If you’ve attended at least one concert or music festival in the UAE this year alone, then you know Dubai and Abu Dhabi don’t play around when it comes to their entertainment scene. From Coldplay to Ed Sheeran, Kygo, and The Script, and that’s just to name a few from the first 6 months of the year. But with that said, there are some international music festivals that need to make your bucket list too for 2025. And I’m not just talking about Coachella and Burning Man (while those should definitely be on the list, too), these international music festivals are actually worth getting on a plane and travelling for. So, my UAE peeps, get your passport ready because we’re about to take a world tour of the best international music festivals you have to hit up this year if you can!
Also read: 21 Things You Can Get For FREE In Dubai On Your Birthday!
1. Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland is the kind of festival you live through and through. Held in the magical De Schorre park (yes, it’s as fairytale-like as it sounds), over 400,000 people from around the world gather to experience 14 incredible stages, insane visuals, and some of the most legendary DJ sets ever. This year’s lineup is stacked with big names like Martin Garrix, David Guetta, Armin van Buuren, and Swedish House Mafia, but the real charm is also in discovering the lesser-known artists across every genre of electronic music. Bonus points: Tomorrowland’s official campsite, DreamVille, is a festival in itself with yoga, food plazas, and pre-parties that keep the vibes going round the clock. And just so you know, tickets sell out ridiculously fast (I’m talking minutes), so if you’re serious, the time is already ticking.
Where & When: Boom, Belgium | July 18–20 and 25–27, 2025
Get your tickets here.
2. Lollapalooza
If you’re someone who loves a little bit of everything, Lollapalooza in Chicago is your musical soulmate. This iconic festival has been drawing massive crowds of nearly 400,000 fans, since the 90’s. The years headliners are seriously exciting – Tyler, The Creator, Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter (talk about double trouble, IYKYK), and Aussie electronic trio Rüfüs Du Sol! And the festival’s foodie scene is as wild as the music.
Where & When: Chicago, USA | July 31 – August 3, 2025
Get your tickets here.
3. All Together Now
Ireland’s All Together Now is one of those hidden gems that hits different. This music festival will be a weekend of art, storytelling, wellness, theatre, comedy, and of course, some incredible performances. This year’s lineup includes Fontaines D.C., Nelly Furtado, and London Grammar, but the real magic is in the surprises. You know what I’m talking about, those smaller acts, random performances in the woods, and spontaneous poetry slams.
Where & When: Waterford, Ireland | July 31 – August 3, 2025
Get your tickets here.
4. Osheaga
Say hello to Osheaga, a colourful explosion of music, art, and culture that takes over Montreal every August. With 6 stages spread across this island park, there’s always something exciting happening. From live mural painting, a mini amusement park moment, or a game of “volleypong” (yes, it’s a thing). This year’s headliners are also huge – The Killers, Tyler, The Creator, and Olivia Rodrigo. The festival also does a great job spotlighting up-and-coming talent, so you’ll walk away with new artists to obsess over. And for those of you banking on getting THE insta shot that night – there’s a Ferris wheel with views of downtown Montreal and the St. Lawrence River, which will be perfect for those golden hour pictures.
Where & When: Montreal, Canada | August 1–3, 2025
Get your tickets here.
5. Sziget Festival
If you want to go all in, Sziget Festival is the one (I mean it’s not called the Burning Man of Europe for no reason). Held on Old Buda Island in the middle of the Danube River, this 6-day mega-fest features over 1,000 performances. And wild attractions like quirky art installations, pop-up amusement rides, and even floating parties on the river. Their 2025 lineup includes Charli XCX, Shawn Mendes, Post Malone, A$AP Rocky, and rising star Chappell Roan! I mean talk about a dream lineup, and hello it’s been a minute since I’ve seen Shawn Mendes’ name anywhere. This is going to be one hell of a comeback.
Where & When: Budapest, Hungary | August 6–11, 2025
Get your tickets here.
