6 Biggest Music Festivals in the World

6 Biggest Music Festivals in the World. Music festivals offer an unforgettable experience like no other. Featuring A-list acts, local food vendors, plenty of booze, and even pyrotechnics – these events bring together all elements to put on an amazing show.

Here is a list of six of the world’s biggest music festivals that have met or exceeded their pre-pandemic attendance numbers.

6 Biggest Music Festivals in the World

1. Donauinselfest

Vienna, the capital city of Austria, is a cultural mecca with plenty of concerts and events throughout the year. Additionally, it hosts one of Europe’s biggest music festivals each June on an island along the Danube.

This free-to-enter festival draws a large crowd and offers eleven stages with over 2000 artists, 600 hours of live music performances, as well as 250 food kiosks and stalls.

Every year, this three-day festival draws over 3 million visitors. It boasts an eclectic blend of local artists and global superstars alike – folk, blues, reggae, rap, and more – making it truly one-of-a-kind.

For over three decades, this event has been a staple in the music world – with fans traveling from all over to see their favorite artists perform. It truly is an iconic musical carnival where thousands come out to support those they admire.

If you’re planning on attending this year, make sure to book your flights well in advance (3.5-5.5 months for international travel) to avoid the peak summer fares. The event takes place on an island in the middle of the Danube, and there are several hotels nearby.

This free music festival takes place on an artificial island in the middle of Vienna and it’s the perfect spot to unwind and take in some live performances. Getting there from central Vienna is easy with public transport or you can even catch a ferry over.

2. Mawazine

Mawazine is an annual music festival held in Rabat, Morocco’s capital city. Launched in 2001 as part of an effort to project a more liberal and tolerant image of Morocco, this event now draws an international crowd including celebrities.

Since its founding, the Mawazine festival has upheld values espoused by King Mohammed VI, such as tolerance and respect for other cultures. Furthermore, it plays an integral role in democratizing culture in Morocco by offering free access to 90% of its concerts and shows.

Music fans from around the globe come together at this festival for an exciting collection of acts. Past editions have showcased acts in a range of genres, such as reggae, spiritual choirs, Berber fusion rock, Touareg blues, French electronica, and more traditional African rhythms.

Mawazine not only showcases international superstars but also nurtures local talent by dedicating over half of its programming to talented Moroccan artists. As a result, the event serves as an invaluable platform for young Moroccan musicians and singers.

Mawazine is an integral part of supporting the local economy by encouraging tourism and stimulating development within the music industry. Furthermore, it offers artists a platform to showcase their artwork through individual or collective shows, street performances, and workshops.

3. Coachella

Coachella is a music festival held annually in Indio, California’s desert region. Typically held throughout several weekends in April, it features various musical acts and art installations.

In 1999, the festival was first held as a two-day affair. Unfortunately, it failed to generate sufficient profit and it wasn’t until 2001 that it was transformed back into just a one-day celebration.

One of the main attractions at Coachella is the large-scale art pieces featured at the festival. These masterpieces are created by artists around the world and given a platform to display their creations.

In addition to musical performances, Coachella features sculpture and installation art installations. Artists have complete freedom in selecting which pieces will be showcased during the festival; this helps give it a distinct identity while giving artists more control over their artworks.

Coachella’s other major draw is its celebrity guests. You may spot stars like Nina Dobrev, Charlie Sheen, Noah Cyrus, Kate Bosworth, Hailey Bieber, and Paris Hilton there alongside street-style photographers and paparazzi.

Coachella is an ideal music festival for music fans who want to have an unforgettable experience. At the festival, there are various activities like camping, swimming in the pool, and shopping at pop-up stores. Plus there are plenty of restaurants and breweries nearby as well.

4. Summerfest

Summerfest, Milwaukee’s “World’s Largest Music Festival,” draws nearly one million music lovers to the city for nine days in June and July each year. Headliners like Chance the Rapper and Luke Bryan headline 11 stages during this 10-day event.

Summerfest is renowned for its many musical acts, but it also provides plenty of other enjoyable activities besides the stage. From sports to art, there’s something for everyone at this festival.

Throughout Pride Month, there is a range of LGBTQ-themed events such as the Mini Kiki Ball and National Queer Theater. If dancing is more your thing, there’s also the BAAND Together Dance Festival.

For movie buffs, there’s the Outdoor Cinema outside David Geffen Hall. Quiet Event headphones are provided for screenings and popcorn is sold as well.

Finally, there are plenty of free activities around the festival grounds. From Bubly Bar near Lake Michigan to Dockside Bar with views of Lake Michigan and Downtown Milwaukee, you’re sure to find something to keep you occupied during your time at Big Gig!

If you want to avoid parking and traffic, consider taking advantage of free shuttle services. They have set times and are easy to locate; just remember to tip the driver a bit!

5. Glastonbury

Glastonbury is one of the world’s most renowned music festivals, held each year in Pilton, Somerset, England, and featuring some of the biggest names in music.

This five-day festival offers an abundance of activities to enjoy. Music stages, dance tents, and arts and crafts stations can all be found throughout the grounds.

At the festival, there are plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy – like visiting a food court and playground. Plus, you can explore its history at the museum, as well as sample different types of cuisine.

Max Fish is another must-try restaurant that serves delicious seafood dishes. Their menu has plenty of choices and they even have great deals on their menu!

At Glastonbury’s heart, this restaurant offers fresh seafood dishes in every direction. Their menu boasts an impressive variety of dishes from appetizers to pasta and everything in between.

The festival is an ambitious undertaking that requires a large team of individuals to pull off. This includes operations managers, site crew, entertainers, staging technicians, press and media representatives, security personnel, medical teams, market stall holders, and more – just to name a few!

6. Pol’and’Rock

Poland’s Pol’and’Rock festival, inspired by the iconic Woodstock event, is one of Europe’s biggest music events. Held annually since 1995 in Kostrzyn nad Odra, this annual event attracts over 400,000 attendees annually.

Pol’and’Rock is an international music festival that brings together various genres. Performers range from rock, punk rock, heavy metal, rapcore, reggae, and folk to electronica. On the main stage, you can catch live performances by various bands while the Viva Kultura tent offers DJs and other electronic artists.

The festival takes place in an idyllic forest setting and includes a camping site. People gather in their “villages” (in Polish, wioska) several days before the event to set up tents and prepare for camping.

This festival also hosts a variety of activities related to social activism and freedom of expression. Its Academy of Fine Arts serves as an arena for interaction between young people, artists, politicians, religious leaders, and even television journalists.

The 2020 edition of Pol’and’Rock is a hybrid event, which brings together a limited audience on-site at the festival site with an online broadcast. This allows attendees to interact with each other in two distinct ways: through immediate, simultaneous activities; and deferred interactions that can foster community over longer periods.