Every year music lovers gather in various locations to experience the magic of music festivals. These events offer a chance to see some of the biggest names in the industry, discover new artists, and immerse oneself in a vibrant and unforgettable atmosphere.
As you prepare to embark on your journey to these mass congregations of people, it’s essential to ensure that you have credible travel insurance to cover unforeseen events, so you can travel stress-free and have the time of your life at these festivals around the world.
From Coachella in California to Glastonbury in England, these festivals have become a pilgrimage for many music enthusiasts. This article focuses on the most famous music festivals you can join. Read on till the end!
Index
- 1 Which is the biggest music festival in the world?
- 2 Best music festivals in the world
- 2.1 1. Essence Festival
- 2.2 2. Sziget Festival
- 2.3 3. Tomorrowland
- 2.4 4. Coachella
- 2.5 5. Summerfest
- 2.6 6. Rock in Rio
- 2.7 7. Glastonbury Music Festival
- 2.8 8. Dreamville Music Festival
- 2.9 9. Primavera Sound
- 2.10 10. Green Man
- 3 Which one is bigger, Coachella or Glastonbury?
- 4 Don’t travel without your insurance
- 4.1 Related Posts
Which is the biggest music festival in the world?
The title of the biggest music festival in the world is currently held by Summerfest, an annual event held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. What sets Summerfest apart is its sheer size, with over 445.600 people in 2022 over its 9-day run.
In 2022, the festival had 7 permanent stages and 2 pavilions, over 800 acts, and covered an area of 75 acres, making it the largest music festival in the world. Summerfest is held at the Henry Maier Festival Park, located on Lake Michigan’s shores.
Summerfest has been running since July 1968 and has attracted some of the biggest names in the music industry. In recent years, the festival has featured headliners such as The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, and Bruno Mars.
However, it’s not just the big names that draw people to Summerfest, as the festival showcases various genres, including rock, pop, country, hip-hop, and more. Attendees can expect to discover new and upcoming artists and see their favorite performers.
Best music festivals in the world
Here is a comprehensive list of the most famous music festivals around the globe.
1. Essence Festival
Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, from June 29 to July 3, 2023
The Essence Festival annually celebrates African American music, culture, and community in New Orleans, Louisiana. This four-day music festival, which typically falls on the Fourth of July weekend, has been a staple of the city’s cultural calendar since 1995.
The Essence Festival has attracted some of the biggest names in the music industry, with headline performers such as Janet Jackson, Nicki Minaj, and Jasmine Sullivan gracing the stage in recent years.
Additionally, the festival hosts various special events, such as the annual Essence Empowerment Experience, which includes a series of panels, speakers, and discussions aimed at inspiring and uplifting attendees. Overall, the Essence Festival is a fantastic celebration of African American culture, music, and community, with something for everyone.
Check out the link to the event: here
2. Sziget Festival
August 10 to 15, 2023, in Majus 9. Park, Budapest, Hungary
The Sziget Festival is a six-day music and arts festival on the 266-acre Obuda Island in the Danube River in Budapest. The festival is a celebration of music, arts, and culture and is one of the largest music festivals in Europe, attracting around 450,000 visitors in 2022.
The Sziget Festival is known for its diverse lineup of performers, including big names in alternative, electronic, hip-hop, house-techno, punk, and rock-pop music. In recent years, the festival has hosted performances from Dua Lipa, Kings of Leon, Alan Walker, Nina Kraviz, Alison Wonderland, Tame Impala, and Arctic Monkeys.
Beyond the music, the festival features an array of cultural experiences, including art exhibitions, theater and circus performances, and film screenings. In addition to the diverse entertainment options, the Sziget Festival also offers a wide range of food and drink options and camping facilities for visitors who want to stay on the island throughout the festival.
Check out the link to the event: here
3. Tomorrowland
July 21 to July 23 and July 28 to 31, 2023, at the Recreational Park De Schorre in Boom, Belgium
Tomorrowland is an electronic dance music festival held in Boom, Belgium that has become a staple in the electronic dance music scene. The festival is known for its extravagant stage design, the world-class lineup of DJs and producers, and the Oktoberfest-like experience that keeps dance music fans returning year after year.
