Music Festivals

Best Music Festivals in Florida

/in , , /by

Yes, Florida sure has its fair share of weird headlines, but did you know that the music festivals out on this lovely coast have the best headliners? No? Well you don’t have to take my word for it, just take a look at the some of the best music festivals Florida has to offer and decide for yourself.

Get the latest news and announcements on Florida festivals on the Discotech App!

Electric Daisy Carnival (Orlando) – November

Decked out with thrilling roller-coasters and a plethora of interactive art exhibits, Electric Daisy Carnival proves to be the real love-child of amusement parks and concerts. Unfolding across multiple elaborately decorated stages, this music festival’s high-production value is matched only by its incredible ambience – a perfect mixture of hippie-dippie inclusivity and edgy creativity. In between the zip-line rides and art-hopping, make time for some stirring performances by the likes of Timmy Trumpet, Bassnectar, and Alison Wonderland.

Rolling Loud Festival (Miami) – May

Put your hands together for the largest hip-hop festival to grace the globe! By building up a reputation of putting together the most star-studded line-ups in hip-hop history, Rolling Loud has become synonymous with top-quality music. Watch out for international sensations like 21 Savage, Cardi B, and Kid Cudi, as they take the stage by storm and cement your obsession with the genre for decades to come.

Ultra Music Festival (Miami) – March

If you think EDM, you think Ultra, and the one in Miami is the oldest and biggest edition of this elite music festival. Summoning over seventy thousand ravers annually, it’s safe to think of Ultra Miami as the American Mecca of electronic music. Brace yourself for an explosive musical medley stretching from techno to house and everything in between, and let the likes of legends like deadmau5, David Guetta, and Alesso form the soundtrack to your best spring break yet.

Tortuga Music Festival (Fort Lauderdale) – April

Birthed in 2012 with the noble intention of raising funds for marine conservation, Tortuga Music Festival proves to be an endless beach party with a responsible twist. Boasting a diverse buffet of musical performances from every sub-genre imaginable, this music festival is sure to elevate your beach getaway by granting you memories of groovin’ to Flo Rida, Maren Morris, and Kane Brown with a crew of smoking hot surfers you found in the crowd.

Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival (Okeechobee) – March

Given that it’s hosted at a venue as invitingly-named as Sunshine Groove, it comes as no surprise at all that Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival proves to be a magical experience for attendees hailing from all across the nation. Featuring an array of immersive art exhibits as well as awe-inspiring live performances by artists from a variety of genres, this four-day event can best be summed up as a beautiful celebration of life. Khalid, Bassnectar, Halsey – name your musical idol and Okeechobee will have their name tucked-away in its incredible line-up.

Welcome To Rockville (Daytona Beach) – May

What do you get when Florida’s most beloved rock festival meets Florida’s most iconic beach? An unforgettable summer of crazy tans and crazy tunes! Let rock ‘n’ roll titans like The Prodigy, Korn, and Rob Zombie bless you with two delightful days of musical awakening that’ll leave you electrified and just a little hoarse – courtesy of all the screaming and headbanging, of course. If mischief, mayhem, and hours of pure euphoria under the sun strike your fancy, then you’ll definitely love Welcome To Rockville!

Miami Beach Pop (Miami) – November

One of the newest and freshest festivals in town, Miami Beach Pop is here to show you why Florida is deserving of its title as ‘the sunshine state’ even in peak-fall. Armed with a killer line-up that gels together the who’s-who of modern music and unites musical fans across genres, Miami Beach Pop promises to breathe new life into the rolling sandy beaches the city is known for. Catch big-names like Chance The Rapper, Kygo, and Maggie Rogers and more live and in action!

The Fest (Gainesville) – November

Do your middle school self a favor and head over to Gainesville this fall for the most extensive and enticing buffet of indie music you could ever find yourself at. Delve deeper into the underground music scene while digging through wonderfully odd items on show at the pop-up flea market, so as to truly bask in the air of lovely, unfiltered weirdness surrounding this music festival. Think you’ve outgrown your indie pop and punk rock phase? Well, think again because by offering up chilling performances by musical powerhouses like The Bronx, Jawbox, and Less Than Jake, The Fest will have you falling in love with the genre all over again.

