The best music festivals around the world: A genre guide (Updated for 2026)

Top 10 music festivals around the world

Before we dive into genre-specific picks, let’s answer a common question: “What is the number one music festival in the world?” The answer isn’t simple because “best” can mean different things for people with different tastes in music, depending on who you ask and what they’re into. 

But let’s rewind for a second. Music festivals, as we know them today, owe a lot to the wild, muddy, and history-making moment that was Woodstock in 1969. Held on a dairy farm in Bethel, New York, Woodstock was a cultural phenomenon that drew nearly half a million people for a three-day celebration of peace, music, and counterculture. It paved the way for decades of festival evolution, proving that music could unite people on a massive scale. Since then, festivals have become global landmarks of modern music culture. 

While we now have thousands of music festivals, some smaller, some bigger, a few names stand out. We based our list of current top music festivals on a mix of factors: how popular these festivals are in the media, how long they’ve been going, their attendance numbers, the kinds of artists they attract, and their history, legacy, and influence on global music culture. Below are our 10 best music festivals in the world:

While "best" is subjective, these festivals have consistently and certainly stood out, each with a unique identity and massive reach.

Lollapalooza

What started as a farewell tour for Jane’s Addiction in 1991 is now a four-day annual event in Chicago's Grant Park. Known for its wide-ranging lineup, Lollapalooza showcases everything from hip-hop to indie rock to electronic music. With over 170 performances across multiple stages and satellite festivals in Brazil, Argentina, and Europe, it draws over 400,000 attendees yearly.

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival

Coachella is as much a cultural event as a music festival held each April in the California desert. With a global following, iconic fashion, and high-profile celebrity appearances, it’s a scene all its own. Musically, it features different genres but tends to feature big pop industry names, like Beyoncé, Harry Styles, Bad Bunny, Megan Thee Stallion, and Calvin Harris in recent years.

Glastonbury Music Festival

On Worthy Farm in the English countryside, Glastonbury is one of the world's largest and most iconic music and arts festivals. Its five-day program includes everything from music and dance to theater, circus, and political debates. With over 100 stages, it draws more than 200,000 festivalgoers. Iconic names like David Bowie, the Rolling Stones, and Adele have performed there.

Tomorrowland

Tomorrowland is the world's most popular electronic music festival, known for its jaw-dropping stage designs and fantasy-like themes. Held over two weekends in July, it hosts the biggest names in electronic dance music (EDM), house, and techno.

Burning Man

More than a music festival, Burning Man is a week-long community, art, and self-expression experiment. Held in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert, it transforms into a temporary city known as Black Rock City. While music, particularly electronic, is part of the event, it’s the art installations, mutant vehicles, and themed camps that make Burning Man a cultural phenomenon.

Rock in Rio

Originally launched in 1985, Rock in Rio is one of the largest music festivals in the world. Held in the city of Rio de Janeiro, it’s one of the best things to do in Rio and it's known for attracting major rock and pop acts and drawing crowds of up to 700,000 people. With spin-offs in Portugal and Spain, it has hosted the likes of Queen, Metallica, Rihanna, and Drake.

Primavera Sound

Set in the Parc del Fòrum overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Primavera Sound is a haven for lovers of indie, alternative, and experimental music. Known for its diverse and progressive lineups, the festival often features genre-defying acts. Artists such as Radiohead, Arcade Fire, Rosalía, and Tame Impala have headlined in recent years.

Sziget Festival

Set on Óbuda Island in the Danube River, Sziget is often called the “Island of Freedom.” This week-long festival includes music, art, and culture with a multi-genre lineup that spans pop, rock, indie, EDM, and world music. Over 1,000 performances occur across more than 60 stages.

Sunburn Festival

Sunburn is Asia’s biggest EDM festival, held every December on the beaches of Goa. The three-day event blends music, dance, and beach party vibes. Known for its impressive stage setups and laser shows, the festival features top international and Indian DJs.

Fuji Rock Festival

Held at the Naeba Ski Resort, Fuji Rock offers a unique setting in the Japanese Alps. The festival features rock and electronic acts from around the globe and draws an international crowd. Despite challenging weather at times, it’s beloved for its scenic backdrop and clean, eco-friendly approach.

The best classical music festivals in the world

Classical music festivals bring together world-class orchestras, renowned soloists, and historic venues. These events are often held in picturesque settings and attract a dedicated global audience. For those who believe music is a masterpiece, here are some of the festivals you might want to visit:

• The Salzburg Festival. Founded in 1920 in Austria, the Salzburg Festival honors the city’s most famous native son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It features more than 200 performances in opera, drama, and classical concerts, drawing some of the most prestigious names in the genre. Esteemed ensembles like the Vienna Philharmonic and conductors such as Riccardo Muti frequently appear.

• BBC Proms. Held in London, the Proms run for eight weeks and consist of more than 70 concerts, mainly at the Royal Albert Hall. The event began in 1895 and is designed to make classical music accessible to everyone, including low-cost Promming tickets. It features top British and international orchestras, soloists, and themed nights.