Some big names who’ve performed at the festival include Armin van Buuren, Steve Aoki, Martin Garrix, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Diplo, Carl Cox (ultra music festival performer), and Charlotte de Witte. The first Tomorrowland Festival was held in 2005 and has since become the most popular and anticipated electronic dance and jazz festival across the globe.
The festival offers a range of activities and experiences beyond music, such as art installations, interactive performances, and food vendors. These activities complement the festival’s overall aesthetic and offer a truly immersive experience for attendees. As you can see, Tomorrowland is not just a festival; it’s an experience.
Check out the link to the event: here
4. Coachella
14 to 16 and 21 to April 23, 2023, at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California
Coachella is one of the biggest music festivals in the world, held in the Coachella Valley of Southern California on consecutive three-day weekends in April. It features various musical genres, including pop, rock, hip-hop, indie, and electronic dance music.
The festival was first held in 1999 and has grown to become a massive event, attracting some of the biggest names in music. Past performers have included Beastie Boys, Coldplay, Eminem, The Weeknd, Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, Drake, Calvin Harris, Radiohead, and many more.
In addition to the music, Coachella has become popular for its bohemian-inspired fashion, with attendees often sporting eclectic outfits and accessories that reflect the festival’s free-spirited vibe. Each year, the event draws tens of thousands of music fans worldwide who come to enjoy this iconic festival’s music, fashion, and atmosphere.
Check out the link to the event: here
5. Summerfest
22 to June 24, June 29 to July 1, and July 6 to July 8, 2023, at Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Summerfest takes place annually in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The event was first held in 1968 and has since become a beloved summer tradition for music fans in the area and beyond.
The festival spans 11 days and takes place at Henry Maier Festival Park, located along the Lake Michigan waterfront. During this time, visitors can enjoy over 800 acts across 12 stages, showcasing a variety of musical genres, including rock, pop, hip-hop, country, and more.
Some of the biggest names in music that have performed at Summerfest are Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa, Machine Gun Kelly, Avril Lavigne, Halsey, and Backstreet Boys. Beyond the music, the festival also features food vendors, interactive exhibits, and a carnival with rides and games.
One unique aspect of Summerfest is its commitment to being environmentally conscious. The festival has implemented sustainable practices like recycling and composting to reduce waste. It also offers bike parking and encourages visitors to use public transportation to reduce the event’s carbon footprint.
Check out the link to the event: here
6. Rock in Rio
September 2023 (Dates unconfirmed) in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Rock in Rio is a major Parque da Bela Vista music festival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The festival first started in 1985 and has since expanded to include editions in Lisbon, Madrid, and Las Vegas.
The festival features various musical genres, including rock, pop, electronic dance, and more. Some of the biggest names in music have performed at Rock in Rio, including Justin Bieber, Dua Lipa, Demi Lovato, Post Malone, Jason Derulo, Coldplay, Camilla Cabello, Megan Thee Stallion, Rita Ora, Fall Out Boy, and Green Day, among many others.
Beyond the music, Rock in Rio also offers a variety of other exciting activities and attractions for festival-goers. These include interactive exhibits, art installations, carnival rides, street performers, and various food and beverage options.
Check out the link to the event: here
7. Glastonbury Music Festival
June 21 to June 25, 2023, at Worthy Farm, Somerset
Glastonbury Music Festival is one of the most iconic music festivals in the world, held annually at Worthy Farm in Somerset, England. It happens concurrently with the Fuji Rock Festival, hosted at Naeba Ski Resort. The Glastonbury Festival has been running since 1970 and has become a mecca for music lovers worldwide. It runs for five days and attracts more than 200,000 visitors every year.
It features a diverse lineup of musical genres, including rock, pop, hip-hop, electronic dance music, and more. Some of the biggest names in music have performed at Glastonbury, including Beyonce, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Radiohead, Adele, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Coldplay, and many others.