Gasparilla Music Festival (Tampa) – March

For a more laid-back and cozier vibe, head over to Tampa this spring break so you can indulge in the absolute treat that is Gasparilla Music Festival. Fueled by a desire to foster a sense of fellow-feeling amongst attendees through the uniquely intimate experience of sharing a day-full of live music, this festival really puts in a lot of effort into curating a line-up that is as diverse as it is inviting. Enjoy a selection of class-acts of both local and international acclaim, such as Toro Y Moi, The Pharcyde, and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, while you soak up the sun.

III Points (Miami) – February

Smackdab in the middle of the city’s burgeoning arts district you’ll find III Points – a festival dedicated to celebrating every creative’s favorite trio: art, music, and technology. Committed to redefining the experience of listening to music, this cutting-edge festival features a multitude of exhibits ranging from panelists and educational lectures to interactive demonstrations and live performances. Groove to tunes from Tyler The Creator, DJ Seinfeld, and Peggy Gou while you get your art fix.

Clearly Florida’s where it’s at, so plan your next road-trip to the sunshine state right here!

Top 10 Electronic Music Festivals in UK

/in , /by

When it comes to electronic music, the United Kingdom boasts a rich music scene. The genre is immensely popular in the UK and has many fans across its isles for whom they have held a large number of electrifying and thrilling music festivals all over the country. The excitement of festival season is basically equivalent to the cheer and joy felt throughout the holiday season.

With festivals that are both dance giants like Creamfields, Parklife, We Are FSTVL, and South West Four, to festivals that are more so hidden gems like Houghton and Junction 2, there are electronic music festivals in UK that will suit people with all levels of fervor and excitement for the music and dance. Here is a list of what we consider to be the top ten electronic music festivals in the UK currently.

Use the Discotech App for the latest festival announcements!

Creamfields in Daresbury, England

Creamfields first made its debut to the festival scene in 1998, in recent years however, the festival has taken place in the village of Daresbury. Considered by many to be the UK’s oldest and most prestigious dance event, it sure backs up those claims with a lineup year after year that features some of the biggest electronic music acts in the world. From Deadmau5, Martin Garrix, and David Guetta, to the likes of Tïesto, Avicii, Steve Aoki, and Calvin Harris, you’d be hard-pressed to name a famous DJ who hasn’t played at the Creamfields festival at some point in their career. The program features well over 200 artists every festival and is always a stunning event, creating for a memorable experience with mind-blowing stages such as Arc, Horizon, Generator, and Steel Yard.

Parklife in Manchester, England

An independent music festival that was created by the brilliant mind of Sacha Lord, Parklife Festival is one of the UK’s most popular and famous weekend music festivals. The event hosts a spectacular program of diverse and cutting-edge music inside Manchester’s Heaton Park and features a large number of popular artists thanks to the efforts of The Warehouse Project and LiveNation. The two-day festival is a non-camping festival so attendees will have to spend the night elsewhere before going to the grounds to enjoy music and stages from stars like Khalid, Charli XCX, Cardi B, and Lauv. The 2020 festival was cancelled due to covid, but there is no doubt that the weekender that is Parklife will return in 2021 with an even better roster of performers than the ones they had slated for this year.

Junction 2 Festival in London, England

Junction 2 Festival in London takes its name from its setting – quite literally underneath a motorway – but the industrial car park setting is the perfect accompaniment to Junction 2’s gritty, but alternative, sound. An A-list techno lineup heads to West London’s Boston Manor Park each summer for a day party. Friday’s lineup explores a wide range of the electronic music spectrum with a particular focus on house, techno, electro, and breakbeats, whilst Saturday retains the festival’s original style of full-throttle four-to-the-floor techno as well as spacey minimal. Slated to return in June 2021, Junction 2 has promised to have as close as a replica to the cancelled 2020 lineup as they can manage. With the 2020 lineup having artists such as Adam Beyer, Amelie Lens, Ben Klock and Dax J, you won’t want to miss next year’s festival.

Southport Weekender in Bognor Regis, England

Normally held in Crystal Palace Park in London, the Southport Weekender will be returning to Bognor Regis in 2021 to throw the ultimate music festival, with a weekend of parties across the town’s Butlin’s Resort, including inside its theatres, cinemas, pubs and even swimming complex. In addition to big names in the electronic music scene like DJ Swerve and SOULDYNAMIC, the Southport Weekend will also have many popular Jazz artists like Ronnie Laws and Lonnie Liston Smith.

