20 Best Music Festivals in the World to Experience Once

Considered the pinnacle of the festival circuit, this massive event in the English countryside offers a mix of contemporary music, theater, and circus arts across hundreds of stages.

A flagship electronic dance music event known for its breathtaking stage designs, fairy-tale themes, and global unity atmosphere that transforms a Belgian park into a fantasy world.

An essential desert experience that blends high-profile musical acts with large-scale art installations and celebrity-studded fashion in the heart of the Colorado Desert.

Taking place on the 'Island of Freedom' in the middle of the Danube, this week-long cultural explosion features rock, pop, and electronic artists alongside diverse art programs.

One of the largest music festivals globally, famous for its massive crowds and high-energy performances from the world's biggest rock and pop legends.

A pristine mountain retreat that offers a clean, eco-friendly environment where attendees can enjoy rock and indie music surrounded by forests and natural hot springs.

Originally a touring farewell show, it has evolved into a global brand centered in Chicago, known for its eclectic lineups of alternative rock, hip hop, and heavy metal.

A tastemaker's dream located on the Mediterranean coast, focusing on indie, experimental music, and high-quality lineups that prioritize artistic merit over mainstream trends.

A deep dive into the rich musical, craft, and culinary culture of Louisiana, featuring everything from traditional jazz and gospel to blues and rock.

A non-profit festival managed by volunteers, where all proceeds go to humanitarian causes, creating a unique 'orange feeling' of community and activism.

Held on the shores of Lake Geneva, this prestigious event has seen legendary performances by jazz greats and contemporary stars in intimate concert hall settings.

More of a temporary community than a festival, this event focuses on radical self-expression and communal effort in a harsh desert environment without commercial sponsors.

The center of the electronic music universe during Winter Music Conference, featuring the world's top DJs amidst the iconic skyscrapers of downtown Miami.

A rite of passage for music fans in the UK, these twin festivals host the biggest names in rock, metal, and indie across two locations simultaneously.

A 700-acre farm transformed into a vibrant community known for its positive vibes, diverse jam-band roots, and late-night performances that last until sunrise.

Located inside a massive 18th-century fortress, this award-winning festival started as a student movement for peace and democracy in Serbia.

Under the slogan 'All Are Welcome Here,' this neon-soaked carnival features massive art cars, carnival rides, and the most elaborate stages in the dance music world.

Australia's favorite winter music event, showcasing a mix of international headliners and local talent in a beautiful rural amphitheater.

The largest open-air music festival in the world, this free event on an island in the Danube River attracts millions for a multi-genre musical celebration.

Known as 'the party with a purpose,' this event celebrates African-American culture through music, food, and empowerment seminars in the heart of the South.