With its incredible atmosphere, stunning location, and legendary lineup, it’s no wonder Glastonbury is considered one of the greatest music festivals in the world.
Check out the link to the event: here
8. Dreamville Music Festival
April 1 and 2 at Dorothea Dix Park, Raleigh
Dreamville Music Festival is a relatively new music festival with its flagship event in 2018 and is held in Raleigh, North Carolina. Despite its short history, the festival has quickly gained a reputation for its fantastic lineup of hip-hop and rap artists, making it a must-attend event for fans of the genre.
Some of the biggest names in hip-hop have performed at Dreamville, including J. Cole, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, 21 Savage, SZA, Big Sean, and many others. With its focus on hip-hop and rap, Dreamville has become a hotspot for discovering new and emerging talent.
One of the most exciting things about Dreamville is its unique location. The festival is held on a 2000-acre farm in Raleigh, North Carolina, providing a beautiful and picturesque setting.
Check out the link to the event: here
9. Primavera Sound
June 1 to 3, Parc del Forum, Barcelona, and June 8 to 10 in Ciudad de Rock in Arganda del Rey
Primavera Sound is an annual music festival in Barcelona, Spain, and is considered one of the most important festivals in Europe. It started in 2001 and has since grown in popularity, attracting music lovers worldwide.
In recent years, it has had headliners such as Blurs, Depeche Mode, Rosalia, Halsey, Calvin Harris, Darkside, Ghost, Baby Keem, Four Tet, Caroline Plachek, Travis Scott, and St. Vincent.
The festival features a diverse lineup of indie, rock, and electronic music, with some of the biggest names in the industry headlining the event. One of the most exciting things is that the festival has made a concerted effort to promote gender and cultural diversity by featuring more female and non-binary artists.
Check out the link to the event: here
10. Green Man
August 17 to 20, 2023, at Brecon Beacons, Wales.
Green Man Festival was founded in 2003 and has since become one of the most beloved festivals in the UK. The festival showcases diverse music genres, including folk, indie, rock, and electronic. Some headliners from past years include Fleet Foxes, PJ Harvey, Neutral Milk Hotel, and St. Vincent.
One of the things that makes Green Man Festival such a great festival is its focus on sustainability and its commitment to promoting Welsh culture. The festival is powered by renewable energy and has won multiple awards for its eco-friendly practices.
In addition to the music, the festival also features a wide range of activities, including workshops on sustainability, talks on Welsh culture and language, and various family-friendly events. Renowned for its beautiful setting, surrounded by the stunning Welsh countryside.
Check out the link to the event: here
Which one is bigger, Coachella or Glastonbury?
As seen above, Glastonbury Festival and Coachella are two of the most iconic music festivals in the world. Both festivals have gained an enormous following over the years, attracting music lovers worldwide. However, in terms of size, Glastonbury is considered the bigger festival. The music festival held in Pilton, Somerset, England, covers a massive 900 acres of land, making it one of the largest music festivals in the world.
On the other hand, Coachella is held in Indio, California, and covers around 600 acres of land. Despite being smaller, Coachella still attracts a considerable number of visitors, with an average attendance of 250,000 people over two weekends. In comparison, Glastonbury attracts an average of 200,000 attendees over five days, making it the more substantial of the two festivals.
Both festivals offer a wide range of music genres, from rock and pop to hip-hop and electronic dance music, to cater to different tastes. However, in terms of sheer size and scale, Glastonbury is the clear winner, attracting many attendees and offering a truly unique and immersive festival experience.
Don’t travel without your insurance
Traveling to these festivals can be an exciting and enriching experience. However, it can also be unpredictable. As such, it’s important to have travel insurance to protect yourself against unexpected incidents and emergencies. At Heymondo, we understand the importance of your health and well-being and therefore offer comprehensive travel insurance coverage to help you enjoy your festival trip without any worries.
