Nothing brings together people more than music (and food and alcohol), so what happens when you combine all of them together – is an epic experience. That’s what music festivals offer: moments, memories, old friends and new and revelations. Whether you’re into electronic, hip hop, pop, jungle house or country, there’s a festival for you. Here are some of the most anticipated and attended music festivals around the world:
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (USA)
Probably one of the biggest music festivals in the world is Coachella, located in the Coachella Valley desert in Southern Cali. The festival takes place in April and has one of the most diverse lineups of top artists from various genres, art installations, food vendors and of course the off-site house parties. Pro tip: Coachella fashion is taken vvvv seriously.
Glastonbury Festival (UK)
This iconic festival held in Somerset, England is known for its massive crowds, top music acts, and unique atmosphere. The lineup is one of the most diverse with every kind of genre from rock to hip hop, pop to jazz and classic rock to soul. There are also a ton of activities and fun things to do and see like circus performances, comedy shows, and art installations.
Tomorrowland (Belgium)
Tomorrowland has become one of the biggest and most popular music festivals in the world. The EDM festival that takes place in July, is know for its elaborate themed stage designs and visual effects, and mega production value with carnival rides, art installations, and food and drinks – making for a truly immersive experience.
Stagecoach (USA)
Another California festival, but this one’s for the country lovers. The biggest americana country music festival takes place at the end of April and like the younger, redneck sister of Coachella. But it’s also a great excuse to bust out some cowboy boots, a hat and a lot of denim.
Fuji Rock Festival (Japan)
The Fuji Rock Festival is one of the largest music festivals in Japan, with rock, indie, electronic and hip-hop acts. Taking place in late July or early August at the Naeba Ski Resort in Niigata Prefecture, the festival has since grown in popularity since 1997, attracting tens of thousands of music fans from all over Japan and the world, with headliners like Japanese artists, Radiohead, Björk, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Cure, The Chemical Brothers, Foo Fighters and Coldplay. The surrounding area makes it the perfect outdoorsy locale to travel to with epic hikes and hot springs to decompress after.
Sziget Festival (Hungary)
Sziget Festival is one of the largest music and cultural festivals in Europe, held annually in Budapest, Hungary, with over 1,000 performances on more than 60 stages. It takes place on an island (Old-Buda Island) in the middle of the Danube River, making it a unique and picturesque backdrop. The music genres range from rock, pop, indie, electronic, hip hop, world music, and more. The festival also has theatrical performances, art installations, circus acts, dance shows, and a beach area, to relax, tan and swim.
Lollapalooza (USA)
Jane’s Addiction’s OG farewell tour has turned into one of the world’s biggest festivals. Happening in Chicago in August, the festival used to be all nostalgia with 90s alternative rock bands, but then rock died and now it’s lineup pulls in the world’s biggest artists. Have kids? Bring them. There’s also a Kidzapalooza area with family-friendly activities, dance performances, music, events, and workshops.
Primavera Sound (Spain)
Primavera Sound Festival is Barcelona, Spain’s most anticipated events in the European music scene. What makes this festival so unique is its diverse lineup that features a wide range of genres, from indie rock and electronic music to hip-hop and experimental sounds. The festival has a reputation for showcasing up-and-coming artists alongside well-established acts, making it an excellent platform for discovering new music. Along with the impressive lineup, it also has a picturesque setting in the Parc del Fòrum, a scenic waterfront park with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Electric Daisy Carnival (USA)
Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) is all about inclusivity and love at this three-day electronic dance music (EDM) festival. It takes place in different locations around the world, like Orlando, China and Mexico City, but the flagship is in Las Vegas, which most matches the colorful and magical world that is the festival with neon lights, performers in elaborate costumes, world-renowned DJs and performers, art installations, visual effects and carnival rides. You can also participate in workshops and wellness activities, like yoga and meditation classes.
Roskilde Festival (Denmark)
The Roskilde Festival is an annual music festival that takes place in the city of Roskilde, Denmark and has been attracting visitor since 1971. The festival is known for its eclectic lineup of artists, with a focus on alternative and indie music, but also has rock, hip-hop, electronic, and world music acts. Some of the biggest names in music have performed at the festival over the years, including Bob Dylan, Radiohead, Beyoncé, and Kendrick Lamar. What sets the Roskilde Festival apart from other music festivals is its emphasis on community and social responsibility. The festival also has a strong focus on sustainability and is even run by a non-profit organization, where all profits from ticket sales go to various charitable causes.
Ultra Music Festival (USA)
Another big festival, Ultra has made its name, happening in March alongside Miami Music Week, with an impressive lineup of performers, including some of the biggest names in the electronic dance music industry. The festival brings together electronic music lovers to celebrate and express themselves. The festival takes place in Bayfront Park, in the heart of downtown Miami, providing a stunning backdrop for the festival’s performances and easy access to hotels, restaurants, and Miami fun to be had.
Osheaga Festival (Canada)
Osheaga Festival is Canada’s biggest festival, held in Montreal. The festival is known for a diverse lineup of musical acts, which includes a mix of indie rock, hip-hop, electronic, and alternative artists like Arctic Monkeys, Childish Gambino, Florence + the Machine, and Radiohead. The best part about Osheaga is that it takes place in Parc Jean-Drapeau, which is on an island in the middle of the Saint Lawrence River with a Ferris wheel and a mini amusement park. The festival also places a strong emphasis on sustainability, with efforts to reduce waste and promote environmental awareness.
