8 Music Festivals Worth Travelling For In 2025
While it’s hard to beat London’s buzzing live music scene, and the summer has loads in store in the UK in terms of music festivals, gigs and concerts, travelling to another country for a music festival is a whole different experience.
A great way to plug in a holiday with your favourite live act, travelling for music has become quite the thing these days, with some of the world’s biggest artists on tour this year. From soulful folk tunes at a desert festival in India to your favourite pop and rock stars heading to the mountains of Japan, there’s lots to look forward to for music lovers.
Tomorrowland
After celebrating its legendary 20-year anniversary in 2024, Tomorrowland is launching a literal, whole new world in the summer of 2025. The festival’s theme ‘Orbyz’, set in a magical universe made entirely out of ice, will reveal a hidden community that has existed under a gigantic ice cap for many years. (Sounds…trippy). The line-up for Tomorrowland Belgium 2025 will be released closer to the festival dates so stay tuned for more on that front.
when: July 18-20 and July 25-27
where: Boom, Belgium
website: www.belgium.tomorrowland.com
Jodhpur RIFF
This spectacular music festival in the desert of Rajasthan is timed to coincide with the brightest full moon of the year in North India. Bringing together traditional Rajasthani folk music with a roster of international acts, Jodhpur RIFF takes place in and around the Mehrangarh Fort, a palatial red sandstone fort perched on a hilltop in Jodhpur.
Witness a spectacular music festival in the desert of Rajasthan, India.
With Mick Jagger serving as one of its patrons, one of the signature elements of the festival is the Rustle, where musicians across different genres and languages participate in an impromptu midnight jam.
When: 2nd to 6th October 2025
Where: rajasthan, india
Website: jodhpurriff.org
Sziget Festival
One of the largest cultural festivals in Europe, the Sziget Festival is held every August on the leafy island of Óbudai-szige in North Budapest. Expect not just music, but a whole cultural immersion including boat parties, theatre, circus performances and workshops. [profile-link]Chappel Roan[/profile-link], Anyma and [profile-link]Charli XCX[/profile-link] are among the artists performing so there’s lots to look forward to across the six-day festival. There’s also a range of accommodation available on-site, so you can camp, glamp or if you’re not feeling too adventurous, book a hotel close by.
When: 6th to 11th august 2025
Where: budapest
Website: szigetfestival.com/en
Lollapalooza
Taking place every year in Chicago’s Grant Park, Lollapalooza is known to bring the world’s best artists together, with each year bringing musical legends and upcoming talent to the stage across a range of genres. Last year saw performances by Lizzy McAlpine, Benson Boone, Labrinth, Kesha, The Japanese House, Olivia Dean, Saint Levant, Brandi Cyrus, Zedd, The Killers, Tate McRae, Blink-182 and more, across an unmissable four days. We’re still waiting to hear about details for 2025 but we will keep this space updated.
when: tbc
Where: Chicago, US
Website: www.lollapalooza.com
Fuji Rock
If you’re looking for an excuse to head to Japan this year, let this one be it. Last year, Fuji Rock had some iconic acts including SZA, Kraft Werk, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, 10-Feet, Awich, Peggy Gau and more international and local Japanese acts.
From intimate candlelit performances to larger-than-life theatrical displays, the festival is set in the picturesque mountains of Japan.
There are also official tour buses with departure and arrival points at 19 cities across the country to make it easier for first-time travellers.
when: 25th to 27th July 2025
where: japan
Website: fujirockfestival.com
Roskilde Festival
Doja Cat, Ice Spice, Skrillex, Foo Fighters and SZA are just a few of the big names who performed last year at the Danish festival.
The festival is a great place to discover new music and listen to old favourites.
This year, [profile-link]Olivia Rodrigo[/profile-link] is set to perform, along with [profile-link]Deftones[/profile-link], Stormzy, Fontaines DC, Anoushka Shankar and more. The festival is a great place to discover new music, listen to old favourites and enjoy the genre-defying range of performances here.
When: 28th June to 6th July 2025
Where: Denmark
Website: roskilde-festival.dk/en
Prima Vera Sound
Known for seamlessly blending genres, this festival attracts a diverse range of music enthusiasts from around the world. In 2025, attendees can expect a vibrant mix of indie, rock, hip-hop, electronic, and experimental music, featuring both established artists and emerging talents, set against the stunning backdrop of Barcelona. The lineup looks fabulous and includes Charli XCX and Troye Sivan‘s Sweat Tour, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappel Roan, Haim and more.
when: 12th to 15th June 2025
where: Barcelona, spain
website: www.primaverasound.com
Rock Werchter
Rock Werchter carefully curates a line-up that spans across all genres, and is a regular fixture in every music lover’s diary. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the lineup includes Sam Fender, Green Day, Blanco White, Dean Lewis, Deftones, Gracie Abrams, Linkin Park Jacob Collier and Olivia Rodrigo.
when: 3rd to 6th July 2025
where: belgium
website: www.rockwerchter.be
