Music is everywhere and everywhere. Every year hundreds of thousands of people come together to enjoy real live performances by the best musicians in the world. Where should true connoisseurs of festivals with thousands of people go? We know the answer!
Montreal International Jazz Festival
In the organization of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal 30 years ago, Andre Menard and Alain Zimard were just looking for an escape from boredom, and only 12 thousand people visited it during the first and only 2 days of the event. Few people believed in the success of such an event in Canada, especially the federal authorities, who refused the children financial assistance.
Time has shown how short-sighted the refusal was - today, thanks to the festival, millions of Canadian dollars are poured into the city treasury every year. The duration of the festival is 10 days, it takes place on 20 main concert venues and attracts more than 2 million music lovers to Montreal annually.
The 2014 headliners were Diana Ross, Michael Bublé, Ben Harper and Marcus Miller. In addition, the audience enjoyed the battle between two legendary groups: Glen Miller Orchestra and Tommy Dorsey Orchestra.
Until the next event whole year so you have time to plan your trip and support economic development Montreal, and also see with your own eyes the birth of new jazz stars, and just enjoy the wonderful music.
Information about the festival in English and French can be found on the festival website.
WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance) - festival of world music, arts and dance
In 1982, three enthusiasts came up with the idea of creating an international music festival, a festival where people from different countries will communicate in a language that everyone understands - the language of music.
Something tells us that in the 80s of the last century this was normal, but at first no one believed in these guys. Despite this, the very first festival aroused great interest among the public and attracted an incredible number of spectators. Driven by sheer enthusiasm, Peter Gabriel, Bob Hootan and Thomas Brooman staged a world music extravaganza and organized workshops to give people a sense of ownership in the creative process.
WOMAD - not only ethnic music, but any avant-garde music different styles from rock to jazz. Recognized masters and unknown nuggets coexist here.
For thirty years, WOMAD has hosted more than 160 festivals in more than 27 countries around the world.
There were unusual formats in this story, for example, “Big musical journey by rail in Australia." The musicians traveled from Perth to Adelaide across the Nullarbor Plain, where there is not a single settlement for hundreds of kilometers in the area. Along the way, they gave a concert in the very hinterland of the mainland, in the town of Pimba.
Last year, by the way, the festival was held in Pyatigorsk, and the next one will begin on July 24 in the UK. Details can be found on the website
Salzburg Music Festival
Salzburger Festspiele is a summer international music festival in Salzburg, Austria, founded back in 1920. Along with concerts, its program includes opera and drama performances.
The creation of the festival was not without the participation of Richard Strauss, Rudolf Reti, director Vienna Opera Franz Schalk and many other cult personalities of that time.
By the way, this year in honor of the 150th anniversary of Richard Strauss the opera “Der Rosenkavalier” will be presented. Sophisticated viewers will be able to enjoy the traditional opera “The Name” by Hugo von Hofmannstahl, with the performance of which on Cathedral Square on August 22, 1920, the history of this exquisite event began.
Festival website, in 2014 runs from July 18 to August 31.
ROCK WERCHTER - European rock festival
One of the oldest rock festivals in Europe dates back to 1974, without losing popularity to this day. Many times the event has received all kinds of prizes and awards, including the Arthur award as the best festival in the world.
Every year, the most famous and internationally recognized bands such as Radiohead, RHCP, Metallica, Green Day, Kings of Leon, Blur gather in a village near Brussels.
All the action takes place on three stages located next to each other, so you can have time to listen to everything almost immediately.
It is worth noting that the audience at the festival is very calm and friendly, but people with a well-known Russian breadth of soul may find it a bit boring. In any case, it’s worth going for the chic lineup and quiet atmosphere of the Brussels suburbs.
For everyone who loves music and very active pastime, this top is for you. I will tell you about the 5 largest music festivals, which attract a huge number of people from different parts of the planet. Summer is just around the corner, it's time to plan how to enjoy the most awaited time of the year.
