Coolest Summer Music Festivals Around the World (2019)
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VOICE OVER: Rebecca Brayton
WRITTEN BY: George Pacheco
Rocking out is a universal language. Welcome to MojoTravels, and today we're counting down our picks for the Coolest Summer Music Festivals Around the World (2019). We've already examined summer festivals in America, so for this list we'll be discussing some of the most unique and varied lineups of bands packing stages and venues around the rest of the world, with a focus on the festival hotbed of Europe.
The Best Summer Music Festivals Around the World in 2019
Rocking out is a universal language. Welcome to MojoTravels, and today we're counting down our picks for The Best Summer Music Festivals Around the World in 2019. We've already examined summer festivals in America, so for this list we'll be discussing some of the most unique and varied lineups of bands packing stages and venues around the rest of the world, with a focus on the festival hotbed of Europe.
Osheaga Music and Arts Festival
Montreal, Canada, August 2-4
The youngest summer festival on this list has been going strong since 2006, which is impressive given the fact that the Osheaga Festival boasts six separate stages of music. This Quebecois festival also doesn't rely solely on big name talent to earn their reputation, either, as Osheaga invites plenty of local bands for the chance to play live alongside some of the industry's biggest artists. Speaking of which, this year's lineup rocks it with Hozier, Childish Gambino, Gucci Mane, Interpol and many more. It's this combination of high-profile groups and young, up-and-comers which makes Osheaga one of the coolest summer music fests around.
Tomorrowland
Boom, Belgium, July 19-23; July 28-30
Tomorrowland may also not possess the same decades-long pedigree as other venerable fests on this list, but that doesn't make it any less enticing, especially for the young and adventurous. The fest was first held in 2005, and specializes in electronic music, with an emphasis on dancing and having a bangin’ time. Tomorrowland has also become increasingly popular as the years pass, with tickets often selling out in minutes for the enviable lineup of DJs and other artists who pack the stages. This year, expect to see The Chainsmokers, Bebe Rexha, DJ Licious, Modestep, Camelphat and many more play long into the night and into the early, bleary-eyed morning.
Glastonbury Festival
Pilton, England, June 26-30
Art comes first and foremost for the organizers of the U.K.'s Glastonbury Festival, which will be once again thrilling fans for nearly a full week this coming June. This summer festival began in 1970 and was inspired by the swinging hippie concerts of the hippie era, including Woodstock and Isle of Wight, and has featured a veritable who's who of musical talent throughout its nearly fifty-year existence. Multiple stages and events means that every conceivable music genre gets their time to shine, while dance shows, stand-up comedy, theatre and more provide welcome alternatives for adventurous festival goers. This year, expect to catch huge names like The Cure, The Killers, and the Wu-Tang Clan, as well as a tribute set to departed Prodigy member Keith Flint.
Festival Internacional de Benicàssim
Benicàssim, Spain, July 18-21
The name may seem like a mouthful, which is why veteran visitors to this Spanish music festival refer to the Festival Internacional de Benicàssim as simply: FIB. It's a nearly week-long party which invites everyone from musicians and fashion designers to filmmakers down to the beautiful resort area Benicàssim for a celebration of art. FIB usually begins early to mid-week, with music being held off a bit until the weekend. As a result, there's plenty of time for campers and visitors to experience all of the other sights that FIB has to offer, including art exhibits, fashion shows and cinema. This year, expect to see Lana Del Rey, Fatboy Slim, Kings of Leon, Franz Ferdinand and more rock the FIB stage, making this a week to remember.
Roskilde Festival
Roskilde, Denmark, June 29-July 6
Think of Denmark's Roskilde Festival as the summer music concert with a difference. Here, the emphasis isn't just placed upon having a good time, but also of education and activism, as exemplified by the festival's various workshops and extra-curricular activities. Of course, music fans also have plenty to look forward to with this summer's lineup, which includes icons such as Bob Dylan, as well as Tears for fears, Cardi B., Carpenter Brut, Empire of the Sun and Ulver. Here at Roskilde, rock, pop, country and electronic music mix for a good cause, bringing everyone together for a shared love of music and community.
