11 Biggest Music Festivals in the World: Is this Time Different?

Published on December 20, 2022 at 1:45 pm by Tim Frederick in Lists, News

In this article we present the list of 11 Biggest Music Festivals in the World. Click to skip ahead and see the 5 Biggest Music Festivals in the World.

The Montreal International Jazz Festival, Summerfest, and Donauinselfest are three of the 11 biggest music festivals in the world, attracting hundreds of thousands or even millions of attendees annually.

The live events space was devastated by the Covid-19 pandemic, losing an estimated $30 billion in 2020 as virtually every major tour and music festival was shuttered. Given the restrictions on crowd gatherings in many countries during 2020 and into 2021, which frequently limited events to just 500 or fewer attendees, there was simply no way for concert and festival promoters to stage events.

The industry began coming out of its slumber in 2021, with several prominent artists getting back out on tour, including J. Cole, Jack Harlow, and Lil Baby. While there was a lot of pent-up demand for the return of live events, many people also remained cautious about diving headfirst into large crowds again.

With the fear of Covid continuing to abate, that caution finally appears to have given way to the burning desire for live experiences, as evidenced by the strong attendance numbers this year for many of the 11 biggest music festivals in the world, which have met or even exceeded their pre-pandemic attendance figures.

We’ll get to those numbers in a moment, but before we check out the 11 biggest music festivals in the world, let’s see what some of the most prominent questions are that people have about the music festival scene. To uncover those questions we turned to OpenAI’s artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT. We’ve gathered the top six questions as identified by the language learning model and then recorded its own asnwers to those questions. Check them out below.

Question 1: What is a music festival?

ChatGPT’s Answer: A music festival is a large-scale event featuring live music performances, typically over the course of several days. Music festivals can feature a wide range of music genres, including rock, pop, hip hop, electronic, folk, and more. They can be held indoors or outdoors, and may take place in a variety of locations, such as music venues, arenas, parks, or festivals grounds.

Music festivals can be a fun and exciting way to experience live music, and they may also offer other activities or attractions, such as food and drink vendors, art installations, carnival rides, or camping. Many music festivals attract large crowds and may feature well-known or up-and-coming artists, making them a popular destination for music fans.

Music festivals can vary in size and scope, from small, local events to large, multi-day festivals that draw attendees from around the world. They may be organized by music venues, event promoters, or other organizations, and may be ticketed events or free to attend.

Question 2: How do I find out about music festivals in my area?

ChatGPT’s Answer: There are a few ways you can find out about music festivals in your area:

Search online: Many music festivals have their own websites or social media accounts where they post information about upcoming events. You can also search online directories or event listings to find music festivals in your area.
Ask friends and locals: Ask your friends or people you know who live in your area if they have heard of any music festivals coming up. You can also try reaching out to local music venues or radio stations for recommendations.
Follow music festivals on social media: Many music festivals have active social media accounts where they post updates about upcoming events. Follow these accounts to stay up-to-date on music festivals in your area.
Sign up for newsletters: Some music festivals offer newsletters that you can sign up for to receive updates about upcoming events. You can usually find a sign-up form on the festival’s website.
Check with tourism boards: Local tourism boards may have information about music festivals and other events happening in your area. You can usually find this information on their website or by contacting them directly.

Question 3: How do I buy tickets for a music festival?

ChatGPT’s Answer: Here are some steps you can follow to buy tickets for a music festival:

Find a music festival: There are many different music festivals to choose from, and you may want to consider factors such as location, lineup, and ticket price when deciding which festival to attend. You can find information about music festivals in your area through websites and social media platforms, or by asking friends or local music venues for recommendations.
Check ticket availability: Once you have found a music festival that you want to attend, check to see if tickets are still available. You can usually find this information on the festival’s website or through ticketing platforms such as Ticketmaster.
Choose your ticket type: Music festivals may offer different types of tickets, such as single-day or multi-day passes, VIP packages, or camping options. Consider which type of ticket is the best fit for your needs and budget.
Purchase tickets: Follow the instructions on the festival’s website or ticketing platform to purchase your tickets. You may need to provide personal information such as your name, address, and payment details.
Confirm your purchase: After you have completed the ticket purchase process, you should receive a confirmation email or receipt. Make sure to keep this safe, as you may need it to pick up your tickets or prove that you purchased them.
Plan your transportation and accommodations: If you are traveling to the music festival, be sure to plan your transportation and accommodations in advance. Some festivals may offer shuttle services or have designated camping areas, or you may want to consider using public transportation or carpooling with friends.

