20 of the World’s Best Top Rated Live Summer 2023 Music Festivals

Summer music festival season is almost here, and we’ve rounded up  a list of the world’s best top rated live summer music festivals in the U.S. and Europe in 2023, including hip-hop, R&B, EDM, alternative, world, rock and pop. The good news? You can spend every weekend between Memorial Day and Labor Day at a sensational outdoor music festival somewhere in the world.

Best Summer Music Festivals in the World in 2023

Every year, we love to bring you the latest updates about the summer’s biggest and most newsworthy music festivals. Of course, these festivals are about more than just the music. They’re also about the food, the drinks, the Tik Toks, and most of all, the memories. But yes – the music has an important role to play too.

The world’s most iconic artists are on the move, and there’s a good chance they’re playing a stage – or a park, or a stadium – near you. Whether you prefer pop, hip-hop, jazz, rock, alternative, R&B or EDM, there’s a summer fest with your name on it – and we can’t wait to tell you all about it.

20 of the best summer music festivals in the world in 2023

1. Bottlerock

Bottlerock, May 26^th – May 28^th, 2023. The festival in Napa Valley, California is famous for offering “the first taste of summer.” Sounds delicious!  Who doesn’t want to kick off the season with the sounds of Lizzo, Post Malone, The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Duran Duran, Lil Nas X, and the Smashing Pumpkins? Only a month away, and we’re counting down the days. Stay at: The Meadowood Napa Valley in St. Helena or the Bardessono in Yountville.

2. Primavera Sound

Primavera Sound, June 1^st – June 3^rd, 2023 in Barcelona, June 8^th – June 10^th, 2023 in Madrid, and June 7^th –  June 10^th, 2023 in Porto. Three festivals in ten days may sound ambitious, but if there’s anyone who can pull it off, it’s superstar festival-makers, Primavera Sound. And with artists like these – Pet Shop Boys, Kendrick Lamar, Blur, Halsey, Rosalía, Blur, and Halsey – what could possibly go wrong? (And a little-known secret: if you can’t get enough of festival season, head to Buenos Aires and São Paulo in November and December for two more festivals. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.) Stay at: The Mandarin Oriental Barcelona or the Meliá Barcelona Sky in Barcelona, Four Seasons Hotel Madrid in Madrid, or the InterContinental Porto or the The Yeatman in Porto.

3. The Governor’s Ball

The Governor’s Ball Music Festival, June 9th – June 11^th, 2023. The popular New York festival kicks off summer in the city from its new home in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. We can’t wait to see headliners Lizzo, Odesza, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Baby, Lil Nas X, and so many more. We’re always proud to call this festival our own. Stay at: The Beekman or 1 Hotel Central Park.

4. Bonnaroo

Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, June 15^th  – June 18^th , 2023. The much-loved Bonnaroo returns to Manchester, Tennessee. This year’s lineup? Zeds Dead, Liquid Stranger, Kendrick Lamar, Odesza, and Lil Nas X. And at least a hundred other favorite artists.  Stay at: The Thompson Nashville or the 21c Museum Hotel Nashville.

5. The Essence Festival

The Essence Festival, June 29^th –July 3^rd, 2023. This Festival, an iconic celebration of Black women and Black culture, is headed back to New Orleans this year. You can expect an extraordinary weekend that celebrates of Black joy, with panels, discussions, vendors, and more. And of course, music. This year’s lineup includes Missy Elliot, Megan Thee Stallion, and Ms. Lauryn Hill – with a very special performance celebrating the 25^th anniversary of the album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.  Stay at: The Ritz-Carlton or the W in the French Quarter.

6. Montreux Jazz Festival

The Montreux Jazz Festival, June 30^th – July 15^th, 2023.  The Montreux Jazz Festival is back for its 57th year. Held on the shores of Lake Geneva in Vevey, Switzerland, the festival is home to blues, soul, and rock music, as well as the titular jazz. Though the lineup will not be announced until June 1^st, given the caliber of last year’s artists – Diana Ross, Björk, John Legend, Robert Plant and Allison Krauss, among others – we know we’re in for an amazing two weeks.  Stay at: The Grand Hotel du Lac Vevey.

7. The Wireless Festival

The Wireless Festival, July 7^th – July 9^th, 2023.  The popular rap and hip-hop festival is back in London’s Finsbury Park this July. Across the three energy-filled days, attendees will enjoy the music of of Travis Scott, Playboy Carti, D-Block Europe, 50 Cent, Lil Uzi Vert, Ice Spice, and many more. Stay at: The Nobu Hotel.

8. The Latitude Festival

The Latitude Festival, July 20^th – July 23^rd, 2023. High in aesthetic and whimsical ambience, the festival in Henham Park, Suffolk, England is famous for its eclectic line-up of poetry, comedy, dance, and music, as well as original family activities like cooking lessons and paddleboard yoga. This year, headliners will include well-known artists Pulp, Paolo Nutini, George Ezra, The Kooks, The Proclaimers, and many more. Stay at: The Salthouse Harbour Hotel in Ipswich.

9. Splendour in the Grass

Splendour in the Grass, July 21^st – July 23^rd, 2023. North Byron Parklands, Australia. The festival has been held annually since 2001 in the “yoga capital of Australia,” and we love its chill vibe. This year’s confirmed performers include Lizzo, Flume, Mumford & Sons, and Lewis Capaldi, so we know it’s going to be an unforgettable show. Stay at: Halcyon House or The Byron.