Field Day in London, England

A relatively new festival that had its debut in 2019, Field Day solidified its position as one of the capital’s most loved music festivals due to their excellent lineup,stellar stages, and live performances. Field Day is curated by a collection of clubs and promoters from the London music scene to celebrate the full spectrum of electronic music with both live and DJ performances across one day with three outdoor stages of music, indoor stages, and running as late as 3am, which is considered to be a novelty when it comes to London music festivals.

Houghton Festival in Houghton, England

Despite only two editions under their belt, Houghton Music & Arts Festival has established itself as one of the UK’s leading electronic festivals. Curated by British electronic music veteran Craig Richards and produced by another firm favorite Gottwood, the festival has won praise on basically all counts – lineup, scheduling, sound quality, location, and atmosphere. With extended set times and a knowledgeable crowd, artists have the freedom to showcase sounds they wouldn’t normally explore, and this is where magic moments are created. 

We Out Here in Cambridgeshire, UK

A festival curated by DJ Giles Peterson and named after the UK jazz compilation Peterson’s label Brownswood Recordings released in 2018, We Out Here is a festival celebrating musical eclecticism from across the spectrum. The music that can be heard over the Cambridgeshire countryside during the festival will be a mixture of jazz, funk, soul, and hip hop, with a strong focus on electronic music. With a jam-packed program of DJs and live performances as well as incredible food, wellness activities, and art installations, We Out Here is a family-friendly festival that should be on everyone’s calendar. Where other music scenes might have capitulated to branded commercialization, the diversity of this new jazz generation, matching and continuing the legacy of their forebears, creates the genuine, communal movement that defies commodification at the We Out Here festival.

Lost Village in Lincolnshire, England

Beautifully tucked away inside a forest in Lincolnshire, Lost Village transforms the magical woodland into an enchanted electronic haven, taking festival goers on a journey through house and techno to their utopia of the freshest electronic sounds in the scene today. The intimate size of the festival further creates a space where magic seems possible and reality seems distant. Mixed into the adventure is comedy, theatre, art and of course music for three days during the summer.

We Are FSTVL in London, England

Growing bigger and bigger year after year, We Are FSTVL has festivals in multiple countries. The brand attempts to add a fun and creative aspect to its wide-ranging style of partying and revelry at the festival that always brings in droves of excited festival goers from new fans of dance music to enthusiasts. Featuring DJs and artists that specialize in techno, house, and bass, the festival is able to create some of the most stunning and amazing stages. And the party doesn’t stop at We Are FSTVL, long after the entertainment at the venue dies down, there are still afterparties for those who want to keep dancing till the sun rises.

SW4: South West Four in London, England

Since launching in 2003, South West Four has grown into one of London’s leading festivals, consistently drawing in international talent and crafting humongous line-ups that share their performances for audiences over ten large stages at the festival. Carving out space for itself in central London, South West Four can go head to head with some of the biggest dance festivals in the world. The festival has grown famous for its unexpected back-to-back sets that often take place. With more than 100 artists over two days, you’re bound to find someone who you’ll enjoy seeing perform. After all, industry heavyweights like Marshmello, Armin Van Buuren, Dizzee Rascal, and others have headlined at the event in past years.

Top 10 Jazz Festivals in the USA

/in /by

The USA is the birthplace of the magical musical genre of Jazz. Known as the first truly American art form, Jazz’s rise to global domination mirrored a young USA’s rise to be a superpower. Jazz is intrinsically intertwined with America’s history and has evolved over the years just as the nation has. As Jazz began to incorporate and mix in sounds from other genres, Jazz festivals began to relax the type of artists and artistry they featured at their events. Nowadays, Jazz festivals also include acts that inspire and have been inspired by Jazz; the only criteria for music selection seems to be an inclination towards creative ingenuity. If you thought that Jazz was dead, nothing could be further from the truth, the music genre is still popular today with many long time running music festivals as well as a few more current ones that have popped up in recent years.

Use the Discotech App to stay up to date on the most recent festival announcements!

