Reimagining Events and Festivals as Social Infrastructure

Events and festivals are pivotal in human culture, marking significant life moments and fostering communal spirit. Despite their evident social benefits, assessing their intangible impacts remains challenging. This research note advocates conceptualizing events and festivals as forms of social infrastructure, akin to parks and community centers, based on insights from geographical studies. Social infrastructure, defined as spaces supporting social interactions and cohesion, offers a framework to better understand the societal contributions of these gatherings. Drawing on literature that explores the benefits of robust social infrastructure–such as enhanced community resilience and civic engagement–this article posits that events and festivals similarly cultivate social bonds and collective identity. They serve as platforms for kinaesthetic practices and civic participation, enriching community life. Embracing this perspective encourages innovative approaches to evaluate and optimize the societal value of events and festivals, aiming to enhance their role as vital components of community well-being.