If, like us, music is a huge part of your life and you want to combine your love for music with your unparalleled wanderlust, then a music festival may well be the ideal trip for you.
Not only can you combine watching an incredible lineup of live music with exploring sun-soaked cities and relaxing on pristine beaches, it’s also pretty good for amping up your cool credentials by attending a music festival overseas.
So whether you favour dancing to techno legends or moshing to masters of metal, here are the best music festivals in the world that are fully deserving of your ears and eyes for the coming year.
Primavera Sound, Spain
This Barcelona-based music festival is definitely one of the best music festivals in the world and with musical offerings which include the Pet Shop Boys, Blur, Depeche Mode, Måneskin and more, it’s easy to see why.
With a varied range of festival locations which also includes Porto, Madrid and South America, Primavera is your added incentive to visit Barcelona.
But this sun-soaked city has many charms that will entice you to visit which includes the awe-inspiring architecture, incredible food and of course, the amazing live music scene.
When is it? – May 29th – June 4th
Roskilde, Denmark
Located just a short train ride from the Danish capital and has some fantastic acts performing at this year’s event.
From Lizzo and Japanese Breakfast to Kendrick Lamar and Blur, this extensive eight-day music festival boasts an multi-genre lineup and is also one of the most sustainable festivals in the circuit.
The ethos of the festival is reflected in Copenhagen’s strategy to become a ‘green, smart and carbon-neutral city’ by 2025.
Not only does it have impressive green credentials, it also has a superb coffee scene, stunning architecture and some top-notch attractions to explore as well as some of the most bliss-inducing green spaces to retreat to.
When is it? – June 24th -July 1st
Lollapalooza, USA
The Windy city of Chicago is renowned for its live music scene and it’s no surprise that Lollapalooza isn’t just one of the top music festivals in the USA but it’s also one of the best music festivals in the world too.
Located in the historic Grant Park in Downtown Chicago, the festival brings music fans four full days of music featuring over 170 bands across multiple genres.
This year’s line-up features international acts like Lana Del Rey, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, The 1975 and Billie Eilish amongst others.
The legendary Frank Sinatra sang ‘Chicago is my kind of town’ and we can’t help agree.
As well as having a fantastic musical heritage (check out the Muddy Waters mural in N. State Street in downtown Chicago which was launched at the 2017 Chicago Blues Festival.
Chicago is also renowned for a fantastic selection of museums and art galleries.
Make sure you take some time to check out the Green Mill on Broadway in Uptown which is THE place to be for live jazz and other live music performances.
When is it? – August 3rd – August 6th
Rock Werchter, Belgium
For those who love to rock, this Belgian festival is often voted the best ‘rock festival in the world’, and with a stellar line up of Muse, Sam Fender, The Lumineers, Arctic Monkeys, and many more artists to be announced, it’s easy to see why.
Situated not far from Brussels, Rock Werchter is Belgium’s largest music festival and whilst you are there, it’s a great opportunity to visit the beautiful city of Brussels.
It’s chock full of bustling foodie stalls where you can buy the obligatory waffles, chocolates and of course, the french fries with mayonnaise on.
When is it – June 29th – July 2nd
Mad Cool, Spain
Madrid is pretty synonymous with live music and has a plethora of music festivals that take place throughout the capital.
Whether you favour rock, pop, electronica or something else completely, then you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to the live music that’s on offer over the summer and beyond.
Mad Cool is considered to be one of the best music festivals in the world and is a huge
rock, indie and electronic music festival that takes place in the Spanish capital.
The line up is diverse and so far Liam Gallagher, Lizzo, The Prodigy and The Black Keys have been confirmed with many more acts still to be announced.
The cultural appreciation certainly won’t end there, there’s endless things to do in Madrid.
From mesmerising museums, to street art tours and more. You won’t be short of things to see and do in the Spanish capital.
When is it – July 6th -8th
Sziget Festival, Budapest
The Hungarian capital is getting bigger and bigger each year and with a wealth of talent like
Florence + The Machine, Imagine Dragons, Sleaford Mods, Lorde, Foals, Sam Fender and Billie Eilish, this Budapest blockbuster is fast becoming one of the hotly-anticipated festivals of the summer
Whilst you may not want to leave the grounds of the festival for too much sightseeing, Budapest has a lot to offer the discerning traveller.