Question 4: What should I bring to a music festival?

ChatGPT’s Answer: Here is a list of items you may want to consider bringing with you to a music festival:

Tickets: Make sure to bring your tickets or confirmation of purchase with you to the music festival.
Water bottle: Music festivals can be physically demanding, and it’s important to stay hydrated to avoid getting dehydrated. Bring a water bottle and plan to refill it throughout the day.
Sunscreen: Sunburn and heat exhaustion are common risks at music festivals. Make sure to bring sunscreen and apply it throughout the day.
Hat or other protective clothing: Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat or other protective clothing.
Cash or card: You may need cash or a card to purchase food, drinks, or other items at the festival.
Phone and charger: Bring your phone and a charger so you can stay in touch with friends and call for help if needed.
Identification: Make sure to bring a valid form of identification with you to the festival, as it may be required to enter the event or to purchase alcohol.
Medications: If you take any medications, be sure to bring them with you to the festival.
Comfortable shoes: Music festivals can involve a lot of walking and standing, so it’s important to wear comfortable shoes.
Clothing for all weather: Music festivals can be unpredictable, and you may encounter a range of weather conditions over the course of the event. Make sure to pack a range of clothing options, including jackets, hats, and other accessories, in case you need to adapt to changing conditions.

Question 5: How do I prepare for a music festival?

ChatGPT’s Answer: Here are a few steps you can take to prepare for a music festival:

Buy tickets: Make sure to purchase your tickets in advance, as music festivals can often sell out. Check the event website or ticketing platform for details on how to purchase tickets and any fees that may be associated with the purchase.
Plan your transportation: Consider how you will get to and from the music festival, as well as any transportation you may need while you are there. Some festivals may offer shuttle services or have designated parking areas, or you may want to consider using public transportation or carpooling with friends.
Pack wisely: Make a list of everything you need to bring with you to the music festival, including essentials such as water, sunscreen, and a phone charger, as well as any other items you may need such as cash, a map of the festival grounds, or tickets.
Familiarize yourself with the festival: Look up the festival schedule and lineup ahead of time so you know who is playing and when. Consider making a plan for which acts you want to see and where you want to be at different times of the day.
Stay hydrated: Music festivals can be physically demanding, and it’s important to stay hydrated to avoid getting dehydrated. Bring a water bottle and plan to refill it throughout the day.
Protect yourself from the sun: Sunburn and heat exhaustion are common risks at music festivals. Make sure to bring sunscreen and a hat or other protective clothing to protect yourself from the sun.
Stay safe: Music festivals can be crowded and chaotic, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to stay safe. Consider bringing a friend or group with you, and have a plan in place in case you get separated.

Question 6: What should I wear to a music festival?

ChatGPT’s Answer: What you should wear to a music festival depends on a number of factors, including the location, weather, and style of the event. Here are a few tips to help you choose what to wear to a music festival:

Check the weather: Make sure to check the forecast for the location of the music festival and plan your outfit accordingly. If it’s going to be hot, you may want to wear lightweight, breathable clothing. If it’s going to be cold, you may want to bring layers and warm accessories.
Consider the dress code: Some music festivals may have a specific dress code, such as a requirement to wear fancy dress or all black. Be sure to check the event website or guidelines for any dress code requirements.
Comfort is key: Music festivals can be physically demanding, with lots of walking and standing. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty or sweaty.
Accessorize: Music festivals are a great opportunity to express your personal style. Consider adding accessories such as hats, sunglasses, or jewelry to your outfit to help you stand out in the crowd.
Pack for all occasions: Music festivals can be unpredictable, and you may encounter a range of weather conditions over the course of the event. Make sure to pack a range of clothing options, including jackets, hats, and other accessories, in case you need to adapt to changing conditions.

It’s also a good idea to bring a small bag or backpack to carry essentials such as sunscreen, a water bottle, and any other items you may need throughout the day.

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Now that you know how to find the best music festivals and prepare to attend them, let’s check out a bunch that should be at the top of your wishlist as we rank the 11 biggest music festivals in the world.

