Festival season is just around the corner and people are getting ready to enjoy live music, warm beer and hopefully lots of sunshine! There is something truly electrifying about attending music festivals. One minute you’re with the whole gang having the time of your lives, next minute it’s a three hour adventure finding them again.
If you’re a music lover and enjoy immersing yourself in the energy of live performances, then music festivals are the perfect way to indulge your passion. From rock to pop, hip hop to electronic, there’s a music festival out there for every taste. With so many festivals happening all over the world, it can be hard to know where to start.
In this blog post, we’ll list and explore some of the most popular music festivals happening right now, from legendary events that have been around for decades to newer festivals that are quickly gaining a reputation for being unmissable. So, grab your tickets, pack your bags, and get ready to experience the thrill of some of the world’s most exciting music festivals!
1. Tomorrowland Music Festival
Tomorrowland is an annual electronic dance music festival that takes place in Boom, Belgium. The festival is known for its extravagant stage design, immersive atmosphere, and world-class lineup of DJs and producers.
The festival was first held in 2005 and has since become one of the most popular and highly anticipated music events in the world, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees from all over the globe.
Tomorrowland features multiple stages with different genres of electronic music, as well as a range of activities and experiences, including art installations, food vendors, and interactive performances. The festival also offers camping options for attendees who want to fully immerse themselves in the Tomorrowland experience.
Check out website: Tomorrowland Music Festival
2. Ultra Music Festival (UMF)
Ultra Music Festival (UMF) is an annual electronic dance music festival that takes place in Miami, Florida. The festival was founded in 1999 by Russell Faibisch and Alex Omes and has since become one of the largest music festivals in the world. It features a diverse lineup of electronic music artists, including both established and up-and-coming DJs and producers. The festival also features elaborate stage designs, high-quality sound systems, and immersive visual effects.
Over the years, UMF has expanded beyond its Miami roots and has become a global brand, hosting events in cities around the world, including Seoul, Shanghai, Tokyo, Buenos Aires, and Ibiza. The festival has attracted hundreds of thousands of attendees each year, making it one of the most popular and profitable music festivals in the world.
In 2019, UMF celebrated its 21st anniversary with a three-day event that featured over 200 artists across multiple stages. The festival attracted over 170,000 attendees from around the world and generated an estimated $168 million in economic impact for the city of Miami.
Check out website: Ultra Music Festival (UMF)
3. Coachella Music Festival
Coachella is an annual music and arts festival held in the Coachella Valley of Southern California, United States. The festival was first held in 1999 and has since become one of the largest and most popular music festivals in the world. It is known for its diverse lineup of music genres, art installations, and celebrity sightings. It is one of the largest, most famous, and most profitable music festivals in the United States and the world. Most popular music magazines like rock music publish the details of the festival a few months before the date. So, this makes it easy for people to buy the tickets on time and know important event details.
Coachella’s lineup typically features a mix of established and up-and-coming artists from a variety of genres, including rock, hip-hop, electronic dance music, and alternative. The festival also features art installations, interactive experiences, and a range of food and beverage options.
In addition to the music and arts, Coachella has become known for its fashion, with attendees often sporting bohemian-inspired outfits and accessories. The festival has also faced criticism for issues such as overcrowding, high ticket prices, and the environmental impact of hosting such a large event in the desert.
Check out website: Coachella
4. Rolling Loud Music Festival
Rolling Loud is a music festival that began in Miami, Florida, in 2015. It has since grown into one of the largest hip-hop music festivals in the world, with events held in cities across the United States and internationally. The festival was founded by Tariq Cherif and Matt Zingler, and it is known for its impressive lineup of rap and hip-hop performers, as well as its energetic and passionate audience.
The first Rolling Loud festival was held in 2015 in Miami, and it featured performances by artists such as Schoolboy Q, Travis Scott, and Juicy J. Since then, the festival has grown exponentially, with events held in Los Angeles, New York City, and other major cities across the United States, as well as internationally in Portugal and Japan.
