Bored of muddy fields, warm Carlsberg and the confines of this small island? The time has come to spread those party wings and try something new. We've done a spot of globe-trotting on your behalf, from solstice celebrations to fun-packed immersive events. You're bound to get a well-deserved dose of wanderlust with our guide to the top 10 music festivals in the world.
Tomorrowland
Belgium, July 17th-31st 2022
If you're after the biggest music festival in the world, then be sure to check out Tomorrowland. Held in the aptly named Boom, the event sees the very best international house, techno and EDM playing across nearly 20 stages. Meanwhile, back in the immersive city-state of the Dreamville campsite, you'll find everything from a marketplace to a giant water fountain and hoards of sunned-up revellers.
Tomorrowland has a culture all of its own, and some of the most storming stage scenes in the festival industry.
Splendour In The Grass
Australia, July 22nd-24th 2022
Not keen to tackle Straya during the height of summer? Splendour In The Grass is a top-notch winter celebration. Boasting an international list of big-name headliners, together with smaller domestic outfits, it's no wonder why this is one of New South Wales' best-loved music festivals. As well as the wicked sets taking place across its stages, this event offers a range of quirky activities to get involved in, from circus workshops and weaving to collaborative art installations.
Make the most of Australia's cool season with a trip to one of the country's best events.
Melt
Germany, July 9th-12th 2022
A huge open-air event held in an industrial machine museum, Melt is up there with the best music festivals in Europe. Its lineups are renowned for showcasing the height of cutting-edge electronic tunes across seven stages, including the 24-hour Sleepless Floor. 2022 proves no different, as Arlo Parks, BbyMutha, Biig Piig and Bladee are all getting a look-in. Sign us up.
From the industrial location to the stellar programming, Melt has definitely made a mark on the festival world.
Ohana
USA, September 30th-2nd October & October 8th-9th 2022
On a quest for the perfect combination of beach vibes and music? Ohana is definitely one to add to your list of music festivals in the world. Held at Dana Point in California, this cool event is bound to get you dancing to a range of pop or rock tunes, all while taking in the stunning backdrop of the sea. Whether you want to chill on the grass, laze in a hammock or be on your feet (or perhaps all three), you can at this top-notch location.
You'll need to pack your suncream for this beach event.
Electric Picnic
Ireland, September 2nd-4th 2022
Held on the grounds of the grand Stradbally Hall, Electric Picnic is one of Ireland's most popular festivals. Known for its diverse offerings, it's probably the only place in the country where you're likely to catch A Tribe Called Quest on the same bill as Duran Duran. Along with the musical acts, which this year include Dermot Kennedy, Arctic Monkeys and Megan Thee Stallion, you'll also find a wealth of comedy or theatre.
The cool kid of the festival game, Electric Picnic brings together some of the most diverse acts in the biz.
Let It Roll
Czech Republic, August 4th-6th 2022
Fan of drum and bass bangers? Get a ticket to Let It Roll at Milovice Airfield. Not only is this event popular in the Czech Republic, but it has also gained global recognition as one of the best music festivals for this genre of music. As for artists? As well as over 300 DJs, expect 2022 to have Dimension, Hybrid Minds, Sub Focus and Wilkinson.
You won't find a better drum and bass festival than this.
Osheaga
Canada, July 29th-31st 2022
If you find yourself in Montreal this summer, then we would recommend nabbing a ticket to one of the famous music festivals in the world, Osheaga. The three-day event is dedicated to art as much as top tunes, with an amazing array of installations and contemporary works created by local collectives to enjoy around the site. As for artists? Think Dua Lipa, A$AP Rocky and Arcade Fire.
Montreal's Osheaga is the perfect place to let your hair down.
Untold
Romania, August 4th-7th 2022
European EDM gig Untold has definitely earned a spot on our best picks of the top 10 festivals around the world. Far from being just a weekend of non-stop throbbing bass (though, there is a lot), this hotspot has a wide range of artists across the genre board. Expect 2022 to have an epic set lists, including Above & Beyond, Anne-Marie, David Guetta and Alok.
Untold is swiftly making a name for itself as one of the most popular events in Romania.
Boomtown Fair
UK, August 10th-14th 2022
2022 sees Boomtown Fair enter its fourteenth year, and the sprawling party shows no signs of slowing down. More than a festival, this small city is complete with clearly defined districts that offer a taste of bohemianism, luxury living or dystopia. Its sets are vast and impressive, while the lineups are even more so, including past performances from The Streets, Gorillaz, The Specials and Limp Bizkit.
After years of bringing non-stop fun to thousands, Boomtown is finally hitting the big leagues.
Outside Lands
USA, August 5th - 7th 2022
San Francisco's day-to-night summer showcase, Outside Lands is fronting more than just some of the world's most exciting artists. Alongside stellar appearances this year from Green Day, Post Malone and SZA, this festival hosts some haute cuisine. From food trucks or wine bars to a whole stage dedicated to cooking workshops and gastro-musical mashups, this is bound to impress.
Famous faces and fun food events make up just two reasons you should try out this San Francisco festival.
Ready to upgrade your summer plans? Read our guide to festivals in the UK or sign up for our London newsletter here.
