If you love music, attending one of the largest music festivals in the world is definitely a bucket list dream. Just imagine hundreds of thousands to millions of people gathering in one place, singing together, enjoying world-class musicians, and experiencing an atmosphere you simply won’t find at an ordinary concert.
From massive stages and spectacular lighting to a vibrant cross-cultural vibe, everything blends into a truly unforgettable moment. No wonder so many people are willing to save up and travel across the globe just to witness their dream music festival.
ALSO READ: Unique New Year Celebrations in Several Asian Countries
Here are some of the largest and most famous music festivals in the world. Thinking of going?
Coachella is one of the largest and most iconic music festivals in the world. In fact, it is considered one of the most profitable festivals in the United States.
Beyond live music performances, Coachella also features large-scale sculpture installations. One of its main attractions is its extended duration, typically running for two to three weeks.
Donauinselfest is one of the largest music festivals in the world, attracting an average of 2 million visitors each year. In 2016 alone, it recorded an incredible 3.1 million attendees.
This music festival is a paradise for music lovers as it is held outdoors and free of charge for three days every June. Not only that, but Donauinselfest also serves as a stage for both local and international artists from across Europe.
All music genres, from rock, pop, hip-hop, blues, metal, folk, EDM, to reggae, can be found at this festival. In 2019, Donauinselfest featured 13 stages with 600 hours of music and 17 different themed areas.
The Festival International de Jazz de Montreal is one of the largest music festivals in the world that jazz enthusiasts should not miss. This annual festival was first held in Quebec, Canada, in the 1980s.
Since then, the festival, which typically runs for ten days, has consistently attracted up to 2 million visitors every year. In 2004, The Festival International de Jazz de Montreal was officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest jazz festival in the world.
Mawazine is a Moroccan music festival that attracted 2.65 million attendees in 2015. This music festival, held every June, was originally initiated by King Mohammed VI to honor African music.
In 2013, Mawazine was recorded as one of the most spectacular music festivals, featuring 90 performances across seven stages and welcoming a total of 2.5 million visitors. Several world-class musicians have performed at this festival, including Whitney Houston, David Guetta, Justin Timberlake, and Christina Aguilera.
Next on the list of the largest music festivals in the world is Rock in Rio, held every two years in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Despite its name, Rock in Rio also features other genres such as pop, EDM, and funk.
In addition, the festival includes dazzling fireworks displays and various other exciting performances. Some of the big names who have performed at this music festival include Charlie Puth, Jessie J, Drake, and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Summerfest is a music festival held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States, since 1968. Besides live music performances, the event also features comedy shows, food festivals, fireworks, bazaars, and various outdoor games.
Each year, Summerfest takes place over 11 days, starting from the last week of June to early July. At least 850,000 visitors from around the world attend this music festival annually.
Sziget is one of Europe’s most famous arts festivals, held every August in Budapest, Hungary. First organized in 1993, it has consistently attracted more than 500,000 visitors each year.
This seven-day festival doesn’t just showcase live music performances. It also features circus acts, film screenings, and sports activities. The music genres showcased are diverse, ranging from rock, blues, and jazz to many others.
ESSENCE is a music festival founded in 1994, originally created to celebrate the 25th anniversary of ESSENCE Magazine. Over time, it has had a significant impact on the fashion industry and style history, evolving into a major African-American cultural music festival in the United States. Unlike many other festivals that feature multiple genres, ESSENCE focuses on soul music, jazz, blues, R&B, gospel, and hip-hop.
Tomorrowland is one of the largest music festivals in the world dedicated to Electronic Dance Music (EDM) fans, with annual attendance reaching 400,000 people. One of the festival’s unique features is the dedicated camping area, allowing attendees to stay and enjoy the event for two consecutive weeks.
In 2024, Tomorrowland featured more than 400 EDM artists scheduled to perform during its 20th anniversary celebration.
As the oldest jazz and cultural festival in New Orleans, it features performances in arts and music, along with food, crafts, and clothing. In addition, parades are also part of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival experience.
Each year, the festival is held from late April to early May. On average, it attracts around 475,000 visitors annually.
The final entry on the list of the largest music festivals in the world is Electric Daisy Carnival, held every June in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. This music festival showcases a wide range of electronic music DJs.
In addition, Electric Daisy Carnival features genres such as trance, bass, and many other electronic styles. The festival has also been held in other cities such as New York City and Puerto Rico, drawing an average of around 400,000 visitors.
Attending the world's largest music festivals offers a completely different experience from a regular concert. Some of the reasons people are eager to attend these festivals include:
It’s no wonder that music festivals often become the meeting point where music, art, and lifestyle come together.
Before deciding to attend an international music festival, it’s important to consider several factors below.
ALSO READ: These 6 Items Are Recognized as UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Indonesia!
Attending one of the world's largest music festivals is a dream for many people. From the main stage crowds to singing along with hundreds of thousands of fans, every second feels priceless.
To make the most of the experience, it’s equally important to prepare the right travel protection. Travel Insurance from MSIG Indonesia is here to accompany your journey, from departure until you safely return home.
With comprehensive coverage, you can fully enjoy the music and every unforgettable experience. So, make sure to complete your festival travel plans with Travel Insurance from MSIG Indonesia today!