• The Lucerne Festival. Switzerland’s premier classical music event, the Lucerne Festival, hosts elite musicians such as the Berlin Philharmonic and Vienna Philharmonic. Concerts are set in the beautiful lakeside city of Lucerne, with programs focused on both historic composers and contemporary works.

• Tanglewood. As the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Tanglewood in western Massachusetts offers concerts from late June through August. Beyond BSO performances, the venue hosts jazz nights, chamber music, and educational programs through the Tanglewood Music Center.

The best country music festivals in the world

Giddy up, country fans! If you’re all about twangy guitars, heartfelt lyrics, and cowboy boots, these country music festivals deliver the ultimate celebration of the genre rooted in Americana and Southern culture:

• The CMA Music Festival. Held in downtown Nashville, this four-day event brings fans face-to-face with their favorite country stars. It offers stadium shows at night and smaller, intimate performances during the day. The festival also features meet-and-greets, fan club parties, and pop-up events across the city.

• Stagecoach. The sister festival to Coachella, Stagecoach is one of the biggest country music festivals globally. It brings country music to the California desert each spring. Lineups have included a wide mix of performers, from current chart-toppers to legends like Willie Nelson.

• The Tamworth Country Music Festival. Australia’s most famous country festival lasts 10 days in January. It includes hundreds of performances across multiple venues, awards ceremonies, and community events like street parades. It draws an estimated 300,000 visitors annually.

The best electronic music festivals in the world

Electronic dance music (EDM) and other electronic music festivals are loud, luminous, and legendary. These massive, high-tech experiences are the ultimate celebration of sound, light, and movement, bringing together the world’s best electronic acts. And these festivals are the most iconic in the genre:

• Tomorrowland. One of the most recognizable and considered one of the best electronic music festivals in the world, Tomorrowland draws over 400,000 electronic music lovers to Belgium each July. It features dozens of stages with elaborate themes and performances from top DJs like Swedish House Mafia, Armin van Buuren, David Guetta, and Martin Garrix. Tickets sell out in minutes, and the event is livestreamed globally.

• Sunburn Festival. Taking place in December, Sunburn is Asia’s largest electronic music festival. Goa’s beachside stages offer a unique setting for dance music. In addition to the music, the festival includes yoga sessions, workshops, and food markets. It is known for its strong visual production and interactive festival experience.

• Ultra Music Festival. This Miami-based festival kicks off the electronic music season every March. It features leading artists in the techno, house, and electronic music scene in Bayfront Park. It has hosted acts like Carl Cox, Zedd, and Marshmello. Ultra Music Festival is known among dance music fans for its high-energy environment, pyrotechnics, and complicated LED production.

• Creamfields. It is one of the UK’s best electronic music festivals, taking place every August in Cheshire. Created by the legendary Cream nightclub, the festival focuses on big-name EDM and underground electronic music. 

The best folk, jazz, and blues festivals in the world

Folk, jazz, and blues festivals are all about soul, storytelling, and timeless sound. These gatherings celebrate the roots of modern music. If you're drawn to rich melodies and heartfelt lyrics, these festivals might be up your alley:

• The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. A blend of music, food, and culture, this festival captures the soul of Louisiana. In addition to jazz, it showcases gospel, blues, funk, R&B, and zydeco. With over a dozen stages and hundreds of artists, the festival has hosted Aretha Franklin, Jimmy Buffett, and Pitbull.

• The Chicago Blues Festival. This free event, held each June, celebrates Chicago's place in blues history. It takes place in Millennium Park and features local legends and global stars, including B.B. King, Koko Taylor, and Buddy Guy. The festival also includes film screenings, panel discussions, and educational workshops.

• The Essaouira Gnaoua Festival. This Moroccan festival emphasizes spiritual Gnaoua music while blending it with jazz and fusion. Its goal is to preserve Gnaoua heritage through international collaboration. The festival brings together musicians from across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

• The Cambridge Folk Festival. A staple since the 1960s, this event is held annually in Cherry Hinton Hall Park. It features traditional and contemporary folk artists from around the world. The diverse lineup mixes big names like Joan Baez and Passenger with up-and-coming acoustic acts. The festival is praised for its commitment to being environmentally conscious.

• The Dubai International Jazz Festival. Held each February, this international festival is one of the biggest jazz events in the Middle East. It brings together world-renowned jazz, blues, and soul artists. Past lineups have included legends like Santana, Sting, and John Legend.

The best hip-hop and R&B music festivals in the world

Hip-hop and R&B festivals celebrate powerful lyrics, smooth melodies, and the voices shaping today’s sound. These festivals bring the culture to life on the biggest stages worldwide:

• Rolling Loud. Known as the world’s biggest hip-hop festival, Rolling Loud hosts editions in Miami, New York, and Los Angeles. It has featured nearly every major rapper of the last decade, including Future, Lil Uzi Vert, and Cardi B. The festival is known for its elaborate stage setups and high-energy crowds.