10. Tomorrowland

Tomorrowland, July 21^st – July 23^rd and July 28^th – July 30^th, 2023. Live Today, Love Tomorrow, Unite Forever is the mantra of the festival in Boom, Belgium (south of Antwerp). The EDM festival is one of the summer’s biggest music events, with hundreds of artists split across its two weekends. Mainstage artists include Amelia Lens, The Chainsmokers, Alesso, Afrojack, Martin Garrix, Steve Aoki and many more. Stay at: Martin’s Patershof in Mechelen or the Hotel de Witte Lelie in Antwerp.

11. Fuji Rock

Fuji Rock, July 26th – July 30^th, 2023 Once held at Mount Fuji, Japan’s largest outdoor music event now takes place in Niigata Prefecture, at the Naeba Ski Resort. This year’s lineup will feature The Strokes, the Foo Fighters, Lizzo, Lewis Capaldi, Alanis Morrissette, Daniel Caesar, and others. Stay at: The Naeba Prince Hotel.

12. Camp Bestival

Camp Bestival, July 27^th – July 30^th and August 17^th – August 20^th, 2023.  A boutique that bills itself as “the most colorful show on earth,” the singular Camp Bestival is putting on two shows this year: the first at the Lulworth Castle, in their usual home of Dorset; and the second at Weston Park in Shropshire.  Dorset’s headliners include Grace Jones, Craig David Presents TSS, and The Kooks, while Shropshire will showcase Primal Scream, Rudimental, and The Human League. And you can also expect all of Camp Bestival’s usual summer camp activities, such as axe throwing, face painting, and trapeze.

Stay at: The Green House Hotel in Dorset and Rowton Castle in Shropshire.

13. Lollapalooza

Lollapalooza, August 3^rd – August 6^th, 2023, in Grant Park, Chicago. The festival boasts delicious food as well as an amazing roster of artists, making it the perfect festival weekend. This year, they’ve got Billie Eilish, Karol G, Kendrick Lamar, the 1975, Odesza, Tomorrow X Together, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Lana Del Rey, plus many more. Stay at: The Ace Chicago or the Four Seasons

14. Way Out West

Way Out West, August 10^th – 12^th, 2023. The festival in Gothenburg, Sweden is back this year, and they have a big show planned for us. Their lineup includes Blur, Yo La Tengo, Wizkid, Boygenius, Arlo Parks, Tove Lo, and more. As well as their music, Way Out West is also known for their food, their film screenings, so we know we’re in for an incredible couple of days. Stay at: Upper House.

15. Outside Lands

Outside Lands, August 11^th – August 13^th, 2023. We can’t wait for the return of everyone’s favorite West Coast festival. Get ready for Golden Gate Park to explode with the sounds of Kendrick Lamar, Foo Fighters, Odesza, Lana Del Rey, the 1975, Megan Thee Stallion, and more. Stay at: The Ritz Carlton San Francisco or Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco.

16. The Green Man Festival

The Green Man Festival, August 17^th – August 20^th, 2023. Held in the Brecon Beacons, Wales, The Green Man Festival is known for its beautiful scenery, as well as for the Babbling Tongues: an area where attendees can listen in on literary talks and enjoy some late-night comedy. Though we’re not sure you’ll ever want to step away from the stage. This year, the fest will feature the sounds of  First Aid Kit, Devo, Spiritualized, Amyl and the Sniffers, and more. Stay at: Peterstone Court

17. All Points East

All Points East Festival, August 18^th – August 19^th, 2023 and August 25^th – August 28^th, 2023. Take a trip to London and enjoy a memorable two weekends of festival music in beautiful Victoria Park. Set to perform are Stormzy, Kehlani, Aphex, Bonobo, Erykah Badu, the Strokes, Jungle, Dermot Kennedy, and Haim. Stay at: The Beaumont Hotel in Mayfair.

19. Made in America

Made in America, September 2nd – September 3rd, 2023, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Jay-Z’s popular music festival is the way to spend Labor Day weekend, and say an honorary goodbye to everyone’s favorite season. Stay tuned for more information about this year’s lineup.  Stay at: The Rittenhouse or the Four Seasons.

19. Life is Beautiful

Life is Beautiful, September 22^nd  – September 24^th, 2023. It is not only a music festival, but also a festival for comedy, art, food and more. Come to Las Vegas this September, to transition beautifully into fall with a little help from Kendrick Lamar, The Killers, Odesza, Khalid, Flume, the 1975. Stay at: Four Seasons Las Vegas, Wynn Las Vegas, or Bellagio Hotel and Casino

20. All Things Go

All Things Go, September 30^th – October 1^st, 2023. For the first time, the popular Maryland festival expands to two days of tunes. For a final whisper of that summer magic, head to the Merriweather Post Pavilion and catch the music of Maggie Rogers, Carly Rae Jepsen, Lana Del Rey, Boygenius, Muna, Beabadoobee, Mt. Joy, and Arlo Parks.  Stay At: Columbia Inn at Peralynna.

the lineup of the best summer music festivals in 2023

That’s our edit of the world’s best live summer music festivals in the U.S. and Europe in 2023, including hip-hop, R&B, EDM, alternative, world, rock and pop. Where are you headed, dear reader?