Around the World in Music Festivals

Around the World in Music Festivals

Whether you are into electronic music, rock, pop or any other genre, these festivals, either in the desert or in the rain, cater for every taste.

Electric Zoo Festival, Randall Island New York, USA

Held annually over Labor Day weekend at Randall's Island in New York City, Electric Zoo is an unmissable attraction on the electronic-dance-music circuit. Like its name indicates, the event has a zoo theme which prompts most of its over 100,000 attendees to dress up accordingly. So just get a onesie of a cute animal or wear your dancing shoes, and party till dawn.

Tomorrowland, Belgium

If you are into electronic music, Tomorrowland is a must for you. One of the biggest electornic music festivals in the world, this three-day festival takes place in Boom, Belgium. Fairytale-themed, this event offers more elaborate, otherworldly stage designs each year. Here you'll see world-class DJs fuel epic dance parties till dawn, amongst fireworks and volcanoes lighting up the stage.

The Falls Festival, Australia

One of Australia's biggest festivals, Falls takes place in three different destinations simultaneously. A remarkable venue is the one in Marion Bay outside Hobart. There you can watch the performance of international acts in the wilderness. Hidden in the bush is the Village - the extra special party that sits away from the main festival and is home to a few extra special acts.

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Palm Desert, USA

If you head to the Californian desert to attend Coachella, you won't just enjoy the music and dance till your feet hurt, but you will also be able to spot celebrities from all walks of life. Most festival-goers opt for wearing cut off shorts and flower crowns, but it is not mandatory.

Glastonbury Festival, England

Taking place each year in the county of Somerset, south of Bristol, Glastonbury is England's most popular music festival. The origin of the festival dates back to 1970 when the ticket used to cost £1. Nowadays, tickets run out in minutes with headliners that include the biggest musicians of the moment performing at more than 100 stages. Make sure that your dancing shoes are waterproof or at least they are gum boots as the field tends to get muddy.

Splendour in the Grass, NSW

This three-day festival takes place in Byron Bay and it is dedicated to contemporary arts. Local acts share the stage with international heavyweight in stages tucked between the gum trees. Apart from the music, the festival is also about live art, installations, dance performances, and even a day spa on site. There is also a section for the little ones called Little Splendour and there's another section called Splendour Crafts for those who want to take a break from the music.

Fuji Rock, Japan

Even though some people might think that rock is now old-school with electronic music taking over, this genre remains strong, particularly in one of Japan's biggest rock festivals, Fuji Rock. Despite its name, the festival doesn't take place near Mount Fuji but on the Naeba Ski Resort in the Niigata Prefecture. Over 100,000 people descend on the field, where stages sit on the mountain slopes. International stars from far and wide headline this festival, attracting not only locals but also fans from all over the world. Apart from the music, this festival is also about the hot springs and hammock forests that surround the event.