• Wireless Festival. Located in London, Wireless focuses on rap, grime, and R&B. It often serves as the UK’s primary venue for U.S. hip-hop acts and draws a young, energetic audience.

• Afropunk. Starting in Brooklyn, Afropunk now appears in cities like Paris, Atlanta, and Johannesburg. It features Black artists across rock, soul, and hip-hop, and celebrates diversity and activism.

• The Essence Festival. Held in New Orleans each July, Essence is a festival combining culture, empowerment, and entertainment. It attracts over 500,000 festival goers annually. The festival is especially focused on celebrating Black women and culture.

The best popular music festivals in the world

Pop music festivals are where chart-toppers, fan favorites, and breakout stars of the music industry share the spotlight. These events bring massive crowds, enormous energy, and plain fun:

• The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Set in the desert of Indio, California, Coachella is one of the most recognized music festivals in the world and the ultimate pop culture festival. Held over two weekends in April, it’s become synonymous with fashion statements, social media moments, and A-list lineups, including Lana Del Rey, Megan Thee Stallion, Lady Gaga, and Black Eyed Peas.

• Austin City Limits. Inspired by the legendary TV show of the same name, ACL has grown into one of the most beloved music festivals in the United States. Held over two weekends each October in Zilker Park, the festival includes a wide range of genres and emphasizes a family-friendly atmosphere. The festival includes a dedicated “Kiddie Limits” area with family-friendly entertainment, hands-on art activities, and kid-sized dance parties, making it one of the few famous festivals that’s genuinely welcoming for all ages.

• The Glastonbury Music Festival. The Glastonbury Festival’s size and scope make it one of the most important music festivals in the world, with a lineup that always includes a strong pop contingent. While it spans everything from heavy metal to folk, pop music industry royalty like Kylie Minogue, Taylor Swift, and Adele have delivered iconic sets here.

• Splendour in the Grass. Australia’s leading pop and indie-pop festival, Splendour combines beautiful coastal scenery with a creative, artsy vibe. Held each July, it offers a mix of big-name artists, plus immersive experiences like art installations, wellness areas, and comedy stages.

• Sziget Festival. The largest European music festival, Sziget Festival, takes place on Óbuda Island in the middle of the Danube River. Its diverse lineup is consistently filled with major international pop acts — previous years have seen the likes of Shawn Mendes, Justin Bieber, and Ed Sheeran perform alongside lesser-known rising stars.

• Laneway Festival. What began as a small alleyway show in Melbourne has grown into one of the most respected tastemaker festivals in the Southern Hemisphere. It showcases not only pop and indie icons but up-and-coming artists as well, right before they hit the mainstream. Past years have included performances from Lorde, Phoebe Bridgers, Haim, and Mac DeMarco.

The best rock and metal music festivals in the world

Metal and rock festivals celebrate the spirit of loud music like no other. For those who prefer their music on the heavier side, these iconic festivals are where rock and metal come alive:

• Wacken Open Air. What started as a small gathering in 1990 has evolved into the world’s largest metal festival, welcoming over 80,000 headbangers to the tiny village of Wacken, Germany, each August. Known for its intense community spirit and mud-splattered camaraderie, Wacken features a lineup that spans from black and heavy metal to classic rock. Past performers include Iron Maiden, Slayer, and Judas Priest. Tickets often sell out within hours.

• Download Festival. Held at Donington Park each June, Download is the UK’s top rock and metal event. With a legacy that dates back to the Monsters of Rock festival, it consistently books top-tier acts like Metallica, Slipknot, and Bring Me the Horizon. Multiple stages, fairground rides, and a rowdy, loyal crowd make Download a rite of passage for rock fans.

• Rock am Ring/Rock im Park. These twin festivals take place simultaneously — one at Nürburgring and the other in Nuremberg, usually in early June. They share the same lineup and collectively attract over 150,000 rock enthusiasts. Known for tight organization and electric energy, the festivals have hosted everyone from Linkin Park to Foo Fighters.

• Hellfest. Located in Clisson, France, Hellfest is Europe’s most diverse heavy music festival. Each June, it presents a mix of metal, punk rock, hardcore, and hard rock across six stages. The lineup is always stacked (think Tool, Deftones, and Gojira) with an elaborate gothic-themed site that looks straight out of a horror movie. It’s both brutal and beautiful.

The Saily eSIM: Stay connected while enjoying music festivals

Music knows no borders, and neither should you. Wherever the music takes you next, staying connected on the road is essential. And when you pack for the journey, don’t forget the ultimate festival travel companion — Saily.

Saily makes it easy to stay online wherever your music adventures take you. No more hunting for local SIM cards or relying on sketchy public Wi-Fi. With just a few taps, you can download an eSIM app and activate data coverage in over 200 eSIM destinations — all from your phone.

Some travelers still wonder what an eSIM card is and how it works, but more and more are trying it out and loving the benefits of an eSIM, like instant setup and reliable data on the go. The main difference between an eSIM vs. physical SIM comes down to convenience. eSIMs are digital, require no physical swapping, and can be activated anytime, anywhere — perfect for travel and festivals.