There’s nothing more universally uniting than the power of music. People get to experience this feeling firsthand when they attend music festivals around the globe. Not all festivals are created alike so it is important that you search for the ones that have what you’re looking for.
If you’re a person who’s open to new experiences for these fun events then you may want to try out a few to see what you like. Keep reading to check out 7 of the top music festivals in the world that will help you have the time of your life.
1. Burning Man
This festival may be just as strange as the name but there is a magic that happens in the middle of the desert that no other event can reproduce. Burning Man is definitely one of the top music festivals in the world due to its deeper connection to larger concepts, such as community and self-expression. The nine-day experience takes place in the desert of Nevada and starts the week before Labor Day.
Honestly, Burning Man is not really a festival- it’s more of an acting town where the attendees participate as citizens and are in charge of everything that happens. If you’re looking for an inclusive, communal environment that features artist performances, music and installations then this is the place for you. Besides the overall culture of it being about love, freedom, and art, you’ll also be doing a lot of partying.
2. Tomorrowland
This huge utopian party is started in 2005 and is held during the summer and winter seasons every year in Belgium. Tomorrowland is now recognized as one of the top music festivals in the world, as it typically sells out in minutes of ticket sale openings. The electric dance festival attracts more than 185,000 people from over 75 countries.
Tomorrowland is set up like a musical wonderland world where all your dreams come taken directly from a fantasy novel. The colorful phenomenon is filled with electrifying energy, great music, and drinks, of course. During the winter season, attendees can choose to ski on the beautiful snow-covered Belgian mountains.
3. Coachella
The Coachella Music and Arts Festival is held annually in California over a span over a span of two weekends. The excitement of some of the biggest headliners ever, including Beyonce, Ariana Grande, and Kendrick Lamar, easily attracts well over 250,000 attendees. The festival started in 1999 and has quickly climbed its way to being one of the top music festivals in the world.
One of the best parts about Coachella is the fashion -hands down. If you plan on going to this event, be sure to bring your ‘A game’ when it comes to your weekend attire. And if all else fails, just make sure you have your flower crowns and peace sign shirts.
4. Mawazine
Mawazine is an upbeat international music festival held in Rabat, the capital of Morrocco. This event has earned it’s bragging rights by being able to name drop some of the top A-list artists, including David Guetta, J Balvin and Maluma. The festival started in 2001 and recently broke the record of being the biggest music festival in the world, bringing in over 2.7 million people this past June.
Definitely check this festival out if you’re a music buff looking for a diverse and authentic vibe of different pop music from around the globe. You’ll definitely want to have your passport prepared and ready to go by next year so you won’t miss this celebration. Check out this article about passport photos to help you get started on your process.
5. Sziget Festival
The Sziget Festival has a special history- it was born out of the collapse of the Soviet Union and has been held each year since 1993. This seven day (yes, seven days) event is held every August in Northern Budapest, Hungary on the island of Óbudai-Sziget. The entire island is made into a musical experience for its 550,000+ attendees.
Sziget has welcomed some of the biggest names in music like Rihanna, Gorillaz, Ed Sheeran, and Florence & The Machine. Beyond star-studded musical performances, this multi-genre music festival offers other activities, including theatre, sports events, dance stages, a beach, and even a contemporary circus. This is definitely a place you want to be if adventurous festivals are your thing.
6. Essence Festival
The Essence Festival has made its way to being one of the topic music festivals in the world over the past 25 years. The festival started as an event in 1995 to celebrate the Essence magazine, which is primarily geared towards African American women. Now, this experience attracts over 200,000 people from all walks of life to the lively city of New Orleans each year.
If you’re looking for an inspiring, enriching and soulful experience with lots of vendors then this is the place to be. You’ll also spot plenty of celebrities in attendance, even the previous first lady, Michelle Obama. The Essence Festival is held for one weekend every July.
7. Lollapalooza
Lollapalooza is just as fun and quirky as its name. The festival is held every year at Grant Park in Chicago for 4 days. The musical performances are definitely diverse, as they feature many genres, including hip hop, alternative rock, heavy metal and even electronic.
The festival is home to some of Chicago’s best food, drinks, and sweet treats. A good time awaits at Lollapalooza, as there are activities for everyone, such as interactive areas, item giveaways and a mini-fest for children.
Ready to Experience Some of the Top Music Festivals in the World?
Attending a music festival is an amazing experience that everyone should try to get to at least once in their lives. These events have transformed from just being people, music artists and stages over the years to being full-fledged life-altering worlds of their owns.
If you’re planning on heading to one of the top music festivals in the world soon, make sure you plan ahead so that you can get the best experience possible. Let us know below what are some of your favorite moments from festivals you’ve gone to.