Our travel insurance covers a range of medical expenses, including medical assistance, care by medical teams and specialists, tests, hospitalization, treatments, and medical supplies. In addition, our coverage also protects your luggage against loss or theft, giving you peace of mind throughout your trip. In a medical emergency, our Heymondo Assistance App is available 24/7, providing access to medical assistance and support no matter where you are. Our team of professionals is always ready to assist you in case of any unforeseen events during your trip. Travel with Heymondo and enjoy a stress-free experience!
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FAQs
Best music festivals in the world 2023 | Heymondo? ›
Music On Festival 2023 – Amsterdam.
Where is music on 2023? ›Music On Festival 2023 – Amsterdam.
Which is the most crowded music festival in world? ›Therefore, Donauinselfest holds the Guinness World Record title of “largest attendance at a music festival (one location).” This is an outdoor music festival. The entrance to Donauinselfest is free. Every year, patrons from all over the world flock to Vienna to attend the music festival.
Is Coachella the biggest music festival in the world? ›Interestingly, seven of the top 10 biggest festivals in the world can be found in the USA. The winner – it's full name is 'The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival' – is an annual festival held in California, in the middle of the Colorado Desert.
What are the greatest musical festivals? ›- Coachella in Indio, California, United States.
- Hellfest, Clisson, France.
- Glastonbury, Pilton, UK.
- Calvi on the Rocks, Corsica, France.
- Mad Cool Festival, Madrid, Spain.
- Tomorrowland, Boom, Belgium.
- Summer Sonic in Osaka and Tokyo, Japan.
- Rock en Seine, Paris, France.
The Radio 6 Music Festival will be held from 23 – 26 Mar 2023 at O2 Victoria Warehouse, Greater Manchester - its new permanent home.
What was the most listened to song in 2023? ›Global Music Streams Hit 1 Trillion Milestone as Miley Cyrus' 'Flowers' Is Crowned Most-Consumed Song of 2023.
Which festival is most famous in the world? ›CARNIVAL (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
Arguably the biggest festival in the world (not to mention its wildest party), Brazil's Carnival is widely considered “the greatest show on Earth.”
Visit Milwaukee - Summerfest: The world's largest music festival.
Where is the biggest music festival in the US? ›Held in Bayfront Park in sunny downtown Miami, Florida, the Ultra Music Festival hosts some of the best DJs in the world for one of the biggest electronic music festivals on Earth. The festival started in 1999.
What is bigger than Coachella? ›
Summerfest still brings in far more artists than most major festivals. In 2023, it will boast more than 1,000 performances by more than 250 artists on 12 stages. In comparison, Coachella and Lollapalooza generally include 150 artists or thereabouts.
Why is Coachella so famous? ›Coachella is one of the largest, most famous, and most profitable music festivals in the world, and regularly features some of the biggest names in music. It is also known for its large art installations, which often feature interactive and immersive pieces.
Which is better Lollapalooza or Coachella? ›Lollapalooza is better than Coachella for many reasons. Comparatively, both festivals will be sure to have your favorite artists, incredible performances, dancing, food, and opportunities to meet new people.
What is the king of festival? ›Kadayawan - The King of Festivals.
When was the biggest music festival? ›The Woodstock Festival was a three-day pop and rock concert that turned out to be the most popular music event in history. It became a symbol of the hippie movement of the 1960s.
Who won festival song the most? ›Eric Donaldson is one of the most accomplished Festival song entrants, having won the competition six times, with hits such as " Cherry Oh Baby" and " Land of My Birth". Ronnie Chihande and 335 others like this. Love his songs.
Where is big weekend 2023? ›Tomorrowland: Friday 21st July 2023 – Sunday 30th July 2023, Schorre Recreation Area, Boom, Belgium.
Where is Key Western Fest 2023? ›Most of the 2023 Key West music festivals are taking place at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater, a 4,000 – person venue with a general admission lawn overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
What is the #1 listened to song ever? ›What's the number 1 song in the world ever? ›
According to Guinness World Records, Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" (1942) as performed by Bing Crosby is the best-selling single worldwide, with estimated sales of over 50 million copies.
What is the #1 most listened to song of all time? ›“Blinding Lights” was also officially recognized as the biggest US Billboard Hot 100 single of all time. When released at the end of 2019, the song spent over 100 weeks in the charts. If you haven't already, be sure to give "Blinding Lights" a listen on Spotify.
