Go Crazy At These Famous Music Events
If you love large crowds, blaring music, and eye-catching spectacles, we think you'd be a fan of music festivals. A place where people go to connect and have a blast while enjoying their favorite tunes, these events garner hundreds of thousands of people every year. Have we captured your attention yet? If so, it's time to go big or go home - these are 20 of the biggest, craziest music festivals in the world you have to experience once in your life.
1. Tomorrowland
Held every year in Belgium, Tommorowland is a once-in-a-lifetime experience fans of EDM music have to try. Featuring top artists like David Guetta, Hardwell, and Tiesta, thousands of EDM fans celebrate and dance the night away to these upbeat songs. The stage is absolutely massive, meaning no matter how far back you are, you're guaranteed a good time.
2. Glastonbury
Known for including various music genres which creates an inclusive line-up of artists, Glastonbury sees up to 200,000 attendees annually. This 5-day festival is beloved for its massive Pyramid stage, lively atmosphere, and care-free attitude. It's definitely a bonus that legendary artists have performed here, including Beyonce, David Bowie, and Paul McCartney.
3. Coachella
Arguably the biggest pop culture event every year, you can't go onto social media without hearing about Coachella. As one of the largest music festivals held in the United States, this event regularly has around 200,000 visitors annually. While it's headlined big stars in the past like Black Pink, Coachella is more than just about the music - people go there for the food, the outfits, and simply to say they were part of it.
4. Lollapalooza
This four-day music event held in Grant Park, Chicago is a fun one to experience. Every year, beloved hip hop, techno, and rock musicians take the stage to entrance all the attendees. Originally created as the farewell concert for Perry Farrell (the lead singer of Jane's Addiction), it was such a major success that it turned into an annual festival that people from all around the world come to visit.
5. Ultra Music Festival
The best place to see all your favorite DJs in one place is at Ultra Music Festival in Miami, Florida. From Axwell and Martin Garrix to Hardwell and Solomun, these EDM favorites show up regularly here! Whether they play your favorites or release exclusive festival drops, it's an adrenaline-pumping experience you can't miss out on.
6. Sziget
One of the largest music and cultural festivals you'll find in Europe, Sziget is a six-day event held annually in August in Budapest, Hungary. Though the tickets may be pricey, you'll be treated to over 1,000 performances that'll surely knock your socks off. Sounds like a pretty good deal, doesn't it?
7. New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Let's take a break from all the upbeat, electronic music and head over to New Orleans for some culture. Better known as the "Jazz Fest" by locals, this festival is all celebration and love. Taking place at the Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, Louisiana, thousands of visitors from all over the world travel here just to get a taste of the beautiful music.
8. Fuji Rock Festival
In Japan, you can find this huge three-day rock festival being held annually at Naeba Ski Resort. It's so popular, around 100,000 or more people attend this event! Its the biggest outdoor music festival held in this country, with both iconic Japanese and international artists in attendance.
9. Essence Festival
Another great festival held in New Orleans, the Essence Festival is a celebration of the African-American community at its finest. Incredible performers including Usher, Janet Jackson, and the Roots have all performed here, treating guests to amazing music. It's a beautiful way to respect and admire the creativity and culture created by this group of people.
10. Roskilde Festival
How this massive Danish music festival was created by two high school students is truly mindblowing. Visitors from all over the world come here just to experience the lively atmosphere and wonderful performances. Many different genres of music are performed here, though it initially started out as a festival made for "hippies."
11. Rock In Rio
Unique to some of these other festivals, Rock In Rio is a biennial event, meaning it's held every other year. This just means you don't want to miss out when you have the chance! Taking place at City of Rock in Rio de Janeiro, lose yourself to the music at this massive festival which is one of the best in the world. It's said that over a million people attend across the several days it goes on for!
12. Summerfest
The next time you're heading to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, consider timing it so you can attend Summerfest, the annual music festival that once held the Guinness World Record for "World's Largest Music Festival" in 1999. It's been around for a while, with amazing headliners having graced the stage including Tina Turner, the Rolling Stones, Whitney Houston, and Stevie Wonder. That just gives you a taste of the kind of performances you'll find here!
13. Burning Man
While Burning Man isn't exactly a "festival," it's such a large-scale event that we had to include it on this list. After all, music does play a huge part here! With thousands of people heading over to Black Rock Desert to personally handcraft this unique city, all forms of art, music, and self-expression are accepted here. If you really want to immerse yourself in art, this is the "city' to visit.
14. EDC (Electric Daisy Carnival)
Held over in party city Las Vegas, EDC is considered the biggest EDM festival in all of North America. It's not just music to your ears, it's a spectacle for the eyes as well. The stages are truly impressive, making each DJ's set all the more amazing. The hottest artists all come to perform here, meaning you'll see the greatest line-ups ever.
15. Pol'and'Rock
Did someone say the word free? While many of the festivals on this list might cost you a large sum of money, the Pol'and'Rock festival over in Poland is completely free. It's a celebration of rock music! Every year, hundreds of thousands of people gather to enjoy everyone's company and the fantastic music performed by a plethora of unique artists.
Łukasz Widziszowski on Wikimedia
16. Austin City Limits
With hundreds of performances to enjoy, Austin City Limits is another great North American music festival to experience. Just this year, big names like Foster The People, Leon Bridges, and Chris Stapleton performed! The cool thing about this event is that its typically held across two back-to-back three-day weekends, meaning you have more opportunities to buy tickets and attend.
17. Amsterdam Dance Event
With dance in its name, you just know this music festival's going to be a good time. Taking place across five days, this event is so popular, it turns Amsterdam into a massive club overnight. This one is a bit more special though, combining conferences with its concerts to build both an educational and inspirational experience. It's such an amazing way to celebrate and enjoy this genre of music.
18. Donauinselfest
This may sound like a mouthful, but once you hear it's free, you're going to want to learn more about it. Donauinselfest is a free outdoor rock music festival that hosts millions of attendees across its three day schedule. If you happen to be traveling to Europe during this time, we highly encourage you to make a detour to Vienna, Austria so you can be a part of this massive event.
Manfred Werner (Tsui) on Wikimedia
19. Quebec City Summer Festival
One of the largest music festivals held in Canada, The Festival d'été de Québec sees numerous international stars from all across the globe. In 2024, concert-goers got to enjoy Nickelback, the Jonas Brothers, and Post Malone live in action. It's nothing but good fun and vibes here, making it something you need to check off your music experiences wishlist.
20. Montreal Jazz Festival
We all know jazz is best when it's performed live, so head over to Montreal to take part in this wonderful event that highlights music and culture. Around 3,000 artists perform on this stage annually, offering hundreds of shows (a bunch of which are free!) for everyone's delight. This festival is so beloved, major portions of the city's downtown are closed off to make space for it.