It’s a delightful eclectic smorgasbord of fantastic cultural activities, stunning landmarks and then there’s the epic selection of ruin bars to check out.
Need some serious R&R after a hard day rocking out? Why not treat yourself to a relaxing few hours in one of the many thermal spas that are dotted around the city?
When is it? – August 10th-15th
Benicàssim, Spain
Best known for its endless stretches of sand, its awe-inspiring natural beauty and its fantastic water sports, Benicàssim is also a great place for music lovers to combine sun, sea and sensational music.
Benicàssim is one of the top music festivals in Spain and is fast becoming one of the best music festivals in the world.
Located on Spain’s Costa Azahar, it’s certainly worthwhile adding a few days after the festival to explore the stunning attractions which includes the majestic Montornés Castle which boasts the most spectacular views of the Mediterranean and the lush surrounding countryside, the Desert of the Palms and more.
The region is known for its world-famous music festival, FIB (Festival International Benicassim), which has elevated the town to international fame for those in the know.
Since its inception in 1995, music lovers have combined their love of beach life with live music.
Expect to see fantastic performances from the likes of Bastille, Kaiser Chiefs, Clean Bandit, the Nova Twins, Mimi Webb and more.
When is it? – July 13th-16th
Rock en Seine, France
This crowd-pleasing live music event is Paris’s biggest festival and not only one the last music festivals in the summer calendar, it’s also one of the best music festivals in the world.
Every year a top-notch selection of internationally-acclaimed music acts from all over the world play Rock en Seine which takes place at the end of August.
From Placebo and The Chemical Brothers to Wet Leg and Boygenius, the line up gets better and better every year.
Of course, you can’t visit the beautiful city of Paris without exploring the city.
Whether you are a first timer to the city of love or are a regular visitor, there’s always something new and exciting to explore in Paris.
Even if you only have an extra 24 hours to spend in Paris, you can fill your itinerary as high as the Eiffel Tower.
When is it? – August 23rd -27th
Primavera Sound, Spain
This Barcelona-based music festival is definitely one of the best music festivals in the world and with musical offerings which include the Pet Shop Boys, Blur, Depeche Mode, Måneskin and more, it’s easy to see why.
With a varied range of festival locations which also includes Porto, Madrid and South America, Primavera is your added incentive to visit Barcelona, but this sun-soaked city has many charms that will entice you to visit which includes the awe-inspiring architecture, incredible food and of course, the amazing live music scene.
When is it? – May 29 – June 4
Roskilde, Denmark
Located just a short train ride from the Danish capital and has some fantastic acts performing at this year’s event.
From Lizzo and Japanese Breakfast to Kendrick Lamar and Blur, this extensive eight-day music festival boasts an multi-genre lineup and is also one of the most sustainable festivals in the circuit.
The ethos of the festival is reflected in Copenhagen’s strategy to become a ‘green, smart and carbon-neutral city’ by 2025.
Not only does it have impressive green credentials, it also has a superb coffee scene, stunning architecture and some top-notch attractions to explore as well as some of the most bliss-inducing green spaces to retreat to.
When is it? – June 24th -July 1st
Lollapalooza, USA
The Windy city of Chicago is renowned for its live music scene and it’s no surprise that Lollapalooza isn’t just one of the top music festivals in the USA but it’s also one of the best music festivals in the world too.
Located in the historic Grant Park in Downtown Chicago, the festival brings music fans four full days of music featuring over 170 bands across multiple genres.
This year’s line-up features international acts like Lana Del Rey, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, The 1975 and Billie Eilish amongst others.
The legendary Frank Sinatra sang ‘Chicago is my kind of town’ and we can’t help agree, as well as having a fantastic musical heritage (check out the Muddy Waters mural in N. State Street in downtown Chicago which was launched at the 2017 Chicago Blues Festival, Chicago is also renowned for a fantastic selection of museums and art galleries.
