Top 10 Biggest Music Festivals in the World
For decades, music festival culture has stormed the world.
Attending a Music Festival is one of the best ways to celebrate with like-minded souls and a love for music and dance culture. Many of these annual events are held in Miami, New York, and New Orleans over the weekend. Some music festivals around the world include a large variety of outdoor games, films, and even wellness programs, including yoga, lawn games, and art installations to keep things interesting.
Regardless of your musical tastes, whether you fan of metal, indie rock, R&B, or EDM (electronic dance music), to satisfy your special taste in music, here are the top 10 world’s biggest music festivals:
10. New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Experience the Best of Jazz, Gospel, Blues, and World Music at New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, also known as Jazz Fest, is a two-weekend extravaganza that showcases the finest jazz, gospel, blues, and world music.
This iconic festival takes place at the Fair Grounds Race Course in the heart of New Orleans.
With 12 concert stages and numerous tents hosting heritage talks, cooking demonstrations, and children’s activities, Jazz Fest offers something for everyone.
Moreover, the festival is complemented by bustling markets where local artisans sell their handmade clothes, pottery, musical instruments, and photographs.
9. Essence Music Festival (New Orleans, USA) with a record attendance of 470,000
Immerse Yourself in African American Music at the Essence Festival
The Essence Music Festival is the premier event celebrating African American music.
This festival is a must-attend for music enthusiasts looking for empowerment during the day and unforgettable concerts at night.
Held at the Mercedes Benz Super Dome, the Essence Fest features incredible performances by R&B and Hip-Hop icons like Janet Jackson, Snoop Dogg, and Mary J. Blige.
Prepare to be captivated by the powerful rhythms and soulful melodies that define the Essence Festival.
8. Sziget Festival (Budapest, Hungary) with a record attendance of 565,000
Discover a World of Music and Culture at Sziget Festival
Sziget Festival started as a student festival in 1993 and is now one of the world’s biggest festivals of music and culture.
The festival takes place every year in August on the Danube island and lasts 6-7 days.
It attracts crowds not only from Hungary but throughout Europe as well.
There are special trains, Sziget Express known as “Party Trains” that transport nearly a quarter of a million music festival fans from large European cities to the festival location.
Every year the event increases with nearly 1000 performances starting from the previous year.
Numerous stages have been developed to simultaneously carry out different acts of different musical styles. The festival features prominent artists from around the world, both local and international.
Party freaks prefer to buy a seven-day pass and stay at designated campgrounds on the island.
7. Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
Unleash Your Inner Fashionista at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival has become an icon in the world of music festivals.
Since its inception in 1999, Coachella has attracted massive crowds of music enthusiasts to the Empire Polo Club in Indio.
While the festival is renowned for its stellar music lineup, it has evolved into much more.
Attendees gather deep in the desert polo terrain of the Coachella Valley, donning fashionable outfits complete with remarkable flower crowns.
With over 99,000 tickets sold each weekend, Coachella has become the ultimate fusion of fashion and music.
In recent years, it has transformed into a social gathering, capturing the imagination of people worldwide.
6. Rock in Rio (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) with a record attendance of 700,000
Experience the Magic of Rock in Rio in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rock in Rio is an annual music festival held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Originally established at the end of a military dictatorship, it has become one of the largest music festivals in South America.
Rock in Rio has expanded to other locations, including Lisbon, Madrid, Las Vegas, and Santiago.
The first event drew an astounding 1.5 million attendees, with subsequent editions continuing to attract massive crowds.
It is a celebration of rock music, showcasing renowned artists from around the world. The festival’s legacy and magnitude make it a must-visit for music lovers.
5. Pol’and’Rock Festival (Kostrzyn nad Odrą, Poland) with a record attendance of 750,000
Join the Celebration at Pol’and’Rock Festival in Kostrzyn nad Odra, Poland
The Pol’and’Rock festival, inspired by Woodstock, annually takes place at Kostrzyn nad Odra.
Started in 1995, and by 2014, its attendance reached well over 750,000 visitors on average.
This Polish institution has been rocking out for 25 years as one of the world’s largest free music festivals.
The festival also provides an opportunity to promote new talent – the winners of a competition held prior year to the festival can perform during the main event.
This is one of the most unique and well worth visiting events in the European festive calendar.
4. Summerfest (Milwaukee, USA) with a record attendance of 830,000
Celebrate Independence Day with Music at Summerfest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Summerfest, held annually at the end of June and beginning of July in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is the largest music festival in the United States.
This iconic event features a wide range of genres, including rock, country, R&B, pop, and reggae, with over 800 performances across 11 stages.
Besides the incredible music lineup, Summerfest offers various special events each year to keep attendees entertained between concerts.
Families can explore the Kohl Captivation Station, where they can engage in arts and crafts or enjoy a scenic view of the festival on the sky glider.
Get ready to experience an unforgettable celebration during your Independence Day holidays at Summerfest.
3. Montreal International Jazz Festival (Montreal, Canada) with a record attendance of 2 million
Immerse Yourself in the World’s Largest Jazz Festival in Montreal, Canada
The Festival International de Jazz de Montréal holds the prestigious title of the largest jazz festival in the world, recognized by the Guinness World Records.
This annual downtown festival is a haven for jazz enthusiasts, offering an array of concerts and activities across 15 concert halls and 8 outdoor stages.
The Montreal International Jazz Festival is a paradise for music fans on a budget, as it showcases renowned jazz musicians from around the globe.
With over 2 million visitors each year, the festival brings a vibrant atmosphere to the city, boosting local businesses and the hospitality industry.
2. Mawazine (Rabat, Morocco) with a record attendance of 2.5 million
Celebrate Moroccan and International Music at Mawazine in Rabat, Morocco
Mawazine, which began in 2011, has rapidly grown into one of the most anticipated music festivals, attracting millions of people to Rabat, Morocco, every year.
Organized by the Morocco Cultures Association, Mawazine aims to provide a cultural and artistic experience of the highest caliber for the residents of the Rabat-Salé-Zemmour-Zaërs region.
This festival features renowned artists from all five continents and boasts a staggering attendance of over 2.5 million fans and more than 30 million viewers worldwide making it the world’s second-largest festival.
The festival is generally organized through concerts, street shows, original music, workshops led by experienced artists, and seminars, in which the audience will be invited to reflect on music in Morocco and around the world.
1. Donauinselfest (Vienna, Austria) with a record attendance of 3 million
Immerse Yourself in the Biggest Music Festival in the World at Donauinselfest in Vienna, Austria
Donauinselfest, held annually in Vienna, Austria, on Danube Island, is not only the biggest music festival in the world by attendance but also Europe’s largest open-air music festival.
This three-day extravaganza features 12 stages, each dedicated to a different music genre, including hip-hop, country, pop, rock, electronic, folk, and more.
With over 300 music, theater, and cabaret performances, Donauinselfest offers an unmatched variety of entertainment.
The festival has witnessed incredible performances by renowned acts such as Sean Paul, Bloodhound Gang, Shaggy, and the Wien Symphony Orchestra.
Additionally, the festival hosts the ‘Rock the Island Contest,’ providing aspiring bands and artists with an opportunity to showcase their talent on a grand stage.
Over 500 artists and bands join the competition every year!
