If you’ve ended up here, you likely know the scoop on EDM festivals. For those unfamiliar, EDM is all about Electronic Dance Music, and these festivals offer unforgettable experiences. Typically lasting from a few days to a full week, they feature a dazzling mix of both emerging talents and legendary artists—from major headliners to underground stars from the local scene. So, what are the biggest and most popular EDM festivals today? Buckle up, and get ready to party!
TOMORROWLAND
Tomorrowland is more than just a music festival; it’s a symbol of a whole subculture. Held in the summer in Boom, Belgium, it draws nearly half a million party enthusiasts who dive into a lineup boasting thousands of events. Tomorrowland isn’t just about the music; it’s an otherworldly experience that promotes freedom of expression and the joy of life.
SUNBURN FESTIVAL
India’s Sunburn Festival is held on the beaches of Goa and is the country’s most celebrated EDM event. It features various stages where different styles of electronic music play through the night, while art workshops fill the day. Typically attracting 300,000 to 350,000 attendees, it even moved to Delhi in 2018 due to its explosive popularity.
UNTOLD
Untold takes place in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, and, much like Tomorrowland, it emphasizes unique stage designs that change yearly for a fresh experience each time. With 80,000 to 100,000 attendees, it’s the largest EDM festival in Eastern Europe, drawing fans from across the globe.
ELECTRIC DAISY CARNIVAL
In Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, the Electric Daisy Carnival offers a one-of-a-kind experience. This festival combines vintage and futuristic elements on a large carnival ground, featuring rides, light shows, pyrotechnics, and top-tier headliners, drawing crowds of 100,000 to 150,000. While it sometimes changes locations, Vegas remains its home base.
BURNING MAN
Burning Man, held in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert, is much more than a festival. It’s a societal and philosophical event promoting themes like Radical Inclusion and Diversity. From its lineup to the iconic Burning Man figure, it offers an immersive experience unlike any other.
COACHELLA
Though not strictly an EDM festival, Coachella, held in California’s Coachella Valley, includes electronic music among a broader “music and arts” offering. With multiple stages, art installations, and even vintage markets, Coachella has hosted legendary acts like Daft Punk, Zedd, Tiesto, and Diplo, making it a must-visit for music lovers.
THE ULTRA EDM FESTIVAL
Ultra EDM Festival makes waves worldwide, but some locations stand out:
– ULTRA MIAMI: Hosted in Florida, USA, it brings over 70,000 fans together each year, with more than seven stages featuring renowned and up-and-coming artists.
– ULTRA JAPAN: Taking place in Tokyo, Japan, this event sells out quickly as 120,000 fans flock to enjoy the show.
MYSTERYLAND
In Haarlemmermeer, Netherlands, Mysteryland is one of the oldest EDM festivals, tracing its roots back to 1993. Nestled in lush natural surroundings, the festival provides a magical setting for party-goers, offering a truly enchanting experience.
DJAKARTA WAREHOUSE PROJECT (DWP)
Hosted in Jakarta, Indonesia, the DWP brings nearly 100,000 attendees each year. Once the largest EDM festival in Asia, it continues to offer a unique vibe and unparalleled excitement.
CREAMFIELDS
Starting as a small one-day event, Creamfields in Daresbury, England, now attracts more than 70,000 visitors. While not the largest festival, it is highly regarded for its program and lineup quality.
… AND MANY MORE
Other notable festivals include Cirque Magique in Belgium, 51st State Festival in London, World Club Dome in Germany, Electric Forest in the USA, ZoukOut Festival in Singapore, and more.
So, grab your glow-in-the-dark outfits and your best dance moves, because festival season is upon us, promising more epic times than ever before! See you on the dancefloor!
