Lifestyle

10 Best International Music Festivals Worth Traveling For

10 Best International Music Festivals Worth Traveling For

Traveling across the world for a music festival can be an experience you’ll never forget. But trying to figure out what festival you want to make the trek for isn’t easy with as many options as there are today.

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. If you are looking at concert listings for this year and trying to decide which show you should catch, here are 10 that should definitely be on your radar.

1. Underwater Music Festival

Source: Express

There is no other festival quite like the Underwater Music Festival. If you want a totally unique experience, you need to check out this show.

This festival, which is held in the Florida Keys, is a favorite of fans, musicians, and divers. The Underwater Music Festival has been around for 25 years and was originally started to raise awareness about preserving coral reefs.

Naturally, the music at this festival is a little different than most. Don’t expect to see bands on a stage. Instead, you’ll hear a radio playlist of ocean-themed tunes pumped out on underwater speakers while mermaids and divers put on a show with specially designed instruments.

2. Secret Solstice

Source: EDM

Some people say that this is ”the most unique festival on Earth.” Indeed, no other concert in the world is quite like this one.

Secret Solstice takes place in Iceland and it is centered around one thing: The fact that the sun doesn’t set in Iceland during the summer. What better way to celebrate the Midnight Sun than with a music festival?

The lineup at Secret Solstice has included such legendary acts as Radiohead, the Deftones, and Cypress Hill. But that’s not all. You can also relax in one of the geothermal pools located just a short distance from the festival.

3. Tomorrowland

Source: Tomorrowland

If electronic dance music is your jam, then Tomorrowland is the festival for you. Held in Belgium over two weekends, this event is absolutely massive.

The festival takes place on 38 hectares. Forget “second stages”, Tomorrowland boasts a whopping 18 stages and features as many as 1,000 performers!

In 2019, the show sold out in a mere 45 minutes. More than 2 million fans from every corner of the world requested tickets. However, only 400,000 were lucky enough to attend this festival.

One of the best things about the festival is the atmosphere. Tomorrowland is known for friendly people who just want to dance the night away. Not to mention that the setting of the festival is absolutely gorgeous, and so is the stage shows you’ll see.

4. The Labyrinth

Source: DJMag

This music festival is the ultimate celebration of Japan’s techno scene. The Labyrinth doesn’t have a gazillion stages like some of the other festivals on this list. In fact, this minimalistic event only has one stage. But that is plenty considering the music you’ll hear.

So, what can you expect from this festival? Well, you can plan on a one-of-a-kind teepee DJ booth, elaborate Funktion One stacks, and memories that will last a lifetime.

The line-up at The Labyrinth festival has included DJs such as Donato Dozzy and Peter Van Hoesen. The music here goes all day and really picks up at night. Located in the breathtaking mountains of Japan, you’ll also find yourself surrounded by natural beauty.

5. Burning Man

Source: Dezeen

Burning Man is a music festival that can be described as a non-stop party. This event takes place in Black Rock City, which is a temporary city that pops up smack-dab in the middle of the desert.

Located outside of Reno, Nevada, this annual party is much more than just another music festival. One unique aspect of this event is that everyone is expected to participate in some way and bartering is the name of the game. For many, Burning Man has become a yearly pilgrimage.

In addition to performers such as Skrillex, SimiHaze, and Aphrodite, you can also expect to see a ton of art at this festival.

6. Glastonbury

Source: Glastonbury Festivals

This festival began on the day after Jimi Hendrix died in 1970, and it has been going strong ever since. Taking place in England, Glastonbury is one of the biggest music festivals in the world and tickets sell out in record time.

With multiple stages and performers ranging from bands to DJs, Glastonbury has something for everyone. For example, the lineup for 2020 includes the likes of Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift, and Diana Ross.

7. Meadows in The Mountains

Source: Crack Magazine

For 10 years, Meadows in The Mountains has been more than just a music festival. Located in Bulgaria, this event also offers “holistic and spiritual studies and workshops.”

The location of this festival is mesmerizing. The event is nestled in the Rhodope Mountains and not only is the scenery at the festival site itself beautiful, and area around it is worth seeing too. Here, you can find medieval castles and monasteries along with villages featuring traditional Bulgarian architecture. 

8. Wave-Gotik-Treffen

Source: Lazer Horse

If you’re into goth, you definitely need to hit up this festival. Wave-Gotik-Treffen is held in Leipzig, Germany every June and this gothic festival is known for turning the entire area into a bonafide “Halloween Town.”

This event is much more than just a series of concerts. At Wave-Gotik-Treffen you’ll get to experience things such as steampunk or Victorian themed picnics, and you can shop until you drop at the Medieval Market.

9. Exit Festival

Source: Exit Fest

Exit Festival is a haven for metalheads, but the lineup has an array of performers from various genres. In 2020, the lineup includes bands such as Sepultura as well as Cypress Hill and DJ Snake. 

Located in Serbia, Exit Festival is sure to be a trip you won’t forget any time soon. However, there is more to this festival than just great music. This event also supports ecological and humanitarian efforts throughout the world.

10. Download Festival

Source: Rock ‘N’ Load Mag

Touted as the biggest rock and metal festival in the UK, Download Festival draws as many as 100,000 people every year. Formerly called Monsters of Rock, this is an event that no headbanger should miss.

Some of the biggest names in the industry have performed at Download Festival. These acts include Def Leppard, Slipknot, Slayer, Tool, and Rob Zombie.

Located in Donington Park, Leicester, this event also has a reputation for inclusivity. This festival is remarkably accessible for people who have varying needs. As a result, Download has received the Gold Award for the “Attitude is Everything” Accessibility Charter.

Get Ready to Hit the Road

If you love music, traveling, and a good party, these 10 music festivals should absolutely make your bucket list. Whether you want to dance to techno or dive into a mosh pit, there is a festival out there for you. 

Which one are you wanting to hit up this year? Let us know in the comments below.

RD

About the Author

Riley Davis

Writing allows me to express my creative thought process through words. I hope you enjoy my style! Go Rebels!