6 International Music Festivals Worth Travelling For

1) Lollapalooza — Chicago, USA (1 – 4 Aug 2024)

Photo credit: @lollapalooza via Instagram

 

Lollapalooza is known for their star-studded lineup of performing artists, making it one of the few festivals that trend on social media every summer. It’s also one of the longest-running festivals in the US, having been established since 1991. So it’s no wonder why big names across Pop, Hip Hop, R&B, Indie, Rock and more come together every summer for this four-day event in Chicago!

This year’s lineup is equally as crazy, with SZA, Hozier, The Killers, Tyla, Chappell Roan, Zedd, Laufey and many more industry stars gracing the stage.

 

Cost: From US$149 (~S$201)

Dates: 1 – 4 Aug 2024

Venue: Grant Park 

 

2) Summer Sonic (Tokyo and Osaka) — Japan (17 – 18 Aug 2024)

Photo credit: Summer Sonic

 

If you’re headed to Japan, don’t skip out on adding Summer Sonic to your itinerary! 

Summer Sonic is a two-day music festival held in both Tokyo and Osaka, at the same time. Don’t worry about having to decide between the two cities though, as most artists will perform one day in Osaka, then the next day in Tokyo, and vice versa.

The festival is known for its epic lineup of artists, featuring both international and Japanese performers. This year will be no exception, with names like Måneskin, Bring Me The Horizon, OneRepublic, Christina Aguilera, Creepy Nuts and Atarashii Gakko! taking the stage.

 

Summer Sonic Tokyo

Cost: From ¥19,000/pax (~S$168)

Dates: 17 – 18 Aug 2024

Venue: ZOZOMarine Stadium & Makuhari Messe

 

Summer Sonic Osaka

Cost: From ¥16,500/pax (~S$146)

Dates: 17 – 18 Aug 2024

Venue: Expo'70 Commemorative Park

 

3) Waterbomb Singapore — Singapore (24 – 25 Aug 2024)

Photo credit: Waterbomb Singapore

 

Here’s one closer to home. South Korea's biggest water music festival – WATERBOMB SINGAPORE 2024 is set to make its debut in Singapore. The festival will feature more than 10 of the hottest K-pop, K-hip-hop and EDM (Electronic Dance Music) acts like Sandara Park, Jessi, CL, Team BEBE and Kid Milli. Expect to enjoy these music performances while being blasted by water cannons.

UOB is the Presenting Sponsor for Waterbomb Singapore. UOB Cardmembers from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam get priority access to tickets.

This two-day festival is held at Siloso Beach, so get ready to get wet and wild while enjoying some sick beats!

 

Cost: From S$198/pax for standard tickets

Dates: 24 – 25 Aug 2024

Venue: Siloso Beach

 

4) Burning Man — Nevada, USA (25 Aug - 2 Sep 2024)

Photo credit: @burningman via Instagram

 

Burning Man is a week-long music festival gathering in the Black Rock Desert with art installations, performances, and collaborative projects that celebrate community, culture, the arts and self-expression.

 

Photo credit: @burningman via Instagram

 

The grounds, known as Black Rock City, is a temporary city that focuses on communal living and no currency. It’s decommodified so participants will borrow, trade and barter — to connect through the value of people and not what they own

There are no hotels in Black Rock City so be prepared to get an RV or camping supplies!

 

Cost: From US$575/pax (~S$777/pax)

Dates: 25 Aug – 2 Sep 2024

Venue: Black Rock City in Black Rock Desert

 

5) Clockenflap — Hong Kong (29 Nov – 1 Dec 2024)

Photo credit: Clockenflap

 

Clockenflap is Hong Kong’s biggest and most popular outdoor music festival, covering a mix of genres such as indie rock, electronic music, hip-hop, and more.

The line-up for Clockenflap 2024 has yet to be officially announced. However, the 2023 festival featured big names like Phoenix, Arctic Monkeys, FKJ, Wu-Tang Clan and the Cardigans. So I’m sure we can expect a similar calibre of artists for this year’s festival.

 

Cost: From HK$880/pax (~S$153)

Dates: 29 Nov – 1 Dec 2024

Venue: Central Harbourfront Event Space

 

6) Wonderfruit — Thailand (12 – 16 Dec 2024)

Photo credit: Bandwagon

 

I think it’s safe to say Wonderfruit is the Coachella of Asia in terms of artistic setups and overall vibe. This five-day celebration of music and art is also big on sustainability and implements initiatives like banning single-use cups.

The artist line-up ranges from indie to experimental, hip-hop, electronic dance music, and everything in between. 2023’s guests included Acid Sister, Alex Kassian, Alabaster dePlume, Bell Orchestre, Bottlesmoker, and Cormac just to name a few. So we can’t wait for this year’s line-up to be announced!

 

Photo credit: Wonderfruit

 

Besides the music, festival-goers can also look forward to an all-rounded wellness experience with workshops, therapies and immersive activities that connect the mind and nature.

 

Cost: TBC

Dates: 12 – 16 Dec 2024

Venue: The Fields of Siam Country Club

 

Other Festivals to Check Out

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

 

If music festivals aren’t your thing, here are a bunch of other cultural festivals you can enjoy yearly instead:

– Boryeong Mud Festival (South Korea) — hosts a range of mud-related activities such as mud wrestling, mud sliding, and even swimming in a massive mud pool along with some live music performances and food stalls. 

 

– Songkran Water Festival (Thailand) — a traditional Thai New Year celebration where the entire country engages in water fights.

 

– Nyepi (Bali) — a Hindu Day of Silence, whereby the island shuts down for 24 hours to meditate and reflect.

 

– Holi (India) — people throw coloured powder and water at each other during this Hindu festival of colour, which celebrates the arrival of spring.

 

Planning to head to these festivals? Check out these great Travel Insider deals for flights, accommodations, and insurance: 

 

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Emirates: Up to 10% off flight tickets. Promo code: SGUOB01

InsureTravel: 30% off your travel insurance with InsureTravel.

 

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