Each Rolling Loud festival features a lineup of some of the biggest names in hip-hop music, as well as up-and-coming artists. Past performers have included Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Cardi B, Lil Wayne, and Post Malone, among many others.
In addition to the music, Rolling Loud festivals also feature a wide range of food vendors, merchandise booths, and other attractions. The festival has become known for its vibrant and diverse audience, which includes people of all ages and backgrounds.
According to Rolling Loud’s official website, the festival has drawn over 1.6 million attendees since its inception, with over 40 festivals held in total. In 2019, Rolling Loud Miami alone drew over 200,000 attendees, making it one of the largest music festivals in the world.
Check out website: Rolling Loud
5. Glastonbury Music Festival
Glastonbury is a town located in Somerset, England, and is best known for the annual Glastonbury Festival, a five-day music festival that takes place on a nearby farm. The festival is one of the largest and most well-known music festivals in the world, attracting over 200,000 visitors each year.
The first Glastonbury Festival took place in 1970 and was organized by Michael Eavis, a farmer in the area. The festival was originally intended to be a celebration of the summer solstice, but it quickly evolved into a music festival. Over the years, the festival has featured some of the biggest names in music, including The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Radiohead, and Beyoncé.
In addition to the music, the festival also features a variety of other activities, including theatre, dance, circus acts, and a wide range of food and drink options. The festival is known for its environmentally conscious ethos and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint.
Outside of the festival, Glastonbury is also known for its connections to Arthurian legend and its association with spirituality and alternative culture. The town is home to a number of New Age shops and is believed by some to be the location of the mythical Isle of Avalon.
According to the 2011 UK census, the population of Glastonbury was 8,862. The town is located approximately 23 miles south of Bristol and 5 miles east of Wells. It is situated on the Somerset Levels, an area of wetlands that has been drained for agriculture.
Check out website: Glastonbury
6. Dreamville Music Festival
Dreamville Music Festival is an annual music festival founded in 2019 by J. Cole, a well-known American rapper and producer. The festival is held in Raleigh, North Carolina, and features a lineup of some of the biggest names in hip-hop and R&B.
In its inaugural year, Dreamville Music Festival took place on April 6th and 7th, 2019, at Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh, NC. The festival featured three stages and over 40 artists, including J. Cole, SZA, Big Sean, and 21 Savage. The festival was a huge success, with over 40,000 people in attendance over the two days.
In addition to music, the festival also features a range of food vendors, local art installations, and other activities. The festival also has a strong commitment to sustainability, with a focus on reducing waste and promoting environmental stewardship.
Overall, Dreamville Music Festival has quickly become one of the premier music festivals in the United States. With a focus on hip-hop and R&B, the festival has attracted some of the biggest names in the industry and has drawn huge crowds from across the country. The festival’s commitment to sustainability and local community involvement has also helped to set it apart from other events in the industry.
Check out website: Dreamville Music Festival
7. SXSW: South by Southwest Music Festival
South by Southwest (SXSW) is an annual music, film, and interactive media festival held in Austin, Texas. The festival was first held in 1987 and has since grown into one of the largest and most influential events of its kind. In recent years, the festival has drawn tens of thousands of attendees from around the world and has featured a wide range of music, film, and technology events.
The SXSW music festival features over 2,000 artists from around the world, performing at various venues throughout Austin. The festival showcases a diverse range of musical genres, including rock, hip hop, country, electronic, and many others. The festival also features keynote speakers, panel discussions, and workshops on topics related to the music industry.
The SXSW film festival features over 200 films, including documentaries, feature films, and shorts. The festival also includes panel discussions and workshops on topics related to the film industry, as well as networking events for filmmakers.
The SXSW interactive festival focuses on technology and innovation, with a wide range of events and workshops on topics such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and blockchain technology. The festival also features keynote speakers, panel discussions, and networking events for professionals in the tech industry.
In addition to these main events, SXSW also features a number of ancillary events, such as trade shows, art exhibits, and comedy shows.
According to the SXSW website, the festival drew over 417,000 attendees in 2019, including over 73,000 registered badgeholders. The festival also generated an estimated $355.9 million in economic impact for the city of Austin.
