Is there anything sweeter than waking up to a day filled with music, laughter, delicious street food, and revelry? It’s the place where you discover your new favorite band, make friends with strangers, dance until you drop and, unless you have a nearby hotel, bathing usually reduces to a minimum.
There’s truly no place like a festival, and we’ve rounded up the most popular from around the world worth checking out in 2025. From legendary gatherings like Glastonburyn to dance-centric spectacles like Tomorrowland and ADE, these festivals promise unforgettable moments of music, camaraderie, and culinary delights.
For five days in June, the world-renowned Glastonbury Festival in Somerset, England, transforms into its own ecosystem, catering to everyone from middle-aged hippies to twenty-something hipsters and festival old-timers. Whether you’re heading to the Pyramid Stage to watch legends like Rod Stewart, dancing to the catchy tunes of Olivia Rodrigo, or venturing into the forest for some moon bathing, Glastonbury leaves no stone unturned.
Benicàssim, a four-day music festival on Spain's east coast between Valencia and Barcelona, offers a tantalizing blend of music and holiday vibes. Camp under the stars or combine the festival with a beach vacation, topping up your tan and swimming in the nearby glistening sea.
Nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva, the Montreux Jazz Festival has captivated nearly 250,000 spectators each year since its inception in 1967. Renowned for its stunning setting, the festival has welcomed legends like Miles Davis, Ray Charles, David Bowie, and Prince. While jazz remains at its heart, Montreux embraces a diverse range of musical styles over two weeks.
Held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the multi-day biennial festival has become a cultural touchstone, drawing over 700,000 attendees from around the globe. With a star-studded lineup, electrifying performances, and an unmatched carnival-like atmosphere, Rock in Rio stands as one of the world's most exciting festivals.
The festival returns in 2026, dates to be announced.
Held at the Naeba Ski Resort in Niigata Prefecture, Japan, the Fuji Rock Festival is an iconic three-day rock festival and the largest music festival in Japan, drawing between 100,000 and 150,000 attendees. Known as the "cleanest festival in the world," it's steeped in history, including the dramatic 1997 event when the Red Hot Chili Peppers headlined during a storm, risking their lives until the set was prematurely ended and the festival shut down.
A festival like no other, Burning Man is a week-long, large-scale desert event held annually in Nevada's Black Rock Desert. It celebrates community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance. The event's name comes from its climax: the symbolic burning of a large wooden effigy known as the Man. No money is exchanged at Burning Man, embracing a gift economy instead.
Held at the Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, Serbia, this award-winning festival began as a student movement advocating for democracy and freedom in Serbia and the Balkans. Set against a backdrop rich in history, Exit will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2025, and you can bet the organizers have something extraordinary in store.
Situated by the Algés riverside, close to Lisbon, NOS Alive is perfect for those who prefer staying in a hotel or Airbnb rather than camping, although camping options are available too. Attracting a mix of Lisbon locals and tourists, NOS Alive boasts a great variety of music and international food vendors, and has to be one of the cleanest festivals on this list.
Tomorrowland, held annually in Boom, Belgium, is one of the world’s largest and most iconic electronic dance music festivals. Known for its spectacular light shows, immersive atmosphere, and top-tier lineups, Tomorrowland brings together hundreds of thousands of festival-goers from all corners of the globe. Since its inception in 2005, the festival has become a pilgrimage for electronic music lovers
Vibe: A quintessential American festival set against the Chicago skyline in Grant Park. Features a very wide range of genres including rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic music.
Confirmed/Rumored: Olivia Rodrigo, Tyler, the Creator, Sabrina Carpenter, RÜFÜS DU SOL, Luke Combs, TWICE, A$AP Rocky, Korn, The Killers, Megan Thee Stallion, Hozier, SZA, Stray Kids, Future x Metro Boomin, Blink-182, Melanie Martinez.
Sziget Festival (Hungary)
When: August 6-11, 2025
Vibe: Held on Óbuda Island in Budapest, it's known as the "Island of Freedom" and offers a diverse, multicultural experience with music across many genres, arts, workshops, and a vibrant party atmosphere. Often considered one of the most budget-friendly large festivals.
Confirmed/Rumored: Post Malone, A$AP Rocky, Chappell Roan, Charlie XCX.
Rock in Rio (Brazil)
When: October 31-November 02 and November 07-09, 2025
Vibe: A massive institution that transforms Rio de Janeiro into a global music capital. Features huge names across rock, pop, and various other genres.
Electric Picnic, held annually in Stradbally, County Laois, Ireland, is one of the country’s most renowned music and arts festivals. Launched in 2004, it features a diverse lineup that spans everything from indie rock to pop amd electronic music, offering something for every taste, set in the picturesque countryside. The festival is known for its welcoming atmosphere, artistic installations, and unique blend of music, theater, and food, making it an unmissable event for those seeking an immersive festival experience.
Sonar, held annually in Barcelona, Spain, is a premier festival celebrating electronic music and digital arts. Since 1994, it has featured a mix of top-tier performances, DJ sets, and interactive art, drawing global audiences for its innovative blend of music and technology. The festival is split into two parts: Sónar by Day, showcasing art and performances, and Sónar by Night, offering late-night music and immersive experiences.
Reading and Leeds Festivals, held annually in the UK over the August Bank Holiday weekend, are twin music festivals with bands rotating over the three days. With a history dating back to 1961, these festivals have become a British summer staple, known for their eclectic lineups featuring everything from rock and indie to metal and electronic.
Set against the backdrop of the Chicago skyline since its founding in 1991, Lollapalooza has grown into one of the most iconic festivals in the US, drawing thousands of music lovers each year. With its vibrant atmosphere, diverse lineup, and stunning and super convenient location in Grant Park, Lollapalooza offers an unforgettable experience for festivalgoers from around the globe.
Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) is the most upfront, influential, and educational gathering for electronic music and its industry. On any given day, there could be as many as 90 events… And those are just official ADE sessions. At night, there are more than 300 parties across 80 clubs with more than 2,000 DJs. If you are an EDM fan this would be the holy grail.
Rock am Ring takes place at the Nürburgring, is the twin event to Rock im Park in Nuremberg, with both festivals typically sharing nearly identical lineups. Together, Rock am Ring and Rock im Park form one of Germany’s largest and most celebrated music events, attracting thousands of fans each year for an unforgettable experience of rock, metal, and alternative music.
Sziget Festival regularly attracts over 350,000 revelers to its charming island location in the heart of Budapest. With an impressive scale featuring 50 venues and 200 daily performances over seven days, the festival offers more than just music, highlighting unique attractions like circus acts and yoga sessions, making it a vibrant celebration of culture and creativity.
Located in the heart of Atlanta, Shaky Knees Festival has become a music lover's staple. In 2025, the festival will move from Central Park to Piedmont Park and shift from spring to fall. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and vibrant city backdrop, the festival features both established and emerging acts, offering an unforgettable weekend of live music and performances.
Located in a purpose-built outdoor area called the Forum, Primavera Sound is set in the beautiful coastal city of Barcelona. Although there’s no camping area, meaning out-of-towners need to book hotels, the festival's appeal lies in its unforgettable mix of music, culture, and the Mediterranean lifestyle.