What is the festival capital of the world? ›FESTIVAL. CITY. Edinburgh is the world's leading festival city, with a range of major annual festivals bringing talents from more than a third of the world's countries to our streets and stages.
How many people go to Coachella? ›Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival has become one of the most popular music festivals in the world since its inception in 1999. With over 125,000 attendees each weekend, it is no surprise that Coachella generates millions of dollars for both local economies and festival organizers alike.
What is the One world festival? ›One World Multi Cultural Festival. 23rd September 2023
The One World Festival will take place on Saturday 23 rd September at a venue to be confirmed. The festival is a celebration of global cultures represented in our local community.
Music legend Rod Stewart holds the current world record for the biggest gig of all time — in 1994, he also performed on Copacabana Beach to to a staggering 3.5 million people celebrating New Year's Eve.
How much does Coachella ticket cost? ›This is a bar chart comparing festival prices for popular festivals in the United States. Of the festivals reviewed for this story, California-based Coachella has the highest ticket prices at $499.
Which states have the most music festivals? ›Gallery: States With The Most Music Festivals
Last year, California, Florida and New York led the nation in music festivals, according to WanderBat, a vertical search engine powered by Graphiq. (It should be noted that the site did not provide data for 12 states.) California and Florida each hosted 24.
Austin, Texas, is America's No. 1 live music city, with an average of five concert venues per capita — plus nine music festivals planned for 2022, which is almost 2x more than the average U.S. city!
What is the most famous festival in the United States? ›1. Mardi Gras. No list of festivals celebrated in the USA is complete without mentioning the Mardi Gras festival, one of the most famous and colourful annual festivals celebrated in New Orleans, USA.
What is the most musical state in USA? ›
#1 TENNESSEE
Home to America's longest-running radio show, the famous RCA Studio B, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville was built on the foundation of music. And let's not forget about Memphis, TN, and its early influence on blues, gospel, soul, rockabilly, and jazz.
There are few things that come close to the spectacle that Tomorrowland has been putting up for nearly two decades. They have now been recognized as the best music festival, ahead of big names like Glastonbury, Coachella and Ultra Music Festival.
What is better than Coachella? ›- Primavera Sound. Barcelona's Primavera Sound expanded to Porto, Portugal in 2012 and continues to solidify its reputation as a seminal exploration of rock music. ...
- Boom. ...
- Fuji Rock. ...
- Cappadox. ...
- Dekmantel. ...
- Lollapalooza. ...
- Eaux Claires. ...
- Burning Man.
- Pixies (2004) ...
- Pixies (2004) ...
- Beyonce (2018) ...
- Beyonce (2018) Beychella 2018 🐝 ...
- Prince (2008) List slides.
- Prince (2008) Prince performs at Coachella on April 26, 2008. ...
- Daft Punk (2006) List slides.
- Daft Punk (2006) Daft Punk performs at Coachella on April 29, 2006.
Since the pandemic, the costs of touring are higher, the processes for getting tickets are more difficult, and the demand for live music has skyrocketed. Attending a music festival, which has long been a way to get more bang for your buck, is no exception.
What is the age limit for Coachella? ›Q: Do Coachella Hotel Packages have a minimum age? A: While the Coachella Festival is all-ages, our partnering hotels do have age restrictions. For most hotels, you must be 18+ to check-in while your guests can be under 18. Select hotels are 21+, please check your specific package details before purchasing.
Could anyone go to Coachella? ›The festival is all ages.
Who has the best Coachella performance? ›- Daft Punk (2006) ...
- Madonna (2006) ...
- Björk (2007) ...
- Prince (2008) ...
- Roger Waters (2008) ...
- Jay-Z (2010) ...
- Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg (2012) ...
- Beyoncé (2018) The first Black woman to headline Coachella, Beyoncé delivered a show that was a sight to behold.
- Pavement (2010) ...
- My Bloody Valentine (2009) ...
- Rage Against the Machine (1999/2007) ...
