From the U.S. to Hungary, music festivals have blossomed over recent decades and now attract millions of people from around the world every year.
Music festival performance. Veld Music Festival. CC BY-SA 2.0
Since the origins of music festivals sprung up in ancient Greece in 582 BC, these lively events have evolved from local music and sports competitions to globally renowned happenings. During August, many people flock to these festivals to experience remarkable performances accompanied by the summer weather.
Boomtown Festival, England
Performers at the 2006 Boomtown Festival, UK. Dimi15. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
With over 50 venues, a dozen main stages and thousands of performers, the Boomtown Festival located near Winchester in the United Kingdom brings eight city districts to life from August 7 to 11, 2024. The lineup is often kept a mystery until right before the festival, but the Boomtown Festival generally incorporates all kinds of genres into the lineup, from folk music to EDM.
Festival-goers are encouraged to camp overnight. Every ticket provides access to the Campsite Villages located throughout the festival. For eco-conscious attendees, the Boomtown Festival offers upgraded Green Transport Citizen Entry Tickets at a discounted rate for those who arrive via public transport.
Burning Man, U.S.
Burning Man, 2013. Chayna Girling. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
From August 25 to September 2, 2024, tens of thousands of people will come together in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert for the notorious Burning Man music festival. The theme for Burning Man 2024 is "Curiouser & Curiouser," inviting participants to explore their curiosities and wonders. The lineup has not yet been released, but Burning Man is known to host artists from many different genres.
Burning Man evolved from a spontaneous event on a San Francisco beach in 1986, when Larry Harvey and Jerry James drew a crowd to burn a wooden man in celebration of the Summer Solstice. Since then, Burning Man has become an official event that has attracted as many as 75,000 people. Ticket prices range greatly, from $225 tickets for low-income participants who qualify for the Ticket Aid Program, to $2,500 for early-bird FOMO Tickets. The Main Sale tickets cost $575 in addition to a $150 vehicle pass.
Creamfields, England
2005 Creamfields music festival, UK. Edith Adasme. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
From August 22 to 25, 2024, Creamfields will return to Daresbury, UK, for another electrifying multi-day music festival. Since its origins as a weekly house music night called Cream, the event has transformed from a cozy club night into an iconic music festival that attracts thousands of attendees each day.
With each stage dedicated to a different genre, Creamfields attracts lovers of all kinds of music. Dozens of artists will perform throughout the festival, from blk. to Calvin Harris. For an elevated festival experience, Creamfields offers a range of ticket options to suit different preferences and budgets. The ticket costs range from Standard Day Tickets, which cost about $100, to four-day Gold Tickets that cost about $550.
Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Scotland
Edinburgh Fringe 2011, Scotland. Anriro96. CC BY-NC 2.0
The 2024 Edinburgh Fringe Festival will bring 14 venues to life throughout Edinburgh from August 2 to 26. The origins of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival date back to 1947, when eight theater groups performed on the fringes of the Edinburgh International Festival. Since then, the Edinburgh Fringe has drawn millions of people.
Edinburgh Fringe features thousands of shows, from comedy to music. With many free shows, festival-goers can attend the Edinburgh Fringe Festival regardless of financial status. For those on a budget or with limited travel ability, there are some virtual events that festival-goers can attend as well.
Lollapalooza, U.S.
Cage the Elephant crowdsurfing at Lollapalooza. Henrique Oli. Wikimedia. CC 3.0
Lollapalooza returns to Chicago’s Grant Park from August 1 to 4, 2024, featuring a star-studded lineup with headliners like SZA, Megan Thee Stallion, The Killers, Blink-182 and Skrillex. Lollapalooza began as a traveling festival in 1991 when founder Perry Farrell envisioned it as a grand farewell for Jane’s Addiction.
Since then, the festival has found its home in Chicago’s Grant Park, growing from a two-day event into a four-day extravaganza that attracts 100,000 attendees daily. With international outposts in cities like Santiago, São Paulo, Berlin and Mumbai, Lollapalooza’s impact has transcended borders. Ticket prices range from $155 for general admission to $4,500 for platinum two-day tickets.
Sziget Festival, Hungary
A performance at the Sziget Festival, Hungary. Opethpainter. CC BY 2.0
From August 7 to 12, 2024, the Sziget Festival will transform Budapest into a musical paradise. At the Sziget Festival, festival-goers can witness world-renowned performances by artists like Halsey, Janelle Monáe, Sam Smith, Fred Again, Liam Gallagher, Martin Garrix, Skrillex, Stormzy, Louis Tomlinson and RAYE.
Tickets are available for purchase directly from the website. The ticket prices range from less than a dollar to about $2.50. Families are welcome, and children under 11 can enter free with a child wristband. Basic camping is included with the tickets, allowing festival-goers to set up a tent in any free camping area.
Madison Paulus
Madison is a student at George Washington University studying international affairs, journalism, mass communication, and Arabic. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Madison grew up in a creative, open-minded environment. With passions for human rights and social justice, Madison uses her writing skills to educate and advocate. In the future, Madison hopes to pursue a career in science communication or travel journalism.