From Coachella to Osheaga, many iconic festivals exist in North America. But what if we told you the music world is much larger than this? From the muddy pits of Glastonbury to Tomorrowland's whimsical atmosphere, this blog is your passport to a global journey through sound. Read on to discover some of the biggest music festivals in the world or use our handy map!
Glastonbury, Credit to Matt Cardy
Glastonbury Festival (England)
Location: Pilton, England
Dates: June 25-29, 2025
Attendance: 210,000
Glastonbury is a large greenfield music festival in Pilton, England. It often attracts prominent artists of a variety of genres. The line-up for 2025 isn't out yet but is rumored to include stars like Eminem and Rihanna. In addition to its amazing artists, Glastonbury offers various performing arts experiences, like circus art. Glastonbury is also known for its unpredictable weather, so be prepared for rain and mud!
Katy Gallery
Rock in Rio (Brazil)
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Dates: September, 2025 (exact dates TBA)
Attendance: 700,000
Rock in Rio originated in Brazil and has since expanded to other cities like Lisbon and Madrid, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees annually. It is one of the biggest music festivals in the world and has hosted legendary performances, including Queen's 1985 set. Although its name suggests a focus on rock music, the festival embraces other genres like pop and electronic. Beyond music, the City of Rock enhances the festival with unique experiences like amusement park rides.
Primavera Sound
Primavera Sound (Barcelona)
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Dates: June 4-8, 2025
Attendance: 220,000
Primavera Sound is perfect for indie lovers! Although Primavera has extended to other cities, its primary location is Barcelona. The festival focuses on diversity and gender equality. In 2019, it launched the "Nobody Is Normal" initiative, promoting a safe place free from discrimination and sexual aggression. The festival is also committed to sustainability by implementing eco-friendly practices. Overall, the performers and atmosphere make it a very inclusive experience.
Sziget
Sziget Festival (Hungary)
Location: Budapest, Hungary
Dates: August 6-11, 2025
Attendance: 420,000
The Sziget festival lasts six days and is action-packed. It is much more than a music festival and includes a variety of innovative hubs and workshops. The festival has won many awards, including best line-up of the year, and is renowned for its creativity. It includes various genres and artists and promotes freedom and acceptance. Previous headliners have included Dua Lipa and Fred Again.
Fuji Rock Festival
Fuji Rock Festival (Japan)
Location: Niigata Prefecture, Japan
Dates: July 25-27, 2025
Attendance: 96,000
The Fuji Rock Festival is the biggest music festival in Japan. It includes a variety of genres from both international and Japanese artists, making it the perfect global music experience. Fuji Rock has a more relaxed experience due to its scenic setting and dedicated children's spaces. We also recommend enjoying the beautiful onsens after the festival to make the most of your trip!
Flickr, Exit Festival
Exit Festival (Serbia)
Location: Novi Sad, Serbia
Dates: July 10-13, 2025
Attendance: 210,000
The Exit Festival is located within a fortress, which gives it a historical and unique atmosphere. It is rooted in social activism and was founded by students promoting democracy in 2000. The festival showcases a range of musical tastes but is known for its electronic music scene. It has won awards, including Best Major Festival at the European Festival Awards.
Nos Alive
Nos Alive (Portugal)
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Dates: July 6-8, 2025
Attendance: 55,000
Nos Alive is an excellent festival where you can enjoy summer in Portugal! It takes place in a coastal town so you can enjoy beaches during the day. Many beautiful performances happen at sunset and late through the night. The festival's focus is on indie music but also includes other genres. Nos Alive focuses on sustainability through initiatives to reduce waste and promote recycling and offers delicious local food to top the great music.
Montreux Jazz Festival
Montreux Jazz Festival (Switzerland)
Location: Montreux, Switzerland
Dates: July 4-19, 2025
Attendance: 250,000
The Montreux Jazz Festival, located on the shores of Lake Geneva, (unsurprisingly) focuses on jazz but has also expanded to other genres! The festival has a rich history, with past performances from Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, and more. Montreux offers free concerts and events, making it accessible, as well as workshops.
Roskilde Festival, Mounia Nassangar/Joakim Züger
Roskilde Festival (Denmark)
Location: Roskilde, Denmark
Dates: June 28 -July 5, 2025
Attendance: 130,000
If you want to support a good cause while enjoying great music, the Roskilde Festival is the place for you. Roskilde is a non-profit, so all profits for the festival are donated to non-profit causes. Roskilde also focuses on sustainable initiatives, making it the perfect festival for socially conscious individuals. Roskilde has a wide variety of genres and promotes many new emerging artists.
Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland (Belgium)
Location: Schorre Recreation Area, Boom, Belgium
Dates: July 18-20 and July 25-27, 2025
Attendance: 400,000
Tomorrowland is a must-go if you are an EDM lover. Past headliners include Alesso, David Guetta, and more. Tickets sell out very fast, so be prepared! Tomorrowland is known for its extravagant stages with unique themes, and some participants dress to match. Tomorrowland also embraces community through its slogan "Live Today, Love Tomorrow, Unite Forever," its DreamVille Campsite, and its worldwide appeal.
If you're ready to take your music journey to the next level and go global, we've got you covered!
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