The volume is the first major social scientific study of contemporary arts festivals. There has been an explosion of festivals throughout the world in the past decade but there is as yet no comprehensive analysis of the phenomenon. The volume complements existing literature on festivals, which are mostly confined to policy studies, with a major social scientific study. The chapters are situated within the debate about the public sphere written by key figures in the field. It will have appeal to a wide readership in cultural sociology, cultural studies, and cultural theory.