NAICS 71 - Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation

The Sector as a Whole

The Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation sector includes a wide range of establishments that operate facilities or provide services to meet varied cultural, entertainment, and recreational interests of their patrons. This sector comprises (1) establishments that are involved in producing, promoting, or participating in live performances, events, or exhibits intended for public viewing; (2) establishments that preserve and exhibit objects and sites of historical, cultural, or educational interest; and (3) establishments that operate facilities or provide services that enable patrons to participate in recreational activities or pursue amusement, hobby, and leisure-time interests.

Some establishments that provide cultural, entertainment, or recreational facilities and services are classified in other sectors. Excluded from this sector are: (1) establishments that provide both accommodations and recreational facilities, such as hunting and fishing camps and resort and casino hotels, are classified in Subsector 721, Accommodation; (2) restaurants and night clubs that provide live entertainment in addition to the sale of food and beverages are classified in Subsector 722, Food Services and Drinking Places; (3) motion picture theaters, libraries and archives, and publishers of newspapers, magazines, books, periodicals, and computer software are classified in Sector 51, Information; and (4) establishments using transportation equipment to provide recreational and entertainment services, such as those operating sightseeing buses, dinner cruises, or helicopter rides, are classified in Subsector 487, Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation.

• Includes establishments producing live performances, public exhibits, and cultural events.
• Covers facilities and services enabling participation in recreational and leisure activities.
• Excludes accommodation providers, restaurants with entertainment, and transportation-based entertainment services.
• Typical government contracts support community cultural programs, recreation facility management, and historic site operations.
• Small business size standards vary but often include limits based on annual receipts or employee counts.
• Contracts may involve both nonprofit and for-profit cultural and recreational organizations.

• Producing and promoting live theater, music, and dance performances.
• Operating museums, galleries, and historical sites for public education.
• Managing community and regional recreational facilities and parks.
• Organizing cultural festivals, exhibits, and public events.
• Providing hobby and leisure-time classes or activities.
• Running amusement parks, fitness centers, and sports facilities.
• Conducting cultural preservation and heritage programming.
• Delivering arts education and outreach services to diverse populations.

• Theater and performing arts companies
• Museums and historical societies
• Recreation and sports facility operators
• Event management and production firms
• Community arts organizations
• Cultural heritage preservation entities