Fuji Rock Festival
Yuzawa, Japan, July 26-28
Who said ski resorts are just for winter fun? Don't tell that to the organizers behind Japan's Fuji Rock Festival, which hits the Naeba Ski Resort this July for three full days of traditional and international music. Seven-plus stages may seem like a lot, but the gorgeous local scenery and Fuji Rock's mission to be as green and renewable as possible means that you'll never be bummed out hoofing it to watch your favorite artists. Delicious food options and an all night dance party are also on hand for those not seeking to move from stage to stage, although with a lineup that includes The Chemical Brothers, The Cure and Death Cab For Cutie, the choice is all up to you!
Montreux Jazz Festival
Montreux, Switzerland, June 28-July 13
The name may say "Jazz," but Montreux has been welcoming musicians of all kinds to their stages for over half a century. The Montreux Jazz Festival has been going strong since 1967, and over the years has embraced everything from traditional jazz and bebop to progressive rock, jazz vocals and fusion. Other genres have also been welcomed throughout the years, making Montreux a summer festival where fans who appreciate grade-A musicianship are almost certain to experience something new. This year brings a score of musical icons to the Swiss stage, including Sting, Janet Jackson and Elton John. Meanwhile, Joan Baez, Slash, ZZ Top, Thom Yorke and more prove that you can always expect the unexpected when attending The Montreux Jazz Festival.
Wacken Open Air
Wacken, Germany, August 1-3
For one weekend a year, all that is heavy converges upon the small German town of Wacken to bring together music fans from around the world. Wacken Open- r is more than just a summer music festival; it's a pilgrimage for many who feel that this is, quite simply, the best metal fest in the world. Fans can choose to camp out for the weekend or take shuttles back and forth between the packed, multi-stage event, but die-hards will tell you that roughing it is the ONLY true way to do an authentic Wacken experience. Diamond Head, Saxon, Monster Magnet and Testament are just a few of the big names playing Wacken this year, while attendees will also enjoy Slayer's final German festival show, as well as a special Hellhammer set from Celtic Frost frontman Tom G. Warrior.
Rocking out is a universal language. Welcome to MojoTravels, and today we're counting down our picks for The Best Summer Music Festivals Around the World in 2019. We've already examined summer festivals in America, so for this list we'll be discussing some of the most unique and varied lineups of bands packing stages and venues around the rest of the world, with a focus on the festival hotbed of Europe.
Osheaga Music and Arts Festival
Montreal, Canada, August 2-4
The youngest summer festival on this list has been going strong since 2006, which is impressive given the fact that the Osheaga Festival boasts six separate stages of music. This Quebecois festival also doesn't rely solely on big name talent to earn their reputation, either, as Osheaga invites plenty of local bands for the chance to play live alongside some of the industry's biggest artists. Speaking of which, this year's lineup rocks it with Hozier, Childish Gambino, Gucci Mane, Interpol and many more. It's this combination of high-profile groups and young, up-and-comers which makes Osheaga one of the coolest summer music fests around.
Tomorrowland
Boom, Belgium, July 19-23; July 28-30
Tomorrowland may also not possess the same decades-long pedigree as other venerable fests on this list, but that doesn't make it any less enticing, especially for the young and adventurous. The fest was first held in 2005, and specializes in electronic music, with an emphasis on dancing and having a bangin’ time. Tomorrowland has also become increasingly popular as the years pass, with tickets often selling out in minutes for the enviable lineup of DJs and other artists who pack the stages. This year, expect to see The Chainsmokers, Bebe Rexha, DJ Licious, Modestep, Camelphat and many more play long into the night and into the early, bleary-eyed morning.