PDX Jazz Festival in Portland, Oregon

To celebrate Black History Month, PDX Jazz Festival was founded in 2004 to honor those who made Jazz what it is today with a series of concerts and events presented over the course of two weeks. PDX Jazz Festival takes over downtown Portland for eleven days every year in February, bringing some of jazz’s greatest stars to over a dozen venues across the city. This annual festival is dedicated to preserving America’s indigenous art form by presenting internationally recognized jazz masters alongside local musicians and includes education and outreach programs that extend into Portland’s schools and neighborhoods, as well as a generous offering of free performances.

Jazz In The Gardens Music Festival in Miami, Florida

Jazz in the Gardens has easily become the city of Miami’s premiere entertainment event. Having 15 years of history under its belt, Jazz in the Gardens celebrates diversity, culture and art. Through a stellar lineup of Jazz, R&B, Soul and World Beat, the festival showcases how various genres of music interact and influence each other. This inclusive approach to the lineup manifests itself in a uniquely uplifting atmosphere. Event goers find themselves entrenched in the rich beats and musical stylings that vibrate from the stage. The event not only brings world-renowned talent to Miami Gardens, but it gives local artists the opportunity to be seen, heard and possibly discovered. Jazz in the Gardens music festival is considered by many as the undeniable “travel destination for the spring.” Jazz in the Gardens occurs annually in March and serves as the inaugural event of the highly anticipated music festival season in Miami.

Reno Jazz Festival in Reno, Nevada

Reno Jazz Festival 2013

Almost 60 years old and organized by the University of Nevada, Reno Jazz Festival is not your normal festival experience. The event has a heavy focus on education, welcoming in students, educators, and professional musicians to the university for showcases, jam sessions, competitions and awards. The event regularly draws in crowds of nearly 10,000 students and their families each year with attendees coming in from within Nevada, Arizona, California, Oregon and Washington. Though this music festival might not have the same level of intensity as some of the other Jazz festivals on this list, it provides for a variety of family friendly and musical entertainment where you are undoubtedly able to learn about the rich history and culture of Jazz and celebrate it to the fullest.

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, colloquially known simply as Jazz Fest, is perhaps the most famous Jazz festival in the entire world and is an annual celebration of the music and culture of New Orleans and the greater Louisiana. The Jazz Fest is used to also refer to events outside of the festival that make up this time of celebration. In the days leading up to it there are many activities for festival goers to enjoy, including many Jazz shows at unaffiliated New Orleans nightclubs. New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival celebrates the unique bond between the city and the music nurtured there, and you are truly able to see how Jazz is the essence of the historic and rich city. Held from the last weekend in April into the first weekend in May, this festival is quite the tourist attraction with thousands of people coming into town to celebrate Jazz and immerse themselves in festival season. In fact, it could even be argued that outside of Mardi Gras, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is the biggest event to take place in New Orleans in the entire year.

Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis, Tennessee

The Beale Street Music Festival came to life in the early 1970s when the Memphis Area Chamber of Commerce developed plans for a festival, which would serve as a promotional umbrella for the numerous events Memphis hosted each May. Now this festival has transformed into a well-organized and highly budgeted month-long extravaganza for the entirety of May and has even hosted events that put the festival in the Guinness Book of World Records. In its 50 year run, the event has hosted pretty much every Blues or Jazz legend you can think of. Nowadays, the festival has broadened its scope of artists and always brings in a talented variety that festival goers always are able to appreciate.  

Jacksonville Jazz Festival in Jacksonville, Florida

The Jacksonville Jazz Festival is one of the largest free Jazz festivals in the country! Every Memorial Day Weekend since 1981, thousands of Jazz lovers from across the nation gather in Downtown Jacksonville to celebrate the music, culture and art of Jazz by the riverfront. Offering up a more traditional lineup of the biggest names in the genre, Jacksonville Jazz Festival has the feel of a street or block party, only instead of music coming out of your neighbors’ janky outdoor stereos, the sounds come from some of the most talented artists in the world doing their thing and performing their music.

Rochester International Jazz Festival in Rochester, New York

The CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival is one of the world’s leading Jazz festivals presenting legendary performers, familiar favorites, rising stars and new discoveries of talent and music from around the world. The multi-dimensional 11-day festival is held in downtown Rochester, NY, and features more than 1750 artists from around the world in over 320 shows at around 21 venues every year. Founded in 2002, the festival has grown from only being able to manage a crowd of 15,000 to now having around 210,000 festival goers attend it every year. Over its 16 years, the festival has welcomed a plethora of traditional and fusion royalty when it comes to the genre of Jazz who all know how to, of course, draw in an impressive crowd.