Check out website: SXSW: South by Southwest
8. Lollapalooza Music Festival
Lollapalooza is an annual music festival that originated in the United States and has since expanded to other countries. The festival was founded in 1991 by Jane’s Addiction frontman Perry Farrell as a farewell tour for his band, and it has since become one of the largest and most popular music festivals in the world. The festival features a diverse lineup of popular and emerging artists from a wide range of genres, including rock, hip-hop, electronic, and more.
Lollapalooza takes place annually in Chicago, Illinois, where it draws hundreds of thousands of attendees each year. The festival has also expanded to other cities around the world, including Paris, Buenos Aires, and Sao Paulo. The festival typically spans four days and features multiple stages, as well as food, drink, and art vendors.
In addition to its impressive musical lineup, Lollapalooza is also known for its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. The festival partners with a number of organizations to promote environmental sustainability, including using solar power and composting waste. Lollapalooza also has a strong focus on community engagement, offering volunteer opportunities and donating a portion of its proceeds to various non-profit organizations.
Over the years, Lollapalooza has featured a wide range of legendary performers, including Pearl Jam, Radiohead, Kanye West, and Arcade Fire. The festival has also helped to launch the careers of many emerging artists, such as Chance the Rapper and Lizzo. In addition to its musical offerings, Lollapalooza has also become known for its unique art installations and immersive experiences, such as the “Lolla Cares” area, which features interactive exhibits and workshops.
In terms of attendance, Lollapalooza draws hundreds of thousands of fans each year, making it one of the largest music festivals in the world. In 2019, the festival drew a record-breaking 400,000 attendees over the course of four days. Lollapalooza also generates a significant amount of economic activity for the cities in which it takes place, with the 2019 festival contributing an estimated $247 million to the Chicago economy.
Check out website: Lollapalooza
9. Primavera Music Festival
Primavera has taken place in Barcelona since 2001, and has been consistently offering successful musical events. The Barcelona-based event has, since its modest beginnings, developed a strong commitment to music so that spectators from different generations can enjoy the experience of live music to the full.
Check out website: Primavera
10. Outside Lands Music Festival
The Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival is an annual music festival held in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. The festival was first held in 2008 and has since become one of the largest music festivals in the United States, attracting over 200,000 attendees over its three-day run.
The festival typically features a diverse lineup of musical acts from a variety of genres, as well as comedy performances, art installations, and food and beverage vendors. Previous headliners have included popular artists such as Paul McCartney, Radiohead, and Childish Gambino, as well as up-and-coming acts like Billie Eilish and Kacey Musgraves.
In addition to its focus on music and art, the festival is also committed to promoting sustainability and eco-friendliness. It has implemented a number of green initiatives, including composting and recycling programs, and works with local nonprofits to reduce its environmental impact.
Check out website: Outside Lands
11. Governors Ball Music Festival
The Governors Ball Music Festival is an annual music festival that takes place in New York City. The festival was first held in 2011 and has since become one of the largest music festivals in the United States, drawing tens of thousands of attendees each year.
The festival features a diverse lineup of popular music acts across a wide range of genres, including rock, hip-hop, electronic, and indie. Past headliners have included acts such as Kanye West, The Strokes, Chance the Rapper, Lorde, and Post Malone.
In addition to the music, the festival also offers a variety of food and beverage options from local vendors and sponsors, as well as art installations and other activities.
The Governors Ball Music Festival is typically held over three days in late spring or early summer, with performances taking place on multiple stages throughout the day and into the evening. The festival has been held on Randall’s Island in New York City since its inception, and attendees can reach the festival grounds via shuttle bus or ferry.
According to the festival’s website, the 2021 edition of the Governors Ball Music Festival drew over 135,000 attendees over three days, with more than 80 acts performing across four stages. The festival also featured a range of sustainability initiatives, including composting, recycling, and reusable water bottle stations.
Overall, the Governors Ball Music Festival has become a major event on the New York City music scene, offering a diverse and exciting lineup of popular music acts, as well as a range of food, art, and other activities.
