Most important music festivals in the world

For many people a trip cannot be organized and experienced without the right soundtrack . Music is the background to many important events in our life and, certainly, it can represent a relevant aspect in any self-respecting tour. You are planning your next departure and would like to include some important musical event in your itinerary . Music festivals of various sizes
are periodically organized all over the world , dedicated to a certain musical genre or hosting world-famous singers and bands. Let’s get to know together which are the most important music festivals in the world, maybe you will discover the next stage of your favorite singer!

1 – Lollapalooza
Photo by Aneil Lutchman. Few music festivals are as recognized and famous as Lollapalooza. Created in 1991 by the singer of the band Jane’s Addiction Perry Farrell as a farewell concert, the festival has since evolved into a major event involving many exponents of different musical genres. The performances are many and varied and include live music, dance and comedy shows. The Lollapalooza hosts more than 160,000 visitors over the three days of the festival and has contributed to the success of numerous artists, from Pearl Jam to Ice-T. Although the event initially focused on alternative and indie rock genres, it has expanded to eclectic performances and more niche genres. Past headliners have been the likes of Paul McCartney and Metallica.

• Location: Chicago, United States
• Music genre: Alternative, Indie Rock, Pop, Electronic
• Period: August
• Price: about 260 Euros

2 – Tomorrowland
Photo by Yurigu. Tomorrowland is, since 2005, one of the largest and most famous music festivals in the world for dance and electronic music. Hundreds of internationally renowned DJ’s make the audience dance from the various stages of the festival. In 2015 Tomorrowland hosted artists such as Alesso, David Guetta, Avicii, Steve Aoki, Martin Garrix, Dillon Francis, Tiesto and many others.

• Location: Boom, Belgium
• Music genre: Dance, Electronic
• Period: July
• Price: average price 258 Euros

3 – Rock Am Ring
Photo of ASK. A great European festival dedicated to the most loyal fans of rock and metal music . Held since 1985 at the Nurburgring circuit, it was born as a celebratory event for its inauguration. Thanks to the success obtained in its first edition, it has become a fixed appointment that attracts, every year, the best bands of the world rock and metal scene . U2, Sting, Aerosmith, Elton John, Kiss, Ozzy Osbourne and many others have walked the stage of this festival.

• Location: Nurburgring, Germany
• Music genre: Rock, Metal
• Period: June
• Price: 175 Euros

4 – Sziget
Photo by Gergely Csatari. Since 1993, this Hungarian festival has welcomed around 400,000 music lovers from over 70 countries every year. The event includes not only musical performances but also circus and theatrical performances , plays of light, dance performances and much more. On stage there were artists from all over the world , representatives of the most disparate musical genres, from David Guetta to Manu Chao, from Muse to the very Italian Roy Paci, up to Korn and Blink-182.

• Location: Budapest, Hungary
• Music genre: Pop, Rock, Metal, Hip Hop, Blues, Reggae, Afro, World Music, Folk, Electronic, Jazz, Classical
• Period: August
• Price: 195 Euros

5 – Summerfest
If “bigger is better”, Summerfest is the best. In fact, it holds the title of the largest festival in the world and takes place on the shores of Lake Michigan in Milwaukee, welcoming almost a million visitors and 800 artists every year over the course of approximately 11 days. The musical genres embraced by the event are many, the artists who have played in the past editions have been, for example, Paul McCartney, Weezer and Jason Derulo.

• Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
• Genere musicale: Alternative, Americana, Bluegrass, Blues, Contemporary, Country, Electronic, Folk, Funk, Gospel, Hard rock, Metal, Hip hop, Indie, Jam Band, Jazz, Pop, R&B, Reggae, Rock
• Period: June / July
• Price: from 13 to 100 Dollars

6 – Splendor in the Grass
Photo by Simonpilot. Splendor in the Grass is a world-famous festival and has been held annually in Australia since 2001, so much so that it has become a real institution for the Aussies . Bands such as The Strokes, Flume, James Blake, Santigold, What So Not, The 1975, Leon Bridges participated in the festival.

• Location: Byron Bay, Australia
• Genere musicale: Indie Rock, Hip Hop, Electronic, Alternative
• Period: July
• Price: average cost 210 Dollars

7 – Metaltown
Photo of Dark Apostrophe. The first edition took place in 2004 and since then this Swedish festival has welcomed the most fervent fans of rock and metal music every year. The event takes place in just two days , with the exception of the 2013 edition in which it lasts 3 days. It is one of the symbolic gatherings of the heavy metal people , which has seen iconic bands of Nordic metal such as Sentenced, In Flames, Killswitch Engage but also Slayer and Soulfly.