Newport Jazz Festival in Newport, Rhode Island

Established in 1954 by the Lorillards, a husband and wife pairing who were socialites in New York, Newport Jazz Festival is both older than its similarly famous sibling the Newport Folk Festival and also, reputably, the first annual American jazz festival to take place. Most of the early festivals were broadcast on Voice of America radio, and many performances were recorded and released as albums, which only goes to show the caliber of talent that was performing at the Newport Jazz Festival. These days, the event is even more impressive with artists such as Tony Allen, Herbie Hancock, and Jon Batiste as well as talented performers such as the Berklee College of Music Jazz Ensembles, Black Art Jazz Collective, and the Spanish Harlem Orchestra.

Monterey Jazz Festival in Monterey, California

Turning 64 this year, The Monterey Jazz Festival is a music festival in Monterey, California that was founded on October 3, 1958 by Jazz disc jockey Jimmy Lyons. The festival is renowned as one of the best Jazz events in the world. Annually held on the 20-acre, oak-studded Monterey County Fairgrounds, the event welcomes over 500 artists every year and offers a diverse lineup of talent from passionate newbies all the way up to living legends in the Jazz scene. 

Chicago Jazz Festival in Chicago, Illinois

A multi-venue music event open to all ages, the Chicago Jazz Festival brings Jazz music to Downtown Chicago’s beautiful Millennium Park, as well as the inside of the nearby Chicago Cultural Center. The oldest of Chicago’s free lakefront music festivals boasts an incredibly diverse lineup, with artists who range from well-established Jazz legends to influential modern masters and crucial new voices, mixing both local and internationally renowned talent in the genre’s continuing evolution. The festival also arranges a large selection of free neighborhood concerts leading up to the main show at Millennium Park every year in August. 

Top 10 Music Festivals in Michigan

/in , /by

The state of Michigan has birthed, or at the very least cultivated, some of contemporary music’s most enduring genres within the past fifty years, from punk rock to Motown/soul to techno. Though the state’s capital is Lansing, Detroit is Michigan’s most influential and largest city by far, known by locals as ‘Motor City’ due to both the successful car manufacturing industry and the hometown music label Motown Records which released many of the popular, and now classic, soul, pop, and funk records of the 60s.

Aside from the music that was birthed in Michigan, blues and Hip-Hop also have strong ties within the state, which has birthed artists like Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Eminem, Diana Ross, and Madonna to name a few. Music represents a vital part of Michigan’s culture and the amount of music festivals and events they have surely prove it. Here is a list of what we consider to be the top ten music festivals in Michigan currently.

Use the Discotech App to keep updated on the latest festival announcements!

Electric Forest in Sherwood Forest, Rothbury, MI

Electric Forest is a continuous four-day festival that stretches over one weekend. The event offers up a variety of music but is mostly centered around electronic music and jam band. Set among the flora and fauna of Rothbury’s majestic Sherwood Forest, the festival literally transforms the tranquil woodland into an electrifying, kaleidoscopic, and hedonistic haven. Since 2008, Electric Forest has offered up a meticulously curated lineup of electronica’s foremost artisans for the almost 50,000 lucky festival goers that descend upon the enchanted forest in search of an unforgettable experience year after year.

Movement Electronic Music Festival in Hart Plaza, Detroit, MI

Movement Electronic Music Festival is one of longest-running dance music events in the world and is committed to showcasing authentic electronic music while providing an experience unlike any other. The festival takes place in Hart Plaza – Detroit’s legendary riverfront destination every Memorial Day Weekend. Thousands upon thousands of ravers flock to the Hart Plaza to celebrate the history of techno in the birthplace of techno. As one of dance music’s oldest festivals, numerous generations of festival goers come together annually to celebrate techno’s origins, and its apparent impact on electronica and beyond.

Hoxeyville Music Festival in Wellston, MI

Hoxeyville is the Midwest’s premier Americana and Roots festival with a background in Americana and bluegrass music. Boasting three stages featuring national touring artists, and the best and brightest Michigan talent, they create an environment that is serene, communal, and family-friendly environment with a child-focused program of activities and games where the kids are occupied while the adults kick back to the earthy sounds. The venue is also very intimate and is outfitted to entertain a crowd of 3,000.

