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30 of the Best Music Festivals in the World

The best music festivals throughout the world are more than just events. They are remarkable excursions into the core of human expression and connection.

These famous sound and cultural meetings provide a kaleidoscope of musical genres that cross boundaries and generations. The festivals promise a musical escapade.

But it’s not just the music that draws people in; it’s also the shared experience, the bright art, the companionship, and the opportunity to bask in the pure joy of being alive.

These festivals are global celebration hotspots where strangers become friends, originality is cherished, and memories are imprinted on the soul.

Here are 30 of the best music festivals in the world:

1. Coachella

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Coachella is a well-known yearly music and arts festival in the United States. It was founded in 1999 and is hosted at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California.

Coachella is held over two weekends in April. The festival features well-known and rising performers from a variety of genres, including rock, pop, indie, hip-hop, and electronic dance music.

Coachella is also known for showcasing visual arts, such as big-scale interactive installations and sculptures. The festival is also known for celebrity sightings and fashion impact.

Coachella has developed into one of the world’s best music events, with tickets selling out months in advance. A must-do experience for music aficionados.

2. Glastonbury

Glastonbury Festival is a five-day music and arts festival that began in 1970. It is held each year in late June in Pilton, England.

Glastonbury is a famous British cultural institution and one of the world’s largest greenfield festivals, with over 200,000 attendees.

Glastonbury has expanded to include contemporary music, dance, comedy, theater, circus, and other arts across dozens of stages. Headliners have included Radiohead, Beyoncé, The Rolling Stones, and Paul McCartney.

Aside from music, Glastonbury is noted for its environmental advocacy, charity activities, and political action. Every year, tickets for this legendary celebration of music and culture sell out in minutes, attracting large audiences to rural Somerset.

3. Tomorrowland

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Tomorrowland is an annual electronic dance music festival held in Boom, Belgium. Tomorrowland has developed from a single weekend event in 2005 to a gigantic two-weekend event that draws over 400,000 guests from over 200 nations.

Tomorrowland, known for its realistic fantasy theme and lavish stage constructions, provides spectators with an immersive experience. Top DJs and producers from house, techno, hardstyle, and trance perform at the festival.

Tomorrowland is an audio-visual event with high production qualities, pyrotechnics, and interactive art.

Tomorrowland has quickly become a must-attend festival for EDM aficionados and dance music culture enthusiasts all around the world, with tickets selling out in minutes.

4. Primavera Sound

Primavera Sound is an annual music festival held in Barcelona, Spain, in late May and early June.

Since its start in 2001, Primavera Sound has grown to become one of Europe’s leading music festivals, showcasing indie, alternative, electronic, and experimental bands.

Over 200,000 people attend the festival, which is hosted at the Parc del Frum complex every year. Primavera Sound is known for bringing in rising musicians alongside huge stars like Radiohead, Patti Smith, Björk, and LCD Sound System.

Aside from music, Primavera Sound highlights Barcelona’s diverse culture, cuisine, and nightlife. With broad lineups and a laid-back vibe, Primavera Sound provides a unique festival experience for music fans of all genres.

5. Lollapalooza

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Lollapalooza is a four-day multi-genre music event held each year in Chicago, Illinois. Lollapalooza has become one of America’s most popular and successful summer music events since its inception in 1991.

Lollapalooza offers approximately 170 acts performing alternative rock, heavy metal, punk, hip hop, and electronic dance music on 8 stages.

In addition to concerts by established and young musicians, Lollapalooza features visual arts, artisan stalls, and diverse food concessions. Lollapalooza attracts approximately 400,000 music fans each year and sells out in hours.

Lollapalooza, with its family-friendly environment and lakefront location, is the ideal Chicago summer event.

6. Austin City Limits

Austin City Limits (ACL) is a music event held annually every October in Austin, Texas, over two three-day weekends.

Since its inception in 2002, ACL has grown to become one of the largest and most well-known music festivals in the United States.

The event is held in Zilker Park and features eight stages with a wide range of genres such as rock, indie, country, folk, bluegrass, and Americana.

ACL is known for hiring legends such as Stevie Wonder as well as today’s biggest stars such as Billie Eilish.

ACL attracts 75,000 fans per day with its local food and artisan shopping. Obtaining tickets to this ever-popular concert is regarded as a mark of distinction among music fans.

7. Bonnaroo

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The Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival is an annual four-day multi-genre event held in Manchester, Tennessee. Bonnaroo, which debuted in 2002, is held on a 700+-acre farm each June and attracts over 80,000 music fans.

Top acts from rock, pop, hip-hop, jazz, Americana, bluegrass, and more play on numerous stages at Bonnaroo. In addition to music, Bonnaroo has comedy acts, film, sustainability courses, art installations, and onsite camping facilities.

