Best Music Festivals Of 2024: 20 Unmissable Events Of The Year

Lovin’ Life Music Fest

When: 3-5 May

Where: Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

If your dream festival experience is one that perfectly captures the essence of US culture, look no further than Lovin’ Life Music Fest. Taking place in Charlotte, North Carolina, the festival offers a unique blend of top-tier performers along with a healthy dose of art and natural beauty, and this year’s diverse line-up is overflowing with genre-spanning talent. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience a show-stopping performance from Fleetwood Mac royalty Stevie Nicks; be blown away by the deep baritone voice of David Kushner; get swept up in the contagious, childlike energy of Maggie Rogers. Or if your music taste leans more towards hip-hop-country crossover, be sure to catch Post Malone. Whatever your allegiance, this festival has something for everyone.

Headliners: Stevie Nicks, David Kushner, Maggie Rogers, Post Malone

Primavera Sound

When: 29 May-2 June

Where: Parc Del Fòrum, Barcelona, Spain

Getting the European festival season started in style, Primavera Sound returns to Barcelona in May, with a freshly announced star-studded line-up. With acts that will hit the spot for fans across all genres, let’s break down the big hitters attendees can look forward to seeing…

Indie-pop icon Lana Del Ray will be bringing her sultry sounds to Primavera in 2024. With her unique dramatic voice and classic movie-star performing style, the California-based siren is set to light up Spain this summer. As one of the few Britpop bands to have achieved timeless status, Pulp are bringing their throwback soundtrack to Primavera. With a growing hunger for the expected deluxe edition of her second album, SOS, and a set likely to be full of new material, SZA is another confirmed headliner that ensures Primavera’s place among the best music festivals of 2024. Seamlessly blending R&B, avant-garde pop and trip-hop into a unique ethereal sound, British cult favourite FKA Twigs will also be performing. So if soaking up your favourite music in the sun is your thing, don’t miss out on the first wave of Primavera tickets. They’re already on sale.

Headliners: Lana Del Ray, Pulp, SZA, FKA Twigs

Download Festival

When: 14-16 June

Where: Donington Park, Derby, England

After a record-breaking number of metal fans attended Download Festival’s 20th-anniversary four-day extravaganza in 2023, the organisers are reverting to their usual high-octane three core days of music in 2024. But with a trio of premier-league headliners already announced, hard- rock fans can rest assured that there will be no drop in quality. Kicking things off on Friday night, US rockers Queens Of The Stone Age will be unloading their signature artillery of dirty blues-rock powered by Josh Homme’s powerful baritone vocals. Next up, Illinois four-piece Fall Out Boy with be masterfully skirting the edge between pop-punk and alternative rock during their Saturday headlining set. Finally, Californian heavy-metal outfit Avenged Sevenfold will be closing the festival with their eclectic genre-merging sound. If your idea of fun is getting lost in a circle pit while wearing a mud-spattered band shirt, then Download is an essential among the best music festivals of 2024.

Headliners: Queens Of The Stone Age, Fall Out Boy, Avenged Sevenfold

Isle Of Wight Festival

When: 20-23 June

Where: Seaclose Park, Newport, Isle Of Wight

In tranquil seaside surroundings, Isle Of Wight Festival stands apart as a dreamy and inclusive experience for those of us who want contemporary music without the madness. Since its revival in the early 2000s, the festival has prided itself on being a haven for diverse audiences; with one of the more easy-going vibes on the UK scene, Isle Of Wight boasts a vibrant atmosphere alongside captivating family-friendly daytime entertainment including acoustic sets, fun workshops and art installations.

True to its history, the line-up for Isle Of Wight 2024 is a real throwback. Five years after the death of singer Keith Flint, legendary dance outfit The Prodigy are sure to set the stage ablaze with their electrifying fusion of rave, techno and hardcore. Keeping the dancefloor hot on the Saturday night will be electro-pop pioneers Pet Shop Boys. And pop-punk icons Green Day will be bringing their massive back catalogue – and, doubtless, material from their new album, Savior – to Isle Of Wight for what’s being billed as a UK festival exclusive. With infectious singalong choruses and riffs that repopularised the power chord, the best Green Day songs will provide nostalgic moments for many who make Isle Of Wight their go-to among the best music festivals of 2024.