I'll start with the most famous festival, Tommorowland.
Tomorrowland began in 2005 and has since become one of the most popular music festivals in the world. This festival received International Prize Dance Music ( International Dance Music Award) for "Best Music Event" every year since 2012. It is organized by the Dutch entertainment company ID&T, which hosts it in Belgium. Last year the concert was attended by 360,000 music fans. It will take place from July 24 to 26. It is planned that such performers as Alesso, Armin van Buuren will perform at the festival. Van Buuren) and Hardwell.
Next on the list is the no less popular musical event, Coachella.
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is a shining example what people imagine when they think of a large-scale modern music festival. Coachella has been held annually since 1999 in Indio, California. Last year, more than 675,000 people attended this festival. This year the festival will begin from April 13 to 15 and from April 20 to 22. Acts including AC/DC, David Guetta, Drake, Jack White and Steely Dan will perform, with Beyonce herself headlining. Coachella began as a small festival attended by only a few thousand people. Today it is the most profitable festival in the world, collecting $78.3 million in 2014 alone.
I’ll tell you about another American popular festival “ Burning Man».
This is perhaps the freest, in the truest sense of the word, festival. That is, there are almost no rules or restrictions. But at the same time, it is considered the most harmless holiday for the surrounding world. Environmental friendliness is one of the most important principles of the Burning Man festival. “Burning Man” allows you to reveal the talent of absolutely anyone: artist, inventor, architect, designer, musician. An annual eight-day event taking place in the Black Rock Desert (USA, Nevada). The festival begins on the last Monday of August, at zero one minute. The organizers themselves define the event as an experiment in creating a community of radical self-expression, while completely relying only on itself (English: radical self-expression, and radical self-reliance). For a week, works of contemporary art, often fantastical in shape, are installed in the desert. Some of them are burned by the creators before the end of Burning Man.
Finally, I’ll tell you about our Russian festival “Invasion”.
INVASION – the largest All-Russian festival open-air, which has been held since 1999. The festival is rightfully considered the largest and most visited festival in the post-Soviet space - in 2017, about 200,000 people visited INVASION.
First of all, INVASION is music. Beyond formats and frames. Over the course of 3 days, both legendary and very young performers perform on the stages of the festival. Since 2009, the main adventure of the year has acquired a permanent “registration” - Bolshoye Zavidovo in the Tver region.
And finally, it’s worth mentioning the most famous festival held in Russia, “Sensation White”.
Annual festival electronic music. Until 2005, it took place exclusively in the Netherlands at the Amsterdam Arena. Later he reached us, and now thousands of Russians wait for him every year. The main rule of the festival is entry only in white.
This year “Sensation White” will be in Moscow at the Olympic Sports Complex. The dates of the festival are still unknown.
Such events are truly worth being attended by as many people as possible. I’m sure there will be enough impressions to last a lifetime. If you love music festivals, then I wish you to visit each of them and experience all the pleasures they have in store.
What do you think of when you hear the phrase “music festival”? If cheeky young people, little-known bands and indigestible sound of equipment appear in your mind’s eye, then know that this has not been the case for a long time. Today's festivals boast a high level of organization, adequate visitors and top bands. The best part is that professionals work not only abroad - festival culture is slowly but surely making its way into Russian realities.What do organizers offer visitors today? Firstly, in one or several days you can visit a large number of groups, and the ticket price will be significantly lower in comparison with the prices separately for each group. Secondly, on the territory of the festival there are various recreation and entertainment areas, which is a big plus for visitors with children or big companies. And thirdly, often such events can offer different level comfort for any wallet: from living as a “savage” in your tent to comfortable houses. And, of course, a lot of positive emotions!
The beginning of the year is a good time to plan future trips and visits. And if you don’t know where exactly you should go, then our selection of festivals taking place in Russia will help you with your choice!
Please note that festivals are strictly located chronological order and the most delicious things await you at the end of the article!
