Must-Experience Music Festivals In The World

Hey Tourist! Music festivals are an incredible way to travel and see the music and artists that you have been listening to for years. There are countless music festivals held across the globe every year which have been creating a travel niche for those looking to attend as many as possible. However, a good festival can be a dime-a-dozen. That being said, compiled is a list of the top-notch musical journeys for the open-hearted to experience. Although everyone has their own musical preference, there are many magical destinations which incorporate music, art, and showmanship into one all-encompassing weekend.

Tomorrowland

Tomorrowland is the king of music festivals, worldwide. Located in Boom, Belgium, Tomorrowland has played host to the biggest names in Electronic music and more including David Guetta, Avicii (rest in peace to the legend), Tiesto and Steve Aoki. Tomorrowland began in 2005 and had since held twelve unforgettable years and welcomed millions of friends from across the globe. Although there are multiple Tomorrowland locations, the original ground is highly regarded as one of the best in the world, full of love and a higher purpose to music. Perhaps the most iconic feature of Tomorrowland is the unity which is formed each year as the event connects each branch of the festival via cameras, from Brazil to Belgium and even the USA. Together, attendees take a united stance for love and companionship through the magic of music with the intent to make the world a brighter place for each gathering.

Tomorrowland is an incredible experience and holds a special place in the hearts of many festival enthusiasts. However, the next stop offers another great stop.

Coachella

You have likely heard of Coachella or have seen pictures of your friends frolicking amongst half-dressed hipsters at this annual California festival. Along with a strong lineup of musicians, each year Coachella is dedicated to displaying large-scale art throughout the grounds. Not only is the festival ideal for stellar musicians and stunningart, but also attracts a large audience due to the beautiful weather. Celebrities are also avid attendees at this high-profile U.S. festival; Rihanna, Selena Gomez, and the Weeknd are just a few. It is easy to see why thousands of tourists will be attending next year’s two-week event in mid to late April.

Coachella is well known for their celebrity appearances and the fantastic scenery, but the following slide will show you one more cool destination to consider.

Exit

Exit Festivals are known for their stance as a strong social movement to liberate from materialism. Held in four different countries in 2017 and branching to their newest location in 2018, Exit will have five festivals in five states starting next year, including Novi Sad in Serbia, Budva in Montenegro and the Olympic mountain Jahorina in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Exit is a fantastic way to escape from reality and explore the Balkan regions while experiencing new cultures and listening to some epic music. The exit will take place from July 12 - 15 and will present an exceptionally genre-diverse array of musicians to bring out your inner hippie.

Exit is an exciting way to get to know new people and explore the variety of destinations they serve. Up next will be a sweet spot to check out, located in the UK.

Bestival

Bestival is another chart-topper in the world of music festivals and is well known for its colorful sets and originality. Held in Lulworth Estate UK in August, the festival brings together thousands of enthusiastic artists and music lovers. Color begins in the Ambient Forest, full of art transcendent tones and a psychological experience that will leave a lasting impression. Bestival contains a ton of woodland bars and tours meant to help everyone in touch with their artistic side. For those looking to get a workout in, not to worry, there is tandem bike Spinning Raves for connecting physical health and music in a way that has neverbeen seenbefore.

For those looking for a closer to home experience, UK might be for you; however, for those looking to go a little further, the next slide will make your dreams come true.

Fuji Rock

Named after the original location at the base of Mount Fuji in 1997, this annual rock centered festival has begun making waves since relocating to Naeba Ski Resort in Niigata, Japan. The event hosts over two hundred artists each year, both famous international names as well as favorite Asian groups; Major Lazer, Gorillaz, Sunday Session and Your Song Is Good. If that's not enough to impress you, the festival has donated over one and a half million yen to The Great East Japan Earthquake Reconstruction Project, Benefit for Nippon. Combining both donations and endless music makes Fuji Rock a fun and socially responsible highlight on this list.

Following is another fantastic festival that is full of great music, fantastic fireworks and of course, sunshine.

Sunburn Festival

Sunburn is another brilliant representation of art and color meant to dazzle the world through flashy stage design, lights, and pyrotechnics. A recent relocation in 2016 has brought attendees to India’s Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune region for the past two years, but at the end of December, the festival will be returning to Thiruvananthapuram for the first time since 2013. Sunburn festival is the most significant music festival in Asia and is determined to redefine howlive music is consumed by the audience, year after year. Not only does the festival focus on music, but alsoplaces anemphasis onlifestyle by encouraging festival-goers to let their style and culture shine through outfits, experiences, and stories.

Sunburn makes for a great way to get away. But for those looking for a follow-up destination, the next slide will prove helpful.

Ultra

Ultra Music Festival is another US festival that deserves some serious recognition for its unique experience. The Ultra brand is quite possibly the world’s largest festival organization, operating in seventeen destinations worldwide in the 2018 year. Ultra will be making its way to Miami, Melbourne, and Tokyo in their Road To Ultra campaign, so the scale of the organization stands out. With a location always right on the water and a vibrant city for nightlife, be prepared to dance your heart out to some of the top names in Electronic Dance Music, no matter which destination you choose.

Following is a music festival which offers a different feel than many of the other options, and you will see why.

Montreal Jazz Fest

Montreal Jazz Fest is a classic event held in Montreal, Canada every year from the end of June to Early July. EDM and heavy rock are not for everyone, so for those who appreciate smooth Jazz and a welcoming city, the Montreal Jazz Fest is for you. Located in Quartier des Spectacles, the heart of downtown Montreal offers delicious food, drinks and fantastic landmarks to visit. The sprawling plaza is perfect for nightly projections on buildings to accompany the live music with a visual spectacle meant to dazzle and impress all throughout the evening.

Following is by far one of the coolest events in the world, let alone for music festivals.

Glastonbury Fest

Glastonbury is one of the pillars of the music festival industry and has become a template for the curious wanderer. With nine hundred acres of land to tour and musicians around every corner, travelers are encouraged to visit the Vale of Avalon in Glastonbury, Southwest England. This festival promotes its attendees to forget about the rules (but not the law) as they stroll through tented cities, a Tipi Field, the Green Fields, and even a stone circle termed the Sacred Space. With a land steeped in mythology and tradition, Glastonbury will take place next in June 2019 and will feature lovely music and new outfits meant to make your travels one for the books.

Although Glastonbury offers a crazy cool experience in England, the next spot is nothing to scoff at either.

Lollapalooza

Lollapalooza is one of those classic events that just can not be left off the list. Going strong since 1991, this Chicago based event brings a diverse crowd of enthusiasts to enjoy over one hundred and seventy unique bands and has eight different stages to switch between. With a carnival feel, the event offers fun and delicious foods, lots of spots for crafts and even a kid-friendly zone for the family to enjoy. Crowds have been flocking to Chicago every year to enjoy all types of music, from Rap to Alternative rock. Chicago’s largest music event will be held at the beginning of August in 2018 promises to be better than ever.