Everyone wants to attend the legendary festivals, but in truth, there isn’t any shortage of incredible venues around the world. We’re listing some of the most exciting ones you can still attend in 2024, and hope some of them are worthy of your presence. A great musical event can make the perfect holiday, or justify a flight around the world – we know that much. Here are some of our picks for the best music festivals of 2024 across different nations and musical styles.
Dubai Jazz Festival (Dubai, UAE)
Location: Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, Dubai
Dates: February, 2025
Many fly to Dubai by private jet to attend The Dubai Jazz Festival, set in the scenic Dubai Media City Amphitheatre. This is a prime event in the Middle East for jazz and contemporary music lovers. In February 2024, the festival featured acclaimed artists like Lauryn Hill, Bruno Major, Lionel Richie, and One Republic, alongside the jazz fusion band Spyro Gyra.
The amphitheatre offers an enchanting atmosphere with its lush surroundings and a stage overlooking a lake, enhancing the concert experience. Lauryn Hill is expected to perform tracks from her celebrated album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill”, while Lionel Richie and Spyro Gyra captivated the audience with their classic and fusion tunes respectively. One Republic had the honour of closing the festival, with hits like “Apologize” and “Counting Stars”. Tickets for specific performances are available all year long, allowing flexibility for attendees to choose their preferred acts. This festival is renowned not just for its music, but also for contributing significantly to Dubai’s cultural scene and tourism.
Fuji Rock Festival (Niigata Prefecture, Japan)
Location: Naeba Ski Resort, Niigata Prefecture, Japan
Dates: Typically held in late July
Fuji Rock Festival, Japan’s largest outdoor music event, takes place at the picturesque Naeba Ski Resort. This festival is known for its eclectic music line-up that includes genres ranging from rock and electronic to hip-hop and indie music. The festival’s environment, surrounded by forests and mountains, provides a unique backdrop that enhances the experience.
Attendees also enjoy on-site camping, making it a fully immersive experience. The festival not only offers music but also environmental workshops, with a strong emphasis on sustainability. Prices and specific line-up details for 2024 are typically announced early in the year on the festival’s official website.
Vivid Sydney (Sydney, Australia)
Location: Sydney, Australia
Dates: 24th May – 25th June, 2024
The Vivid Sydney is part festival, part light show, with an aura of art and cultural celebration. This annual event transforms Sydney into a wonderland of light installations and projections spreading throughout the city. It includes performances from local and international musicians and public talks from global thinkers. The festival is highly accessible, with many free public exhibits and installations, making it popular among both locals and tourists. The music program spans various genres and venues, integrating beautifully with the light shows that illuminate Sydney’s landmarks.
Rock in Rio (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Dates: 13-22 September, 2024
Rock in Rio is one of the largest music festivals in the world, held biennially in Rio de Janeiro. It spans over a week with performances from top-tier global stars across rock, pop, and other music genres. The festival boasts multiple stages, including the Main Stage for headline acts and smaller stages for up-and-coming bands as well as electronic music.
As you may already know, Rock in Rio is not only a music festival but a cultural event that includes attractions, rides, and a variety of international cuisines. Prices vary depending on the pass types, which typically include day passes and full-event passes. The line-up and ticket prices for 2024 will be announced on the festival’s official site closer to the event date. If you’d like to experience the Rock in Rio experience but don’t want to fly to Brazil, you can do so at its European counterpart, Rock in Rio Lisbon.