Every year, music lovers from around the world gather at various locations to immerse themselves in the magic of music festivals. These events offer the opportunity to witness performances by some of the biggest names in the industry, discover new talent, and revel in vibrant atmospheres filled with unforgettable experiences.
As you prepare to embark on your journey to these mass congregations of people, it’s essential to ensure that you have credible international travel insurance to cover unforeseen events, so you can travel stress-free and have the time of your life at these festivals around the world.
From iconic festivals like Coachella in California to legendary events like Glastonbury in England, music festivals have become cultural phenomena drawing attendees from all corners of the globe. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most prominent festivals you can experience in 2024.
Which is the biggest music festival in the world?
The title of the biggest music festival in the world is currently held by Summerfest, an annual event held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. With over 445,600 attendees during its 2023 edition, Summerfest stands out for its sheer scale and diversity.
Featuring seven permanent stages, two pavilions, and hosting more than 800 acts across its 11-day duration, Summerfest offers an unparalleled music experience. Renowned artists such as The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, and Bruno Mars have graced its stages, solidifying its status as a global music destination.
Best music festivals in the world
Here’s a roundup of some of the most renowned music festivals worldwide in 2024.
Essence Festival
Location: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Dates: June 29 to July 3, 2024
The Essence Festival annually celebrates African American music, culture, and community in New Orleans, Louisiana. This four-day music festival, which typically falls on the Fourth of July weekend, has been a staple of the city’s cultural calendar since 1995.
The Essence Festival has attracted some of the biggest names in the music industry, with headline performers such as Janet Jackson, Nicki Minaj, and Jasmine Sullivan gracing the stage in recent years.
Additionally, the festival hosts various special events, such as the annual Essence Empowerment Experience, which includes a series of panels, speakers, and discussions aimed at inspiring and uplifting attendees. Overall, the Essence Festival is a fantastic celebration of African American culture, music, and community, with something for everyone.
Sziget Festival
Location: Óbuda Island, Budapest, Hungary
Dates: August 10 to 15, 2024
The Sziget Festival is a six-day music and arts festival on the 266-acre Obuda Island in the Danube River in Budapest. The festival is a celebration of music, arts, and culture and is one of the largest music festivals in Europe, attracting around 450,000 visitors in 2023.
The Sziget Festival is known for its diverse lineup of performers, including big names in alternative, electronic, hip-hop, house-techno, punk, and rock-pop music. In recent years, the festival has hosted performances from Dua Lipa, Kings of Leon, Alan Walker, Nina Kraviz, Alison Wonderland, Tame Impala, and Arctic Monkeys.
Beyond the music, the festival features an array of cultural experiences, including art exhibitions, theater and circus performances, and film screenings. In addition to the diverse entertainment options, the Sziget Festival also offers a wide range of food and drink options and camping facilities for visitors who want to stay on the island throughout the festival.
Tomorrowland
Location: Recreation Park De Schorre, Boom, Belgium
Dates: July 21 to July 23 and July 28 to 31, 2024
Tomorrowland is an electronic dance music festival held in Boom, Belgium that has become a staple in the electronic dance music scene. The festival is known for its extravagant stage design, the world-class lineup of DJs and producers, and the Oktoberfest-like experience that keeps dance music fans returning year after year.
Some big names who’ve performed at the festival include Armin van Buuren, Steve Aoki, Martin Garrix, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Diplo, Carl Cox (ultra music festival performer), and Charlotte de Witte. The first Tomorrowland Festival was held in 2005 and has since become the most popular and anticipated electronic dance and jazz festival across the globe.
The festival offers a range of activities and experiences beyond music, such as art installations, interactive performances, and food vendors. These activities complement the festival’s overall aesthetic and offer a truly immersive experience for attendees. As you can see, Tomorrowland is not just a festival; it’s an experience.
Coachella
Location: Empire Polo Club, Indio, California, USA
Dates: April 12 to 14 and April 19 to 21, 2024
Coachella is one of the biggest music festivals in the world, held in the Coachella Valley of Southern California on consecutive three-day weekends in April. It features various musical genres, including pop, rock, hip-hop, indie, and electronic dance music.
The festival was first held in 1999 and has grown to become a massive event, attracting some of the biggest names in music. Past performers have included Beastie Boys, Coldplay, Eminem, The Weeknd, Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, Drake, Calvin Harris, Radiohead, and many more.
In addition to the music, Coachella has become popular for its bohemian-inspired fashion, with attendees often sporting eclectic outfits and accessories that reflect the festival’s free-spirited vibe. Each year, the event draws tens of thousands of music fans worldwide who come to enjoy this iconic festival’s music, fashion, and atmosphere. And remember the importance of good travel insurance when you visit the United States!
Summerfest
Location: Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Dates: June 19 to 23, June 28 to 30, and July 5 to 7, 2024
Summerfest takes place annually in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The event was first held in 1968 and has since become a beloved summer tradition for music fans in the area and beyond.
The festival spans 11 days and takes place at Henry Maier Festival Park, located along the Lake Michigan waterfront. During this time, visitors can enjoy over 800 acts across 12 stages, showcasing a variety of musical genres, including rock, pop, hip-hop, country, and more.
Some of the biggest names in music that have performed at Summerfest are Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa, Machine Gun Kelly, Avril Lavigne, Halsey, and Backstreet Boys. Beyond the music, the festival also features food vendors, interactive exhibits, and a carnival with rides and games.
One unique aspect of Summerfest is its commitment to being environmentally conscious. The festival has implemented sustainable practices like recycling and composting to reduce waste. It also offers bike parking and encourages visitors to use public transportation to reduce the event’s carbon footprint.
