Your Guide to the Best Music Festivals in the World 2022
Summer is coming, which means it’s time to talk about music festivals again. In this post, we’re going to give you the inside scoop on the best music festivals in the world, including the best EDM music festivals in the world, the best house music festivals in the world, and the most interesting places to see a music festival. We’re going to cover the whole globe in this post, so let’s get started. Because there are so many different kinds of festivals around the world that appeal to completely different types of audiences, we’re not going to make a list of the best music festivals in the world, ranked. Instead, we’re going to take a look at the many different festivals around the world that are worth your time and money so that you can decide which ones are the best for you.
Glastonbury Festival
The Glastonbury Festival is considered to be the granddaddy of all festivals, partly because it’s been around almost every year since the year 1970s. It also has the reputation for consistently having the biggest musical artists on the planet, past and present. This year’s festival is no exception with headliners including newcomer Billie Eilish as well as godfather of rock and roll, Paul McCartney. While Glastonbury has been known for being a primarily rock festival, it has been growing more diverse every year. This is one of the reasons why it is always featured on lists of the best music festivals in the world. Hip hop superstar Kendrick Lamar headlines Sunday night’s show and other major hip hop acts like Megan Thee Stallion and Burna Boy have prominent spots on big stages. Of course, you can always count on the lineup for Glastonbury to be stacked with UK favorites, and this year’s lineup is no exception. In addition to Paul McCartney, British mainstays Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Supergrass, Pet Shop Boys, Robert Plant (with Allison Krause), and Crowded House round out a lineup that also includes country and folk artists Kacey Musgraves and Big Thief. Even eclectic crooner Rufus Wainwright is set to perform this year. So, if you find yourself in Somerset, UK in late June, the Glastonbury Festival should definitely be on your list.
Primavera Sound Barcelona 2022
Just looking at the lineup for this year’s Primavera Sound Barcelona makes you realize why it’s impossible to make a list of the 10 best music festivals in the world. There are just too many amazing festivals, but Primavera may take the prize for 2022’s coolest fest. Part of being one of the best music festivals in the world is having a lineup that can appeal to nearly anyone. This year’s Primavera Sound brings together today’s hottest performers as well as some blasts from the past that you never expected to see again. Case in point, indie rock gods Pavement headline the first night of the fest along with Tame Impala. The nostalgia keeps on rolling on the first day of the fest with performers like Dinosaur Jr., and Kim Gordon (of Sonic Youth). This year’s headliners definitely skew towards the indie rockers with the second night being headlined by Beck, the National, and the Strokes, but lesser known indie rockers like Bikini Kill, Parquet Courts, and Shellac are also on the bill for day two. The third and final day of Primavera sound is headlined by Gorillaz, Jorja Smith, Nick Cave + Bad Seeds, and Tyler, the Creator. But you can also catch legendary singer Mavis Staples or electronic pioneers Bauhaus on the same day. Another reason why Primavera Sound is one of the best music festivals in the world, 2022, is because it also includes dozens of artists from its home country of Spain.
Sziget
If you happen to find yourself in Budapest, Hungary this August and you’re looking for one of the best pop festivals in the world check of this hard to pronounce fest with some huge headliners. Arctic Monkeys, Justin Bieber, Kings of Leon, and Tame Impala are just a few of the acts you can catch at this eclectic festival. While not specifically considered to be one of the best EDM festivals in the world, you can catch Calvin Harris, Steve Aoki, and a whole slew of other electronic musicians at this fest. And since no one ever wants a music festival to end, Sziget Fest lasts for six whole days from August 10th to 15th. Just the sheer scope of the lineup at this year’s Sziget Fest earns it a place in our list of best music festivals in the world.