When: MayWhere: Volkovskoye, Kaluga region.
Cost: from 500 rub.
This is a unique festival that brings together very interesting musicians at very affordable prices. Previously, the entrance was conditional, but in 2016 they decided to establish an entrance fee, which still remained very affordable. The festival took place in May and the visitors liked it so much that the organizers decided to take a chance and hold it at the end of summer - and they were right. It is still unknown whether the event will be held twice a year, but fans would come three times, because the organization and line-up are very pleasing. 7B, “Torba-na-Kruche”, “Orgy of the Righteous”, “Obe-Rek” and many other talented groups performed here. The festival is still developing, but it has already formed its own creative space and loyal fans. Get to know this event and take an active part in the development of an excellent project!
2. “Moscow Reggae Open Air”
When: May 20Where: Moscow
Cost: from 300 rub.
The VOLTA club invites all connoisseurs of reggae and ska to a one-day spring festival. The spring festival will be the 12th and this event is already recognized as traditional in the Moscow community of fans of Bob Marley and related music. The organizers gather only the brightest bands on their creative territory, which means that guests will have the opportunity to get acquainted with the latest trends in reggae and enjoy high-quality music. Details about the event have not yet been announced, so keep an eye on official sources.
Where: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Voronezh, Kazan, Sochi
Cost: from 500 rub.
In a number of cities, the hot summer begins on the waves of jazz and modern culture, because the Usadba Jazz festival takes place here. This event is currently the most important in the field of jazz music in the Russian expanses and, according to visitors, there is simply no worthy analogue to it. At the event they act as presenters and worldwide famous performers, as well as young talented artists. Traditionally, the festival takes place among the beautiful architecture of the Arkhangelskoye estate, only one year it was different, but in 2016 everything returned to normal. In addition to music, the organizers offer thoughtful areas for relaxation, shopping and entertainment, not only for adults, but also for children.
Where: Grigorchikovo village, Moscow region. (camp site)
Cost: free entry
Festival "Mnogofest"- this is a cozy atmosphere, bard music, the romance of gatherings in front of a fire and relaxing in nature. Previously, the fest was called “Polyphony”. There is already an announcement on the official website with the date of the future event, but other details are kept secret for now. If you like to relax in the forest, listen to guitar plucks and original songs, and don’t want to attend an event with a huge number of people, then this is the place for you. The organizers promise to leave admission free, but there is a fee for parking with a tent - in 2016 it was only 200 rubles. If you don’t want to spend the night in the forest, then there is a hotel nearby and you can rent a room there, or even return to Moscow in the evening, since it is very close to the city. Entertainment includes fire shows, trolls, a rope park and refreshments at reasonable prices.
Where: Moscow
Cost: from 3500 rub.
This legendary festival has a very long story And impressive list participants. The fest traces its history back to 1995, when, according to the organizers’ plans, it was supposed to surpass Woodstock and become its Russian analogue. Whether it worked out or not is up to the fans to judge, but in terms of scale this event can be put on a par with the coolest. In 2014 and 2015 it was not held, as in some other years, but in 2016 it broke again cultural space with his triumphant return. And there is already information that it will be held again next year. Judging by the 2016 lineup, fans are in for something amazing: Rammstain, IAMX, Crazytown and many others. We look forward to the continuation of the marathon festival!
Where: Bunyrevo village, Tula region.
Cost: 2500 rub.
This festival has long been known and dearly loved by many fans of ethnic music in all its manifestations and positive events. offers its guests excellent music of various formats, cultural pastime, active recreation and colorful fairs. During the 3 days of the festival, you can manage to expand your comfort zone as much as possible: meet new friends, dance in a crowd of like-minded people, fly hot-air balloon, play a lot of volleyball and football and this is just the tip of the iceberg. On the website you can see photo and video reports from previous years, but you can be sure in advance that this event will definitely be held at the proper level and will not be forgotten for a long time.
Where: Mastryukovskie lakes, Samara region.
