Rock music is more than just a genre, it’s a lifestyle. For many Rock fans, nothing beats the thrill of seeing their favourite bands live on stage, surrounded by thousands of like-minded people. That’s why rock festivals are so popular, and why they attract some of the biggest names in the industry.
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But with so many rock festivals to choose from, how do you decide which ones to attend? To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the top 20 global rock festivals of 2023, based on their lineups, locations, and reputations. Whether you’re into classic rock, indie rock, metal, punk, or anything in between, there’s a festival for you on this list. So grab your tickets, pack your bags, and get ready to rock!
1. Download Festival
Download Festival is the UK’s premier rock and metal festival, held annually at Donington Park in Leicestershire. The festival has been running since 2003, and has hosted some of the most legendary acts in rock history, such as AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Metallica, and Slipknot. The festival also features a variety of attractions, such as a cinema, a fairground, a wrestling arena, and a tattoo parlour.
The 2023 edition of Download Festival will take place from June 9 to June 11, and will feature headliners Kiss, Iron Maiden, and System of a Down. Other Confirmed Acts Include Deftones, Korn, Megadeth, The Offspring, Volbeat, and many more. Tickets are on sale now at the official website.
2. Rock am Ring / Rock im Park
Rock am Ring and Rock im Park are two sister festivals that take place simultaneously in Germany. Rock am Ring is held at the Nürburgring race track in Nürburg, while Rock im Park is held at the Zeppelinfeld in Nuremberg. The festivals share the same lineup, which consists of some of the biggest names in rock, pop, and hip-hop. The festivals have been running since 1985 and 1993 respectively, and have attracted millions of fans over the years.
The 2023 edition of Rock am Ring / Rock im Park will take place from June 2 to June 4, and will feature headliners Green Day, Muse, and Twenty One Pilots. Other confirmed acts include Foo Fighters, Royal Blood, Bring Me The Horizon, Machine Gun Kelly, and many more. Tickets are on sale now at the official website.
3. Hellfest
Hellfest is France’s biggest metal festival, held annually in Clisson, near Nantes. The festival covers a wide range of subgenres within metal, such as black metal, death metal, doom metal, thrash metal, and more. The festival also features a variety of stages, such as the Main Stage, the Altar Stage, the Temple Stage, the Valley Stage, and the Warzone Stage. The festival has been running since 2006 and has hosted some of the most influential acts in metal history.
The 2023 edition of Hellfest will take place from June 16 to June 18 and will feature headliners Judas Priest, Tool, and Faith No More. Other confirmed acts include Deftones, Korn, Megadeth, The Offspring, Volbeat, and many more. Tickets are sold out, but you can join the waiting list at the official website.
4. Glastonbury Festival
Glastonbury Festival is the UK’s most famous and iconic music festival, held annually at Worthy Farm in Somerset. The festival covers a wide range of genres, such as rock, pop, folk, electronic, and more. The festival also features a variety of stages, such as the Pyramid Stage, the Other Stage, the John Peel Stage, the Park Stage, and more. The festival has been running since 1970 and has hosted some of the most legendary acts in music history, such as David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, U2, Beyoncé, and Coldplay.
The 2023 edition of Glastonbury Festival will take place from June 21 to June 25 and will feature headliners Radiohead, Foo Fighters, and Ed Sheeran. Other confirmed acts include The xx, The National, Biffy Clyro, Lorde, Stormzy, and many more. Tickets are sold out, but you can join the resale queue at the official website.
5. Lollapalooza
Lollapalooza is a global music festival brand that originated in the US in 1991. The festival features some of the biggest names in rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic music, as well as a variety of attractions, such as art installations, food stalls, and charity booths. The festival has expanded to several countries over the years, such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, France, Germany, and Sweden.
The 2023 edition of Lollapalooza US will take place from August 3 to August 6 at Grant Park in Chicago. The lineup has not been announced yet, but you can expect some of the hottest acts in the industry. Tickets are on sale now at the official website.
6. Reading and Leeds Festival
Reading and Leeds Festival are two sister festivals that take place simultaneously in the UK. Reading Festival is held at Little John’s Farm in Reading, while Leeds Festival is held at Bramham Park in Leeds. The festivals share the same lineup, which consists of some of the biggest names in rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic music. The festivals have been running since 1961 and 1999 respectively, and have attracted millions of fans over the years.
The 2023 edition of Reading and Leeds Festival will take place from August 25 to August 27 and will feature headliners Muse, Kasabian, and Eminem. Other confirmed acts include Bastille, Major Lazer, Haim, Two Door Cinema Club, and many more. Tickets are on sale now at the official website.
7. Rock in Rio
Rock in Rio is a massive music festival that originated in Brazil in 1985. The festival features some of the biggest names in rock, pop, metal, and more, as well as a variety of attractions, such as a ferris wheel, a zip line, and a dance floor. The festival has expanded to several countries over the years, such as Portugal, Spain, and the US.
