Music festivals are a great way to experience a wide variety of genres and artists. From up-and-coming artists to the biggest names in the industry, music festivals offer something for everyone. From the United States to Europe, Asia, and beyond, there are music festivals all over the world that offer unique experiences and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re looking for a weekend of camping and music or a multi-day event, there’s a music festival out there for you. Here’s a look at some of the best music festivals in the world (outside of the U.S.), in no particular order.
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1. Montreal International Jazz Festival
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
This festival brings together two million people over a span of 10 days. The 43rd edition of this festival takes place this year from June 28th to July 8th. Contrary to its nomenclature, the festival started with solely jazz music with early artists such as Ray Charles coming onto the scene, it has now grown to include other music genres such as R&B, indie and more! Even better, there are many free performances that occur in downtown Montreal.
Looking for a great place to stay in Montreal? Booking.com has wonderful accommodations to create the perfect trip!
2. Mawazine Festival
Rabat, Morocco
The Mawazine festival has not taken place since COVID-19 first broke out internationally but they are planning a come-back in 2024. Over three million guests showed up in 2018 for artists such as French Montana, Martin Garrix, Bruno Mars, and The Weeknd. The festival features many international and local artists as well. The festival typically spans over an eight-day period and takes place in May or June. There have been no official dates set yet for 2024.
3. Pol’and’Rock
Czaplinek, Poland
Inspired by the American Woodstock Festival, Pol’and’Rock is a free music festival that takes place this year between August 3rd to August 5th. It has been held in various places around Poland with this year’s performances being held at a former airfield. They include Polish and international artists with a focus on rock but sometimes you may find a few other music genres on their lineup. Be sure not to miss out on their fun and messy festival tradition, a massive mud bath!
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4. Sziget Festival
Budapest, Hungary
Taking place this year from August 10th to August 15th, this festival is a must-visit for music lovers. Their lineups consistently include some of the biggest names in music such as this year’s Billie Eilish, David Guetta, Imagine Dragons, Lorde, and more! They even offer Boat Parties to not only hear daily performances from artists but to explore around Budapest and sightsee. Many of the festival attendees aren’t even Hungarian. About 50% of festival goers are citizens of other nations.
5. Amsterdam Dance Festival
Amsterdam, Netherlands
This 5-day electronic music festival is taking place this year from October 18th to October 22nd. This festival not only consists of musical artists but also features conferences, film screenings, and art exhibitions. Bonus, you get to be in such an enchanting city!
6. Primavera Sound
Barcelona, Spain
Held in the beautiful city of Barcelona, Primavera Sound is the perfect festival to experience a wide variety of music genres. It is taking place this year from May 29th to June 4th with headlining artists such as Halsey, Rosalia, Depeche Mode, and more!
7. Tomorrowland
Boom, Belgium
Tomorrowland is one of the biggest and most popular music festivals in Europe. It is the perfect place to experience the best of electronic music and is known for its stunning visuals and its commitment to sustainability. All genres in electronic dance music with hundreds of renowned artists performing across more than 15 different stages.
Taking place in the beautiful and natural place De Schorre in the town of Boom in Belgium. It is a true fairy tale world with surroundings of enchanting décor, magical stages, fascinating acts and peripheral animations, tasty and healthy food & drinks from around the world, and spectacular fireworks – an unforgettable and incomparable show.
Tomorrowland Belgium 2023 will take place across two weekends from July 21-23 and July 28-30.
8. Rock In Rio
Rio de Janiero, Brazil
While typically taking place in September, this year’s festival has not yet been confirmed. It appears they are skipping over doing a 2023 show and planning for a big 2024! This festival caters to a multitude of music fans with artists of various genres. The first edition of the festival started out with bands such as Queen, Coldplay, and AC/DC but has grown to include many, many more.
9. Donauinselfest
Vienna, Austria
For those on a budget, this may be the best festival to visit as entry is completely free!
This year’s 40th edition of the festival will take place June 23rd to 25th for a weekend of music and fun on the island of Donauinsel on the Danube River. For the 40th anniversary, there is a special book project containing 40 stories from the festival coming out in the fall.
Donauinselfest happens to also be the largest open-air music festival pulling in over 2.5 million guests in 2022. As of right now, the lineup has not been provided but we can expect it to be diverse and include many talented artists.
10. Glastonbury Festival
Pilton, Somerset, England
Muddy fields, the hippie era, and mystics are just a few of the images that come to mind when you hear the name Glastonbury. The most notable festival, Glastonbury, also hosts some of the greatest performers in history! Many famous performers will be appearing at this festival in 2023, including many Americans! With the likes of Elton John, Arctic Monkeys, Lizzo, Guns & Roses, you are sure to have a grand time!
Taking place this year from June 21st to June 25th, this eclectic group of artists is sure to entertain. Be sure to check out the Oak Tree Project during your visit. The festival grounds contain a tree that is over 500 years old and encourages guests to take photos and send them in. Additionally, the festival grounds are home to a dairy herd that sells its products during the festival and helps to stimulate sustainability among Glastonbury.
11. Untold Festival
Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Taking place this year from August 3rd to the 6th, Untold Festival is the largest electronic music festival in Romania. This year’s lineup features huge electronic artists such as Armin Van Buuren, David Guetta, Martin Garrix, and more! While a fairly new festival, the first one took place in 2015, last year’s festival brought together almost 400,000 guests.
12. Exit Festival
Novi Sad, Serbia
EXIT Festival is taking place this year from July 6th to the 9th. Starting two decades ago as a student movement for freedom and peace, they have begun many socially responsible projects through the EXIT foundation. Their activism shines a light on youth development, environmental protection, and more.
13. Rock im Park
Nuremberg, Germany
Rock im Park, also known as Rock am Ring is one of the most iconic music festivals in Europe. Held in the beautiful German countryside, this festival is a must-visit for rock music fans. With a lineup that includes some of the biggest names in rock music, Rock am Ring is the perfect place to experience the best of rock music with Foo Fighters, Kings of Leon, Evanescence…
14. Nuit Sonores
Lyon, France
This electronic music festival is taking place here soon between May 17th to May 21st. This festival encompasses a multitude of cultural events with live music, DJs, architecture, food, and more. Being initially created to display various artistic projects and cultural collaboration, it has lived up to that idea since 2003, and now with four stages across Lyon, you can enjoy some of the up-and-coming music.
15. Fuji Rock in Niigata Prefecture, Japan
Niigata Prefecture, Japan
Set in one of the most lushest surroundings with hot springs and forest, this year the festival will take place between July 28th to the 30th. Fuji Rock features a wide range of music genres. It is the biggest music festival to take place in Japan and includes artists from all around the world. This year’s lineup includes huge names like the Foo Fighters, Lizzo, The Strokes, and more!
Unforgettable Experience
No matter what kind of music you’re into, there’s a music festival out there for you. So grab your friends and get ready for an unforgettable experience!
If you have attended a music festival we would love to hear about your experience! Please leave a comment below.
We hope you enjoyed discovering the 15 Best Music Festivals in the World. If you enjoy music also check out our article about one of the first song competitions in the world – Eurovision Song Contest. Thank you!
It would be so amazing to go to any of these! Hopefully one day
Thank you, Aubree! I know! The next one I want to go to is either the Montreal Jazz Festival or Tomorrowland in Belgium.