Cost: free entry
A festival that has long become a classic in the world of bard song. “Grushinka” has been held since 1968 and it is possible that one of your closest relatives visited it in one year or another. On the stages you can see and hear legendary bards, musical groups, poets and invited cultural figures. Every year, the organizers add interesting locations, hold competitions and give young musicians the opportunity to perform. So here is a unique opportunity to become not only a listener, but also an active participant, which you can find out in detail on the official website.
8. “Dobrofest”
When: June 30, July 1-2Where: Yaroslavl
Cost: from 3500 rub.
If you like drive and rock and roll, then Dobrofest is ideal for you. The festival has been held annually since 2010 at the same place - Levtsovo airfield. And this says one thing: the organizers know this site like native home, and will be able to make it as comfortable as possible for visitors. There is an opportunity to join a special layer of the festival - “dobropipl”. For 4,200 rubles you will be given a package that includes various amenities: from stickers and unique merch to special privileges for a festival participant. The territory is equipped with areas for active rest and passive, points of sale of souvenirs and even the registry office. 
9. "Park Live"
When: July 5Where: Moscow
Cost: from 3000 rub.
It only took 5 years for this festival to grow to the level where seasoned teams from abroad, such as Limp Bizkit, Marilyn Manson, The Prodigy, Muse, Red Hot Chili Peppers and many others. And this speaks of the high professionalism and quality of the organizing team!
Summer is a wonderful and long-awaited opportunity to go somewhere. Some are going to the village to visit their grandfather, some are going to the beaches of Spain or Sochi, some are planning to hitchhike around Europe, and some have been planning a long hike to Altai for a long time. But if suddenly all this is not about you and not for you, we suggest you visit some international music festival. This is both an opportunity to see the world and cultural museum program You can add it, and it’s suitable for a family trip, or for a fun trip with friends.
Where to go to listen good music and at the same time see local attractions? Where will your favorite artist perform this summer? How to get to the biggest beach party and how much does a ticket to the coolest rock festival in Denmark cost? Look for answers to these and many other questions in Weburg's material. We have already talked about the loudest and most desirable festivals in Russia, now we are looking at the best festivals abroad.
, Catalonia
When: May 7-15
Where: Girona, Catalonia, Spain
Headliners: NATURALLY 7, Swingle Sisters, Vocal Sampling, other details
What is the price: 24 euros, you can buy a ticket, air ticket to Barcelona from Moscow - from 7,000 rubles
This unique music festival has been taking place in Girona, Catalonia, for several years now. Here performers from all over the world sing without musical accompaniment, it sounds simply divine! Thousands of people gather in Girona in May to hear the musical magic that can be created only with the help of the voice. Plus, at the same time, another one is taking place in Girona big celebration— flower festival. That is, you can kill two birds with one stone, even three, and still travel around Spain, of course.
, Spain
When: June 16-18
Where: Barcelona, Spain
Headliners: Booka Shade, Acid Arab, JackWasFaster, Kode9, Sevdaliza, Jacob Korn, Astrolith, full list
What is the price: 54-270 euros, different categories of tickets can be bought, flight to Barcelona from Moscow - from 7,000 rubles
Another reason to see Barcelona this summer. This is an option for those who love electronic music, different multimedia shows and progressive art. The powerful show lasts continuously for three days and gathers about one hundred thousand partygoers from all over the world under the skies of Barcelona. There are many platforms and dance floors where various master classes, workshops, parties and performances take place.
Optimus Alive, Portugal
When: July 7-9
Where: Lisbon, Portugal
Headliners: Radiohead, The Chemical Brothers, Arcade Fire, Tame Impala, M83, Foals, Hot Chip, Pixies, others
What is the price:57-120 euros (depending on the number of days), buy a ticket to Lisbon from Moscow - from 9,000 rubles
This young and rapidly growing Portuguese music festival attracts more and more people from all over the world every year. Just look at the headliners and you can already buy a ticket to Lisbon. Of course, the capital of Portugal has a lot to offer besides three day festival. First of all, of course, you can go to Cape Roca and visit the westernmost point of continental Europe. Between land and ocean, between sky and earth, so to speak.