Headliners: The Prodigy, Pet Shop Boys, Green Day

Glastonbury Festival

When: 26-30 June

Where: Worthy Farm, Somerset, England

Glastonbury remains uncontested as the UK’s predominant music festival, with demand for this year’s event being bigger than ever before (after a postponement of ticket sales, standard-entry tickets sold out in just 25 minutes in November 2023). While no official line-up announcement is likely to be made until May, the big rumour is that Madonna will make her Worthy Farm debut, with sources claiming that Emily Eavis is keen to have the “Queen Of Pop” take to the Pyramid Stage. Others predict Dua Lipa’s return to Glastonbury. Both would make for a welcome corrective to the alleged “pipeline” problem that led to 2023’s all-male headliners.

Rumoured headliners: Madonna, Dua Lipa

Roskilde

When: 29 June-6 July

Where: Roskilde, Denmark

Proudly declaring itself “the largest music and arts festival in Northern Europe”, Roskilde returns to Denmark this summer. Never failing to deliver one of the finest packages on offer, its organisers have once again put together a massive line-up of over 170 artists. Baroque-pop prodigies and winners of the BBC’s Sound Of 2024 poll, The Last Dinner Party, will be taking their unique blend of rock melodrama to the Nordic Region. Catering to the hip-hop and R&B crowd will be the richly soulful SZA. And if heavier rock is more your thing, Frank Carter And The Rattlesnakes should make your must-see list. With all these talented artists, and more still to come, Roskilde is a one-stop shop for all that the best music festivals of 2024 have to offer.

Headliners: The Last Dinner Party, SZA, Frank Carter And The Rattlesnakes

BST Hyde Park

When: 29-30 June; 5-7 and 13-14 July

Where: Hyde Park, London, England

Set across multiple dates in the heart of London, BST Hyde Park offers an unparalleled line-up of legendary artists representing a range of genres and eras. Although the full line-up is yet to be announced, confirmed headliners include pop megastar Robbie Williams, country legend Shania Twain and pop icon Kylie Minogue. And, in what’s being billed her sole UK date of the year, Stevie Nicks will be performing on 12 July. With more big names to be made public, keep your eyes on BST Hyde Park: it never fails to provide the perfect summer vibe for Londoners seeking a taste of the best music festivals of 2024.

Headliners: SZA, Kings Of Leon, Andrea Bocelli, Robbie Williams, Shania Twain, Stevie Nicks, Kylie Minogue, Stray Kids

Rock Werchter

When: 4-7 July

Where: Werchter Festivalpark, Werchter, Belgium

Celebrating 50 years in 2024, Rock Werchter has truly honed its art, and now consistently boasts some of the most impressive line-ups of any European music festival. With rock at its core, the festival, housed on a site just outside Brussels, also provides a fair sprinkling of pop, metal and R&B in one neat four-day package. And true to Rock Werchter’s reputation, this July’s event is packed with potential.

Pulling together R&B, indie-folk and pop, Collapsed In Sunbeams, the debut album by rising star Arlo Parks, netted the 2021 Mercury Prize for Best Album, and we don’t doubt that her set at Rock Werchter will be another win in a career of well-deserved successes. Also playing at this standout among the best music festivals of 2024 are the saviours of classic rock, Greta Van Fleet. Thanks to the Robert Plant-like stylings of frontman Josh Kiszka’s powerhouse vocals, the group draw understandable comparisons to Led Zeppelin. However, Greta Van Fleet have quickly proven themselves unparalleled in creative potential compared to any other band in their genre. If taking in the sounds of a smoothly curated package of world-class artists, both up-and-coming and established, sounds like your thing, then look no further than Rock Wechter.

Headliners: Arlo Parks, Greta Van Fleet

Montreux Jazz Festival

When: 5-20 July

Where: Montreux, Switzerland

Montreux Jazz Festival is alive with the spirit of reinvention in 2024. For its 58th edition, the MJF organisers will be unveiling a brand-new stage built directly on Lake Geneva, and while this year’s line-up is yet to be announced, that alone is certain to make attendance a must for fans of what’s one of the most respected music festivals out there. Previous headliners have included Prince, Sting and ZZ Top, and with the festival offering a high-calibre experience for artists and attendees alike, this July’s event will doubtless attract one of the most thrilling line-ups among the best music festivals of 2024.

Headliners: TBC

Benicàssim

When: 18-20 July

Where: Benicàssim, Spain

In a picture-perfect beach town set between the crowning jewels of Costa Del Azahar, Valencia and Barcelona, Festival International De Benicàssim attracts thousands of gig-goers every July. One part Mediterranean beach holiday, one part musical madness (the sets usually kick off around 5pm, giving you plenty of time to have a swim and soak up some sun during the day), Benicàssim offers the ultimate European weekender among the best music festivals of 2024. With this year’s line-up featuring the throwback pop of The Black Eyed Peas, returning indie favourites The Libertines, the sunny vibes of Milky Chance and the rock stylings of Royal Blood, a good time is all but guaranteed.

