Everybody who has attended music festivals would agree that they are more than just music events. They are cultural touchstones that celebrate culture, sound, creativity, and diversity. Over the years, some music festivals have evolved into real cultural icons. Here are some of the biggest music festivals in the world. Add them to your bucket list!
Woodstock Music & Art Fair (1969) In Bethel, New York, USA
When: August 15th -18th in 1969
Headliners in 1969: Janis Joplin, Richie Havens, Jimi Hendrix
Our list of the world’s most iconic festivals would be incomplete without mentioning the Woodstock Music & Art Fair. Known as “3 Days of Peace & Music”, this festival was held in Bethel, New York and gathered over 400,000 attendees. This iconic musical event featured acts of Janis Joplin, Jefferson Airplane, The Who, and Jimi Hendrix.
Glastonbury Festival Of Contemporary Performing Arts (since 1970) In Pilton, Somerset, UK
When: June 26th – 30th in 2024
Headliners in 2024: Dua Lipa, SZA, Coldplay
Glastonbury Festival is one of the most famous music and art festivals in Europe because of its legendary past, vibrant present, and epic scale. This multigenre event was first held in 1970 as Pilton Pop, Blues & Folk Festival. It was the initiative of local farmer Michael Eavis. Since then it has hosted many iconic acts of famous artists including The Rolling Stones, Joe Cocker, Dolly Parton, Beyoncé, Elton John, David Bowie, Arctic Monkeys, Ed Sheeran, and others. Five days at the end of June are filled with joy, comedy, and circus, as well as great pop, rock, and electronic music performances. Its unique atmosphere and musical variety make it special. Some performances during the festival are even held not at the famous Pyramid Stage, but underground subterranean space ‘Underground Piano Bar’.
Lollapalooza (since 1991) In Chicago, USA
When: Early August (August 1st – 4th in 2024)
Headliners in 2024: Hozier, Blink-182, Megan Thee Stallion
Originally a touring event of the Jane’s group Jane’s Addiction, Lollapalooza evolved into a stay-put event and rich tapestry of musical performances. From 2005 onward, the festival was annually held at Grant Park in Chicago. However, the festival also takes place in Brazil, Germany, France, and Brazil. Famous names who have already performed on Lollapalooza stages include Red Hot Chili Peppers, Beastie Boys, Alice in Chains, The Prodigy, Thirty Seconds to Mars, and Drake. A celebration of creativity, music, and culture Lollapalooza is a beloved musical event for thousands of music enthusiasts all over the world.
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (since 1999) In Indio, California, USA
When: April 12th – 21th in 2024
Headliners in 2024: Doja Cat, Lana del Rey, Tyler the Creator, No Doubt
Coachella is more than just a music festival, it is a cultural phenomenon. Since its inception, Coachella has evolved into one of the world’s biggest music festivals. Here are only some of the stars who have performed at Coachella: Paul McCartney, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, The Chemical Brothers, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bjork, Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Calvin Harris and the Weekend. Taking over two weekends in April, Coachella plays the biggest names in the music industry and always hosts beautiful performances and art installations for over 100,000 attendees all over the world. The location in the California desert also contributes to Coachella’s blissful warm vibe. Music lovers also have a chance to meet many celebrities, enjoy gourmet food, and buy souvenirs at vintage shops
Primavera Sound (since 2001) In Barcelona, Spain
When: Late May – Early June (May 30th – June 1st in 2024)
Headliners in 2024: Lana Del Rey, Vampire Weekend, Pulp
Every year Forum Park in Barcelona, near the Balearic Sea hosts one of the world’s biggest multi-genre music festivals. Not only the Park, but the whole city transforms into a huge concert venue for memorable pop, rock, dance, and indie performances. Why not sip a sangria, watch a picturesque seaside, and enjoy top-level performers and DJs live? The outdoor line-up has already welcomed Franz Ferdinand, Depeche Mode, Kendrick Lamar, Miley Cyrus, Portishead, Radiohead, Gorillaz, The Cure, Dua Lipa, and Halsey.
Tomorrowland (since 2005) In Boom, Belgium
When: July 19th – 28th in 2024
Headliners in 2024: David Guetta, Armin Van Buuren, Swedish House Mafia
For two weekends in July Belgian Boom annually becomes a location for the world’s most iconic electronic dance music festival. The festival is famous not only for its impressive line-up but for its sheer scale. Fans of electronic dance music can enjoy numerous camping options, unique decorations, interactive performances, fireworks, and gourmet food at the restaurants. Each year hundreds of thousands of visitors attend Tomorrowland for a unique experience. Since its inception in 2005, Tomorrowland has hosted acts of numerous performers and top-tier DJs including Avicii, David Guetta, Paul van Dyk, Tiësto, Alan Walker, and Martin Garrix.
Are you looking for more iconic music festivals to visit? Then stop watching Netflix, playing Bet22, and head over to these vibrant (and historical events):
- New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (since 1970, April 26th- May 5th in 2024) in New Orleans, Los Angeles (USA)
- Roskilde Festival (since 1971, July 29th – 6th in 2024) in Roskilde, Denmark
- Rock in Rio (since 1985, September 13th-22th in 2024), in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Sziget Festival (since 1993, August 7th – 12th in 2024) in Budapest, Hungary
- Fuji Rock Festival (since 1997, July 26th-28th in 2024) in Niigata Prefecture, Japan
- Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival (since 2002, June 12th-15th in 2025), in Manchester, Tennessee (USA)
Grab out your pals, put out the glitter, feel connected to the music, and enjoy!