretation of the silhouette. According to E! Online, designers are turning these once-popular silhouettes into modern statements.

The key to the 2026 peplum blazer is its architectural quality. It’s about creating a defined waist and a dramatic flare, moving away from the boxy shapes that have been prevalent. This represents a blazer designed to be seen, a piece that adds a touch of artistry to any outfit. As Yahoo Shopping points out, the new silhouette feels more like art than workwear.

Shop the Trend: Peplum Blazers for 2026

If you’re looking to update your blazer collection, consider pieces that nip in at the natural waist and offer a dramatic flare below the belt. Here are a few options to get you started:

• Magda Butrym Draped Wool Blazer in Grey
• ALAÏA Fitted Jacket in Noir AlaÏa
• Post Meridiem Peplum Jacket
• Proenza Schouler Dasha Jacket in Compact Viscose
• Nina Ricci Peplum Hem Wool Blazer

The peplum blazer’s return signals a broader shift in fashion towards more defined silhouettes and a touch of drama. It’s a trend that offers a sophisticated alternative to the oversized styles of recent years, and Elle Fanning’s recent appearance proves it’s a look worth embracing. As designers continue to explore this revived silhouette, we can expect to see even more innovative interpretations of the peplum blazer throughout 2026 and beyond.

What remains to be seen is how this trend will evolve as the year progresses. Will we see peplum details incorporated into other garments, or will the blazer remain the focal point? One thing is certain: the peplum is back, and it’s making a statement.

What are your thoughts on the peplum blazer revival? Share your opinions in the comments below!