Every year, thousands of music fans travel across continents to experience the world's biggest music festivals. From the muddy pits of Glastonbury in England to the fashionable desert crowds of Coachella, music festivals offer unforgettable experiences for every kind of listener. Learn what to expect regarding dates, attendance numbers, types of music, and additional activities. Find the right one for you and start planning your next musical trip.
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Reading Festival (England)
Enjoy the Bank Holiday weekend at the Reading Festival.
Location: Reading, England
Dates: August 27-30, 2026
Attendance: 100,000
Reading Festival is the longest-running annual popular music festival, taking place simultaneously with Leeds Festival over the August Bank Holiday weekend. It used to be a jazz festival, but it evolved into rock and indie lineups featuring iconic artists like Nirvana, and has since expanded to include hip-hop and other genres. The festival offers camping options so that you can stay at the grounds overnight.
Glastonbury Festival (England)
Location: Pilton, England
Dates: June 23-27, 2027
Attendance: 210,000
Glastonbury is a large greenfield music festival in Pilton, England. It often attracts prominent artists of a variety of genres. Glastonbury generally offers various performing arts experiences, like circus art. Glastonbury is also known for its unpredictable weather, so be prepared for rain and mud. Note that the next Glastonbury will be in 2027, as 2026 is a “fallow year”, a year where no festival occurs so the farmland can rest.
Primavera Sound (Barcelona)
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Dates: June 3-7, 2026
Attendance: 293,000
Primavera Sound is perfect for indie lovers. Although Primavera has extended to other cities, its primary location is Barcelona. The festival focuses on diversity and gender equality. In 2019, it launched the "Nobody Is Normal" initiative, promoting a safe place free from discrimination and sexual aggression. The festival is also committed to sustainability by implementing eco-friendly practices. Overall, the performers and atmosphere make it a very inclusive experience.
Sziget Festival (Hungary)
Location: Budapest, Hungary
Dates: August 11-15, 2026
Attendance: 416,000
The Sziget festival lasts five days and is action-packed. It's much more than a music festival and includes drag shows, freestyle battles and a beach. The festival has won many awards, including best line-up of the year, and is renowned for its creativity. It includes various genres and artists and promotes freedom and acceptance. Previous headliners have included Dua Lipa and Fred Again.
Nos Alive (Portugal)
Location: near Lisbon, Portugal
Dates: July 9-11, 2026
Attendance: 165,000
Nos Alive is an excellent festival to enjoy summer in Portugal. It takes place in a coastal area near Lisbon, so that you can enjoy the city or the beaches during the day. Many beautiful performances happen at sunset and late through the night. The festival's focus is on indie music but also includes other genres. Nos Alive focuses on sustainability through initiatives to reduce waste and promote recycling and offers tasty food to top the great music.
Montreux Jazz Festival (Switzerland)
Location: Montreux, Switzerland
Dates: July 3-18, 2026
Attendance: 250,000
The Montreux Jazz Festival, located on the shores of Lake Geneva, (unsurprisingly) focuses on jazz but has also expanded to other genres. The festival has a rich history, with past performances from Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, and more. Montreux offers free concerts and events, making it accessible, as well as workshops.
Roskilde Festival (Denmark)
Location: Roskilde, Denmark
Dates: June 27-July 4, 2026
Attendance: 130,000
If you want to support a good cause while enjoying great music, the Roskilde Festival is the place for you. Roskilde is a non-profit, so all profits for the festival are donated to non-profit causes. Roskilde also focuses on sustainable initiatives, making it the perfect festival for socially conscious individuals. Roskilde has a wide variety of genres and promotes many new emerging artists.
Tomorrowland (Belgium)
Location: Boom, Belgium
Dates: July 17-19 and July 24-26, 2026
Attendance: 400,000
Tomorrowland is a must-go if you are an EDM lover. Past headliners include Alesso, David Guetta, and more. Tickets sell out very fast, so be prepared. Tomorrowland is known for its extravagant stages with unique themes, and some participants dress to match. Tomorrowland prioritizes community through its slogan "Live Today, Love Tomorrow, Unite Forever," its DreamVille Campsite, and its worldwide appeal. Tomorrowland will also be hosted in other destinations in 2026: Thailand, Brazil, and the French Alps.
Biggest Music Festivals Outside Europe
Rock in Rio (Brazil)
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Dates: September 4-7 and 11-13, 2026
Attendance: 730,000
Rock in Rio originated in Brazil and has since expanded to other cities like Lisbon and Madrid, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees annually. It is one of the biggest music festivals in the world and has hosted legendary performances, including Queen's 1985 set. Although its name suggests a focus on rock music, the festival embraces other genres like pop and electronic. Beyond music, the City of Rock enhances the festival with unique experiences like amusement park rides.
Fuji Rock Festival (Japan)
Location: Niigata Prefecture, Japan
Dates: July 24-26, 2026
Attendance: 122,000
The Fuji Rock Festival is the biggest music festival in Japan. It includes a variety of genres from both international and Japanese artists, making it the perfect global music experience. Fuji Rock has a more relaxed experience due to its scenic setting and dedicated children's spaces. We also recommend enjoying the beautiful onsens after the festival to make the most of your trip.
Starlight Festival (Egypt)
Location: Egypt
Dates: 8-11 October, 2026
Attendance: 200,000 (Exit Festival)
The classic EXIT Festival is usually held within a fortress in Serbia, which gives it a historical and unique atmosphere. The festival showcases a range of musical tastes but is known for its electronic music scene. It's rooted in social activism and was founded in 2000 by students promoting democracy. It has won awards, including Best Major Festival at the European Festival Awards. This year, the EXIT Festival is going global, with events like the Starlight Festival, held by the Great Pyramids of Giza.
Coachella (US)
Head to the desert to enjoy a variety of setlists.
Location: Indio, California, USA
Dates: Two consecutive weekends: April 10-12 and 17-19, 2026
Attendance: 250,000
The Coachella Festival is one of the world's most trend-setting music events. Held in the Colorado Desert, it features artists across pop, rock, indie, hip-hop, and EDM, along with large-scale art installations, like a giant maze. Famous for its celebrity sightings, fashion, and influencer appearances, Coachella sets the tone for the summer festival season each year.
Want to check out another festival in North America? The Osheaga festival in Canada is a cheaper alternative to Coachella.
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