Top Music Festivals
Source: Cheapflights.com
With the beginning of Festival Season just around the corner, Cheapflights.com has compiled the top ten music festivals worldwide. Whether you’re interested in rock, electronic or jazz, there’s a festival out there to explore.
Coachella Valley Music and Art Festival- Indio, California, United States
Located in the beautiful Indio Valley of Southern California, this three-day art and music event kicks off the festival season in April. Coachella has quickly become one of the United States’ largest music festivals, encompassing six different stages all playing a variety of music from alternative rock to hip-hop to electronic. Don’t be startled to find unannounced shows from artists like Kanye West, or loose flying pigs from Roger Waters. Coachella is sure to surprise you in more ways than one. www.coachella.com
Roskilde Festival- Roskilde, Denmark
Situated on the island of Zealand in the ancient Viking city of Roskilde, this summer event was originally founded by two high school students in 1971, and has gone on to become one of the largest music festivals in Europe. While Roskilde is typically known as a four-day rock event showcasing world-famous talent, its musical agenda expands every year to include electronic, hip hop and even world music.
http://roskilde-festival.dk
Soundwave Music Festival- Petrcane, Croatia
At Soundwave, pulsating electronic beats meet sun and sand getaway to create the ultimate three-day festival party. Although a popular spot for young adults, Soundwave is quickly becoming an international event attracting students from everywhere. But the party doesn’t start in Croatia; it starts on the road. This festival has a specific route mapped out through Europe, including recommended stops, designed for Soundwavers to meet each other on the road.
Festival International de Jazz de Montréal- Montreal, Canada
It’s no surprise that Montreal is a favorite city among travelers, but consider going in June or July 4 and you’ll witness one of the world’s largest jazz festivals. Situated in the heart of the city, you can see big names in jazz at a variety of venues from small and intimate clubs, to massive outdoor stages. Much of the downtown area is blocked off from traffic for free and open-air performances, and kids are always welcome.
www.montrealjazzfest.com/default-en.aspx
Sziget Fesztivál- Budapest, Hungary
Originally, Sziget started as a Hungarian music event created to boost the summer festival scene after the fall of communism. Now, it’s gone on to become one of the most international music affairs in Europe. You’ll find a stage for all genres, including world music, blues, jazz and rock. Conveniently located on an island in the center of Budapest, day trips into the city are a great way to add to the Sziget experience. https://szigetfestival.com/en/
Summer Sonic Festival- Osaka, Japan and Tokyo, Japan
This relatively new festival has quickly become one of Japan’s greatest musical events. Summer Sonic attracts a mix of local Japanese musicians and international rock stars, all representing diverse genres of music from Deep Purple to Lady Gaga. This two day event, is split up between Osaka and Tokyo, two of Japan’s liveliest cities, so you’ll find endless entertainment even when the music isn’t playing. And don’t worry about missing out on your favorite shows because all artists play at both venues.
www.summersonic.com
Festival Internacional de Benicàssim- Benicàssim, Spain
Take the vibrant music and action of a rock performance and put it on the beautiful beaches of Spain, and you’ve got Benicàssim International Festival. Although Benicàssim is typically known as a rock, electronic and pop event, there are plenty of other things to do and see at the festival, including theater, short films and fashion shows. But if you like to be in bed by nine, this affair might not be for you; performances typically start at 5pm and end at 8am. www.fiberfib.com
Bestival- England
Nope, it’s not Glastonbury and it’s not Reading- it’s Bestival. Probably one of the most eclectic festivals out there, Bestival offers an alternative and diverse option to the typical corporate music fest. This kid-friendly, four-day event boasts music from renowned rock artists, as well as quirky tents and competitions. The most popular event is Fancy Dress, where attendees dress up in outlandish costumes. In 2010, 55,000 festival goers participated in Fancy Dress, and ended up breaking a Guinness World Record.
Rock im Park/ Rock am Ring-Nuremberg, Germany and Nürburg, Germany
This three-day rock festival is the largest music festival in Germany and divides itself between two cities; Nuremberg and Nürburg. Both festivals occur simultaneously, so whether you prefer the tranquil scenery of Nürburg, or the historical city atmosphere of Nuremberg, it doesn’t matter because all musicians play at both venues. www.rock-im-park.com |
