Top 10 music festivals of the world

Music festivals have been taking the world by storm for decades.The first major festival was The Monterey Pop Festival, a three-day major rock festival that took place in 1967 and served as a template for many festivals that came after it, including Woodstock. Since then, multiple music festivals have made their trademark all around the world. Music festivals being unique in their own way and accommodating different genres within them have grown as an entity with an experiential value. These festivals are not just about the music, they are now the home for culture, art, fashion, creativity and most importantly an experience for its visitors. 

For music connoisseur across the globe, here are 10 most popular music festivals to attend:

1. Coachella

Where: Indio, California, U.S.A.

When: April 13 – 22, 2018

Coachella is one of the biggest and best music festivals in the United State and in the world. People gather deep in the Coachella Valley on the polo grounds in the desert and dress to impress with Coachella fashion, which includes the notable flower crowns. Coachella always sells out its 99,000 capacity per weekend,198,000 ticket total. Coachella in simple terms has become the biggest fashion and music exhibition all over the world. 

Bringing in artists like Guns N’ Roses, LCD Soundsystem and Calvin Harris, Ice Cube, Zedd, A$AP Rocky, Sia, Major Lazer and more has become the to-visit destination for celebrities, artists and music lovers over the years. 

2. Tomorrowland

Where: Boom, Belgium

When: July 20 – 29, 2018

Tomorrowland is one of the biggest and most recognized music festivals in the world for electronic dance music, which has been sweeping the globe in the last decade getting bigger and bigger. Hundreds of electronic music DJ’s take the various artfully built stages at Tomorrowland like Alesso, David Guetta, Avicii, Steve Aoki, Martin Garrix, Dillon Francis, Tiesto and more.

3. Exit

Where: Novi Sad, Serbia


When: July 12 – 15, 2018

Exit is another world famous music festival that’s known for its diverse and grand experience. It has electronic, rock, metal, hip hop/rap, reggae and punk music. Exit has been organized every year since 2000 and takes place at the Petrovaradin Fortress. Bringing in big artists like Wiz Khalifa, Ellie Goulding, David Guetta, Bastille, Nicky Romero it’s kept a reputation that’s hard to beat.

4. Splendour in the Grass

Where: Byron Bay, Australia


When: July 2018 Dates Unconfirmed

Splendour in the Grass is a world famous summer music festival that has been held annually in Australia since 2001. The festival showcases indie rock, hip hop, electronic and alternative genres. Artists like The Strokes, Flume, James Blake, Santigold, What So Not, The 1975, Leon Bridges have graced its stage and created one of the most memorable experiences for people to witness.

5. Fuji Rock

Where: Yuzawa, Niigata Prefecture, Japan


When: July 27 — 31, 2018 

Fuji Rock is the biggest outdoor music event in Japan and one of the largest and most recognized music festivals in Asia and the world. It began in 1997 where it took place at the base of Mount Fuji, but has been held at the Naeba Ski Resort since 1999. Fuji Rock showcases rock and electronic music and has hosted artists like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, James Blake, SigurRos, Beck, Wilco, Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals and more. 

 6. Rock in Rio

Where: Alternates between Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Lisbon, Portugal; Madrid, Spain; Las Vegas, Nevada


When: June 23–24, 2018 and June 29–30, 2018 in Lisbon, Portugal

The Rock in Rio music festival originated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1985 and has been held there in 1991, 2001, 2011, 2013 and 2015 as well. There have been six Rock in Rio Festivals in Lisbon, Portugal most recently in 2014, three in Madrid most recently in 2012 and in Las Vegas in 2015 and 2017 called “Rock in Rio USA.” 

This festival has had headlining names like held Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, No Doubt, Metallica, Linkin Park, Ed Sheeran, John Legend, Big Sean, Empire of the Sun and more.

7. Mawazine

Where: Rabat, Morocco, Africa


When: 2018 Dates Unconfirmed

Mawazine, also known as Rhythms of the World, is a world-renowned music festival and the largest that is held on the continent of Africa. In 2016, Mawazine hosted notable artists like Chris Brown, Iggy Azalea, Wyclef Jean, Pitbull, Christina Aguilera and many more from regions all over Africa, Europe and the Middle East. 

8. KAABOO

Where: Del Mar Race Track + Fairgrounds, CA

When: September 14 – 16, 2018

Situated at the Del Mar Racetrack + Fairgrounds, KAABOO bills itself as an escape from the traditional festival scene, prioritizing attendees’ comfort and “sound voyage” over the loud, crowded chaos that typically ensues at other events. With nice weather, ample seating, and a location on the beautiful California coast, this 3-day festival is a welcome reprieve for music lovers who are looking for a peaceful getaway from the usual busy life.

9. Life is Beautiful Festival

Where: Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada

When: September 21 – 23, 2018

The Life is Beautiful Festival combines music, art, and food for an immersive “multisensory experience” that tingles all the attendees’ senses. Not only are the headliners massive, but dozens of artists also transform Downtown Las Vegas into a visual wonderland with an outdoor gallery and massive murals.

10. Austin City Limits

Where: Zilker Park, Austin, TX

When: October 4 – 15, 2018

Located in Zilker Park, Austin City Limits provides plenty to do in between the sets of some of the biggest names in music. This famed festival also offers a silent disco, large-scale art installations, and an art market to boot. This festival also stands unique as it exhibits one of the biggest food stalls making it a pit stop for every food lover.