© Getty Images

Glastonbury, UK -

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 want to take to the Pyramid Stage to watch legends like Sir Paul McCartney and Beyoncé or head to the forest for some moon bathing, Glastonbury leaves no stone unturned.

Dates: June 25 – 29, 2025.

© Getty Images

FIB Benicàssim, Spain -

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.

Dates: July 17 – 19, 2025.

© Getty Images

Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland -

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. 

Dates: July 4 - 19, 2025.

© Getty Images

Rock in Rio, Brazil -

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.

© Getty Images

Fuji Rock, Japan -

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.

Dates: July 25 – 27, 2025.

© Shutterstock

Burning Man, USA -

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.

Dates: August 24 - September 1, 2025.

© Shutterstock

Exit, Serbia -

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.

Dates: July 10 - 13, 2025.

© Getty Images

NOS Alive, Portugal -

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.

Dates: July 10 - 12, 2025.

© Getty Images

Tomorrowland, Belgium -

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.

Dates: July 18 - 20 and July 25 - 27 2025.

© Getty Images

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, USA -

Celebrity-favorite Coachella is an annual music festival held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, set against the stunning backdrop of the Colorado Desert. Born out of a 1993 Pearl Jam concert that boycotted Ticketmaster-controlled venues, the event proved the site’s potential for large gatherings, paving the way for the first Coachella Festival in October 1999. Coachella has become a playground for the rich and famous, drawing those who enjoy high fashion, luxury, and the chance to mingle with A-list stars.

Dates: April 11 - 13 & 18 - 20, 2025.

© Getty Images

Electric Picnic, Ireland -

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.

Dates: August 29 - 31, 2025.

© Getty Images

Sonar, Spain -

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.

Dates: June 12 - 14, 2025.

© Getty Images

Reading and Leeds, UK -

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.

Dates: August 21 - 24, 2025.

© Getty Images

Lollapalooza, Chicago -

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.

Dates: July 31 - August 3, 2025

© Getty Images

Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) -

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.

Dates: October 22 – 26, 2025.

© Getty Images

Rock am Ring, Germany -

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.

Dates: June 6 - 8, 2025.

© Getty Images

Sziget, Hungary -

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.

Dates: August 6 – 11, 2025.

© Getty Images

Shaky Knees, USA -

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.

Dates: September 19 - 21, 2025.

© Getty Images

Primavera Sound, Spain -

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.

Dates: June 5 - 7, 2025.

© Getty Images

Download, UK -

Download Festival is a premier rock and metal festival held annually at Donington Park in Leicestershire, England. This iconic event draws fans from all over the world, offering an intense and immersive experience for those who revel in rock and metal music. If rock and metal are your genres, attending Download Festival is sure to become a cherished tradition.

Dates: June 13 – 15, 2025.

© Getty Images

Rock en Seine, France -

Rock en Seine is one of the biggest festivals in France and one of the most important musical events in Europe. It takes place every year on the last weekend of August in a park just outside of Paris. The festival features a diverse mix of cutting-edge performances, blending indie, rock, pop, and electronic sounds, all while soaking in the unique Parisian atmosphere.

Dates: August 20 - 24, 2025.

© Getty Images

Roskilde, Denmark -

Less than 20 miles (32 km) from Copenhagen, The Roskilde Festival was Denmark's first music-oriented festival, created for hippies in 1971. Known for its commitment to inclusivity and social causes, it offers an eclectic mix of music across genres, alongside art installations, workshops, and activism. Its unique blend of music, culture, and community makes it a truly special experience, with festival-goers embracing not only the performances but also the spirit of creativity and social change that the festival promotes.

Dates: June 28 - July 5, 2025.

© Getty Images

Governors Ball, USA -

Summer in NYC is not complete without the Governors Ball, an iconic music festival that has become a beloved staple of the city's summer calendar. The 15th edition will be held at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, featuring a mix of top-charting artists and emerging talents across genres from rock and hip-hop to electronic and indie. With its stunning backdrop and the vibrant energy that only New York City can provide, the 2025 edition of the Governors Ball promises to be an unforgettable celebration. 

Dates: June 6 - 8, 2025.

© Getty Images

Bilbao BBK Live, Spain -

Bilbao BBK Live is an annual rock and pop music festival held in Bilbao, Spain. Since its inception, the festival has been hosted in a purpose-built complex on the slopes of Mount Cobetas, located southwest of the city, providing a unique and scenic backdrop for the event. With striking scenery, a focus on sustainability, a great crowd, and an ever-impressive and eclectic program, Bilbao BBK Live promises an unforgettable experience year after year.

Dates July 10 - 12, 2025.

© Getty Images

Open'er, Poland -

Open'er Festival is one of Poland's largest and most renowned music festivals, held annually in the coastal city of Gdynia. Open’er Festival won the Best Major Festival prize at the European Festivals Awards ceremony in 2009, 2010, and 2019 and has become a must for music fans. Open'er is known for its relaxed vibe, drawing a crowd from across Europe and beyond, making it a key highlight of the summer festival season.

Dates: July 2 – 5, 2025.

© Getty Images

Austin City Limits (ACL), USA -

Since 2002, the ACL Music Festival has hosted over 130 artists and 225,000 patrons annually at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas. Inspired by the KLRU/PBS music series 'Austin City Limits,' the festival continues to offer a dream lineup of artists across eight stages, featuring genres like rock, indie, country, folk, electronic, and hip-hop. The concerts run from 10 am to 10 pm each day—a more respectable option for those who aren't night owls.

Dates: October 3 – 12, 2025.

© Getty Images

Montréal International Jazz Festival, Canada -

The Montréal International Jazz Festival, held annually in the vibrant city of Montreal, Canada, is one of the largest jazz festivals in the world. Founded in 1980, it attracts millions with its incredible lineup of performances spanning jazz, blues, world music, and beyond. Featuring both legendary jazz icons and emerging talents, the festival, combined with the charming atmosphere of Montreal, makes it a must-attend event for jazz enthusiasts and music lovers alike.

Dates: June 26 – July 5, 2025.

© Getty Images

Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, USA -

Last but not least, Bonnaroo has been referred to as "the Glastonbury Festival of the United States" due to its eclectic lineup, free-spirited atmosphere, commitment to sustainability, and the necessity of camping. Since its inception in 2002, the festival has been held at Great Stage Park, a 700-acre farm in Manchester, Tennessee, an hour's drive from Nashville where you can get your country music fix. 

Dates: June 12 - 15, 2025.

Sources: (Time Out) (Dazed) (Billboard)

See also: The surprising health benefits of listening to music

© Getty Images