Coachella
No list of best music festivals in the world is complete without Coachella. Over the last two decades, Coachella went from a small-ish indie festival to one of the biggest, best attended festivals in the world. Partly, this is because Coachella is the American music festival for everyone. It’s the best rock festival in the world as well as the best house music festival in the world because it attracts the top talent from all over the world. Because demand for Coachella tickets grew to insane levels, the fest has grown to two weekends with nearly identical lineups. This means you have even more chances to catch all of your favorite acts. This year’s headliners include Harry Stiles, Swedish House Mafia x The Weeknd, and Billie Eilish, but the list of acts this year seems endless. A quick look at this year’s poster for Coachella reveals that the fest is moving in a more pop, hip hop, electronic direction than other American festivals, but as usual, Coachella has some tricks up its sleeve. This year Coachella features a performance by DEVO legend/composer of the Simpsons theme song, Danny Elfman, who will be performing tracks from his new record that is more industrial metal/pop than cartoon soundtrack. It should be a truly interesting and unforgettable experience.
The Governor’s Ball
On the other side of the country, New York’s Governor’s Ball is a bit narrower in focus than Coachella, but it has a star-studded lineup of artists that easily makes it one of the best music festivals in the world. This year, Kid Cudi headlines night one with support from acts like: Migos, Jack Harlow, and Louis the Child. Night two is headlined by Halsey and also features Flume, Roddy Ricch, and Joji. The fest’s last day is headlined by J. Cole and also features Glass Animals and Kaytranda. While the festival is usually held on scenic Governor’s Island, this year the fest is moving to Citi Field in Queens.
Lollapalooza 2022
Now permanently located in Chicago’s Grant Park, Lollapalooza is one of the original modern music festivals dating back to the early 1990s. While Lolla may have started out as an indie festival with grunge leanings, today’s Lolla resembles Coachella’s diversity and commitment to featuring every music genre under the sun.
So, why have so many festivals taken the approach of trying to represent all kinds of music rather than focusing on a specific genre? Well, it’s likely because people’s musical tastes are no longer pigeonholed into single genres.
Rock fans also listen to hip hop, and EDM fans also listen to folk and country. In realizing this, festivals like Lollapalooza and Coachella have built their lineups to reflect the way people listen to music now. This evolution just helps these festivals to grow and attract new fans. This year, Lollapalooza features headliners such as: Metallica (metal), Lil’ Baby (hip hop), and Billy Strings (country) all on a single stage on the same day. Luckily, not at the same time though… Other days include headliners like: Dua Lipa, Machine Gun Kelly, J. Cole, Kygo, Idles, Green Day, Jane’s Addiction, and Charli XCX.
Fuji Rock Festival
Located in one of the best places in the world for music festivals, Japan’s Fuji Rock festival is much more than a celebration of specifically rock music.
Nestled in the mountains at the Naeba Ski Resort, the Fuji Rock Festival is an annual three-day fest from July 29th to the 31st. In addition to an impressive lineup of acts from Japan and around the world, Fuji Rock is an amazing getaway in a truly beautiful setting. Unlike a lot of festivals, nature takes center stage at Fuji Rock. The verdant mountains that surround the resort create a serene atmosphere that allows attendees to thoroughly lose themselves in the experience.
After being cancelled in 2020 and a virtual festival in 2021, Fuji Rock is back with an in-person event where Covid is being taken seriously. The festival’s organizers have said they are taking every precaution to make sure this festival is as safe as humanly possible.
Headliners at this year’s fest include Jack White, Halsey, and late addition Vampire Weekend. Additionally, you can catch acts such as: Dawes, Bonobo, Foals, and a wide variety of acts from Japan.
Splendour in the Grass 2022
The premier Australian music festival returns in 2022 with a star-studded lineup that is somewhat similar to other festivals happening around the world this year. But Splendour has become such an Australian institution at this point that it is always one of the best music festivals in the world. In addition to headliners like Gorillaz, The Strokes, and Tyler, the Creator, music fans will be treated to sets by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Kacey Musgraves, Liam Gallagher, Glass Animals, and Jack Harlow. Splendour also tries to highlight up and coming Australian bands like breakout sensation Amyl and the Sniffers and Violent Soho. Splendour features more than music too. There is a full lineup of comedy and academic talks on a variety of different topics. This year is the 20th anniversary of Splendour, so be sure to get your tickets now because it is likely to sell out well in advance. This year, the fest is being held at the North Byron Parklands from July 22nd through the 24th.