The calm rural environment paired with an unconventional spirit has given Bonnaroo a reputation as one of America’s most legendary summer music festivals.

Getting tickets is considered a rite of passage for live music aficionados all over the world.

8. Ultra Music Festival

Ultra Music Festival is an annual electronic dance music festival hosted in Miami, Florida.

Ultra began in 1999 and has grown into one of the world’s largest electronic dance music (EDM) festivals, attracting approximately 165,000 attendees each March.

Ultra showcases top DJs and producers from house, techno, trance, and other genres playing on numerous stages. The festival is recognized for its high production values, pyrotechnics, and complex lighting and visuals.

Beyond the music, Ultra involves art installations and pop-up events, and highlights Miami’s booming nightlife culture.

With sold-out throngs of EDM lovers pouring in from over 100 countries, Ultra has reinforced its place as a mecca for electronic music culture and the unofficial start to Miami’s tumultuous Music Week.

9. Fuji Rock

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Fuji Rock is Japan’s largest outdoor music event, held in Yuzawa, Niigata Prefecture, every year since 1997. Every July, around 130,000 people attend Fuji Rock, which takes place at the Naeba Ski Resort base.

The festival, known for its lush mountain location, offers Japanese pop stars as well as major international rock, electronic, rap, and reggae musicians numerous stages to perform.

Aside from music, Fuji Rock has art exhibitions, street entertainers, food kiosks, and natural camping. Despite its name, the three-day event is rarely interrupted by rain.

Fuji Rock, with its laid-back mood and breathtaking alpine background, offers a uniquely Japanese festival experience that draws passionate crowds year after year.

10. Rock in Rio

Rock in Rio is a recurring mega-festival that alternates between Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Lisbon, Portugal. Since its founding in 1985. Rock in Rio has attracted millions of tourists throughout its decades-long existence.

The massive music and entertainment festival lasts many days and is held in a stadium the size of more than 100 football fields. During Rock in Rio, some of the biggest performers in pop, rock, MPB, and hip-hop perform.

In addition to music, Rock in Rio features circus performances, art installations, and themed streets.

Rock in Rio, one of the world’s best music festivals, embodies Brazil’s celebratory attitude and has become a must-see global cultural phenomenon.

11. Roskilde

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The Roskilde Festival is an annual music and arts festival held in Roskilde, Denmark. Roskilde, which dates back to 1971, is one of Europe’s longest-running festivals, attracting over 130,000 visitors each summer.

Roskilde books famous rock, pop, urban, and electronic bands over numerous stages, from legends like Prince and The Cure to today’s top artists. Beyond music, Roskilde includes social involvement in human rights and sustainability efforts.

The non-profit event, which is entirely run by volunteers, raises millions of dollars for charity.

Roskilde presents a quintessential Scandinavian festival experience, attracting passionate crowds year after year with its eclectic music lineups and feel-good mood.

12. Exit Festival

Exit Festival is an award-winning yearly music event hosted in Novi Sad, Serbia.

Exit, held in July inside the 18th-century Petrovaradin Fortress overlooking the Danube, features varied genres on multiple outdoor stages and renowned DJs spinning at dance arenas.

Exit, which began in 2000 as a student movement pushing for political reform, has grown into Serbia’s largest music festival, with crowds of over 200,000 people. Headliners have included The Cure, Arcade Fire, The Killers, and Migos.

Aside from music, Exit features street performers, art exhibitions, and riverside water sports. Exit gives a one-of-a-kind festival experience as well as a boost to Novi Sad’s rising tourism.

13. Electric Daisy Carnival

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Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) is one of the world’s largest electronic dance music festivals, produced each year by event promoter Insomniac.

It was founded in 1997, showcases top DJs and producers from house, trance, techno, drum & bass, and other genres.

EDC Las Vegas, a three-day spectacle hosted at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, draws over 450,000 attendees with its technicolor stages and funfair rides. Beyond Las Vegas, EDC has grown to Mexico, Brazil, Japan, China, and Europe.

EDC, known for its extravagant productions and upbeat vibes, delivers an electrifying retreat for EDM enthusiasts looking for a euphoric festival experience beneath the electric sky.

14. Mawazine

Mawazine Festival is an annual international music festival in Rabat, Morocco. Mawazine, which began in 2001, is held across numerous stages and venues throughout Rabat, attracting over 2.5 million people each May.

The festival features Arab pop icons Amr Diab, Nancy Ajram, and Elissa, as well as international headliners Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, and Drake. Mawazine also has staged concerts, art displays, and a bustling food court in addition to music.

