Now that the holidays are behind us and the new year is in full swing, it’s the perfect time to start organizing for music festivals season. And really, there’s no excuse – whatever your musical preferences, travel companions, weather likes, or camping tolerance, there’s a festival somewhere in the world for you.
Europe offers a vast range from jazz to techno, while the U.S. hosts festivals everywhere from bustling cities to remote deserts. But that’s just the start – you’ll also find amazing live music events and weekend experiences in places like Australia, Canada, Japan, and India. Feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the options? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a roundup of the best festivals around the globe for 2024.
Boomtown is much more than just a typical music festivals—they are an immersive, theatrical experience that transports attendees into an alternate reality. Every year, the festival introduces a new chapter to an evolving storyline, crafting a fully interactive cityscape that feels alive with creativity and chaos. The entire site becomes a playground of imagination, with elaborate stage designs, themed districts, and hidden spaces waiting to be discovered.
The city is divided into various zones, each with its own unique atmosphere and attractions. You could stumble upon secret hotels where live ska bands perform intimate shows, or find yourself wandering down hidden alleyways that lead to unexpected encounters with eccentric actors. There’s even a fully functioning job center, adding to the illusion of being in a fantastical, yet functioning, city. These actors roam the grounds, interacting with festival-goers, blurring the lines between reality and performance, making it feel like everyone is part of the story.
Houghton is an intimate woodland festival that has quickly become one of the UK’s most talked-about new additions to the festival scene, and for good reason. The festival prides itself on offering a truly immersive experience, where every sound you hear is delivered through top-tier sound systems, hand-selected by the festival’s curator, long-standing Fabric resident Craig Richards. His meticulous attention to detail ensures that the music at Houghton is not only top quality but perfectly suited to the vibe of the event.
Richards personally curates a stellar lineup of DJs, pulling in some of the biggest and most respected names from the worlds of house, techno, disco, and beyond. The roster is a who’s who of the electronic music scene, offering festival-goers a chance to hear sets from both globally renowned acts and rising underground talents. What sets Houghton apart, though, is its approach to music programming. The festival allows DJs to play extended sets, giving them the freedom to truly explore their sound and take the audience on a journey, rather than being restricted to short, hit-heavy slots.
Known for its consistently stellar lineups, Benicàssim draws in top-tier acts from the world of indie, rock, and alternative music, with each edition showcasing the hottest guitar bands and emerging talent. Over the years, it has become a beacon for music lovers, and its growing popularity reflects that. In 2009, the festival attracted a crowd of 50,000, but within a decade, it had ballooned to an impressive 150,000 attendees. The draw? Not only the fantastic music but the incredible location, which combines a laid-back holiday vibe with an energetic festival atmosphere.
Originally founded as a purely jazz-focused event, the Montreux Jazz Festival has evolved significantly since the 1980s, broadening its lineup to include artists from a variety of genres like blues, rock, and soul. Over the years, even iconic rock bands such as Deep Purple have taken center stage at Montreux, headlining an impressive eight times. In fact, if you listen closely to the lyrics of their classic hit “Smoke on the Water,” you’ll hear a reference to a famous fire that occurred at the festival long ago—an event that has since become part of Montreux’s storied history.
Held along the stunning shoreline of Lake Geneva in Switzerland, the festival exudes an air of sophistication, with its scenic backdrop only adding to the allure. The festival spans two weeks, giving attendees ample time to soak in a diverse range of performances in a beautiful, relaxed setting. Given its luxurious atmosphere and extended duration, it’s the kind of event that might have you considering saving up your annual leave in advance for the full experience.
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