Music festivals inspire people to come out in droves, and for days at a time! Throughout the world, there is a myriad of destinations that host annual events with music in every conceivable genre, attracting diverse attendees and the chance of a celebrity sighting.
For newbies planning a first music fest trip, good preparation will ensure maximum enjoyment. Expect large crowds and anticipate a great deal of standing. Comfortable shoes are a must, and with lots of time spent outdoors, sensible packing means being prepared for sunshine and rain.
Easy to carry travel bags are the way to go rather than big, bulky suitcases. Fanny packs are quite practical for carrying cash, daily essentials and small necessities like cleansing wipes. Lastly, be sure to bring a good pair of earplugs to withstand the deafening noise and base levels and consider attending one of these international music festivals.
1. Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
Indio, USA
The festival’s origins trace back to a 1993 concert that Pearl Jam performed at the Empire Polo Club while boycotting venues controlled by Ticketmaster and has grown to be the largest, most famous, and most profitable music festivals in the United States and the world. Taking place over consecutive 3-day weekends in April and attracting over 250,000 annually, Coachella showcases popular musical artists, emerging artists, and reunited groups.
2. Fuji Rock
Niigata Prefecture, Japan
While most music festivals are not known for their cleanliness, Fuji Rock, the largest outdoor music event in Japan is considered the cleanest festival in the world. The three-day event features more than 200 Japanese and international musicians.
3. Lake of Stars
Mangochi, Malawi, Africa
Held annually since 2004, the three-day Lake of Stars celebration is one of Africa’s leading international art events with music, talks, poetry, theatre, film, art and wellness activities.
4. Latitude
Suffolk, UK
Looking for a family-friendly music festival? Latitude has an artful mix of comedy, poetry, dance theatre, and pop and alternative rock with great camping packages.
5. New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
New Orleans, USA
Also known as “Jazz Fest”, this annual event features all types of music with southern roots featuring two main stages for jazz greats and eight others that showcase varied genres like zydeco, blues, brass bands, gospel.
6. NOS Alive
Lisbon, Portugal
Started in 2007, the three-day NOS Alive Festival takes place in the Algés riverside, in Oeiras, Portugal and attracts some of the biggest names in music, including DJs and bands. Visitors can enjoy camping, a local swimming pool, and free shuttle service.
7. Splendor in the Grass
Byron, New South Wales, Australia
One of the most popular music festivals in Australia, held annually and commonly referred to as Splendour, popular and established A-list musical artists are on the line-up as well as emerging Australian acts.
8. Sziget Festival
Budapest, Hungary
If you are looking for BIG, Sziget attracts more than 350,000 music lovers for this 7-day yearly event. Held on Old Buda Island, the festival hosts 200 daily performances and more than 1000 performances annually by established and well-known artists and new acts.
9. Tomorrowland
Boom, Belgium
Considered THE outdoor dance event, Tomorrowland features all-day music with 15 stages of musical acts, volcanoes, disco balls and tons of confetti, attracting world-renowned DJs and electronic music makers.
10. Villette Sonique
Paris, France
Whether your preference is rock, jazz or post-punk, Villette Sonique has welcomed visitors to this free, 7-day outdoor event for the past 15 years.
11. Way Out West
Gothenburg, Sweden
Featuring a line-up of electronic, hip hop and rock acts, Way Out West prides itself on its eco-friendliness and only serves vegetarian fare.
Before you hit any of the festivals listed above, search for travel insurance with iSelect. The most surefire way to have fun is to know you are safe and protected doing it.