Mawazine, Morocco’s largest festival, exemplifies Rabat’s cosmopolitan vitality and has evolved into a source of national pride, economic boost, and global music destination.

15. Splendour in the Grass

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Splendour in the Grass is Australia’s largest outdoor music festival, held each year at Byron Bay, New South Wales, since 2001.

Splendour in the Parklands, held in July, attracts around 42,000 attendees per day. Splendour focuses on modern indie music performers, ranging from emerging Australian musicians to major worldwide headliners such as Lorde, Arctic Monkeys, and The Strokes.

Tickets are frequently sold out within minutes of being released.Splendour also includes comedy shows, visual arts displays, and a variety of food vendors in addition to the music.

17. Sónar

Sónar is a music, art, and technology event held annually in Barcelona, Spain. Sónar, founded in 1994, is devoted to electronic music, experimentation, and digital arts.

The festival’s many indoor and outdoor venues showcase notable DJs, producers, and avant-garde pop/rock bands. Sónar also includes multimedia exhibitions, screenings, seminars, and workshops covering technology, design, and culture.

The festival’s main events are Sónar by Day, held at Fira Montjuc, and Sónar by Night, held at Fira Gran Via L’Hospitalet.

With its forward-thinking ethos and energetic environment, Sónar has become a renowned Barcelona institution and one of Europe’s best creative community festivals.

18. South by Southwest (SXSW)

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South by Southwest is an annual media festival held in Austin, Texas, in mid-March. SXSW, which began in 1987, has developed into one of the world’s best music, film, comedy, and interactive technology festivals.

Over 2,000 artists will perform in venues throughout Austin over a week for the music component. SXSW music focuses on emerging artists and trends ranging from indie rock and R&B to hip hop and country.

In addition to music concerts, SXSW provides informative lectures, film screenings, artistic activities, and technological expos. Attending SXSW is considered a professional milestone for aspiring creatives all around the world.

19. Summerfest

Summerfest is an annual 11-day music festival held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Summerfest, branded “The World’s Largest Music Festival,” is held annually along the shores of Lake Michigan and draws over 800,000 visitors.

The festival has featured luminaries such as The Rolling Stones alongside today’s top acts since its start in 1968. Over 1,000 performances range from rock, pop, country, and R&B to alternative, folk, and indie.

In addition to music on 12 stages, Summerfest features local food, artisan shopping, and family activities. Summerfest is a beloved Milwaukee tradition that provides a considerable economic boost by celebrating the joy of summer, live music, and community.

20. Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival

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Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival is a three-day music festival hosted annually in San Francisco‘s Golden Gate Park. Outside Lands, which debuted in 2008, has a seven-stage lineup of pop, rock, hip-hop, electronic, and indie performers.

Past headliners have included Paul McCartney, Elton John, Metallica, and Twenty-One Pilots. Outside Lands also features comedy acts, interactive art installations, a beer/wine tasting pavilion, and a large food section featuring Bay Area cuisine.

Outside Lands offers a quintessential NorCal experience, complete with a laid-back atmosphere, mild foggy weather, and magnificent ocean vistas. Outside Lands continues to be a must-see festival location, with tickets frequently selling out.

21. Sziget Festival 

The Sziget Festival is a week-long music and cultural event held on an island in Budapest, Hungary, every year. Sziget, which takes place in August, features bands from all over the world performing over 60+ stages.

Dua Lipa and Arctic Monkeys were previous headliners. Along with music, Sziget incorporates circus acts, art lessons, health activities, and late-night parties.

Sziget has a renowned reputation for its vibrant liveliness and diversity, with over 500,000 visitors. Sziget is a one-of-a-kind celebration getaway that showcases Budapest’s vibrant culture and youthful spirit.

Sziget is a popular summer destination for music fans from all over the world, and tickets sell out rapidly.

22. All Points East

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All Points East is a 10-day music event hosted yearly in London’s Victoria Park. All Points East, which debuted in 2018, covers two weekends in late May and features huge headliners such as The Strokes, Tame Impala, and Gorillaz.

The event features four stages of rock, indie, electronic, and hip-hop music. Aside from music, All Points East features comedy, circus performances, and a diverse food/drink lineup reflecting London’s strong culinary sector.

All Points East has quickly become a highlight of London’s summer festival calendar and music experience, thanks to its location in East London’s vibrant Victoria Park, low tickets, and easy central position.

23. Wireless Festival

Wireless Festival is a significant London music festival focusing on contemporary urban musicians. Wireless is typically hosted in early July at Finsbury Park or Crystal Palace Park.

Headliners have included Drake, The Weeknd, Cardi B, Travis Scott, and other major hip-hop, R&B, grime, and Afrobeat performers. Wireless includes electronic, dancehall, and U.K. garage genres in addition to the main stage.

