Famous Music Festivals in the World 2023 - Top 10 Best
by Maivizhi A | Updated Mar 22, 2023
Famous Music Festivals in the World 2023
For music enthusiasts who can't get enough of live performances, nothing can match the thrill of attending a festival. Whether it's a large-scale event held at designated festival grounds or scattered across multiple venues in a city, the rush of experiencing as many shows as possible over a few days while grooving to your favorite artists and discovering new favorites is unparalleled. With live music now back to pre-pandemic levels, most music festivals have returned, and several new ones have emerged. In this article, Thrillist has compiled a list of noteworthy music festivals and their lineups for 2023, spanning from major festivals and local favorites to recently launched events and exclusive, intimate gatherings. While not every festival lineup is covered, you're sure to come across some of the most exciting festivals that you'll want to grab a pass for and travel to. Hundreds of music festivals run year-round all over the world, but the events on this list are renowned for their A-list performers, lively crowds, and eclectic experiences.
Top 10 Famous Music Festivals in the World 2023
Here, we have updated the Top 10 Famous Music Festivals in the World 2023. Check the table below.
S.No
Famous Music Festivals
1
Coachella
2
Hellfest
3
Glastonbury
4
Lollapalooza
5
Bonnaroo
6
Gov Ball
7
Tomorrowland
8
Calvi on the Rocks
9
Mad Cool Festival
10
Summer Sonic
We have given below a brief description of the music festivals mentioned above.
1. Coachella
Coachella, a music festival held over three days in April in Indio, California, is well-known for its celebrity sightings and popularity among millennials. The festival is a hotbed for social media sharing and is one of the most financially lucrative music festivals in the world. Attendees can enjoy the outdoor atmosphere while taking in art displays, food, and lounges. The festival has a distinctly artistic vibe and often features Woodstock-inspired fashion. In the past, Coachella has featured high-profile artists such as The Weeknd, Billie Eilish, and Harry Styles, while Frank Ocean is set to headline in 2023, with rumored appearances by Bad Bunny and BLACKPINK. Billboard predicts that the festival may also include performances by Rihanna, Drake, SZA, or Dua Lipa.The event is scheduled to take place from 14 to 23 April 2023.
2. Hellfest
The 16th edition of Hellfest is returning with an exciting lineup that is sure to please all enthusiasts of rock and metal music. Clisson, a village located in the Loire-Atlantique region of France, will host this renowned festival for four days, featuring some of the biggest names in the genre such as Iron Maiden, KISS, SlipKnot, Sum41, Machine Gun Kelly, and Pantera. The event is scheduled to take place from the 15th to the 18th of June 2023.
3. Glastonbury
Glastonbury is an iconic festival that originated in Somerset in the early 1970s, and has since then featured legendary rock and pop icons such as T Rex, David Bowie, The Smiths, and The Cure. With almost a hundred stages, Glastonbury is currently one of the largest festivals in the world, renowned for its impressive lineup every year. In 2022, the festival showcased performances by acclaimed artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish, and Burna Boy, attracting an audience of nearly 150,000 enthusiastic festival goers. The festival is scheduled to be held from the 21st to the 25th of June 2023 in Pilton, UK.
4. Lollapalooza
Lollapalooza, which derives its whimsical name from a Three Stooges comedy, is slated to occur from August 3rd to August 6th this year. The festival draws in thousands of attendees, particularly college students, who will converge upon Chicago's Grant Park to take in the stunning cityscape, sample authentic Chicago cuisine, and experience over 170 live acts. With 9 stages encircling them, concertgoers can expect to enjoy an eclectic range of musical genres, from hip-hop to rock. Last year's festival featured performances by well-known artists such as Metallica, Green Day, and J.Cole, among others. For those seeking enhanced experiences, ticket upgrades offering access to exclusive lounges, premium amenities, and prime views are available.
5. Bonnaroo
Bonnaroo offers a vibrant and diverse experience on a farm in Manchester, Tennessee. The festival, which appeals mainly to a youthful audience, is set to take place from June 15th to 18th in 2023. With more than 150 performers, art installations, and a wide range of activities, Bonnaroo promises to cater to all your musical and entertainment preferences, from pop to metal. Don't miss out on the colorful parades, relaxing yoga sessions, nostalgic ferris wheel rides, and exhilarating water slides. This event, which started in 2002, is not to be missed.
6. Gov Ball
If you're looking to catch a diverse range of artists in the bustling city of New York, the renowned "Gov Ball" is an excellent choice. This festival takes place in June and boasts a huge crowd, delicious food and drinks, and captivating art installations in the form of towering statues and inflatables. With over 70 performances spread across 4 stages, including surprise shows, Governors Ball promises to keep you entertained and on your toes.
7. Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland is an international festival that caters to the electronic dance music scene, with its main event taking place in Belgium. The festival attracts tens of thousands of attendees who enjoy the spectacularly decorated stage, which looks like something out of a dream. Visitors appreciate the diverse crowd, the fireworks, and the variety of food options available, in addition to the world-renowned performers. Some of the top DJs who have performed at Tomorrowland in the past include David Guetta, Tiësto, and Swedish House Mafia.
8. Calvi on the Rocks
Calvi on the Rocks is a renowned music festival in Corsica, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2023 and is an ideal way to kick off the summer season. Electronic music enthusiasts shouldn't miss this festival as it promises to be a delightful experience. Although the lineup for this year's event has not yet been disclosed, the festival is sure to electrify Calvi's beaches with thrilling performances over four days. Air France has partnered with the festival to make it even more accessible for attendees. The festival is scheduled to be held from the 30th of June to the 3rd of July 2023.
9. Mad Cool Festival
Mad Cool Festival in Madrid, Spain, is all set to rock its audience once again with its seventh edition featuring some of the biggest names in the music industry, such as Lizzo, Sam Smith, Liam Gallagher, Jamie XX, Franz Ferdinand, and Robbie Williams. This three-night event promises to provide an exceptional experience to music enthusiasts who come to immerse themselves in the electrifying atmosphere. The festival is scheduled to be held from the 6th to the 8th of July 2023.
10. Summer Sonic
Summer Sonic, also known as Supersonic, is one of the most significant festivals in Japan, established in the year 2000. It spans over two days and takes place in both Osaka and Tokyo, featuring some of the most prominent Japanese and international artists, including Shawn Mendes, Tame Impala, Jorja Smith, St Vincent, and Chance The Rapper. The festival has gained immense popularity over the years and promises to offer a remarkable experience to music enthusiasts. The event is scheduled to be held on the 19th and 20th of August 2023.
Which is the Most Famous Music Festival in the World 2023?
In 1999, Goldenvoice and Paul Tollett launched the first-ever Coachella music festival in Indio, California, which was held outdoors in the desert. The event attracted 20,000 attendees over the first two days and earned nearly one million dollars. By 2004, tickets for Coachella had sold out for the first time, and it quickly became one of the most highly anticipated music festivals worldwide. So, how did Coachella achieve this success?
Nowadays, music festivals are much more than simply a "music event". Like any product marketing, there are many factors that come into play for them to achieve cult status and reach the level they are at today. This is especially true for large-scale events like Coachella, which has become extremely profitable for both music fans and celebrities.
After a three-year hiatus caused by frequent rescheduling due to the pandemic, Coachella is slated to make a huge comeback in April 2022. As is customary for Coachella, the music festival will be followed by its sister event, Stagecoach, the highest-grossing country music festival in the world, also presented by Goldenvoice.
Biggest Music Festivals in the World
Music festivals are back to pre-pandemic levels, and the year 2023 promises to be an exciting time for music enthusiasts worldwide. The list of top 10 famous music festivals in 2023 features renowned events such as Coachella, Hellfest, Glastonbury, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Gov Ball, Tomorrowland, Calvi on the Rocks, Mad Cool Festival, and Summer Sonic. These festivals feature A-list performers, lively crowds, and eclectic experiences that cater to various musical and entertainment preferences. From Coachella's star-studded lineup to Hellfest's rock and metal showcase, Glastonbury's legendary rock and pop icons to Lollapalooza's diverse range of musical genres, these festivals promise to keep attendees entertained and on their toes. Additionally, the festivals offer unique experiences such as art displays, food, lounges, parades, yoga sessions, ferris wheel rides, water slides, and captivating art installations, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Famous Music Festivals in the World 2023 - FAQs
Coachella is a famous three-day music festival that takes place in Indio, California every year in April. It is known for its outdoor atmosphere, art displays, lounges, and celebrity sightings.
Frank Ocean is set to headline Coachella 2023, with rumored appearances by Bad Bunny and BLACKPINK. Billboard predicts that the festival may also include performances by Rihanna, Drake, SZA, or Dua Lipa.
Hellfest is held in Clisson, a village located in the Loire-Atlantique region of France.
Hellfest 2023 is featuring some of the biggest names in rock and metal music, such as Iron Maiden, KISS, SlipKnot, Sum41, Machine Gun Kelly, and Pantera.
Glastonbury is scheduled to be held from the 21st to the 25th of June 2023 in Pilton, UK.