Last updated on May 31st, 2024 at 08:49 am
Music festivals provide an opportunity to hear great music, meet new people, and discover exciting, beautiful places. To help you plan your next music festival trip, our team at Remitly created this guide to the best international music festivals in 2023 and beyond.
Music festivals in Oceania
Countries located in the Central and South Pacific Oceans are home to numerous festivals that music lovers look forward to each year. Some top events in the region include all of the following.
1. Rhythm & Vines – New Zealand
Where: Waiohika Estate Vineyard, Gisborne
When: December 29 to 31, annually
Genre: Electronic, hip-hop, indie, rock
Notable artists who have appeared in the past: The Black Seeds, Central Cee, Chromeo, Disclosure
What makes it unique: A picturesque vineyard serves as the backdrop for this music festival, founded in 2003, and more than 350,000 people have attended the event since. The timing and location of the event mean the music festival is the first in the world to see the sunrise of the new year.
What to know before you go: RV camping is hugely popular at Rhythm & Vines, and spaces sell out quickly. You can’t resell tickets for RV spots, so don’t purchase them from third parties. You can also tent camp during the event. The Bookatent package includes a pre-pitched tent, freeing you from bringing your own gear.
2. Rainbow Serpent – Australia
Where: Multiple locations in Lexton, Victoria
When: End of summer, around Australia Day (August 26)
Genre: Electronic
Notable artists who have appeared in the past: Robert Babica, Shpongle, Pretty Lights, The Orb
What makes it unique: Named after the Australian Aboriginal creator god, this four-day event takes place on the land of the Dja Dja Wurrung and Wadawurrung peoples. Indigenous Australians share stories, songs, art, and ceremonies throughout the festival, making for a truly one-of-a-kind experience. The festival welcomes people of all ages and offers five stages, each featuring a different subgenre of electronic music.
What to know before you go: Unlike other festivals, Rainbow Serpent doesn’t offer camping accommodations, so you’ll need your own tent. When using the onsite shower facilities, be quick – they shut off after three to five minutes.
3. Your Paradise – Fiji
Where: Plantation Island and Musket Cove Resorts, The Mamanuca Islands
When: December
Genre: Electronic
Notable artists who have appeared in the past: Bonobo, Kah-Lo, Cut Snake
What makes it unique: Launched in 2022, Your Paradise is a newer event on our list of international music festivals, but it’s already managed to make its mark, thanks to its events that invite you to get centered, relax, eat and drink in the gorgeous beach views by day, and dance your cares away at night. In addition to the main stage, the event features art exhibits, daily meditations, yoga classes, tree and mangrove planting, and a traditional kava ceremony where attendees sip Fiji’s traditional national drink.
What to know before you go: Packages for Your Paradise are all-inclusive, providing five nights of accommodations at one of the two sponsoring resorts. You can also add airfare from many major cities to the package.
Music Festivals in North America
Hundreds of music festivals occur in Canada and the U.S. every year. Here are some of our picks to put on your concert bucket list.
4. Bonnaroo Music Festival – USA
Where: Great Stage Park, Manchester, Tennessee
When: Starts the second Thursday in June and lasts for four days
Genre: Pop, alternative, indie, hip hop, R&B, jazz, country, folk, bluegrass, gospel
Notable artists who have appeared in the past: The Beastie Boys, D’Angelo, U2, Pearl Jam, Billy Joel, Mumford & Sons, Paul McCartney, Radiohead, Metallica, Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen
What makes it unique: The eclectic mix of genres that this four-day music festival blends draws people from a diverse range of backgrounds, and amazingly, there’s a strong sense of community among attendees that adds to the experience. In addition to the music, there are art displays, yoga classes, a Ferris wheel, an arts and crafts market, and waterslides to enjoy.
What to know before you go: Tickets for Bonnaroo sell out quickly, and camping spaces are first come, first served unless you purchase one of the VIP or Platinum passes. As a result, it’s important that you buy your tickets and show up at the event as early as possible.
Bonnaroo Music Festival Website
5. New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival – USA
Where: Fair Grounds Race Course, New Orleans, Louisiana
When: Length and timing vary from year to year
Genre: Jazz
Notable artists who have appeared in the past: Dr. John, Ellis Marsalis, Neville Brothers, The Radiators
What makes it unique: New Orleans is known as the birthplace of jazz, so there’s something special about seeing top jazz musicians performing there. With multiple marketplaces and a cultural exchange pavilion, the event allows you to explore New Orleans culture and better understand the rich heritage of jazz and its impact around the world.