Reading and Leeds Festival (UK)
The iconic Reading and Leeds Festival is one of the UK’s most famous and long-running music festivals, which usually takes place over the August bank holiday weekend. The festival is actually held in two locations simultaneously (Reading and Leeds), with the same line-up and alternating days at each site. It also means that the festival is spread out over two different environments, with the Reading site being situated on the banks of the River Thames, while the Leeds site is set within a picturesque country estate. With the biggest names in rock, alternative, hip-hop and electronic music, it’s considered a rite of passage to attend the festival at least once in their lives.
Splendour in the Grass (Australia)
Splendour in the Grass is known for its eclectic mix of genres, with acts from indie rock and pop to hip-hop and electronic dance music. Some of the notable artists are Arctic Monkeys, Lorde, Kendrick Lamar, and The Strokes. The festival takes place in the picturesque Byron Bay region of New South Wales, surrounded by lush forests and stunning beaches and offers other fun experiences like art installations, markets and workshops.
Mysteryland (Netherlands)
Mysteryland is considered one of the oldest and most prestigious dance music festivals in the world. The festival has an impressive lineup of DJs and electronic music acts, as well as a variety of art installations, theatrical performances, and other interactive experiences. The festival takes place over several days and offers a variety of camping options, including pre-set tents, caravan rentals, and VIP camping on the grounds of a massive horticultural exhibition park near Amsterdam. In addition to the music and art, Mysteryland also has a range of wellness activities, like yoga, meditation, and holistic workshops.
Summer Sonic (Japan)
Japan’s other biggest festival is summer sonic and also takes place simultaneously in two different locations: Tokyo and Osaka, with the same artists. Some of the biggest names in music have performed at Summer Sonic over the years, including the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Radiohead, Ariana Grande, and Kendrick Lamar. There are also various interactive exhibits and games, making it a truly immersive experience.
Field Day (UK)
London’s Field Day Festival is all about showcasing emerging talent. The festival has a reputation for booking up-and-coming artists who go on to become big names in the music industry, meaning festival-goers have the opportunity to discover new artists before they hit mainstream. Field Day is also host to a ton of other activities and attractions like art installations and interactive experiences that engage festival-goers in creative ways.
SXSW (USA)
Part of the larger SXSW Festival or ‘South By’, and in the same fashion, the music event showcases the best in emerging and established musical talent from all over the world. The festival has been held since 1987 and has grown to become one of the most prestigious and diverse music events in the world, attracting thousands of musicians and music fans from all corners of the globe. The festival covers almost every kind of music imaginable, with over 2,000 official performers across more than 100 stages. It also offers a range of interactive and educational events, including panels, workshops, and networking opportunities, which bring together industry professionals, musicians, and fans to discuss the latest trends and developments in the music industry.
Miami Music Week (USA)
Miami Music Week is a week long party at some of the most iconic and well-known clubs and party spots, like Space Miami, the Shelborne South Beach, and the National Hotel with the hottest DJs in the world. Think daytime pool parties, nighttime club parties, boat parties, house parties, all kinds of parties with all kinds of people from everywhere. Miami Music Week also has industry events for aspiring producers, DJs, and music industry professionals to learn from and connect with some of the biggest names in the industry.
Art with Me (Mexico)
Art With Me is a newer festival for artists, musicians, and wellness practitioners from all over the world to showcase their talents and connect with like-minded individuals, all in Tulum style. The event is 6 days of activities like art installations, live music performances, workshops, talks, and wellness experiences such as yoga and meditation, and of course – some of the best underground electro DJs. An important aspect of Art with Me is its community-driven approach. The festival organizers work closely with local communities to create a positive impact and promote social responsibility. This collaboration results in a truly immersive and authentic experience for attendees, who get to connect with the local culture and learn about the region’s history and traditions.
Rolling Loud (USA)
Rolling Loud is THE hip-hop festival, featuring the world’s hottest and up-and-coming artists, high-energy performances, and enthusiastic crowds. The festival takes place annually in various cities across the United States and has gained a reputation as one of the premier hip-hop festivals in the world and the grounds are full of activities and fun for an immersive experience. You also never know who will show up, a lot of the festival’s headliners have been known to bring out special guests during their sets.
Envision Festival (Costa Rica)
Envision Festival has been running for 10 years and happens annually in a tiny town in Costa Rica, surrounded by jungle, beaches and waterfalls. It brings together a diverse community of people who share a love for music, art, and sustainable living. In addition to the environmental focus, Envision Festival also has an incredible lineup of music, with everything from electronic to reggae, and world music. The festival also offers workshops, talks, and immersive art installations, to connect with others like-minded new friends.
Burning Man (USA)
I’m sure you’ve all heard about Burning Man, but in case you’ve been living under a black rock, it’s a week-long event that takes place in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada, United States. It is a temporary city that is built in the middle of the desert and is a celebration of art, community, self-expression, and self-reliance. The event is centered around the burning of a large wooden effigy, known as “The Man,” which takes place on the Saturday evening of the event. One of the most unique aspects of Burning Man is the sense of community that it fosters. Everyone brings their gifts, talents, and resources to contribute, gift and trade with each other. And then of course, there are the incredible art and interactive installations and massive art pieces, the world’s biggest DJs, workshops, performances, dancing, wind storms and a million bikes riding through the desert. A lot of people say this unique social experiment changed their lives by having an open space full of community, creativity, and self-expression.
