Music has the ability to unite disparate hearts and cure the soul. For many people, unwinding involves watching television or listening to music on their phones. But only a true music enthusiast could appreciate the joy of attending a live concert. There are music festivals held throughout India when musicians and singers from all over the world perform. This presents a fantastic opportunity for music fans who also like to travel because it allows them to experience new locations while also listening to a wide variety of music.
Although some of the biggest music festivals like Coachella, Burning Man and Tomorrow Land are over, the last few months of 2022 have a lot of amazing concerts and festivals lined up not only internationally but in India as well! So if you’re ready to travel and to watch some of the best artists in the world, here are some of the best music festivals that you must attend!
Ziro Music Festival – A Musical Extravaganza
Photo Courtesy: Ziro festival
The Ziro Music Festival, an outdoor music event that highlights the talents of independent performers in India, is the most popular music festival in the heart of Arunachal Pradesh’s lush valley. The most notable musicians from India come together for this festival, and a wide range of people attend to watch. The Ziro Music Festival is a fusion of music, art, and a vibrant culture. Anup Kutty, the guitarist for Menwhopause, and Bobby Hano founded the festival in 2012; it lasts for four days and is held in Ziro. There are many more activities outside the music festival that allow one to learn more about the area and the tribe. The festival has been expanding quickly, so go if you want to listen to some trippy music! Grab your tickets and an umbrella so you won’t miss the most exciting and psychedelic music event of the year.
Dates: 29th September- 2nd October 2022
Jodhpur RIFF
Photo Courtesy: Jodhpur RIFF
UNESCO has designated Jodhpur RIFF, a non-profit festival of traditional music, as a “Peoples” Platform for Creativity and Sustainable Development. Jodhpur RIFF, which is timed to coincide with “Sharad Purnima,” the brightest full moon of the year in north India, offers a number of stunning performances and festivities in and around Mehrangarh Fort, which Time Magazine named “Asia’s Best Fortress.”
Dates: 6th October- 10th October 2022
Bacardi NH7 Weekender 2022
Photo Courtesy: Bacardi NH7
The picturesque sunsets, broad lawns, overwhelming energy, and the mysterious scenery. The 13th edition of BACARD NH7 Weekender is expected to be a grand event, with the vibrant city of Pune serving as the festival’s backdrop. So head on over to the Happiest Music Festival for an evening of diverse acts, breathtaking performances, swoon-worthy music, and moments you’ll cherish forever. Drink cocktails, sample the mouthwatering menu, explore the art installations, catch a show from the top of the Ferris wheel, and allow the festival spirit to flood your entire being.
Dates: 25th November – 27th November 2022
Venue: Mahalakshmi Lawns, Pune
Magnetic Fields
Photo Courtesy: Magnetic Fields
Every year in the middle of December, thousands of music heads from India and around the world throng to the sleepy village of Alsisar for Magnetic Fields, a festival that was introduced to the Indian festival calendar in 2013. Magnetic Fields Festival, which honours the greatest of the world’s underground music scene, transforms the majestic Alsisar Mahal into a throbbing, pulsing venue. The popular annual festival, which marries modern culture with Rajasthani hospitality and heritage, is nothing short of visual fantasy. The music is performed by international artists who are far removed from Rajasthan’s vibrant folk music. But precisely because of that disparity, the atmosphere of Alsisar Mahal becomes incredibly unique. In addition to the fantastic music, the Magnetic Fields Festival gives the chance to dance beneath the skies, stargaze, see their galaxies up close, practise yoga, and go on a thrilling treasure hunt in the Palace. The festival, like every year, will be limited capacity and promises to be an immersive, sensorial adventure unlike any other on the Indian circuit. The theme for 2022 is reconnection with the Magnetic Fields family of friends and fans, front and centre of it.
Dates: 9TH December- 11th December 2022
Sunburn Goa 2022
Photo Courtesy: Sunburn
Sunburn’s founders, Percept Live, have finally released their eagerly anticipated performance lineup. Afrojack, a Grammy Award winner, and the renowned DJs Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike have been revealed as the festival’s opening two headliners for this year by the promoters, who shared the star-studded artist line up of their annual showcase on social media. The three-day live event, with the overarching theme “The Future Is Now,” will include the best electronic dance music, cutting-edge technology, and elevated entertainment this year in Vagator, Goa.
Dates: 28th December- 30th December 2022
Lollapalooza India
Photo Courtesy: Lollapalooza
Lollapalooza, one of the premier multi-genre events that has been cherished by numerous generations of listeners, has spent more than three decades breaking new ground and establishing alternative culture. It has been internationally recognised as representing an alternative way of life, music, and culture for over 31 years and is still going strong. At Lolla, a festival that puts diversity and one-of-a-kind experiences at the heart of its celebration of music culture, everyone is made to feel at home. This year the festival makes its way to India and it’s going to be an unforgettable debut for #LollaIndia.
Dates: 28th January- 29th January 2023
International Festivals
AMF
Photo Courtesy: AMF
AMF is one of dance music’s biggest nights of the year, taking place in the Dutch capital’s biggest stadium. For one night in October, EDM royalty all come together to celebrate what they love best. Formerly known as Amsterdam Music Festival, it has become EDM’s biggest event.
Dates: 22nd October 2022
Where: Amsterdam, Netherlands
ADE: Amsterdam Dance Event
Photo Courtesy: ADE
ADE is one of those festival giants that a lot of people won’t have heard of, particularly if they’re not into electronic music. The whole dance music business, however, descended on Amsterdam’s music venues, conference centres, clubs, and streets for five days every October, bringing with it massive showcases, panel discussions, technological demos, and full-fledged festivals.
Dates: 19th October – 23rd October 2022
EDC Las Vegas
EDC Las Vegas
Aside from its two popular US events in Vegas and Orlando, this fairytale carnival experience has also visited Puerto Rico, Mexico and the UK. Inviting attendees into an EDM wonderland of neon decor and walkabout performers, every year the event pulls in a record attendance with fans ready to escape reality through electronic music. The 2023 line up will include artists like deadmau5 & Kaskade, Eric Prydz, Charlotte de Witte, Armin van Buuren, Excision, Porter Robinson and Grimes.
Dates: 19th May- 21st May 2023
Ultra Music Festival
Ultra Music Festival
The streets of Miami are transformed into a loud and bouncing celebration as revered DJs usher in what is considered to be the pinnacle gathering for electronic music aficionados from all over the country and the world.