Our Methodology

To determine the biggest music festivals in the world, we surveyed a variety of sources for their top picks and then gathered the 2022 attendance figures for each event. 2022 data was not available in a few cases, in which case we used the event’s historical attendance figures.

11 Biggest Music Festivals in the World

Disclaimer: The following write-ups are generated primarily by ChatGPT and not everything ChatGPT outputs is accurate, so its responses have to be taken with a grain of salt. However, for the most part it’s proven to be a powerful research tool. In some instances the responses have been edited for style and clarity, or additional information has been added by the author.

11. Sziget Festival

2022 Attendance: 450,000

First up on the list of 11 biggest music festivals in the world is the Sziget Festival, an annual music and cultural festival that takes place on Óbudai-sziget, a small island in the Danube river in Budapest, Hungary. The festival was first held in 1993 and has grown in popularity over the years, attracting more than 500,000 visitors each year.

The Sziget Festival features a diverse lineup of music, with a focus on rock, pop, and electronic music. In addition to music, the festival also features a variety of cultural events, including theater performances, art exhibitions, and film screenings.

The Sziget Festival is known for its unique atmosphere and vibrant energy, and it has become a popular destination for music fans from around the world. If you are planning to attend the Sziget Festival, it is a good idea to book your tickets and accommodations in advance, as the event can get very crowded.

10. Essence Music Festival

2022 Attendance: 500,000

The Essence Music Festival is an annual music festival that takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana which is known for its celebration of African American culture and its focus on social and political issues. The festival was founded in 1995 and is one of the largest events celebrating African American culture in the United States. It attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and has become a major cultural and economic event for the city of New Orleans.

The Essence Music Festival features a diverse lineup of music, with a focus on R&B, hip hop, and soul. In addition to music, the festival also includes a variety of other events, such as panel discussions, workshops, and vendors selling food and other goods.

9. Festival L’Boulevard

2022 Attendance: 520,000

Festival L’Boulevard is the first of two music festivals held in Morocco that cracked the list of the 11 biggest music festivals in the world. The 2022 edition of the urban music festival, which is held in the city of Casablanca, was graced by some of Morocco’s biggest hip-hop acts, El Grande Toto and L’Morphine. However, one of the festival’s live performances, which was held at RUC Stadium, was plagued by overcrowding, theft, and violence.

8. Tomorrowland

2022 Attendance: 600,000

Ranking as the eighth biggest music festival in the world with sold out attendance of 600,000 in 2022 is Tomorrowland, an annual music festival that takes place in Belgium. It is one of the largest and most well-known music festivals in the world, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The festival was first held in 2005 and has since become known for its high-quality production and diverse lineup of music, with a focus on electronic dance music (EDM).

Tomorrowland takes place over two weekends in the summer and features multiple stages with live music performances, as well as other entertainment such as fireworks, light shows, and food and drink vendors. The festival is known for its vibrant atmosphere and has become a popular destination for music fans from around the world.

7. Rock in Rio

Historical Attendance: 700,000

Rock in Rio is an annual music festival that takes place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is one of the largest and most well-known music festivals in the world, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The festival was first held in 1985 and has since become known for its high-quality production and diverse lineup of music, with a focus on rock and pop.

Rock in Rio takes place over several days in the fall and features multiple stages with live music performances, as well as other entertainment such as food and drink vendors and carnival rides. The festival is known for its vibrant atmosphere and has become a popular destination for music fans from around the world.

6. Pol’and’Rock Festival

Historical Attendance: 750,000

Closing out the first part of your ranking of the 11 biggest music festivals in the world is the Pol’and’Rock Festival, also known as the Przystanek Woodstock Festival, an annual music and cultural festival that takes place in Kostrzyn nad Odrą, Poland. The festival was first held in 1995 and has grown in popularity over the years, attracting more than 500,000 visitors each year.

The Pol’and’Rock Festival features a diverse lineup of music, with a focus on rock, pop, and electronic music. In addition to music, the festival also includes a variety of other events, such as theater performances, art exhibitions, and film screenings. The Festival is known for its unique atmosphere and vibrant energy, and has become a popular destination for music fans from around the world.

Please continue to see the 5 Biggest Music Festivals in the World.