Headliners: The Libertines, The Black Eyed Peas, Milky Chance, Royal Blood

Tomorrowland

When: 19-21 and 26-28 July

Where: Provinciaal Domein De Schorre, Boom, Belgium

For fans of dance music, Tomorrowland, held across two July weekends, is set to be one of the most unforgettable events of the summer. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the festival will host performances from over 400 artists across a staggering 16 stages. And, staying true to the promise of this year’s theme – LIFE – Tomorrowland’s impressive 2024 line-up boasts some of the biggest names in the industry, from such electrifying acts as Swedish House Mafia to world-renowned DJs Armin Van Buuren, David Guetta and Afrojack, plus many more. With energetic, friendly audiences losing themselves in infectious beats, this once-in-a-lifetime experience has what it takes to cater for both the hardcore EDM obsessive and the good-timer simply looking for a weekend of incredible music and vibrant visuals. Join the congregation of almost a half million in this epic anniversary celebration of music and memories that will last a lifetime.

Headliners: Swedish House Mafia, David Guetta, Afrojack

Outlook Origins

When: 25-29 July

Where: The Garden Resort, Tisno, Croatia

Renowned for its celebration of sound-system culture, Outlook Origins returns to The Garden Resort, Tisno, in sunny Croatia this July. Taking place within its own private bay, the festival offers an exclusive paradise like no other. With multiple stages, the hottest daytime sessions and decadent boat parties, attendees get to experience all the beauty of the Croatian coast, soundtracked by some of the hottest names in dub, reggae and drum’n’bass. Whether you’re happy slumming it in a hot tent or prefer the comfort of more bougie festival digs, Outlook’s vast range of accommodation options are tailor-made to suit all needs and budgets. A first wave of announced acts includes legends such as Eva Lazarus, Youngsta and Notion, fully meeting all expectations for Outlook Origins to stand tall among the best music festivals of 2024.

Headliners: Eva Lazarus, Youngsta, Notion

Dekmantel Festival

When: 26 July-4 August

Where: Amsterdam, the Netherlands

If quality house music and techno mayhem is your bag, look no further than Dekmantel Festival. Celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, the festival’s organisers have extended the event to cover ten days in and around Amsterdam, and have put together a truly electric line-up, promising sets from over 200 of the biggest artists on the scene, among them Joy Orbison, Talismann and Bicep. For its final three days Dekmantel will take up residence in its long-term home, deep in the wonderland of Europe’s largest man-made park, Amsterdamse Bos, where thousands of ravers get lost in the music and the idyllic scenery.

Headliners: Joy Orbison, Talismann, Bicep

Sziget Festival

When: 7-12 August

Where: Budapest, Hungary

Situated on a 108-hectare island paradise in the middle of the Danube River, in Budapest, Sziget Festival guarantees adventure. Whether you want to brave roughing it in a tent or yearn to retreat to a more luxurious villa, this festival has options for all. Alternatively, it’s easy enough to stay off-site and take in the sights of Budapest – Sziget is only a short cab ride from the city centre. As with the sleeping arrangements, the headliners offer something for everyone, with Fred Again.., Sam Smith, Stormzy and Martin Garrix all confirmed to appear. So if you’re looking for a very different festival experience, spread across 13 stages in a fairy-tale wonderland, Sziget is a no-brainer among the best music festival of 2024.

Headliners: Fred Again.., Sam Smith, Stormzy, Martin Garrix

Boardmasters Festival

When: 7-11 August

Where: Fistral Beach, Newquay, England

With its neat fusion of outdoor sports and a well-rounded line-up catering to all tastes, Boardmasters stands alone among UK music festivals. With its picturesque setting on Fistral Beach, in the West Country, the festival offers its congregation the perfect viewing point to enjoy tranquil Cornish sunsets, spectacular surfing competitions and death-defying skateboarding stunts. And even if you’re only there for the music, the line-up for 2024’s event will not disappoint.