- Iggy & the Stooges (2003) ...
- Roger Waters (2008) ...
- Amy Winehouse (2007) ...
- Prince (2008) ...
- Daft Punk (2006) Daft Punk performs at Coachella on April 29, 2006.
A simple way to save a few bucks is to only buy one (or zero) meals on the festival grounds. Have a nice big breakfast or lunch before you arrive. It will help you sustain energy levels throughout the day. You could even somewhere local in Indio, Coachella or La Quinta before hitting the polo grounds.
Where is music going in the future? ›
The future of music will most likely follow the same trends we are seeing in modern technology. It will be incredibly social similar to social media, it will become increasingly computer-based and A.I.
Where is pitch music and arts 2023? ›Pitch Music & Arts 2023 at Moyston, Melbourne.
What artist is going on tour in 2023? ›- Coldplay - 'Music of the Spheres' ...
- Beyoncé - 'Renaissance' world tour. ...
- Harry Styles - 'Love On Tour' ...
- Lewis Capaldi - 'Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent' ...
- Diversity - 'Supernova' ...
- Joel Corry - 2023 UK tour. ...
- Tom Walker - 'The Best Is Yet To Come'
The global music industry is expected to grow by 8% in 2023, reaching a value of $142 billion. This growth is driven by the increasing adoption of streaming services, especially in emerging markets such as China, India, Brazil, and Africa(1).
What will music be like in 2050? ›La Grou believes that highly advanced gestural control and brain/machine interfaces will transform the way music is recorded and played back. That might preclude using a microphone to record the sound of an instrument or vocals; music in 2050 will be virtual and mostly electronic.
Why is music so moving? ›The limbic system, which is involved in processing emotions and controlling memory, “lights” up when our ears perceive music. The chills you feel when you hear a particularly moving piece of music may be the result of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that triggers sensations of pleasure and well-being.
Where is pitchfork music festival 2023? ›Pitchfork Music Festival takes place from Friday, July 21, through Sunday, July 23, at Chicago's Union Park. See the full schedule below and find tickets here.
How many people went to pitch 2023? ›Hosting over 7,000 attendees over four days, Pitch keeps a minimalistic and refined vibe across a tree-dotted landscape, with quite a few extra activities and food/drink to accompany the main event of house and techno.
Where is Rolling Loud LA 2023? ›Rolling Loud Inglewood / Los Angeles 2024 Dates To Be Announced! RL 2023 was held March 3-5 at Hollywood Park Grounds adjacent to SoFi Stadium. Rolling Loud: The largest Hip-Hop festival in the world featuring OVER 150 artists in Los Angeles, Southern California!
Who is the most famous singer in the world 2023? ›
Abel Tesfaye, more commonly known as The Weeknd, is statistically the most popular musician on the planet, and no one else even comes close. The 33-year-old Canadian singer's success has seen him set two new Guinness World Records titles: Most monthly listeners on Spotify – 111.4 million (as of 20 March 2023)
Is Olivia Rodrigo touring in 2023? ›Find information on all of Olivia Rodrigo's upcoming concerts, tour dates and ticket information for 2023-2024. Unfortunately there are no concert dates for Olivia Rodrigo scheduled in 2023.
Will Taylor Swift tour in 2023? ›Swift will begin her tour on March 17 in Glendale, Arizona and wrap up on Aug. 9 in Los Angeles, California. In between, Swift will play a three shows in Philadelphia from May 12-14 and at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey from May 26-28.
Who will perform Super Bowl halftime 2023? ›Superstar, entrepreneur and philanthropist Rihanna will perform at State Farm Stadium for the 2023 Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show on Sunday, Feb.
Who headlined the Super Bowl halftime show 2023? ›Who is headlining the Super Bowl halftime show? Whether you like football or not, the Super Bowl halftime show is one of the most iconic events of the year. Recent Oscar nominee Rihanna will be headlining this year's festivities.
Who will sing at the Super Bowl 2023? ›The 2023 Super Bowl Halftime Show was a party thanks to headliner Rihanna.