, Croatia
When: June 20-22
Where: Zagreb, Croatia
Headliners: Florence and the Machine, PJ Harvey, Jake Bugg, Skunk Anansie, The Kooks, Wilco, Django Django, others
What is the price: from 40 euros, plus 27 euros for a place in the festival camping, you can buy it, flight to Zagreb from Moscow - from 9,000 rubles
One of the most popular beach music festivals will take place in Croatian Zagreb and will bring together the most important ravers from all over the world. Firstly, it’s incredibly beautiful there - the island on Lake Jarun simply turns into some kind of fairy tale. This is an opportunity to have a good rest, dance, sunbathe and swim. In Zagreb there are generally many museums, parks and other places and attractions attractive to tourists - Gothic churches, bohemian cathedrals, healing springs.
, Denmark
When: June 25-July 2
Where: Roskilde, Denmark
Headliners: LCD Soundsystem, MSh, New Order, PJ Harvey, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bring Me the Horizon, full list
What is the price: from 10,000 to 20,000 rubles (depending on the number of days and accommodation), ticket from Moscow to Copenhagen - from 8,000 rubles
This Viking town has been hosting one of the largest musical and cultural events in Europe. Over one hundred thousand people visit Roskilde every summer to enjoy its unique mix of classic and modern rock, set against the stunning backdrop of Eastern Norway. Despite the large scope and scale of this event, Roskilde retains the romantic and cozy atmosphere of a tent camp. A “naked race” also takes place here, often in the rain, when the bravest festival guests compete in speed and beauty.
, Malta
When: June 28
Where: Valletta, Malta
Headliners: Jess Glynne, the rest are being kept secret for now
What is the price: for free
This is truly a bomb annual event in Malta. The ancient St. Publius Square in the Valletta suburb of Floriana is transformed into a huge stage and welcomes the most popular and legendary musicians of all time. Over the years, such stars as Lady Gaga, David Guetta, Enrique Iglesias, Dizzee Rascal, Black Eyed Peas, Maroon 5, Snoop Dogg and DJ Hardwell. Entry to the event is absolutely free, so you can guess how many partygoers gather there. This year, the Maltese edition of the MTV Island festival will celebrate its tenth anniversary, and therefore the organizers are preparing many pleasant surprises for all fans of modern music. Details and future headliners can be found on the official website of the event.
, Serbia
When: July 7-10
Where: Novi Sad, Serbia
Headliners: Ellie Goulding, Bastille, Wiz Khalifa, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Nicky Romero, Robin Schulz, Solomun, Stormzy
What is the price: 100 - 350 euros (camping costs 35 euros separately), ticket from Moscow to Belgrade - about 10,000 rubles
The international EXIT festival takes place at the foot of a real castle - the Petrovaradin fortress, the main attraction of the ancient city of Novi Sad on the banks of the Danube. This creates an appropriate magical atmosphere and good acoustics. EXIT Festival is suitable for lovers of the most different music. On 16 stages you can hear anything you want: metal, rock, punk, disco. Don't forget, too, that Serbia has great food and beautiful scenery. You can buy tickets and find out more details on the official website of the event.
, Finland
When: August 12-14
Where: Helsinki, Finland
Headliners: Massive Attack & Young Fathers, Iggy Pop, Jamie xx, Four Tet, Sleaford Mods, Lil B, Stormzy, Ben Klock, full list
What is the price: 90 - 175 euros (depending on the number of days), ticket from Moscow to Helsinki - from 8,000 rubles
It is, of course, much easier to get to Helsinki from St. Petersburg than from Moscow, and we are sure that many residents cultural capital have already purchased a ticket to the annual festival of music, visual arts and urban art Flow. As part of the Flow Festival, a lot of things happen: painting exhibitions, culinary master classes, all kinds of concerts, films and design shows.