• Location: Gothenburg, Sweden
• Genere musicale: Heavy metal, Hardcore Punk
• Period: March
• Price: 180 Euros

8 – Rock in Rio
Photo by Carlos Delgado. The first edition took place in 1985 in Rio de Janeiro , as well as in 1991, 2001, 2011, 2013 and 2015. Six other editions were held in other parts of the world: in Lisbon in Portugal, in Madrid in Spain and in Las Vegas with the name of Rock in Rio USA. This edition featured Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, No Doubt, Metallica, Linkin Park, Ed Sheeran, John Legend and many others.

• Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Genere musicale: Rock, Pop, Indie, Heavy Metal
• Period: September
• Price: around 110 Euros

9 – The Governors Ball
Photo of Governors Ball: Fair use. Born in 2011, this festival offers an eclectic mix of performances and a pinch of New York culture. Visitors can experience rock, electronic and indie music performances, all while sampling traditional New York cuisine. For those who want to take a break from the classic concert there are alternative activities such as the Silent Disco or games on the lawn. Major Lazer, Beck and Empire of The Sun are just a few names that have participated in the past editions.

• Location: New York City, United States
• Genere musicale: Indie rock, Alternative rock, Hip-hop, EDM
• Period: June
• Price: about $ 200

10 – Roskilde
Source: wikipedia. It is the oldest and largest festival in continental Europe , its first edition dates back to 1971. Created by two Danish high school students, the Roskilde event has evolved from a hippie gathering to become a mainstream music festival . During the 4 days of the festival around 3000 artists perform, including internationally renowned performers – such as Aerosmith and Beastie Boys – and lesser known bands.

• Location: Roskilde, Denmark
• Genere musicale: Rock, Pop, Electronic, Reggae, Hip Hop, World
• Period: June / July
• Price: from 50 to 300 Euros

11 – Rock Werchter
Photo of Benjah. The first annual edition of this festival took place in 1974 and has received the award for the best festival in the world at the International Live Music Conference (ILMC) for several consecutive years. Smashing Pumpkins, Tool and Peter Gabriel, among others, took the stage at the event.

• Location: Werchter, Belgium
• Genere musicale: Alternative Rock, Rock, Indie Rock, Pop, Hip Hop, Heavy Metal, Electronic Music, Dance Music
• Period: June / July
• Price: on average around 200 Euros

12 – Reading & Leeds
Photo by https://www.flickr.com/photos/foolstopzanet/. The Reading and Leeds Festivals are also known by their sponsor name, Carling Weekend. As both festivals take place at the same time and usually with the same artists performing, they are generally mentioned together. The first edition of the Reading Festival took place in 1961 and this makes it the longest running music festival in the world . In 1963 the Rolling Stones performed here .

• Location: Reading & Leeds, UK
• Music genre: Rock, Alternative, Metal
• Period: August
• Price: on average around 72 Pounds

13 – Outside Lands
Photo by Edward Betts.
This festival has more or less the same characteristics as all Californian festivals but, unlike Coachella, it manages to stage a more delicate balance between mainstream and underground artists . Here you can also find a wide choice of street food and culinary specialties typical of the area. Pearl Jam, Social Distortion and Muse have delighted visitors during the past editions.

• Location: San Francisco, United States
• Genere musicale: Indie rock, Alternative rock, Hip hop, Electronica
• Period: August
• Price: from 300 to 700 Dollars

14 – Hellfest
Photo of Selbymay. It is a much loved festival by rock and metal fans , which saw its first editions in the United States but which was later exported to France, where it has been held since 2006. Due to the presence of bands considered “extreme” of its own kind, religious extremists targeted Hellfest with vandalism in 2015. Usually bands such as Children Of Bodom, Megadeth, Mayhem and many others exhibit.

• Location: Clisson, France
• Music genre: Rock, Pop, Classical, Jazz, etc.
• Period: June
• Price: 200 Euros

15 – New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Photo by Mr.schultz. Although the authentic jazz scene remains alive and rich in this American festival, in more recent times the doors have been opened to a more contemporary lineup , which consequently has attracted different types of visitors. The festival also features a wide variety of local food and craft vendors.

• Location: New Orleans, United States
• Music genre: various
• Period: April / May
• Price: 80 Dollars

16 – Field Day
Photo by John Lubbock. Initially lasting two days, this festival which takes place in London’s Victoria Park has been reduced to just one day. The first edition took place in August 2007. The stage gives space to artists from the local alternative rock scene and underground bands little known in the rest of the world. Despite this, the fame of the festival has grown from year to year and the tickets for the new editions are sold out a few hours after going on sale.