Rock in Rio
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Dates: September 2024 (Dates unconfirmed)
Rock in Rio is a major Parque da Bela Vista music festival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The festival first started in 1985 and has since expanded to include editions in Lisbon, Madrid, and Las Vegas.
The festival features various musical genres, including rock, pop, electronic dance, and more. Some of the biggest names in music have performed at Rock in Rio, including Justin Bieber, Dua Lipa, Demi Lovato, Post Malone, Jason Derulo, Coldplay, Camilla Cabello, Megan Thee Stallion, Rita Ora, Fall Out Boy, and Green Day, among many others.
Beyond the music, Rock in Rio also offers a variety of other exciting activities and attractions for festival-goers. These include interactive exhibits, art installations, carnival rides, street performers, and various food and beverage options. When traveling abroad, it is critical to have good travel insurance you trust, so you can enjoy the full festival experience, knowing you are covered.
Glastonbury Music Festival
Location: Worthy Farm, Somerset, England
Dates: June 19 to 23, 2024
Glastonbury Music Festival is one of the most iconic music festivals in the world, held annually at Worthy Farm in Somerset, England. It happens concurrently with the Fuji Rock Festival, hosted at Naeba Ski Resort. The Glastonbury Festival has been running since 1970 and has become a mecca for music lovers worldwide. It runs for five days and attracts more than 200,000 visitors every year.
It features a diverse lineup of musical genres, including rock, pop, hip-hop, electronic dance music, and more. Some of the biggest names in music have performed at Glastonbury, including Beyonce, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Radiohead, Adele, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Coldplay, and many others.
With its incredible atmosphere, stunning location, and legendary lineup, it’s no wonder Glastonbury is considered one of the greatest music festivals in the world.
Dreamville Music Festival
Location: Dorothea Dix Park, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
Dates: April 6 and 7, 2024
Dreamville Music Festival is a relatively new music festival with its flagship event in 2018 and is held in Raleigh, North Carolina. Despite its short history, the festival has quickly gained a reputation for its fantastic lineup of hip-hop and rap artists, making it a must-attend event for fans of the genre.
Some of the biggest names in hip-hop have performed at Dreamville, including J. Cole, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, 21 Savage, SZA, Big Sean, and many others. With its focus on hip-hop and rap, Dreamville has become a hotspot for discovering new and emerging talent.
One of the most exciting things about Dreamville is its unique location. The festival is held on a 2000-acre farm in Raleigh, North Carolina, providing a beautiful and picturesque setting.
Primavera Sound
Location: Parc del Fòrum, Barcelona, Spain & Ciudad de Rock, Arganda del Rey, Spain
Dates: May 30 to June 1 and June 6 to 8, 2024
Primavera Sound is an annual music festival in Barcelona, Spain, and is considered one of the most important festivals in Europe. It started in 2001 and has since grown in popularity, attracting music lovers worldwide.
In recent years, it has had headliners such as Blurs, Depeche Mode, Rosalia, Halsey, Calvin Harris, Darkside, Ghost, Baby Keem, Four Tet, Caroline Plachek, Travis Scott, and St. Vincent.
The festival features a diverse lineup of indie, rock, and electronic music, with some of the biggest names in the industry headlining the event. One of the most exciting things is that the festival has made a concerted effort to promote gender and cultural diversity by featuring more female and non-binary artists.
10. Green Man
Location: Brecon Beacons, Wales, UK
Dates: August 15 to 18, 2024
Green Man Festival was founded in 2003 and has since become one of the most beloved festivals in the UK. The festival showcases diverse music genres, including folk, indie, rock, and electronic. Some headliners from past years include Fleet Foxes, PJ Harvey, Neutral Milk Hotel, and St. Vincent.
One of the things that makes Green Man Festival such a great festival is its focus on sustainability and its commitment to promoting Welsh culture. The festival is powered by renewable energy and has won multiple awards for its eco-friendly practices.
In addition to the music, the festival also features a wide range of activities. Including workshops on sustainability, talks on Welsh culture and language, and various family-friendly events. Renowned for its beautiful setting, surrounded by the stunning Welsh countryside.
Which one is bigger, Coachella or Glastonbury?
While both Coachella and Glastonbury are iconic festivals, Glastonbury holds the title for the larger event in terms of size. Covering a vast 900 acres of land at Worthy Farm in Somerset, England, Glastonbury attracts over 200,000 attendees annually, making it one of the largest music festivals globally.
In comparison, Coachella, held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, spans approximately 600 acres and draws an average of 250,000 attendees over two weekends. While Coachella boasts significant attendance numbers, Glastonbury’s expansive grounds and multi-day duration give it the edge in sheer size and scale.
Don’t travel without your insurance
Traveling to these festivals can be an exciting and enriching experience. However, it can also be unpredictable. As such, it’s important to have travel insurance single trip to protect yourself against unexpected incidents and emergencies. Comprehensive travel insurance coverage can help you enjoy your festival trip without any worries.
Our travel insurance covers a range of medical expenses, including medical assistance, care by medical teams and specialists, tests, hospitalization, treatments, and medical supplies. In addition, our coverage also protects your luggage against loss or theft, giving you peace of mind throughout your trip. In a medical emergency, our Heymondo Assistance App is available 24/7, providing access to medical assistance and support no matter where you are. Our team of professionals is always ready to assist you in case of any unforeseen events during your trip. Travel with Heymondo and enjoy a stress-free experience!
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