Check out website: Governors Ball
12. Firefly Music Festival
Firefly Music Festival is an annual music festival held in Dover, Delaware, in the United States. The festival was founded in 2012 and has quickly grown to become one of the largest and most popular music festivals in the country.
The festival typically takes place over four days in June and features a wide variety of musical acts from various genres, including rock, hip hop, electronic, and indie. In addition to the music, the festival also offers a variety of other attractions, including art installations, food vendors, and camping options.
Some of the most notable acts to perform at Firefly Music Festival over the years include Paul McCartney, The Killers, Kendrick Lamar, and The Black Keys. The festival typically draws in tens of thousands of attendees each year and has become a major cultural event in the state of Delaware.
In terms of statistics, the festival covers over 100 acres and features multiple stages and performance areas. It typically attracts over 70,000 attendees each year and generates millions of dollars in revenue for the local economy. The festival has also been recognized for its sustainability efforts, with organizers implementing a number of initiatives to reduce waste and minimize the festival’s environmental impact.
Check out website: Firefly
13. Hangout Music Festival
Hangout Music Festival is an annual music festival that takes place in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The festival was first held in 2010 and has since become a popular destination for music fans from all over the world. It is known for its scenic location on the Gulf of Mexico and its diverse lineup of musical acts.
The festival typically takes place over three days, with multiple stages featuring a mix of genres including rock, pop, hip hop, electronic, and more. In addition to music, the festival also offers a variety of food and beverage options, art installations, and other activities.
According to the festival’s website, Hangout Music Festival attracts approximately 40,000 attendees each day, with a total of over 100,000 attendees over the course of the weekend. The festival has hosted some of the biggest names in music, including The Weeknd, Kendrick Lamar, Post Malone, Billie Eilish, and many others.
In addition to its impressive lineup of performers, Hangout Music Festival has also received recognition for its commitment to sustainability. The festival has implemented a number of eco-friendly initiatives, such as providing reusable cups and water stations, using biodiesel generators, and partnering with local organizations to promote conservation efforts.
Check out website: Hangout
14. Pitchfork Music Festival
The Pitchfork Music Festival is an annual music festival that takes place in Chicago, Illinois. The festival is organized by Pitchfork Media, an online music magazine that covers independent and alternative music. The first festival was held in 2006, and it has since become one of the most popular summer music festivals in the United States.
The festival typically takes place over three days in July, and it features a diverse lineup of artists from a variety of genres, including indie rock, hip-hop, electronic music, and experimental music. Past performers have included LCD Soundsystem, Solange, Wilco, Chance the Rapper, Vampire Weekend, and Run the Jewels, among many others.
In addition to the musical performances, the festival also includes a variety of food and beverage vendors, as well as an extensive record fair featuring independent labels and vinyl dealers from across the country. The festival also places a strong emphasis on sustainability, with initiatives aimed at reducing waste and promoting environmental consciousness.
According to statistics, the Pitchfork Music Festival has drawn an average of 50,000 attendees per year, with the highest attendance in 2018 at 60,000 people. The festival has also generated significant economic activity for the city of Chicago, with an estimated $15 million in economic impact for the local economy each year.
Check out website: Pitchfork Music Festival
15. Stagecoach Music Festival
The Stagecoach Music Festival is an annual music event held in Indio, California, United States. It is a three-day country music festival that takes place at the Empire Polo Club, the same venue that hosts the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Stagecoach has been held annually since 2007 and is typically held in late April or early May.
The festival features multiple stages and a wide variety of country music artists, ranging from well-known headliners to up-and-coming performers. Some of the notable past performers include Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Eric Church, Garth Brooks, and Blake Shelton. The festival also features a variety of food and drink vendors, as well as other activities such as line dancing lessons and a Ferris wheel.
In terms of attendance, Stagecoach is one of the largest country music festivals in the United States. In 2019, the festival set a new attendance record, with over 99,000 fans in attendance over the course of the weekend. The festival also generates significant economic activity for the surrounding area, with hotels, restaurants, and other local businesses benefiting from the influx of visitors.
