Festival season is approaching! Don’t bother spending your precious time searching online for the best music festivals to attend this summer. Check out this list of upcoming music festivals around the world. We think you’ll find one that will compel you to grab a ticket and go!
South by Southwest
Where: Austin, USA
When: March 11 – 20, 2016
Known for: Interactive new media, film, and music
Past performers: John Mayer, James Blunt, Talib Kweli, Kanye West, The Flaming Lips…
Why you should go: It’s interactive. SXSW is arguably the most influential global music event of the year, taking place in the live music capital of the world – Austin, Texas. More than 30,000 industry professionals and musicians are planted all over Austin in clubs, parks, lounges and elsewhere. Purchase your ticket today at sxsw.com if you want to network with industry leaders, see inspiring independent films or hop around Austin to check out established and emerging music artist showcases.
Montreux Jazz Festival
Where: Montreux, Switzerland
When: July 1 – 16, 2016
Known for: Jazz music appreciation and music education
Past performers: John Legend, Chick Corea, Pink Floyd, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Parliament-Funkadelic…
Why you should go: It’s important. Montreux Jazz Festival is, for some, the most imperative jazz festival in the world. Even though jazz remains an important part of the festival, you will hear blues, soul and rock artists. You’ll enjoy two main stages as well as several open air stages, a smaller Montreux Jazz Café, and additional themed shows held on boats cruising the lake and train cars traveling the region. In 2015, you missed Lionel Richie, James Blake, Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett. Be sure to see your favourites in 2016. Visit montreuxjazz.com for more information.
Tomorrowland
Where: Boom, Belgium
When: July 22 – 24, 2016
Known for: Huge EDM bashes
Past performers: Skrillex, Moby, Avicii, Fatboy Slim, Carl Cox, Pendulum…
Why you should go: It’s magic. Tomorrowland is one of the biggest electronic festivals in the world. Festival-goers are mesmerized by the electrifying non-stop music coming from 16 stages. Giant displays of confetti, smoke and fire keep attendees swept up in the magical atmosphere. Tickets usually sell out in seconds after they are available. Hurry to tomorrowland.com and get yours today.
Lollapalooza
Where: Chicago, USA
When: July 28 – 31, 2016
Known for: Family-friendly environment, different genres of music from alternative to hip-hop, craft booths and comedy performances
Past performers: Bjork, Kings of Leon, Nine Inch Nails, The Black Keys, deadmau5, Red Hot Chili Peppers…
Why you should go: It’s inimitable. The music festival hosts more than 160,000 people over a two or three-day period. There are 8 stages and 170+ bands from all over the world. There’s an art market, tons of merch and even a mini festival for the kiddos. Did I mention the food of Chicago? Taste everything from vegan goodies to lobster corndogs. Last year was the festival’s 25th anniversary and it was announced on lollapalooza.com that the 2016 festival would be 4 days long. You don’t want to miss this, do you?
Outside Lands
Where: San Francisco, USA
When: August 5 – 7, 2016
Known for: Featuring the next breakout indie stars, foodies, eco-friendly initiatives
Past performers: Elton John, Mumford & Sons, D’Angelo and the Vanguard, Toro y Moi, James Bay…
Why you should go: It’s all-inclusive. You’ll fill your belly with food and spirits while learning about art and their eco-friendly initiatives. There are solar-powered stages, workshops about organic farming, and a diverse line-up of music artists. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a weekend in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park? Purchase your ticket at sfoutsidelands.com.
Bestival
Where: Isle of Wight, UK
When: September 8 – 11, 2016
Known for: Naturally beautiful environment, non-corporate feel, world record themed event, social and environmental awareness.
Past performers: Aphex Twin, George Clinton, Florence and The Machine, Stevie Wonder, The Roots, Outkast…
Why you should go: It’s innovative. Organized by DJ and record producer Rob da Bank along with his wife Josie, the festival caters to an adventurous crowd. The festival is well known for its fancy dress themed days. You’ll want to try the vegetarian food options while discovering which quirky ideas the festival adds this year. There was once an inflatable church where people could get married. We did say ‘adventurous crowd’, didn’t we? There’s no corporate festival feel in the air at Bestival, which is why it’s often described as a ‘boutique festival’. Get your ticket at bestival.net.
