If you’re reading this, you probably already know what EDM festivals are all about. Just in case, EDM stands for “Electronic Dance Music,” and these festivals are a big deal. They can last anywhere from a few days to an entire week, offering a vibrant mix of both famous and up-and-coming artists. From world-renowned headliners to hidden local gems, there’s something for everyone.
Let’s dive into some of the biggest and most popular EDM festivals around the globe.
**TOMORROWLAND**
Tomorrowland isn’t just a music festival; it’s an icon of an entire subculture. Taking place in Boom, Belgium, each summer, it draws close to half a million party enthusiasts. Attendees can choose from a mind-blowing number of events, sometimes reaching into the thousands. Beyond the incredible lineup, Tomorrowland boasts an atmosphere that’s truly out of this world, embodying freedom and the joy of life.
**SUNBURN FESTIVAL**
Sunburn is India’s biggest EDM festival, traditionally held on the beaches of Goa. It features multiple stages where events occur simultaneously or consecutively, offering a diverse range of electronic music by night and art workshops by day. The festival typically sees attendance of between 300,000 to 350,000 people and was once even moved to Delhi due to its enormous popularity in 2018.
**UNTOLD**
Located in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, Untold is Eastern Europe’s largest EDM festival. Like Tomorrowland, Untold emphasizes unique stage designs that change yearly, providing fresh experiences for returning attendees. It attracts 80,000 to 100,000 people from across Europe and beyond.
**ELECTRIC DAISY CARNIVAL**
Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas, Nevada, is truly one of a kind. It’s set on a massive carnival ground with rides, light shows, and impressive pyrotechnics that make for a thrilling experience. It hosts some of the top headliners in the world. Although the location varies some years, Las Vegas remains its main hub, drawing 100,000 to 150,000 festival-goers for unforgettable times.
**BURNING MAN**
Burning Man is more than just a festival; it’s a cultural and philosophical experience held in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert. Known for its ethos of radical inclusion, diversity, and equity, it offers a unique program that challenges and inspires attendees. Prepare yourself for a desert adventure unlike any other.
**COACHELLA**
While primarily known as a broader “music and arts” festival, Coachella consistently features top EDM acts on its lineup. Held in California’s Coachella Valley, the festival includes multiple stages, art installations, and even vintage markets. Past EDM headliners have included Daft Punk, Zedd, Tiesto, and Diplo, ensuring there’s something for every music lover.
**THE ULTRA EDM FESTIVAL**
Famous for its global reach, the Ultra EDM Festival hosts events all over the world. Some standout festivals include:
– **ULTRA MIAMI:** Held in Florida, USA, where over 70,000 fans come together to celebrate EDM. With multiple stages showcasing a blend of emerging and popular artists, it’s a euphoric celebration of music.
– **ULTRA JAPAN:** Held in Tokyo, this edition quickly sells out, thanks to its vibrant setting and impressive turnout of over 120,000 attendees, bringing together local and international EDM enthusiasts.
**MYSTERYLAND**
An annual event in Haarlemmermeer, Netherlands, Mysteryland is celebrated for its picturesque natural setting of forests and rivers, adding a fairy-tale vibe to the experience. It’s one of the oldest, having started in 1993, and remains a standout in the EDM festival scene.
**DJAKARTA WAREHOUSE PROJECT (DWP)**
DWP in Jakarta, Indonesia’s bustling capital, draws nearly 100,000 party-goers each year. Once the largest EDM festival in Asia, it continues to hold its charm and vibrancy with thrilling performances.
**CREAMFIELDS**
Originating as a single-day event, Creamfields has grown significantly, now welcoming more than 70,000 visitors to Daresbury, England. While it may not be the largest, its lineup and programming quality are often highlighted as top-notch.
And there are many others to explore. From Cirque Magique in Belgium to Electric Zoo in New York City, and many more, festival season promises an epic adventure for everyone. So, get your rave gear ready and prepare for an unforgettable summer of music and fun. See you where the party’s at!
