5 Must-Visit Music Festivals for Travelers

What defines a great music festival? Certainly the music itself. Additionally, unique food and drink options, solid facilities, and ample restrooms are essential. Yet, the festivals that truly leave a mark possess a distinct atmosphere, creating memories that echo well beyond the last performance. For travelers, the standout festivals are those deeply connected to their surroundings. Whether through the location, cuisine, artists, or other attractions, they embody their environment in a way that feels irreplaceable. Here are a few of these unforgettable experiences.

Glastonbury, UK

The U.K. summer is bustling with music festivals, ranging from the pop-centric Isle of Wight and the heavy metal Download in mid-June to the Reading and Leeds festivals in late August, which feature identical lineups in both locations. In between, festivals like Latitude, Green Man, and Camp Bestival provide a more relaxed, countryside vibe, while Brighton’s The Great Escape in May is the go-to spot for discovering emerging talent still playing in small venues. Yet, for a true taste of British culture, with all its muddy, cider-soaked, and joyfully chaotic spirit, nothing compares to Glastonbury.

It may not appeal to everyone—the weather can be unpredictable and the grounds are extensive—but if you’re up for the adventure, it can lead to some of the most memorable days of your life. I’ve experienced that joy over multiple visits. It’s not just about the lineup, featuring everyone from global icons (like Elton John in 2023) to unique acts, or the myriad areas to explore, including the notorious late-night Shangri-La, the serene Healing Fields, the circus, cinema, and family zones. It’s the atmosphere and the people. For a few days, the outside world fades away, and everyone enjoys a blissful state of being. Maybe it’s the timing around the summer solstice or perhaps Glastonbury’s famous ley lines at play. Then again, it could simply be the cider. Either way, it’s an enchanting place.

Many of the best local hotels fill up quickly with music industry professionals. (I’ve always enjoyed staying at At the Chapel, known for its minimalist rooms featuring crisp Egyptian cotton linens and large bathtubs, plus an in-house bakery, all within a historic setting. However, beating Atlantic Records to a booking is quite the challenge.) Staying off-site means arranging taxis in advance and embarking on lengthy journeys to pickup spots. Your best option is to embrace the experience and camp on-site, whether in a tent, a camper van, or perhaps a cozy wooden Podpad.

Iceland Airwaves, Reykjavík, Iceland

Iceland Airwaves serves as an ideal gateway to this region, maximizing the city’s charm each November with performances held in churches, concert halls, cafés, and temporary venues scattered across the capital. The festival features top-notch Icelandic talent alongside an international lineup rich in regional acts. For instance, in 2023, there was a spotlight on both Finnish and Arctic artists, a tribute to Icelandic publisher INNI, and an exciting collaboration between local electronic artist Ásgeir and the Iceland Symphony Orchestra. While some bands may be unfamiliar, their performances, especially in these unique settings, are likely to leave a lasting impression. I vividly recall seeing the orchestral indie group Hjaltalín perform in a lakeside church years ago.

After soaking up the Nordic sounds, walkable Reykjavík has much to offer. Climb to the top of Hallgrímskirkja for panoramic views of the city, visit the Maritime Museum by the harbor, or indulge in a meal at Dill Restaurant, known for its use of locally sourced and foraged ingredients. And, of course, the northern lights, Blue Lagoon, and glacier hiking adventures await just beyond the city limits.

Accommodation Options

The Edition hotel offers a blend of laid-back luxury and fine dining right in the heart of the city, while the Exeter stands out with its design-focused approach, featuring concrete walls, moody lighting, and striking artworks. The sauna is a delightful addition during this season.

Jazz Fest, New Orleans, Louisiana

Jazz Fest (officially the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival) is a celebration like no other, deeply rooted in its locale. This spring event, which marked its 50th anniversary with performances from Chaka Khan, Diana Ross, and Trombone Shorty just before the pandemic, spans 10 days of NOLA culture. While you can catch some international stars (The Killers, Foo Fighters, and Neil Young are on the lineup for 2024), it’s the plethora of homegrown jazz and blues artists that truly shine—especially the vibrant brass bands that animate small stages and fuel second line parades throughout the festival grounds. Stepping into the gospel tent while a band is in full swing feels like a spiritual awakening.

Food stalls at the festival offer more than just typical burgers, featuring delights like crawfish remoulade, catfish meunière, and cochon du lait po’boys. The Louisiana Folklife Village showcases craft demonstrations, handmade goods for sale, and insights into Indigenous history. The audience is a vibrant mix of intrigued visitors and dedicated locals. The best part? The festival wraps up by 7 p.m., allowing you to stroll through the music-filled residential streets back into the city, where the New Orleans nightlife continues to thrive.

Accommodation Options

New Orleans boasts an abundance of excellent hotels, ranging from the Kimpton and Four Seasons in the Warehouse District to the Pontchartrain in the Garden District. I particularly enjoy the Ace, which is conveniently located near the excitement yet offers a peaceful retreat at night. It features an on-site music venue, Three Keys, with special programming for the festival, and a fantastic coffee spot, Lovage, to kickstart your next day.

Splendour in the Grass, Byron Bay, Australia

Australia's largest outdoor music festival continues to attract major international acts to Byron Bay each July (with Lizzo and Yeah Yeah Yeahs performing in 2023), but it has also become a platform for showcasing the nation’s emerging talents. Notable highlights from 2023 included pop artist Mia Wray and the Brisbane rock band Full Flower Moon Band, with the lineup typically catering to adventurous attendees. Set amidst the lush rolling hills of North Byron Parklands, just 15 minutes from Byron Bay, the festival returned in full swing in 2023 after a challenging year in 2022. Byron Bay has evolved in recent years from a traditional hippie surf destination to a vibrant hub for innovative chefs and entrepreneurs, even making Dinogo’s annual Where to Go list in 2019. The town’s Arts and Industrial Estate is a great place to start exploring locally crafted arts and goods.

Accommodation Options

We adore the Sunseeker, a beautifully renovated 1980s motel nestled in lush gardens, featuring 12 guest rooms furnished by local artisans—a charmingly retro haven for unwinding after a day or two of live music.

Oya Festival, Oslo, Norway

This annual festival unleashes a few days of vibrant noise and excitement in Norway’s capital every August. During my visit, it took place in Middelalderparken, a spacious park adorned with medieval ruins just 10 minutes from downtown. It has since relocated to Tøyen Park, a lovely green area next to the city’s botanical garden.

Scandinavian artists share the stage with international stars here; in 2023, Sweden’s Håkan Georg Hellström and Norway’s Sigrid performed alongside Lorde and Caroline Polachek. The festival reserves the final night’s headline act for a Norwegian performer. However, it’s the opening Tuesday club night that truly immerses you in Norwegian culture, as local venues welcome guests to spotlight homegrown talent. Recently, Oya has been commended by reviewers for its sustainability, inclusivity, and overall excellent organization.

Oslo’s attractions are worth exploring during the day as well. Be sure to visit the sculptures at Vigeland Park, the architectural wonder that hosts the Norwegian Opera & Ballet, and Ibsen’s home (where his office features a portrait of his rival, August Strindberg, hanging above his desk for inspiration). If you’re looking for a breath of fresh air post-performance, the nearby forests and fjords are inviting.

Accommodation Options

Stay at Amerikalinjen, a boutique hotel located in the 1919 headquarters of the Norwegian American Line shipping company, right across from the main train station. This hotel boasts stylish Scandinavian design and includes a jazz club, plus a unique “floating bartender” who delivers a tray of spirits and mixers to your room, ready to whip up a drink upon request.