, Hungary
When: August 10-17
Where: Budapest, Hungary
Headliners: Rihanna, David Guetta, Aurora, Muse, Sum 41, Bastille, Bullet For My Valentine, Crystal Castles, full list
What is the price: 59 - 249 euros (depending on the number of days), flight from Moscow to Budapest - from 8,000 rubles
The wonderful Sziget festival has been taking place on the wonderful island of Óbuda in Budapest for several years now. Every year more than 400 thousand music lovers from all over the world gather there to relax and have great fun. The organizers are preparing a large-scale program with several stages, various performances, children's events, cinema and fashion shows.
, Spain
When: August 12-14
Where: Valencia, Spain
Headliners: Andrew Rayel, DVBBS, Showtek, Paul van Dyk, DJ Isaac, Benny Benassi, Loco Dice, Steve Angello, full list
What is the price: from 35 euros for two days, flight from Moscow to Valencia - about 12,000 rubles
What could be better than a beach party? Just a huge beach party in Spain. With different stages, many artists and interesting performances. This madness is happening on the picturesque beach of the town of Cullera near Valencia. The five thematic venues at Medusa Sun Beach present a rich palette of genres - from commercial techno and house, to indie and experimental electronics. Just happiness for real party-goers.
, England
When: 21 – 24 July
Where: Huntington, England
Headliners: Caribou, Air, Primal Scream, Milky Chance, Submotion Orchestra, Band of Skulls, Field Music, full list
What is the price: 180 pounds basic for the entire festival, children under 12 years old and dogs free, flight from Moscow to London - from 8,000 rubles, from London to Huntington - by train
This so-called "Secret Garden Party" takes place in the fields surrounded by natural waters near the village of Abbots-Ripton near Huntington. Every year, dozens of decorators and designers turn this place into a fairy tale. Guests literally find themselves in the works of Carroll and Wilde. This year's theme is "A Garden Guide to the Galaxy." You can imagine what space installations and works of art will await festival guests. The organizers also worked hard on the program: parades, theatrical performances, various master classes, boating, wrestling in the mud pool, attractions and much more. You can find out all the details and buy tickets. By the way, the official website itself is very cool, we recommend you take a look there.
, Montenegro
When: July 14-16
Where: Budva, Montenegro
Headliners: Skrillex, Hurts, Andy C, Lost Frequencies, My Nu Leng, Sub Focus & MC ID, Zomboy
What is the price: 49 - 150 euros, ticket from Moscow to Tivat - from 8,000 rubles
Probably the freest and freest festival on our list. Sea Dance Festival was born as younger brother the aforementioned Exit in Serbia. The organizers here worry less about the nuances, tickets are cheaper, a beach holiday is ideally combined with a party. More than one hundred thousand dancers fill the sand beach Yaz, which, by the way, is called one of the best vacation spots on the Budva Riviera, and people dance, dance, dance for three days on end. The festival program and its musical focus are very diverse. All details and tickets.
, USA
When: June 17-19
Where: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Headliners: 3LAU, Afrojack, Andrew Rayel, Armin Van Buuren, Axwell Λ Ingrosso, full list
What is the price: 350 - 700 US dollars, ticket to Las Vegas from Moscow - from 35,000 rubles, it will be a little cheaper to fly to Los Angeles, and then rent a car there
The largest electronic music festival promises to be incredible this year in Las Vegas. Every day, more than 130 thousand people become guests of the light and sound extravaganza in Las Vegas. Something unimaginable, fantastic, unreal is happening there. The organizers promise shows, costume balls, and performances. You can find out all the detailed information and buy tickets on the official website of the event. It should be noted that the same the festival will take place back on July 9th in England. Everything about him detailed information, tickets and headliners list.
Well, here are, perhaps, the best music festivals of this summer. Where are you pointing your skis?