Overall, the Stagecoach Music Festival is a highly popular event that attracts country music fans from across the United States. With its diverse lineup, expansive venue, and vibrant atmosphere, it has become one of the premier music festivals in the country.
Check out website: Stagecoach Music Festival
16. Bonnaroo Music Festival
Bonnaroo is an annual music and arts festival held in Manchester, Tennessee, USA. The festival was founded in 2002 and takes place on a 700-acre farm. The name “Bonnaroo” is derived from a Creole slang term meaning “good stuff” or “good times.”
The festival has become known for its eclectic lineup, featuring a mix of mainstream and alternative acts across a range of genres, including rock, hip-hop, electronic, and folk music. In addition to music, Bonnaroo also features comedy, cinema, and art installations.
The festival has grown in popularity over the years and now attracts tens of thousands of attendees each year. According to the festival’s website, over 80,000 people attended the most recent Bonnaroo in 2019. The festival has also contributed to the local economy, generating millions of dollars in revenue for the Manchester area.
One of the unique aspects of Bonnaroo is its commitment to sustainability. The festival encourages attendees to be environmentally conscious and provides resources for recycling, composting, and reducing waste. In recent years, Bonnaroo has also implemented a “Leave No Trace” policy, which requires attendees to clean up after themselves and leave the festival grounds as they found them.
Check out website: Bonnaroo
17. Mysteryland Music Festival
Mysteryland is an electronic dance music festival that takes place annually in the Netherlands. It was first held in 1993 and is considered one of the oldest festivals of its kind in the country. The festival has a rich history and is known for its impressive lineup, unique atmosphere, and stunning location.
Over the years, Mysteryland has grown in popularity and has become a staple in the European music festival circuit. The festival typically features a wide variety of electronic music genres, including techno, house, trance, and more. The festival has also been known to feature a range of art installations, performances, and other immersive experiences that add to the overall atmosphere of the festival.
Mysteryland is hosted at the Floriade terrain in Haarlemmermeer, just outside of Amsterdam. The festival is spread out over multiple stages and areas, each with its own unique vibe and aesthetic. In addition to the music, attendees can enjoy a variety of food and drink options, as well as various vendors selling merchandise and other items.
In recent years, Mysteryland has attracted thousands of attendees from all over the world. In 2019, the festival drew over 100,000 visitors from 100 different countries. The festival has also received numerous awards and accolades, including Best Dutch Festival and Best European Festival.
Check out website: Mysteryland
18. Woodstock Music Festival (Honorable mention)
The Woodstock Music Festival was a three-day outdoor music festival held from August 15 to August 18, 1969, on a dairy farm in Bethel, New York, USA. The festival, billed as “An Aquarian Exposition: 3 Days of Peace & Music,” attracted an estimated 400,000 people and became a symbol of the counterculture movement of the 1960s.
The festival featured performances by some of the most famous musicians of the time, including Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Who, The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Despite the large number of attendees, the festival was relatively peaceful, with only a few minor incidents reported.
The festival had a significant impact on popular culture and music, and it is often seen as a defining moment in the counterculture movement of the 1960s. The festival was documented in the 1970 film “Woodstock,” which became a classic of the music documentary genre.
In terms of logistics, the festival was a massive undertaking, with numerous challenges faced by the organizers. Initially, the festival was supposed to be held in the town of Woodstock, New York, but it was moved to Bethel due to zoning issues. The organizers had to secure a location, plan transportation, and arrange for food and medical services for the attendees. The logistics of the festival were further complicated by the unexpectedly large turnout.
Despite the challenges, the Woodstock Music Festival was a remarkable success, and it continues to be remembered and celebrated as a cultural touchstone of the 1960s. The festival was an expression of the values of the counterculture movement, including a rejection of mainstream culture, a celebration of communal living, and a belief in the power of music to bring people together. The festival also showcased the talents of some of the most influential musicians of the era and helped to popularize the music of the counterculture.
Check out website: Woodstock
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