A trip with plenty of dancing alongside friends, family, or strangers is an unforgettable travel experience. From discovering new artists to making memories, it’s the perfect way to live in the moment.
Featuring all the top things to do and see, as well as places to stay nearby – here are the 10 hottest music festivals across Asia.
We The Fest
Thousands of fans come together to celebrate their love for music at We The Fest
2023 dates: July 21–23
Where: Jakarta, Indonesia
Taking place in Jakarta at the end of July, We The Fest is a massive summer festival that’s about so much more than music. Even though the 2023 edition will host big names like The Strokes and Lewis Capaldi (with Lorde, SZA, Dua Lipa, and K-Pop star Eric Nam as past acts), it’s still a festival that’s equally focused on art, fashion, and food.
The venue is divided into several zones that celebrate the Indonesian capital’s vibrant culture. Visit the “Eats & Beats” area for ramen from Tokyo Belly, dan-dan noodles, and delicious local specialties. Also check out artistic offerings like murals, exhibitions, a WTF Cinema Club, installations, and free workshops. Recover with a stay at Ashley Tanah Abang in central Jakarta.
Good Vibes Festival
Gourmet food and world-acclaimed music acts at Good Vibes Festival. (Image credit: ©All Is Amazing)
2023 dates: July 21–23
Where: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Pulling out all the stops for its 10-year anniversary in 2023, Good Vibes Festival promises world-acclaimed artists and mesmerizing sets. This eclectic festival held in Sepang International Circuit (right next to Kuala Lumpur International Airport) saw the Malaysian debut of London-based global music broadcasting platform, Boiler Room, in 2019. This year will see headliners The Strokes and The 1975 take the stage.
Expect special zones dedicated to a range of entertainment – from a silent disco with music streamed to headphones by two live DJs to local gourmet food vendors and a fashion section featuring local designers. Check in to Sama Sama Hotel KLIA right next to the festival.
Fuji Rock Festival
Festival-goers enjoy sets in verdant surroundings at Fuji Rock Festival. (Image credit: ©宇宙大使☆スター)
2023 dates: July 28–30
Where: Naeba Ski Resort, Japan
Fuji Rock is the largest music festival in Japan, with attendance of around 150,000 in recent years. It’s held in the Niigata Mountains just a few hours outside of Tokyo, at the base of Mt. Naeba (not Mt. Fuji as you might expect). Direct bus services between Shinjuku and the festival site are also available for a fee. This spectacular setting promises misty rolling hills and crystal-clear rivers alongside a star-studded line-up. Oasis, Radiohead, LCD Soundsystem, Björk, Aphex Twin, and Gorillaz have all played at past events, while the likes of Yo La Tengo, Foo Fighters, and Lizzo are scheduled for 2023.
The site is fairly large, so be prepared for a little hiking to the more far-flung stages – and to one that’s a gondola ride away from the main festival area. Picturesque walks and immersion in nature only add to the ethereal atmosphere. After three days of camping on the hillside, you’ll struggle to tear yourself away. Stay at the stylish THE KNOT TOKYO Shinjuku when in Tokyo.
Summer Sonic Festival
Music fans revel in electrifying performances at Summer Sonic Festival in Japan. (Image credit: ©SUMMER SONIC)
2023 dates: August 19–20
Where: Osaka & Chiba, Japan
Summer Sonic is a two-day festival split between two places, with equally massive line-ups wowing the crowds simultaneously in Osaka and Chiba, just east of Tokyo. It’s a mainstream yet mixed roster, with mega pop stars like Rihanna having headlined in the past. Blur, Kendrick Lamar, and Liam Gallagher are all set to perform in 2023.
Beyond the music, festival-goers can enjoy live artist painting demonstrations, art exhibitions, massages, games, cinema, and a silent disco. For those opting for the Osaka edition, Hotel Royal Classic Osaka is a great accommodation option.
Ultra
Breathtaking light shows mesmerize party-goers at Ultra Festival
2023 dates: various
Where: region-wide (Taipei, Shanghai, Bali, Singapore, Bangkok, Manila, Mumbai, Hong Kong, Seoul)
Since its inaugural edition in Miami in August 1999, Ultra has grown to hosting events all around the world. Now, with various events in cities like Shanghai, Singapore, Bangkok, and Seoul, international audiences have an even greater selection of world-class festivals to choose from than ever before.
It’s revered as much for its electric atmosphere, production value, and theatrical firework and light displays as it is for the music – and it’s bound to impress even the most seasoned ravers. If you attend Ultra Korea next year, a stay at Signiel Seoul will fast-track your festival recovery.
S2O Songkran Music Festival
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Cool off with playful water cannons as part of S2O Songkran Festival in Thailand. (Image credit: ©S2O Festival)