Glastonbury Festival
Pilton, England, June 26-30
Art comes first and foremost for the organizers of the U.K.'s Glastonbury Festival, which will be once again thrilling fans for nearly a full week this coming June. This summer festival began in 1970 and was inspired by the swinging hippie concerts of the hippie era, including Woodstock and Isle of Wight, and has featured a veritable who's who of musical talent throughout its nearly fifty-year existence. Multiple stages and events means that every conceivable music genre gets their time to shine, while dance shows, stand-up comedy, theatre and more provide welcome alternatives for adventurous festival goers. This year, expect to catch huge names like The Cure, The Killers, and the Wu-Tang Clan, as well as a tribute set to departed Prodigy member Keith Flint.
Festival Internacional de Benicàssim
Benicàssim, Spain, July 18-21
The name may seem like a mouthful, which is why veteran visitors to this Spanish music festival refer to the Festival Internacional de Benicàssim as simply: FIB. It's a nearly week-long party which invites everyone from musicians and fashion designers to filmmakers down to the beautiful resort area Benicàssim for a celebration of art. FIB usually begins early to mid-week, with music being held off a bit until the weekend. As a result, there's plenty of time for campers and visitors to experience all of the other sights that FIB has to offer, including art exhibits, fashion shows and cinema. This year, expect to see Lana Del Rey, Fatboy Slim, Kings of Leon, Franz Ferdinand and more rock the FIB stage, making this a week to remember.
Roskilde Festival
Roskilde, Denmark, June 29-July 6
Think of Denmark's Roskilde Festival as the summer music concert with a difference. Here, the emphasis isn't just placed upon having a good time, but also of education and activism, as exemplified by the festival's various workshops and extra-curricular activities. Of course, music fans also have plenty to look forward to with this summer's lineup, which includes icons such as Bob Dylan, as well as Tears for fears, Cardi B., Carpenter Brut, Empire of the Sun and Ulver. Here at Roskilde, rock, pop, country and electronic music mix for a good cause, bringing everyone together for a shared love of music and community.
Fuji Rock Festival
Yuzawa, Japan, July 26-28
Who said ski resorts are just for winter fun? Don't tell that to the organizers behind Japan's Fuji Rock Festival, which hits the Naeba Ski Resort this July for three full days of traditional and international music. Seven-plus stages may seem like a lot, but the gorgeous local scenery and Fuji Rock's mission to be as green and renewable as possible means that you'll never be bummed out hoofing it to watch your favorite artists. Delicious food options and an all night dance party are also on hand for those not seeking to move from stage to stage, although with a lineup that includes The Chemical Brothers, The Cure and Death Cab For Cutie, the choice is all up to you!
Montreux Jazz Festival
Montreux, Switzerland, June 28-July 13
The name may say "Jazz," but Montreux has been welcoming musicians of all kinds to their stages for over half a century. The Montreux Jazz Festival has been going strong since 1967, and over the years has embraced everything from traditional jazz and bebop to progressive rock, jazz vocals and fusion. Other genres have also been welcomed throughout the years, making Montreux a summer festival where fans who appreciate grade-A musicianship are almost certain to experience something new. This year brings a score of musical icons to the Swiss stage, including Sting, Janet Jackson and Elton John. Meanwhile, Joan Baez, Slash, ZZ Top, Thom Yorke and more prove that you can always expect the unexpected when attending The Montreux Jazz Festival.
Wacken Open Air
Wacken, Germany, August 1-3
For one weekend a year, all that is heavy converges upon the small German town of Wacken to bring together music fans from around the world. Wacken Open- r is more than just a summer music festival; it's a pilgrimage for many who feel that this is, quite simply, the best metal fest in the world. Fans can choose to camp out for the weekend or take shuttles back and forth between the packed, multi-stage event, but die-hards will tell you that roughing it is the ONLY true way to do an authentic Wacken experience. Diamond Head, Saxon, Monster Magnet and Testament are just a few of the big names playing Wacken this year, while attendees will also enjoy Slayer's final German festival show, as well as a special Hellhammer set from Celtic Frost frontman Tom G. Warrior.
