Best music festivals in the world

May 2023

The people behind Primavera Sound know how to throw a festival – this summer’s edition is its 21st go at it. It kicks off at the end of May and Mercury-prize nominee Self Esteem will share the stage with the likes of Jake Bugg and 80s favourites The Pet Shop Boys this year. The festival’s set in Parc del Forum, which is just a 20-minute tram ride from Barcelona’s centre. That means you’ll be able to slot in some sightseeing, too.

June 2023

If the likes of Glastonbury and V Festival are too mainstream for you, you’ll love Bulgaria’s Meadows in the Mountains. Hidden away in the Rhodope mountains, this event is ideal for any hippie types. Thanks to its middle-of-nowhere setting, it’s easy to tune out everyday stresses and worries – and your relaxation’s accompanied by the sounds of live soul, funk and folk music by day, and house DJs at night. When it comes to getting to the remote festival, you’ve got plenty of options. Choose between an airport shuttle or a taxi.

June 2023

Vienna’s home to one of the world’s biggest open-air music festivals, The Donauinselfest. And if that’s not impressive enough for you, how about the fact that it’s totally free? Over three days the Donauinsel – a manmade island right in the middle of the Danube – hosts a variety of local and international acts from stacks of different stages. You won’t struggle to find something to suit your taste at this place – it’s got a roster of rock, folk, hip-hop and metal music on the agenda.

June 2023

The Governors Ball in New York’s Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, is another festival with huge names on the line-up. Artists like Lizzo, HAIM and Kendrick Lamar are appearing at the 2023 festival dubbed New York’s biggest party. The festival is also big on food, with access to gourmet grub from NYC’s tastiest establishments. And the venue, which is new for this year, is easy to reach from the city via the subway to Mets-Willets Point station.

July 2023

Spain’s head honcho knows its way around a festival or two, with a medley of music fests on the cards throughout the year. Mad Cool Festival’s one of its most popular picks – it’s probably no surprise considering its crowd-pleasing line-up featuring pop, rock and just about everything in between. It bags some big names, too, with the likes of Lizzo and Lil Nas X set to take to the stage this summer. Location-wise, it all takes place in Villaverde – a neighbourhood in Madrid around a 20-minute train ride from the centre of the city.

July 2023

Benicassim always boasts an all-star selection of performers. With the likes of The Offspring, Franz Ferdinand and Bastille on the list for 2023. The location’s ideal, as well. Nestled on the stretch of coast between Valencia and Barcelona, Benicassim serves up the best of the Spanish seaside, alongside its standout soundtrack. The acts perform across four stages, and a nightly pool party keeps the festivities going into the early hours. 

July 2023

Since 1998, Julys in Tuscany have been soundtracked by the Lucca Summer Festival. This event has attracted big names from the get-go – Bob Dylan headlined in its first year. These days, the line-up’s filled with a mixture of genres, from pop and rock, to indie and electronic. The festival gives you the chance to explore the city of Lucca and its surrounding countryside, too, with its guided bike tours.

August 2023

This six-day festival lines up a list of acts from the international pop and dance music scene. Billie Eilish and David Guetta are top of the bill this year, and they’re followed up by acts such as Sam Fender and Niall Horan. This one’s another island fest, taking place on Obuda Island – a stone’s throw from the beating heart of Budapest.

August 2023

The Dalmatian Coast’s Dimensions is one of Croatia’s top-rated festivals – it’s got a stunning location and tonnes of techno, house and drum and bass DJs on its line-up to thank for that. The party kicks off in Tisno’s coastal Garden Resort – highlights include a stage that rub shoulders with the shoreline – then it’s on to Barbarellas Discotheque where the dancing doesn’t stop ‘til sunrise.

Ready to book the ultimate festival experience?

We can get you to your favourite festivals, plus give you top-notch accommodation while you’re there. Check out our summer deals to book your holiday, and find out why it’s worth getting next summer’s holiday booked early.

For more inspiration, take a look at the ultimate guide to Malta’s music festivals, read the best things to do in New York or find out how to spend a day in Barcelona.

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Author: Karl Taylor

Last updated: 15.03.2023