Outside Lands
Held annually in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, The Outside Lands Festival has long reigned as one of the 10 best music festivals in the world. This year should be no exception as the fest has a packed lineup of acts from California and around the world. Rock gods Green Day and Weezer bring back the sound of the 90s, but acts like SZA and Phoebe Bridgers keep things up to date. California bands like Local Natives, Best Coast, and Illenium bring some local flavor, and international favorites like Pussy Riot give the festival an international feel. Golden Gate Park is truly one of the best places in the world for music festivals, and Outside Lands makes good use of their space with a variety of stages and tents for different genres of music, comedy, and spoken word performances. So, if you find yourself in San Fran in early August be sure to check out Outside Lands. You are sure to find what you are looking for.
Mutek 2022
Mutek is not your typical music festival, but it is one of the more interesting and unique festivals in the world. Featuring mostly Canadian performers, Mutek features a free outdoor stage as well as indoor and outdoor performances for ticket holders. The fest is being held this year from the 23rd to the 28th of August in downtown Montreal, and, so far only a part of the lineup has been announced. But from what we can see so far, Mutek is going to continue its streak of being one of the best EDM festivals in the world. Mutek describes itself as “dedicating itself to the presentation of live electronic music and real-time audiovisual performance, making it one of the rare outlets in North America for such innovations.” This 20-year-old fest isn’t necessarily for those looking for a wild, out of control party so much as an intellectual and scientific experience in music and visual creativity. Sure, there are plenty of musical performances to see, but Mutek is also committed to discussions of current and future technology as well as philosophy and visual art.
Electric Daisy Carnival
Over the last couple of decades, EDC has become the go-to festival for ravers around the world. Considered to be one of the best EDM festivals in the world and one of the best house music festivals in the world, EDC is a three-day party in true Las Vegas style. The key word at EDC is spectacle. Everything is big and bright and loud. They describe the experience thusly: “Each area contained within EDC represents a distinct union of technology and nature, where elements mix to ignite the senses and inspire the imagination” And did we mention they also have rides? Yup, EDC means what they say when they call themselves a carnival. From EDC’s website: “EDC’s landscape is an oversize playground with all your favorite full-size thrills. From relaxing to exhilarating, you’ll enjoy EDC from a whole new perspective!” The goal of EDC is to create an unforgettable experience regardless of whether EDM is your favorite music genre or not. So, if you find yourself in Las Vegas May 20th to the 23rd, or you are making your annual pilgrimage to the desert for some lights and beats, the Electric Daisy Carnival is an experience unlike anything else in the world.
Way Out West
While this might sound like a country music festival, it’s actually one of Sweden’s premier music festivals, which is being held this year from August 11th through 13th in Gothenburg, Sweden. Featuring headlining artists such as Tame Impala, Dave, and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Way Out West also focuses on sustainability. As their website states: “Sustainability is a keyword for Way Out West and has been since our start in 2007. As a festival promoter and inhabitants of the earth, it’s our responsibility to raise these issues and strive to always be better. This is something we work with on a daily basis in all aspects of the festival. Here you can read more about our sustainability work.” The festival is also exclusively vegetarian in an effort to make the festival’s carbon footprint as small as possible. So, if you’re looking for a festival where you can enjoy the sights and sounds while also feeling good about protecting the environment, Way Out West is the festival for you.
By now you probably realize that there are almost too many music festivals to keep track of. Our goal at www.turntablelive.com is to make sure you are in the know about festivals of all kinds, all over the world. Since our goal is to bring people together through music, it’s our job to make sure you are informed about the very best music festivals in the world.