Music festivals around the world offer a chance to see your favourite artists perform live, discover new music, and have an incredible shared experience with other music lovers. As festival season approaches in 2025, here are some of the top music festivals to look forward to across several continents.
Oceania
Splendour in the Grass – Byron Bay, Australia – July
Splendour in the Grass brings major international acts together with local Australian talent for three days of concerts and camping just outside Byron Bay. Its indie rock leanings draw crowds keen to enjoy Australia’s winter music scene. While the 2025 lineup is still under wraps, Splendour has previously hosted Lizzo, Tyler the Creator, and The Strokes.
Northern Bass – Mangawhai, New Zealand – December
Northern Bass transforms a summer camp in Northland into a vibrant New Year’s music festival. With camping onsite, it allows attendees to connect with nature while enjoying house, drum ‘n’ bass, hip hop, reggae, and more from local and international DJs as they ring in the new year.
For those seeking a different kind of experience beyond the music, here are some ideas to explore the festival grounds! In past years, Northern Bass has often included activities like:
- Relaxation zones: Find designated areas for yoga, meditation, and chill-out moments.
- Creative spaces: Keep an eye out for art installations, craft workshops, or fire dancing performances.”
Rhythm and Alps – Cardrona Valley, New Zealand – December
At the base of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, Rhythm and Alps combines snow sports with music at the Cardrona ski resort in Wanaka. Festival goers can pitch tents or stay in ‘snow domes’ while taking in house, dubstep, drum ‘n’ bass, and live indie rock against a stunning alpine backdrop to welcome the new year.
Europe
Tomorrowland – Boom, Belgium – July
Tomorrowland is one of the world’s largest electronic dance music festivals, known for its elaborate stages, dazzling pyrotechnics, and top DJ talent. The 2025 theme is “Orbyz”. The lineup has yet to be announced, but past headliners have included Tiësto, Martin Garrix, Armin Van Buuren, and Steve Aoki. Tomorrowland offers camping options and beautiful backdrops in Boom, Belgium.
Primavera Sound – Barcelona, Spain – June
Primavera Sound brings together indie, pop, rock, and electronic acts for a beachside festival in Barcelona. The 2025 lineup boasts Charli XCX, Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Wet Leg, and St. Vincent among other popular alternative acts. With affordable tickets and no camping required, Primavera Sound offers a cosmopolitan festival experience.
Sziget Festival – Budapest, Hungary – August
Sziget Festival takes place on an island in the Danube River in Budapest, with a uniquely diverse lineup spanning rock, pop, indie, jazz, and more. Over 50 stages host concerts alongside theatre, dance, circus performances, art exhibitions, and city exploration. Sziget offers varied accommodation from 5-star hotels to camping.
North America
Coachella – Indio, California, USA – April
Coachella is a major festival held in the southern California desert, known for big headliners, celebrity sightings, and summer fashion influence. 2025’s lineup will include Lady Gaga and Megan Thee Stallion. With camping grounds, après festival pool parties, and art installations, Coachella tops many festival bucket lists.
Lollapalooza – Chicago, Illinois, USA – July
Lollapalooza brings alternative rock, EDM, pop, hip hop, and more to Chicago’s Grant Park for four days. Perry’s electronic stage is a festival unto itself, while food vendors, family areas, and afterparties round out the massive event. Anticipated headliners include Shawn Mendes, Olivia Rodrigo, and Justin Timberlake.
Osheaga Music and Arts Festival – Montreal, Canada – August
Osheaga offers a multi-genre lineup on Île Notre-Dame in Montreal every summer. Billed as Canada’s top music festival, Osheaga mixes internationally renowned acts with emerging local talent on its various stages. 2024 saw Dua Lipa, Future, Charli XCX, and Burna Boy perform.
Around the world, 2025 promises exciting new artist lineups, fresh features, and partying against incredible backdrops at these and many other remarkable festivals. Wherever you are, there’s a festival experience waiting to be discovered and enjoyed among enthusiastic fellow fans. With many details still unannounced, music lovers have much anticipation ahead as these festival plans shape up. Keep your eyes and ears open for lineup drops, ticket releases, and sneak peeks of what these festivals have in store. The countdown is on!