What to know before you go: The official host hotel for the annual event offers a complimentary shuttle service, but rooms book quickly, so get yours early. While you’re in New Orleans, plan to visit the New Orleans Jazz Museum and stroll Frenchmen Street, where the pioneers of jazz music once performed.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Website
6. Summerfest – USA
Where: Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
When: Typically starts the last Wednesday in June and lasts for 11 days
Genre: Alternative, blues, country, electronic, folk, funk, gospel, metal, hip hop, indie, jazz, pop, R&B, reggae, rock
Notable artists who have appeared in the past: Aerosmith, Kenny Chesney, Lady Gaga, Metallica, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, Usher
What makes it unique: This 11-day festival is billed as the largest music festival in the world and had that title certified by the Guinness Book of World Records in 1999. The Milwaukee city skyline and Lake Michigan provide picturesque scenery for the event, and its wide range of acts offer something for virtually every music fan.
What to know before you go: Multiple hotels partner with the event and provide a shuttle service. However, Milwaukee is a very walkable city and the park is centrally located, so staying at vacation rental apartments and condos is also a viable option.
7. Shambhala Music Festival – Canada
Where: Salmo River Ranch, Nelson, British Columbia
When: Four days during the last week of July
Genre: Electronic
Notable artists who have appeared in the past: Black Tiger Sex Machine, Riz, Zeds Dead, RL Grime, Rusko
What makes it unique: Set in the picturesque West Kootenay mountains, this music festival feels far removed from the world and invites attendees to explore themselves through workshops, yoga, and meditation and enjoy the fun of activities on the Salmo River. Food and artisan marketplaces and an onsite art gallery add to the fun and have helped this event receive multiple awards, including DJ Mag’s Best Music Festival in North America.
What to know before you go: There’s very little shade around the stages, so bring plenty of sunscreen and wear a hat to shield yourself from the summer sun. Also, bring along plenty of water, as the event doesn’t sell the bottled stuff.
Shambhala Music Festival Website
Music festivals in Latin America
Latin America is home to some of the most well-known music festivals in the world. Some of the most highly anticipated ones include the following.
8. Mexico Metal Fest – Mexico
Where: Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, venues vary
When: Dates vary
Genre: Heavy metal
Notable artists who have appeared in the past: Megadeath, Cannibal Corpse, Lamb of God
What makes it unique: Metal fans from all over the world head to this event to check out the acts on its three stages. Acts also hail from around the globe and include some of metal’s biggest names and up-and-coming bands that have gone on to become stars in their own right.
What to know before you go: In addition to general admission, the festival offers VIP packages that include free food and drinks as well as access to the areas closest to the stages.
9. Festival Estéreo Picnic – Colombia
Where: Campo de Golf Briceño, Bogotá
When: Late March or Early April
Genre: Alternative rock, punk, reggae, hip hop
Notable artists who have appeared in the past: Twenty-One Pilots, The Chemical Brothers, Wu-Tang Clan, Drake, Billie Eilish
What makes it unique: As the largest music festival in Colombia, this event held on a golf course draws huge crowds and some of the most well-known artists in the world. State-of-the-art sound and lighting technologies make each performance a feast for the senses.
What to know before you go: Be sure to check out the rest of Bogotá during your trip. The Zona Rosa and Candelaria neighborhoods are full of shops and restaurants, and the Museum of Gold is a must-see destination. Before you depart, head to Monserrate, the city’s highest point, for a gorgeous skyline view.
Festival Estéreo Picnic Website
10. Envision Festival – Costa Rica
Where: Uvita
When: Late February or Early March
Genre: Electronic
Notable artists who have appeared in the past: Bonobo, CloZee, The California Honeydrops
What makes it unique: Envision is more than just a music festival. It’s a weeklong event that encourages attendees to nourish their spirits and lose themselves in the beauty of the location between the jungle and the ocean. There are sacred spaces, ceremonies, yoga classes, and immersive workshops to help you recharge.
What to know before you go: Camping access is included with all tickets. Consider paying extra for the early arrival passes so that you can have your pick of spots.