• Location: London, UK
• Music genre: Alternative Rock
• Period: June
• Price: around 74 Pounds

17 – Montreux Jazz Festival
Photo by Schaer Chris. The festival takes place on the shores of Lake Geneva in the beautiful town of Montreux and since 1967, the year of the first edition, it has also embraced other musical genres in addition to jazz . Many world-renowned artists participated, including Miles Davis, Santana, Elvis Costello, Brian May, Marvin Gaye, Eric Clapton and Phil Collins.

• Location: Montreux, Switzerland
• Music genre: Jazz, Blues, Soul, Rock, Brazilian music and other genres
• Period: June / July
• Price: from 60 to 240 Swiss Francs

18 – Mawazine
Photo by YousraElkh9. Also known as Rhythms of the World, it is a world-famous festival that takes place in Morocco, the largest on the African continent. In 2016 it hosted artists such as Chris Brown, Iggy Azalea, Wyclef Jean, Pitbull, Christina Aguilera and many others from all over Africa, Europe and the Middle East.

• Location: Rabat, Morocco
• Music genre: various
• Period: May
• Price: 600 to 1200 Dirham

19 – Lovebox
Photo by Annie Mole. And a two-day festival that also takes place in London’s Victoria Park in the summer. It was founded in 2012 by DJs Groove Armada and has also hosted similar events over the years in Newcastle, Dublin and Ibiza. And dedicated to party and club lovers , it hosts internationally renowned DJS every year for two days of non-stop dancing.

• Location: London, UK
• Genere musicale: Electronic, Dance, Hip Hop
• Period: July
• Price: from £ 45

20 – Latitude
Photo by Dani Lurie. It is the softer and more timid cousin of the massive Glastonbury Festival. It has been taking place near a lake in the quiet town of Southwald for ten years now. The lineup is usually very varied , so much so that it also attracts more mature visitors, families but also young people of all ages and social backgrounds.

• Location: Suffolk, England
• Music genre: Alternative Rock, Pop
• Period: July
• Price: 197 Pounds

21 – Osheaga
Photo by velkr0. It has been taking place since 2006 at the Parc Jean-Drapeau in Montreal, Canada. In the three days of the festival there are 5 stages where different lineups of artists follow one another, from indie rock bands to folk music. A lot of space is also offered to emerging artists and visual arts performers.

• Location: Montreal, Canada
• Music genre: Indie
• Period: August
• Price: on average 400 dollars

22 – Glastonbury
Photo by jaswooduk. Established in 1970, this 5-day festival is a real must of the English summer . It takes place on 900 acres of land, which ranks it as the largest lawn festival in the world . In addition to music, visitors can enjoy theater, circus and cabaret shows. Coldplay and Kilye Minogue were some of the headliners.

• Location: Pilton, UK
• Music genre: Rock, Pop
• Period: June
• Price: 243 Pounds

23 – Fuji Rock
Photo by Jmills74. The festival is held in a truly beautiful natural setting, which could also distract visitors from the music. In fact, it has been held at the Naeba Ski Resort, in the Japanese mountains, since 1997. The performances can also be admired from the top of the mountain , which can be reached via the cable car. Over 200 international and Japanese musicians take part in the event, among others the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Foo Fighters.

• Location: Naeba, Japan
• Music genre: Rock, Electronic Music
• Period: July
• Price: 1000 Yen

24 – Exit
Photo by Bojan Hohnjec, EXIT photo team. Inaugurated in 2000 by a band of local students to promote peace and democracy in Serbia and the Balkans, the Exit festival has always maintained a close link with its roots . Visitors from all over the world come to listen to their favorite artists with the opportunity to learn more about local politics and social structure. The most important bands of the rock, punk and metal scene performed on the stage of the festival but there is also a dance arena to let loose with electronic rhythms all night long.

• Location: Novi Sad, Serbia
• Genere musicale: Rock, Electronica, Electronic dance music, Metal, Hip hop, Reggae, Punk, Drum and Bass
• Period: July
• Price: on average 150 Euros

25 – Dimensions
Dimensions Festival is a 4-day event that takes place at an ancient fort , Fort Punta Christo, over 150 years old. It is located near the Croatian beaches and allows participants to enjoy the sea during the day and go wild to the rhythm of the best international DJS at night.