The 2023 edition of Rock in Rio Brazil will take place from September 15 to September 24 at the City of Rock in Rio de Janeiro. The lineup has not been announced yet, but you can expect some of the most iconic acts in the industry. Tickets are on sale now at the official website.
8. Coachella
Coachella is one of the most popular and influential rock music festivals in the world, held annually at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. The festival features some of the biggest names in rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic music, as well as a variety of attractions, such as art installations, fashion shows, and celebrity sightings. The festival has been running since 1999 and has hosted some of the most memorable performances in music history, such as Tupac’s hologram, Beyoncé’s Homecoming, and Rage Against the Machine’s reunion.
The 2023 edition of Coachella will take place from April 14 to April 16 and from April 21 to April 23. The lineup has not been announced yet, but you can expect some of the hottest acts in the industry. Tickets are on sale now at the official website.
9. Roskilde Festival
Roskilde Festival is Denmark’s largest and oldest music festival, held annually at the Roskilde Fairgrounds in Roskilde. The festival features some of the biggest names in rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic music, as well as a variety of attractions, such as art exhibitions, workshops, and camping areas. The festival has been running since 1971 and has hosted some of the most legendary acts in music history, such as Bob Marley, U2, Radiohead, Metallica, and Bruce Springsteen.
The 2023 edition of Roskilde Festival will take place from June 24 to July 1 and will feature headliners Foo Fighters, The Weeknd, and Gorillaz. Other confirmed acts include Arcade Fire, Lana Del Rey, Solange, Justice, and many more. Tickets are on sale now at the official website.
10. Primavera Sound
Primavera Sound is Spain’s most acclaimed and eclectic music festival, held annually at the Parc del Fòrum in Barcelona. The festival features some of the most innovative and diverse acts in rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic music, as well as a variety of attractions, such as film screenings, record fairs, and art exhibitions. The festival has been running since 200
and has hosted some of the most influential acts in music history, such as Björk, Arcade Fire, The Strokes, Kendrick Lamar, and Frank Ocean.
The 2023 edition of Primavera Sound will take place from May 31 to June 4 and will feature headliners The Cure, Arctic Monkeys, and Rihanna. Other confirmed acts include Tame Impala, Tyler, The Creator, Billie Eilish, The War on Drugs, and many more. Tickets are on sale now at the official website.
11. Wacken Open Air
Wacken Open Air is Germany’s largest and most famous metal festival, held annually in the village of Wacken in Schleswig-Holstein. The festival features some of the most extreme and diverse acts in metal, such as power metal, folk metal, death metal, black metal, and more. The festival also features a variety of stages, such as the True Metal Stage, the Black Metal Stage, the W.E.T. Stage, and the Headbangers Stage. The festival has been running since 1990 and has hosted some of the most legendary acts in metal history, such as Slayer, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Motörhead, and Rammstein.
The 2023 edition of Wacken Open Air will take place from August 3 to August 5 and will feature headliners Nightwish, Slipknot, and Sabaton. Other confirmed acts include Amon Amarth, Dimmu Borgir, Opeth, Behemoth, and many more. Tickets are sold out, but you can join the waiting list at the official website.
12. Bonnaroo
Bonnaroo is one of the most diverse and inclusive music festivals in the US, held annually at the Great Stage Park in Manchester, Tennessee. The festival features some of the biggest names in rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic music, as well as a variety of attractions, such as comedy shows, cinema tents, crafts workshops, and yoga classes. The festival has been running since 2002 and has hosted some of the most memorable performances in music history, such as Paul McCartney, Elton John, Kanye West, Beyoncé, and U2.
The 2023 edition of Bonnaroo will take place from June 8 to June 11 and will feature headliners Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Killers, and Drake. Other confirmed acts include The Lumineers, Lana Del Rey, Travis Scott, Flume, and many more. Tickets are on sale now at the official website.
13. Fuji Rock Festival
Fuji Rock Festival is Japan’s largest and most prestigious music festival, held annually at the Naeba Ski Resort in Niigata Prefecture. The festival features some of the biggest names in rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic music, as well as a variety of attractions, such as hot springs, nature trails, and art installations. The festival has been running since 1997 and has hosted some of the most influential acts in music history, such as Radiohead, Coldplay, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foo Fighters, and Oasis.
The 2023 edition of Fuji Rock Festival will take place from July 28 to July 30 and will feature headliners Muse, The Strokes, and Kendrick Lamar. Other confirmed acts include Phoenix, Vampire Weekend, The xx, LCD Soundsystem, and many more. Tickets are on sale now at the official website.
14. Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland is one of the most popular and spectacular electronic music festivals in the world, held annually at the De Schorre park in Boom, Belgium. The festival features some of the biggest names in EDM, house, techno, trance, and more, as well as a variety of attractions, such as fireworks, lasers, water shows, and themed stages. The festival has been running since 2005 and has hosted some of the most legendary acts in electronic music history, such as Tiësto, David Guetta, Armin van Buuren, Martin Garrix, and Hardwell.