Music festivals in Europe
Music festivals give you the perfect reason to book a trip to Europe. The following are some of the top events that occur annually in the region.
11. BoomTown – UK
Where: South Downs National Park, Winchester, Hampshire
When: Early August
Genre: Indie, rock, pop alternative, electronic, R&B, reggae, hip hop
Notable artists who have appeared in the past: Gorillaz, Damian Marley, Lauryn Hill, Wu-Tang Clan, Kool and the Gang, Cypress Hill
What makes it unique: BoomTown is as much a social movement as a festival and includes special events that seek to raise awareness about sustainability and social equality issues. With more than a dozen stages, there’s always music to enjoy, and the event even includes arts and crafts activities geared toward kids.
What to know before you go: BoomTown is a sprawling event that begs for exploration. Wander the area to discover tiny bars and hidden stages that you might miss otherwise.
12. Montreux Jazz Festival – Switzerland
Where: Montreux Convention Centre, Montreux
When: First two weeks in July
Genre: Jazz, soul, rhythm, and blues
Notable artists who have appeared in the past: Prince, Santa, Bo Diddley, B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Dizzy Gillespie
What makes it unique: Founded in 1967, this event is one of the world’s oldest and largest jazz festivals. Its host city’s location on the shores of Lake Geneva makes it a beautiful destination, and each year brings an exciting lineup of artists.
What to know before you go: Make some time to visit Queen – The Studio Music Experience while in Montreux. This free attraction provides a look at the history of the well-known band and is a must-see for music lovers.
Montreux Jazz Festival Website
13. Primavera Sound – Spain
Where: Parc del Fòrum, Barcelona
When: Late May / Early June
Genre: Indie, pop, R&B, alternative
Notable artists who have appeared in the past: The Pixies, Blur, Depeche Mode, Dua Lipa, Radiohead, The Black Keys
What makes it unique: Primavera Sound festivals take place around the world, each bringing a lineup of some of the hottest names in music. The Barcelona edition is the flagship of the series, boasting numerous stages with gorgeous seafront views.
What to know before you go: Food and drink at the venue tend to be expensive, and lines can be quite long. Fortunately, Barcelona is a foodie’s paradise with many great places to try. Some top neighborhoods for grabbing a bite include El Born, The Gothic Quarter, Raval, and Barceloneta.
14. Untold Festival – Romania
Where: Various venues, Cluj-Napoca, Transylvania
When: Early August
Genre: Electronic
Notable artists who have appeared in the past: David Guetta, Afrojack, Kygo, Steve Aoki, J Balvin
What makes it unique: Headliners for this four-day music festival consistently include some of the best DJs in the world, and hundreds of thousands of people gather to dance the day and night away. Incredible light displays and fireworks add excitement to every performance.
What to know before you go: Multiple hotels in the area offer shuttle service to and from the venue for added convenience. Tickets for the event are non-transferrable, so don’t be fooled by third-party sellers.
15. Way Out West – Sweden
Where: Slottsskogen, Gothenburg, Sweden
When: Second weekend in August
Genre: Rock, alternative, electronic, hip hop, world
Notable artists who have appeared in the past: Outkast, The National, Haim, Kendrick Lamar, Bon Iver
What makes it unique: One of the largest music festivals in Scandinavia, this event brings big names from around the world and offers gorgeous scenery with a view of Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva. Sustainability is a key music festival focus, with speakers leading discussions about environmental issues at the onsite Hojden Tent.
What to know before you go: If you buy your tickets to the festival a year ahead, you can get a big discount and secure your place for the event, which tends to sell out completely. After the show ends on the main stage, additional concerts take place at clubs throughout the city, giving you a chance to experience more of Gothenburg and its local music scene.
Music Festivals in Asia
Asia is home to a diverse collection of biomes and climates, and the selection of top music festivals held there is just as varied. Let’s explore some of the best ones.
16. Fuji Rock Festival – Japan
Where: Naeba Ski Resort, Naeba
When: Last weekend in July
Genre: Rock, electronic, pop
Notable artists who have appeared in the past: The Strokes, Vampire Weekend, Jack White, The Cure, Death Cab for Cutie, Bob Dylan, Gorillaz, LCD Soundsystem
What makes it unique: Held atop a stratovolcano, this music festival has a one-of-a-kind location, and the organizers pride themselves on hosting “the cleanest festival in the world.” The food is every bit as exciting as the music, with more than 10 different dining areas serving delicious Japanese and global cuisine.
