Music festivals like Coachella and Glastonbury aren’t just events, they’re cultural phenomena that draw millions worldwide. This guide invites you on a tour of the biggest music festivals in the world, from the iconic fields of Glastonbury to the colourful stages of Tomorrowland.
Whether you’re a veteran festival-goer or just starting out, our list provides a detailed roundup of where you need to be in 2025 for the perfect combination of music, culture, and atmosphere.
So, without further ado, here are some of the best music festivals on the global stage you can visit in 2025.
As one of the best open-air festivals in all of Europe, the infamous Donauinselfest takes place on the artificial island of the Danube River every summer. It spans various music genres, from hip-hop to rock and electronic music, offering 600 hours of live performance across 16 stages.
What makes this festival more special is that it’s completely free to attend, attracting a crowd of 3 million people every year to Austria. So, if you’re thinking of making your summer more fun this year, visit the festival’s official website and prepare yourself for the loads of fun activities you can partake in.
If you’re thinking of weeks of unending fun with legendary performances from your favourite artists, good food and booze, comedy performances, and other cultural attractions, the Milwaukee Summerfest is a great opportunity.
It takes place on Milwaukee’s Lakefront, with over 800 acts in 2 weeks. It was named the “World’s Largest Music Festival” by the Guinness World Records back in 1999, and it has only continued to grow larger thereafter.
By attending this festival, you can be hosted by a selection of top artists like Megan Thee Stallion, Def Leppard, Hozier, and the Lumineers and enjoy various music genres, including country, rock, and hip hop.
The Rock in Rio International Festival, a South American event, boasts numerous undiscovered gems. Taking advantage of the country’s culture, it offers a carnival-like experience to all the rock, pop, and electronic music lovers who attend it.
The Rock in Rio music festival was initially introduced in Brazil as a means for people to have fun and for the country to boost its tourism industry. However, as years passed and famous artists like Mariah Carey, Drake, and Cardi B performed at the festival, it grew larger, with editions in Spain (Madrid), Portugal (Lisbon), and the US (Las Vegas) as well.
Glastonbury is one of the most famous and sought-after UK festivals across the world. It’s known for its cool lineups, massive camping spots, mysterious hidden stages, and bohemian spirit.
This year’s festival lineup is no disappointment, with massive artists like The 1975, Olivia Rodrigo, Doechii, Raye, and Charli XCX performing. It’s set to take place on the last weekend of June, so you should get tickets as soon as you get the chance if you’re thinking of going.
The Tomorrowland Festival, held in Belgium, is the largest electronic dance music (EDM) event in the entire world. The festival is renowned for its breathtaking stage decorations, which range from dragons to castles and more, as well as its vibrant light shows.
Tickets to the Tomorrowland festival usually sell out in mere minutes, with EDM fans from over 200 countries attending. Additionally, the event offers DreamVille, an on-site camping area that turns into a small city during the festival.
Then there’s the infamous Coachella, one of the most iconic music festivals in the USA. We’ve all seen it and heard about its dress code. It’s a 2-weekend music festival in the California Desert that showcases rock, indie, pop, and electronic acts on multiple stages.
With artists like Lana Del Rey and Doja Cat making history in the festival, the Coachella Valley music event often features surprise performances and unique collaborations between mainstream artists and emerging talents. It’s also known for its fashion and art installations, making it stand out.
Lollapalooza is another well-known music festival in the US. It was originally founded as an alternative rock tour but has expanded over the years, now featuring a mix of mainstream and indie artists across various genres (e.g. rock, hip-hop, and EDM).
The festival is known for its art installations and sustainability efforts. Not only does it offer a near-magical experience in Chicago’s Grant Park every year, but it has also grown popular in other countries, with editions in Argentina, Brazil, and Germany.
The Electric Daisy Carnival, AKA EDC Las Vegas, is another EDM music festival on our list. It’s well-known for its LED-lit stages, carnival rides, and overnight party vibes. It hosts top EDM DJs (such as Voyd, Meduza, Calwz, and more) and attracts a dedicated global fan base.
The festival also debuted on January 17–19, 2025, in Thailand, marking the most major music festival in Asia.
Now, if you’re a classics lover, you’ve got to attend the 2025 North Sea Jazz Festival. It’s a perfect blend of jazz, R&B, soul, funk, and blues, with performances from industry legends and contemporary artists.
The festival takes place in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and is held indoors. This makes it even more special and different from your typical outdoor festival experience.
Consistently ranking as one of the biggest music festivals, Rock Werchter, in Belgium, hosts a selection of artists from different rock styles every year. The Belgian Festival features a mix of classic rock, alternative, and emerging artists, providing a well-organised festival experience with high-quality amenities.
Once you’ve chosen a festival, let’s discuss how to maximise your experience.
While attending such festivals, you’ll be relying a lot on your phone and data, which could make your phone bill skyrocket. Especially if you’re travelling abroad and want to avoid high roaming charges, you’ll need a sustainable option to assist with navigation, contactless payments, and sharing experiences without incurring significant costs.
One of these options is to use eSIMs. They’ll save you from the hassle of having to physically swap out SIM cards. Plus, they’re much more cost-effective. All you need to do is find the best eSIM plans for festival travellers and stay connected with affordable mobile data.
We examined some of the world’s largest music festivals and their 2025 dates in this article. We covered all major festivals worth your time, from hip-hop and indie sensations like Coachella and Glastonbury to EDM events like EDC Las Vegas.
If you’re planning on attending one of these and want to stay connected without high roaming charges and unreliable networks, you should explore these global destinations with an eSIM.
Yes! An eSIM ensures seamless connectivity without expensive roaming fees.
The best festivals for EDM lovers include Tomorrowland, EDC Las Vegas, Ultra Music Festival (Miami), and Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE).
Tomorrowland (Belgium) and Electric Daisy Carnival (Las Vegas) are among the biggest EDM festivals.
Donauinselfest in Austria holds the record with over 3 million attendees annually.
Verified writer
