The 15 Best Music Festivals In The World 

1. Coachella

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

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. AfroPunk

Afropunk Music Festival is an outdoor Music concert that includes live music, film, fashion, and art produced by black artists. The festival made its debut at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) in 2005, and has since expanded to other parts of the world. Afropunk’s changes to its diverse cultural showcase has allowed for the festival to build its masses to 60,000 attendees.

4. Splendour in the Grass

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. 

11. Tomorrowland

13 years after its debut, and the competition from other dance festival heavyweights is stronger than ever – but Tomorrowland is still holding its own as the leader of the pack. Other than each year’s huge main stage designs, and lineups that consistently feature almost every DJ you’ve ever heard of, the real power of Tomorrowland is in the small details, finely tuned to create an all-consuming sense of magic.

12. Afro Nation 

Afro Nation brings star-studded lineups ranging from dancehall, bashment, Afrobeats and R&B to occupy Praia da Rocha’s blissful beach for a weekend of pure heat, both in temperature and vibe.

13. SXSW: South by Southwest

The world’s biggest new music showcase festival is like a Rorschach test: with 1000+ artists performing over a week, it means something different to everyone (and if you’re taking it on, you’re probably a bit crazy). SXSW turns Austin into a musical playground, with shows crammed into every nook and cranny in the city. It’s an experience like no other.

14. Sónar Festival

Like Dekmantel, the Sónar brand has become a byword for experimental and pioneering electronic music. Despite editions in cities as far apart as Hong Hong and Reykjavík, Barcelona is still its flagship event, turning the coastal city into a hub of creativity every June.

15. Roskilde Festival

One of the largest music festivals in Europe, Roskilde dates back to 1971 when two high school kids decided to emulate hippy festivals like Isle of Wight and Woodstock. Fast-forward to the present and you’ve got a fiercely independent, well-respected festival with its own aura and traditions continuing to host performances by the most uncompromising and influential artists in the world.