What to know before you go: During the day, temperatures will be warm and pleasant, but it gets cold at night. As a result, it’s best to dress in layers. Also, rain is common, so bring some gear to keep dry.
17. Rainforest World Music Festival – Malaysia
Where: Sarawak Cultural Village, Kuching, Sarawak
When: Late June / Early July
Genre: World
Notable artists who have appeared in the past: Joey Ayala, Ross Daly, Te Vaka, Shannon, Namgar, Peatbog Faeries
What makes it unique: This three-day festival takes attendees deep into the jungle to commune with nature and experience music from around the world. Few music festivals boast such an eclectic mix of global music. In 2023, 199 musicians representing 12 countries took to the event’s stages.
What to know before you go: Workshops and special events take place at the same time as the musical performances, so make a plan for what you want to do ahead of time. There are no ATMs on site, and the Malaysian ringgit is the only currency accepted, so plan to exchange money before you head to the event.
Rainforest World Music Festival Website
18. The Dream Concert – South Korea
Where: Varies, has been held in Seoul and Busan
When: Varies, but typically occurs in May, June, or July
Genre: K-pop
Notable artists who have appeared in the past: EXO, Taemin, Oh My Girl, Red Velvet, NCT Dream, Dreamcatcher
What makes it unique: Each year, this music festival brings together some of the biggest names in K-pop, providing a unique opportunity to watch solo artists, boy groups, and girl groups perform. Like all K-pop concerts, the fun includes glowing light sticks and special chants that fans sing and shout along with the performers, making the experience a great way to experience the genre, even if you’re new to the genre.
What to know before you go: If you’re getting a new lightstick before the event, be sure to buy the latest version and download the newest version app to avoid technical difficulties. Venues tend to have strict rules regarding bag sizes, so find out what you’re allowed to bring beforehand.
Music Festivals in Africa
African music festivals set the stage for the vacation of a lifetime with unique events held in one-of-a-kind places. The following are some of the top shows the continent has to offer.
19. Mawazine – Morocco
Where: Various venues, Rabat
When: Nine days in late May
Genre: Pop, world
Notable artists who have appeared in the past: J Balvin, David Guetta, Migos, The Weeknd, Demi Lovato, Rod Stewart
What makes it unique: With more than 2.7 million people attending in 2022 alone, Mawazine is the largest music festival in the world. As the event is affiliated with Moroccan King Mohammed VI, it provides attendees a chance to immerse themselves in Moroccan culture while enjoying music from artists that hail from around the globe.
What to know before you go: No matter which of the event’s seven stages you’re heading to, arrive early to secure your spot. Parking lots fill up quickly, so take advantage of the public tram system and shuttle buses offered by many hotels.
20. Sauti za Busara – Tanzania
Where: Old Fort and Stone Town, Zanzibar
When: February
Genre: Bongo flava, singeli, taarab, dansi, kwaya, ngoma
Notable artists who have appeared in the past: Mbosso, Theresa Ng’ambi, Culture Musical Club, Naxx Bitota
What makes it unique: This music festival brings together artists from a number of African genres, providing an unparalleled opportunity to experience the sounds of every region of the continent. In addition to music, the event features cultural events, a local food market, and an arts and crafts market.
What to know before you go: There is plenty to see and do during your stay in Zanzibar. Dolphin-watching and spice-tasting tours are popular tourist attractions, and Nungwi Beach offers incredible snorkeling.
21. Afropunk – South Africa
Where: Various venues, Johannesburg
When: Varies, typically fall or winter
Genre: R&B, hip hop, soul
Notable artists who have appeared in the past: Solange, Public Enemy, Miguel
What makes it unique: Afropunk began in 2005 as an underground music event in Brooklyn dedicated to the music and art of Black artists. Over the next decade, organizers brought the music festival to other cities, including Johannesburg. In addition to musical performances, the event includes art exhibits, film screenings, and fashion shows, making for a one-of-a-kind experience.
What to know before you go: People who volunteer to work at the event can earn free tickets, so check out opportunities to lend a hand. During your stay, make plans to visit the Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct and the Apartheid Museum to learn more about the history and heritage of South Africa.