Grime superstar Stormzy is the first of Boardmaster’s two weekend headliners. Now a seasoned performer with a back catalogue that never fails to hit the mark, his set will surely be unmissable. Dance-music fans will also be excited to know that dynamic drum’n’bass duo Chase And Status will also be headlining. With a legacy cemented by countless club bangers, the pair’s live sets create an electric atmosphere that every festival-goer wants to be part of. With many more acts still to be announced, and all of Boardmaster’s no-camping tickets now sold out, move fast to secure your place in what is sure to be one of the biggest UK events of the summer.

Headliners: Stormzy, Chase And Status

Reading And Leeds Festivals

When: 21-25 August

Where: Reading, Berkshire | Leeds, West Yorkshire, England

Reading and Leeds Festivals remain a rite of passage for teenagers across the UK, and their 2024 line-up looks set to continue of the pattern of recent years, with a selection of artists that stray somewhat from the event’s original alternative ethos. Arguably one of the most recognisable voices of her generation, Lana Del Ray will be gracing Reading and Leeds with her unique slick performing style, while the iconic former Oasis frontman, Liam Gallagher, will surely provide a summer highlight for his adoring parka-wearing fans. Also on the bill are Catfish And The Bottlemen, who, with charismatic frontman Van McCann, will be making their victorious return in 2024. If you wish to experience a proudly dirty cultural staple that is about as far away from the Coachella vibe as humanely possible, then Reading and Leeds Festivals are for you.

Headliners: Lana Del Ray, Liam Gallagher, Catfish And The Bottlemen, blink-182, Gerry Cinnamon, Fred Again..

Creamfields Festival

When: 22-25 August

Where: Daresbury, Cheshire, England

For EDM fans, Creamfields will be the No.1 calendar event among the best music festivals of 2024. Across the August bank holiday weekend, 70,000 revellers will be putting their trainers on and making the pilgrimage to Daresbury, near Cheshire, in the North-West of England, for four days of the hottest dance-music acts in the world.

Maintaining their well-deserved reputation for pushing the boundaries of electronic-music events, the organisers at Cream HQ have announced that this year’s festival will feature an indoor superstructure that is expected to take the EDM scene by storm. Claimed to be “the largest festival structure in the world”, the 30,000-capacity indoor venue, APEX, will offer mind-blowing production and breathtaking visual displays safe from the elements. And if that wasn’t enough to get you hyped, this year’s killer line-up is packing enough heat to satisfy even the most hardcore EDM crowd. Legendary Swedish house DJ and producer extraordinaire Eric Prydz will be performing a set that is sure to be one for the history books, while hitmaker Calvin Harris will be bringing his impressive back catalogue to the fields. Also look out for rising star Peggy Gou, the South Korean DJ/producer whose refreshing new energy has already brought her international acclaim.

Headliners: Calvin Harris, Chase & Status, Peggy Gou, Fatboy Slim, Example

Burning Man

When: 25 August-23 September

Where: Back Rock Desert, Nevada, USA

For those on a pilgrimage for that truly immersive festival experience, there is no greater destination than Burning Man. With a USP like no other, this annual musical metropolis is erected by the attendees themselves, who create a temporary city amid the breathtaking scenery of Nevada’s Black Rock Desert. Instead of the standard line-up of scheduled stars, the event allows its diverse community of artists, performers and visionaries to proudly showcase their own talents. Following 2023’s storm-soaked event, the theme for 2024 is Curiouser & Curiouser – an invitation to fall down the rabbit hole of interactive art installations and mesmerising fire performances. Stamina is essential for anyone hoping to make it through the eight-day circus, but those who do are sure to be rewarded with a transformative experience like no other. Mark your calendars and prepare for a journey into a world underpinned by creativity, self-expression and radical self-reliance. Among the best music festivals of 2024, Burning Man is a perfect send-off to the summer season.

Headliners: n/a

Lollapalooza Berlin

When: 7-8 September

Where: Olympiastadion and Olympiapark Berlin, Berlin, Germany

Originally a spin-off of the OG Chicago rock festival, Lollapalooza Berlin has far outgrown its humble origins to become one of the biggest mainstream events of the European festival circuit. The name has roots in an old saying roughly meaning “something unusual or extraordinary”, and that’s an apt description of to expect from Lollapalooza Berlin. From daytime experiences such as Fashionpalooza, where attendees can put together their own festival outfits, to the Lolla Fun Fair, where entertainment includes mind-bending magic and death-defying acrobatics, Lollapalooza Berlin comfortably claims its place among the best music festivals of 2024, even before its line-up has been announced.

Headliners: TBC

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Original article: 3 January 2024

Updated: 20 March 2024