10 awesome music festivals to check out this summer
Music, summer, and fun go together, which is why we've curated a list of some of the quirkiest and coolest music festivals around the world.
It’s getting hot up here in the Northern Hemisphere. With summer fully upon us, people are soaking up the sunshine, showing some skin, and planning adventures near and far, including trips to the sweatiest of summer traditions: music festivals.
Before you bust out your flower headdress and head to Lollapalooza, check out what else the world has to offer. Here are 10 music festivals across the globe that can offer a unique—and potentially more meaningful—travel experience.
Reggae Sumfest in Jamaica
July 17-23, 2016
Billed under the slogan “Our Music, Our Festival,” Jamaica’s biggest festival is held every year in Montego Bay, kicking off with an annual beach party and an all-white dress code party followed by days of music from some of the biggest acts in the homeland of reggae.
Lineup highlights: Stone Love, Beenie Man, Super Cat
Alfa Future People in Russia
July 22-24, 2016
Held in the Russian countryside, six hours east of Moscow by car, Alfa Future People is more than a massive EDM (electronic dance music) festival, with exhibitions on the latest in technology and athletic opportunities like a volleyball tournament and aerial gymnastics classes.
Lineup highlights:
Armin Van Buuren, Axwell and Ingrosso, Martin Garrix
Fuji Rock in Japan
July 22-24, 2016
This event held every year at Japan’s Naeba Ski Resort might be the music festival surrounded by the most stunning natural beauty of any in the world. Hikes between stages will lead you through green cathedral forests and cool mountain streams. Or you can hitch a ride on the Dragondola—the longest gondola on Earth.
Lineup highlights: Beck, Wilco, Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals
Splendour in the Grass in Australia
July 22-24, 2016
It may be winter in Byron Bay, Australia, but it is still summertime in the Northern Hemisphere! Besides, winter in Byron Bay is like winter in Hawaii, so you don’t need to leave behind your flip-flops and board shorts. Splendour in the Grass includes great live music plus additional draws like the Global Village, talks from thought leaders on science, politics, and more, and the Splendour Comedy Club.
Lineup highlights: The Strokes, the Cure, Band of Horses, Sigur Rós
Baleapop in France
August 8-11, 2016
Lineup highlights: Suuns, Shackleton
In the Mix in the Philippines
August 18, 2016
This arts and music festival held annually on the shores of Lake Malawi in southern Africa promises a truly unique experience. Lake of Stars brings together Malawian artists with creatives from around the world for a weekend of music, dancing, and positive vibes that infuses $1.5 million into the local economy.
Lineup highlights: Freshlyground, Faith Mussa, Flo Dee