Make sure you take some time to check out the Green Mill on Broadway in Uptown which is THE place to be for live jazz and other live music performances.
When is it? – August 3rd – August 6th
Rock Werchter, Belgium
For those who love to rock, this Belgian festival is often voted the best ‘rock festival in the world’, and with a stellar line up of Muse, Sam Fender, The Lumineers, Arctic Monkeys, and many more artists to be announced, it’s easy to see why.
Situated not far from Brussels, Rock Werchter is Belgium’s largest music festival and whilst you are there, it’s a great opportunity to visit the beautiful city of Brussels.
It’s chock full of bustling foodie stalls where you can buy the obligatory waffles, chocolates and of course, the french fries with mayonnaise on.
When is it – June 29th – July 2nd
Mad Cool, Spain
Madrid is pretty synonymous with live music and has a plethora of music festivals that take place throughout the capital. Whether you favour rock, pop, electronica or something else completely, then you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to the live music that’s on offer over the summer and beyond.
Mad Cool is considered to be one of the best music festivals in the world and is a huge rock, indie and electronic music festival that takes place in the Spanish capital.
The line up is diverse and so far Liam Gallagher, Lizzo, The Prodigy and The Black Keys have been confirmed with many more acts still to be announced.
The cultural appreciation certainly won’t end there, there’s endless things to do in Madrid.
From mesmerising museums, to street art tours and more. You won’t be short of things to see and do in the Spanish capital.
When is it – July 6th -8th
Sziget Festival, Budapest
The Hungarian capital is getting bigger and bigger each year and with a wealth of talent like
Florence + The Machine, Imagine Dragons, Sleaford Mods, Lorde, Foals, Sam Fender and Billie Eilish, this Budapest blockbuster is fast becoming one of the hotly-anticipated festivals of the summer
Whilst you may not want to leave the grounds of the festival for too much sightseeing, Budapest has a lot to offer the discerning traveller.
It’s a delightful eclectic smorgasbord of fantastic cultural activities, stunning landmarks and then there’s the epic selection of ruin bars to check out.
Need some serious R&R after a hard day rocking out? Why not treat yourself to a relaxing few hours in one of the many thermal spas that are dotted around the city?
When is it? – August 10th-15th
Benicàssim, Spain
Best known for its endless stretches of sand, its awe-inspiring natural beauty and its fantastic water sports, Benicàssim is also a great place for music lovers to combine sun, sea and sensational music.
Benicàssim is one of the top music festivals in Spain and is fast becoming one of the best music festivals in the world.
Located on Spain’s Costa Azahar, it’s certainly worthwhile adding a few days after the festival to explore the stunning attractions which includes the majestic Montornés Castle which boasts the most spectacular views of the Mediterranean and the lush surrounding countryside, the Desert of the Palms and more.
The region is known for its world-famous music festival, FIB (Festival International Benicassim), which has elevated the town to international fame for those in the know. Since its inception in 1995, music lovers have combined their love of beach life with live music.
Expect to see fantastic performances from the likes of Bastille, Kaiser Chiefs, Clean Bandit, the Nova Twins, Mimi Webb and more.
When is it? – July 13th-16th
Rock en Seine, France
This crowd-pleasing live music event is Paris’s biggest festival and not only one the last music festivals in the summer calendar, it’s also one of the best music festivals in the world.
Every year a top-notch selection of internationally-acclaimed music acts from all over the world play Rock en Seine which takes place at the end of August.
From Placebo and The Chemical Brothers to Wet Leg and Boygenius, the line up gets better and better every year.
Of course, you can’t visit the beautiful city of Paris without exploring the city. Whether you are a first timer to the city of love or are a regular visitor, there’s always something new and exciting to explore in Paris.
Even if you only have an extra 24 hours to spend in Paris, you can fill your itinerary as high as the Eiffel Tower.
When is it? – August 23rd -27th
Book today with Orbzii
What are the best music festivals in the world in your opinion? And who are you most looking forward to seeing on stage this summer?
Either way, it’s time to start booking your music-themed trip today.
Why not download the Orbzii app today to Dream, Plan, and Book your festival adventure?