Wireless draws a diverse, youthful crowd of over 100,000 people each day with reasonable ticket options. Wireless has established itself as London’s top event for urban music aficionados and culture, thanks to its vibrant crowds, surprise guests, and streetwear attitude.

24. Reading and Leeds Festivals

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Reading and Leeds are two annual music festivals held in England over the August bank holiday weekend. Reading Festival takes place on Richfield Avenue in Reading, while Leeds Festival takes place in Bramham Park in Leeds.

The twin events have featured rock, indie, alternative, hip-hop, and dance music on numerous stages since the 1960s. Headliners have included Nirvana, Eminem, The Killers, and Arctic Monkeys.

There will also be comedians, actors, and cabaret acts during the events. Reading and Leeds are popular with young people searching for a wild outdoor musical experience.

Reading and Leeds, with their strong counterculture histories, are rites of passage for U.K. music fans.

25. TRNSMT Festival

TRNSMT Festival is a significant music festival held every July in Glasgow, Scotland. TRNSMT was founded in 2017 and contains some of the biggest stars in pop, rock, rap, and indie music.

Liam Gallagher, The Killers, Stormzy, and Billie Eilish have performed as headliners. TRNSMT features up-and-coming Scottish performers across multiple stages in addition to recognized performances on the main stage.

TRNSMT also has comedy, workshops, and food and drink stalls in addition to music. TRNSMT, which is easily accessible from Glasgow’s city Centre, offers a quintessential Scottish summer festival experience to over 50,000 visitors every day and offers inexpensive tickets.

26. Melt! Festival

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Melt! The Festival is an annual music festival in Ferropolis, Germany, focusing on electronic and indie genres. Melt! is an open-air party venue located on the grounds of a former coal and iron manufacturing complex.

Melt! which has been held in July since 1997, offers notable DJs as well as live electronic and indie artists on numerous stages and dancefloors.

Previous performances have included James Blake, LCD Sound system, Disclosure, and others. Melt! also includes art installations, movies, and sustainability training in addition to music.

Melt! with its industrial backdrop and 20,000 capacities, provides a spectacular environment for German youth culture to celebrate cutting-edge sounds each summer.

27. Parookaville

The annual Parookaville electronic dance music event takes place in Weeze, Germany. Parookaville has grown into one of Europe’s greatest EDM festivals, gathering over 200,000 fans each summer since its inception in 2015.

Parookaville, also known as the world’s largest electronic music event, is essentially a pop-up electronic music city constructed near Airport Weeze.

Campers can explore neighborhoods designed on various genres such as hip hop, house, and techno.

Top DJs like Armin Van Buuren, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, and other luminaries perform high-energy performances across numerous stages during the multi-day festival.

Parookaville gives an unparalleled EDM experience that keeps fans coming back, with intricate set designs, luxury VIP spaces, and a party that goes nonstop for days.

28. Awakenings Festival

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Awakenings is an annual Dutch electronic music festival that focuses on techno and house music. Awakenings has developed into one of Europe’s greatest techno festivals since its inception in 1997.

Every June/July, it takes place at Amsterdam’s Gashouder venue. Awakenings features prominent DJs and producers from all over the world representing the cutting edge of techno, house, and electronica across two days.

Legends such as Carl Cox, Amelie Lens, and Adam Beyer have previously performed on various stages. Awakenings Festival attracts visitors from over 75 nations for this world-class techno experience.

Awakenings highlights the range and vitality of modern electronic dance music culture, from underground veterans to rising new performers.

29. Mysteryland

Mysteryland is an acclaimed music event known for its immersive and varied musical experience.

It was founded in 1993 and is held annually in a variety of locales, including the Netherlands and the United States.

The event presents a diversified selection of electronic dance music, hip-hop, and other genres selected to appeal to a wide spectrum of musical interests.

Mysteryland’s immersive stage designs, art installations, and thematic decorations create a fascinating and strange ambiance.

Attendees can expect an unparalleled blend of music, creativity, and community, making it a must-see destination for music and festival aficionados worldwide.

30. Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival

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The Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival is a dynamic yearly festival in Okeechobee, Florida, recognized for its blend of music, art, and nature.

This four-day festival, which began in 2016, attracts a broad population of music fans. The festival features a diverse roster of genres ranging from electronic dance music to rock and hip-hop.

The emphasis on art installations, seminars, and immersive experiences distinguishes Okeechobee, providing a one-of-a-kind, transforming ambiance.

Attendees may camp, see gorgeous sunsets, and connect with nature while experiencing a world of creativity. It’s a beautiful location for a harmonious blend of music and arts.