• Location: Pula, Croatia
• Genere musicale: House, Techno, Dubstep, Drum and Bass
• Period: August / September
• Price: 188.5 Euros

26 – Coachella
Photo by Raph_PH. Coachella is one of the largest and most famous music festivals in the United States and the world. It is so popular that since 1999, the year of his birth, he has in a certain way invented his own way of dressing and dressing that visitors follow assiduously. Tickets to participate are sold out in a few hours ! In 2016, bands like Guns N ‘Roses and DJs like Calvin Harris played. The festival also counts numerous celebrities among its most frequent visitors.

• Location: Indio, California, United States
• Genere musicale: Rock, Indie, Hip Hop, EDM
• Period: April
• Price: around 500 Dollars

27 – Burning Man
Photo by Kyle Harmon. It is undoubtedly a particular festival, different from all the others. The name derives from the ritual that starts the event, which consists in setting fire to a large wooden puppet . The festival does not include large performances or the participation of international artists, at least not advertised. Everyone is in fact free to organize their own exhibition , or to hold lessons, games, workshops and shows of all kinds. It is possible to notify the organizing committee in advance, but it is not mandatory. To take part in the festival you need to have your own camping equipment, electricity and food generators for the duration of the event. In fact, only ice and coffee are on sale at the location. This is a festival for true survivors , as desert temperatures can reach 40 degrees during the day and drop below zero at night! Also, cell phones don’t work and the area is often prone to sudden sandstorms.

• Location: Black Rock Desert, Nevada, United States
• Music genre: various
• Period: August / September
• Price: 380 Dollars

28 – Bonnaroo
Photo by Shannon McGee. Since 2002 it has been a destination for music lovers and eternal hippies . Despite spreading over 700 acres and comprising over 150 performances on more than 10 stages, this festival wants to maintain a rather intimate atmosphere that makes visitors feel like part of a small community. Artists such as the Beastie Boys, Radiohead, Paul McCartney and the Red Hot Chili Peppers attended this festival.

• Location: Manchester, Tennessee, United States
• Genere musicale: Pop, Alternative Rock, Indie Rock, Hip Hop, R&B, Edm, Metal, Funk, Stoner Rock, Jazz, Jam Bands, Americana, Country, Folk, Bluegrass, Gospel, Reggae, World
• Period: June
• Price: 35.90 Dollars

29 – Benicassim
Source: wikipedia. The Festival Internacional de Benicassim (FIB) or simply Benicassim is a perfect combination of holiday and music. From 2009 until the last edition, the capacity of the festival has increased, from the initial 50,000 to the current 150,000 visitors. The performances focus mainly on pop, rock and electronic music artists, although in addition to music there are screenings of short films, fashion and art exhibitions. This festival has a reputation for being one of the best international festivals .

• Location: Benicassim, Spain
• Genere musicale: Pop, Dance, Indie Rock, Indie Pop, Electro
• Period: July
• Price: 125 Euros

30 – Pentaport Rock Festival
Photo of HEEYON KIM. It is considered to be one of the largest live music events in South Korea. The festival encompasses various musical genres, mainly rock and electronic music . The name derives from the 5 main themes of the festival: music, passion, respect for the environment, do-it-yourself and friendship. Since 2006, the year of the first edition, there have been artists such as Weezer, Scorpions and The Prodigy.

• Location: Incheon, South Korea
• Genere musicale: Rock, Alternative rock, Indie rock, Dance, World music, Punk rock, Electronic music, Folk music, Emo
• Period: August
• Price: 220 Won

31 – Wacken Open Air
Photo by Frank Schwichtenberg. Wacken Open Air is one of the biggest heavy metal festivals in the world. Started as a country music festival over 30 years ago , over time it has managed to attract more and more fans from all over the world. Every first weekend in August, the “population” of the quiet town of Wacken explodes: its 2,000 inhabitants open their doors to over 80,000 visitors . During the three-day event, festival-goers transform the village into the third largest city in the German state of Schleswig-Holstein. The organizers provide the necessary infrastructure, including a tent city, showers, toilets, signs and light poles.

• Location: Wacken, Germany
• Music genre: Rock, Metal
• Period: August
• Price: 229 euros

32 – Download Festival
Photo by Andy Harbach. Despite being a relatively young festival (the first edition was in 2003); Over the years the Download has been increasingly successful, becoming one of the reference musical events for Metal lovers. The Festival takes place at Donington Park , near East Midlands Airport, England, where the three counties of Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Derbyshire meet.

• Location: Donington Park, Leicestershire, UK
• Music genre: Rock, Metal
• Period: June
• Price: from 240 pounds