From Coachella to Osheaga, many iconic festivals exist in North America. But what if we told you the music world is much larger than this? From the muddy pits of Glastonbury to Tomorrowland's whimsical atmosphere, this blog is your passport to a global journey through sound. Read on to discover some of the biggest music festivals in the world.
Glastonbury, Credit to Matt Cardy
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.
Katy Gallery
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.
Primavera Sound
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
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.
Fuji Rock Festival
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.
Flickr, Exit Festival
Exit Festival (Global)
Location: Croatia, Macedonia, Malta, Egypt, India, Serbia (and more to come)
Dates: May, June, August, October, November (no exact dates yet)
Attendance: 200,000
The Exit Festival is usually held within a fortress in Serbia, which gives it a historical and unique atmosphere. This year, it will bring the festival to destinations around the world, including Egypt and India, and will be held in a different Serbian location. 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.
Nos Alive
Nos Alive (Portugal)
Location: near Lisbon, Portugal
Dates: July 9-11, 2026
Attendance: 165,000
Nos Alive is an excellent festival where you can enjoy summer in Portugal. It takes place in a coastal area so you can enjoy 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
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, Mounia Nassangar/Joakim Züger
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
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.
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FAQ
What is the biggest music festival in the world?
There are multiple contenders for the biggest music festival, but Rock in Rio stands out with over 700,000 attending and global superstars.
What are the biggest music festivals in Europe?
Glastonbury, Tomorrowland, and Sziget Festival are among the biggest music festivals in Europe, with attendance of around 200,000 to 400,000.
What is the biggest electronic music festival in the world?
If you're a lover of electronic music, Tomorrowland is the biggest electronic music festival in the world, with around 400,000 attendees.