The 2023 edition of Tomorrowland will take place from July 21 to July 23 and from July 28 to July 30. The lineup has not been announced yet, but you can expect some of the most amazing acts in the industry. Tickets are on sale now at the official website.
15. Splendour in the Grass
Splendour in the Grass is Australia’s most popular and diverse music festival, held annually at the North Byron Parklands in Byron Bay, New South Wales. The festival features some of the biggest names in rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic music, as well as a variety of attractions, such as comedy shows, art galleries, craft markets, and wellness workshops. The festival has been running since 2001 and has hosted some of the most influential acts in music history, such as Coldplay, Kanye West, Arctic Monkeys, Florence and the Machine, and The Cure.
The 2023 edition of Splendour in the Grass will take place from July 21 to July 23 and will feature headliners Queens of the Stone Age, The 1975, and Lorde. Other confirmed acts include Flume, Halsey, Tame Impala, The Chainsmokers, and many more. Tickets are on sale now at the official website.
16. Rock Werchter
Rock Werchter is Belgium’s largest and most acclaimed music festival, held annually at the Festivalpark in Werchter. The festival features some of the biggest names in rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic music, as well as a variety of attractions, such as food stalls, bars, and camping areas. The festival has been running since 1974 and has hosted some of the most legendary acts in music history, such as Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, U2, Pearl Jam, and Muse.
The 2023 edition of Rock Werchter will take place from June 29 to July 2 and will feature headliners Arcade Fire, Kings of Leon, and The Weeknd. Other confirmed acts include Radiohead, Imagine Dragons, Linkin Park, The xx, and many more. Tickets are on sale now at the official website.
17. Sziget Festival
Sziget Festival is Hungary’s largest and most diverse music festival, held annually on an island in the Danube river in Budapest. The festival features some of the biggest names in electronic, pop, hip-hop, and rock music, as well as a variety of attractions, such as circus shows, theatre performances, sports activities, and cultural programs. The festival has been running since 1993 and has hosted some of the most influential acts in music history, such as David Bowie, The Prodigy, R.E.M., Prince, and Rihanna.
The 2023 edition of Sziget Festival will take place from August 9 to August 16 and will feature headliners Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, and Kendrick Lamar. Other confirmed acts include Calvin Harris, Dua Lipa, The Killers, Major Lazer, and many more. Tickets are on sale now at the official website.
18. Mad Cool Festival
Mad Cool Festival is Spain’s newest and fastest-growing music festival, held annually at the Caja Mágica in Madrid. The festival features some of the biggest names in rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic music, as well as a variety of attractions, such as art exhibitions, food trucks, and VIP areas. The festival has been running since 2016 and has hosted some of the most impressive acts in music history, such as The Who, Foo Fighters, Green Day, Pearl Jam, and Depeche Mode.
The 2023 edition of Mad Cool Festival will take place from July 6 to July 8 and will feature headliners Red Hot Chili Peppers, The 1975, and Taylor Swift. Other confirmed acts include The Strokes, Twenty One Pilots, Lana Del Rey, The Chemical Brothers, and many more. Tickets are on sale now at the official website.
19. Montreux Jazz Festival
Montreux Jazz Festival is Switzerland’s most prestigious and longest-running music festival, held annually at the Montreux Music & Convention Centre in Montreux. The festival features some of the biggest names in jazz, blues, soul, and rock, as well as a variety of attractions, such as workshops, jam sessions, boat cruises, and free rock events. The festival has been running since 1967 and has hosted some of the most legendary acts in music history, such as Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, Prince, and David Bowie.
The 2023 edition of Montreux Jazz Festival will take place from June 30 to July 15 and will feature headliners Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, and Bruno Mars. Other confirmed acts include Norah Jones, John Legend, Herbie Hancock, Sting, and many more. Tickets are on sale now at the official website.
20. Austin City Limits
Austin City Limits is one of the most popular and diverse music festivals in the US, held annually at the Zilker Park in Austin, Texas. The festival features some of the biggest names in rock, pop, hip-hop, and country music, as well as a variety of attractions, such as art markets, food courts, and kids areas. The festival has been running since 2002 and has hosted some of the most impressive acts in music history, such as Paul McCartney, Radiohead, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and Willie Nelson.
The 2023 edition of Austin City Limits will take place from October 6 to October 8 and from October 13 to October 15. The lineup has not been announced yet, but you can expect some of the most amazing acts in the industry. Tickets are on sale now at the official website.
The Bottom Line
Rock festivals are more than just concerts, they are experiences. They offer you the chance to see your favourite bands live, discover new artists, meet new friends, and have fun. Whether you’re a hardcore rocker, a casual listener, or somewhere in between, there’s a rock festival for you on this list. So what are you waiting for? Pick your destination, book your tickets, and get ready to rock!
The post Top 20 Global Rock Festivals of 2023 appeared first on Rock Informer.
