The unifying and healing power of good music is undisputed. A mode of self-expression for some, a much-needed release for others — the vibe of a music fest is stimulating and addictive. Festivals celebrating music have become bigger and better over the years. With the world getting back up to speed after the COVID-19 pandemic, music fans will be eager to catch these upcoming festivals happening globally in 2023. Music fests contribute a great deal towards the tourism industry as well, which was heavily affected in the peak pandemic years of 2020 and 2021. Let’s jump into the 14 ‘must-see’ music festivals that have fans excited for 2023:
1. Lollapalooza, India
Dates: 28 and 29 January
Venue: Mahalaxmi Race Course, Mumbai
Founded in the 90s by singer Perry Farrell, this global music festival is coming to India in 2023. The lineup is super impressive with 40 artists roped in from all over the world. The main performers include Imagine Dragons, The Strokes, AP Dhillon, Greta van Fleet, Diplo, Zhu, Prateek Kuhad, Divine and Cigarettes After Sex.
2. St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival, Australia
Dates: 30 January – 12 February
Venue: Auckland, Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne Perth and Fremantle.
This festival is for fans of Indie-Rock. The lineup includes Haim, Joji, Finneas, Fountains DC, The Beths, Yards Act, Fred Again and Girl In Red.
3. Clockenflap, Hong Kong
Dates: 3-5 March
Venue: Central Harbourfront, Hong Kong
This cutting-edge outdoor art and music festival is touted to be Asia’s Coachella. Its popularity and craze is undefined. Food, fun and music are its main attractions. The festival also give regional Asian artists a global platform and creates a world of audience for them. The first line-up and tickets for this upcoming music festival are yet to be announced but fans can be prepared for it to be legendary as it is the 12th edition of Clockenflap.
4. Knotfest, Japan
Dates: 1 and 2 April
Venue: Chiba, Japan
Fans of death metal have been waiting for Knotfest to come to Japan since 2020. The festival, which was postponed for the third time, is finally taking place in April. Heavy metal icons Slipknot are headlining this event, creating a major buzz among metalheads.
5. ADE, Amsterdam
Dates: 18-22 October
Venue: Across Amsterdam
A must-visit event for an electronic music enthusiast, the Amsterdam Dance Event is entertainment meets education for any learner of this genre of music. The festival scene is robust with many live performances, lectures and representation for all the electronic sub-genres and bands such as Suzanne Ciani & Metropole Orkest, and Jameszoo’s Blind Group have played here. There are 1000+ events planned over 200 venues for 2023.
6. EDC, USA
Dates: 19-21 May
Venue: Motor Speedway, Las Vegas
This event is not just a music festival but a celebration of life. Audio-visual graphics, trippy music and trippier rides await music fans at the party capital of the world, Las Vegas. Vibrant shows with neon lights playing electronic music enthral the crowd like anything. The lineup in 2023 includes Grimes, Kaskade & Deadmau5, Eric Prydz, Charlotte de Witte, Armin van Buuren, Excision and Porter Robinson.
7. Ultra Music Festival, USA
Dates: 24-26 March
Venue: Downtown Miami
Witness the ultimate war of DJs from all over the world and party like never before at this electronic music fest which is in Miami in 2023. This year’s lineup includes Above & Beyond, Adam Beyer B2B Cirez D, Afrojack, Amelie Lens, Armin van Buuren, Carl Cox, David Guetta, DJ Snake and Swedish House Mafia.
8. Burning Man, USA
Dates: 27 August – 4 September
Black Rock Desert, Nevada
This summer arts and cultural event is sure to appeal to the music connoisseur as well as the art enthusiast in you. Celebrities and social media influencers make a beeline at this event as it is a global platform for the broad field of experimental art in different genres. The theme for 2023 is ‘Animalia’ and this year it celebrates their kingdom and negotiates our space in it.
9. Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, USA
Dates: 14-16 April and 21-23 April
Venue: Palm Springs, California
This is the biggest music festival in terms of popularity. Coachella attracts huge crowds for its art, culture and music. Additionally, attending this festival has become a status symbol now. Fans across the planet are waiting for the 2023 lineup for this party of the year.
10. Glastonbury
Dates: 21-25 June
Venue: Worthy Farm, Pilton, Somerset, UK
One of the most anticipated music festivals in the UK and around the world, the annual festival is known for its spectacular headliners. 2023 will see big names like Elton John take the stage. Last year, the festival brought acts like Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, Haim, and Megan Thee Stallion to the party.
11. Tomorrowland
Dates: 21-30 July
Venue: Schorre Recreation Area, Boom, Belgium
There’s a reason why this massive festival draws hordes to the Belgian countryside annually. An electro and house music lover’s dream, the event not only boasts ethereal stage design, but also activities like hidden nooks and crannies to be explored. Names like Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, David Guetta, Nicky Romero, and Tiesto have been known to play here.
12. Dreamville Fest, USA
Dates: 1 and 2 April
Venue: North Carolina
Launched in 2018, this festival celebrates the Black culture, by including genres of Orleans Jazz, with much aplomb. The weekend-long event encourages local art in the state of North Carolina and is a part of their cultural identity. It has the most gorgeous of all venues as takes place in Dorothea Dix Park, which is the greenest city park in Raleigh.
13. Something in The Water, USA
Dates: 28-30 April
Venue: Virginia Beach, Virginia
This festival is organised by Pharrell William and around 50,000 visitors graced the event in 2022. It always has an impressive and star studded lineup with the likes of Usher, Justin Timberlake, J Balvin, Dave Matthews Band and Calvin Harris headlining the festival prior. The 2023 lineup is to be announced soon.
14. Rolling Loud, USA
Dates: 21-23 July
Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens
About the event: This is one of the most popular festivals across the globe. This lineup itself should tempt anyone who loves to groove to hip-hop. Kid Cudi, Future, Kendrick Lamar and are to headline the lineup that includes Playboi Carti, Lil Durk, Don Toliver, 2 Chainz, Gunna and DaBaby.
So which of these events are you most looking forward to? Or did we perhaps miss your most anticipated festival off the list? Let us know in the comments below!