Common Ground Festival in Lansing, MI

Beginning in 2000, the Common Ground Festival has been a bright spot in the July calendar for Lansing, Michigan. For twenty years now, guests have been able to enjoy the weeklong festival which has hosted some of the USA’s finest talents in the shape of Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame inductees, and multi-Grammy award winning artists. By mixing in legacy artists with modern icons from a wide array of genres including Contemporary, Classic Rock, Pop, Alternative, Folk, Country, Hip-Hop, and R&B music, they have been able to create an energetic and lively atmosphere with a highly enthusiastic and interactive audience.

Detroit International Jazz Festival in Hart Plaza & Campus Martius, Detroit, MI

Held in Detroit on every Labor Day since 1980, this free festival is, without doubt, a mainstay of the city’s cultural tapestry. With over sixty different performances across the multiple pop-up stages within the city, the festival is able to ensure that the heartbeat of jazz stays pumping over the course of the entire event which has seen the likes of legends like Dave Brubeck and Pat Metheny perform in the past.

Mo Pop Festival in West Riverfront Park, Detroit, MI

A large crowd watching Jessica Hernandez and the Deltas performing during the Mo Pop Festival held in West Riverside Park, July 2015

Although it has only been around since 2013, this two-day inner-city festival quickly became a fan favorite for festival goers and locals. The event caters for indie audiophiles that have a penchant for rhythm, ingenuity, and dancing with an ambiance that can be described as “boutique and niche.” Growing bigger and bigger with each year, the Mo Pop Festival has an attendance of around 20,000 guests for whom there is a wide selection of music and artistry to enjoy. Indie Rock, Pop, and Hip-Hop is played all across the venue from artists who come from a variety of backgrounds, emerging newbies to established music industry giants. Guests will be able to enjoy this spectacular festival along Detroit’s famous waterfront while enjoying some of the city’s famous foods and beverages. At an event that has been compared to the likes of major alternative festivals like Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Coachella, and Pitchfork, you know you are in for a great time.

Hiawatha Music Festival in Tourist Park, Marquette, MI

Within the beautiful forested area of Tourist Park in the city of Marquette, the quaint Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival unfolds. This celebration of music is the ideal locale for those who love old-fashioned nature camping and outdoor activities as much as homegrown music. Hiawatha invites a mixture of both locally and nationally successful talents to perform at the event. If you love Bluegrass, Celtic, Acoustic, Blues, or Gospel music, then this is the place to be in the middle of summer.

Wheatland Music Festival in Remus, MI

The Wheatland Music Festival is a music and arts festival organized by the Wheatland Music Organization, a non-profit organization specializing in the preservation and presentation of traditional arts and music. Music, dance, arts and crafts, nature, and storytelling are all championed at this cultural community event. Since 1974, this festival has been a firm fixture in Michigan’s summer activities calendar. It began as a free concert on the grounds of the Rhode family farm and since then has blossomed into a gathering of festival goers within the 160-acre site.

Faster Horses Festival in Michigan International Speedway, Brooklyn, MI

Faster Horses Music and Camping Festival is a 3-day country music festival that runs from Friday to Sunday annually. Over the course of the weekend, over 40,000 festival goers descend upon the Michigan International Speedway, both young and old, for an epic ho-down. The festival features plenty of country music superstars, stellar campsites, and lots of boot-scootin’ boogies. The 2021 lineup looks bright with Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett, and Jason Aldean as well as other talented artists in the genre. If country music is your jam, then this is one festival you’ll sure wish to be a part of.

Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival in Ann Arbor, MI

What began as a tribute to ageing Blues icons during the late 60s and early 70s, the Ann Arbor-based festival soon expanded to encompass the genre of Jazz as well. Inviting a generous list of venerated guests like Miles Davis, James Brown, Ray Charles, Sun Ra, B.B. King, Muddy Waters, and Al Green, the festival is one that diehard Blues and Jazz fans must have on their bucket lists. The festival’s program is split across the vast outdoor arenas, the large indoor concerts, and even intimate authentic Jazz clubs that will immerse festival goers into both the expressive, emotive domain that Blues and Jazz are so famous for.

Best EDM Music Festivals in Canada

/in /by

Yes, turns out our sweet-natured northern cousins do know a thing or two about music festivals after all. From the land of moose and maple syrup comes some EDM magic to rock your world!

Escapade Music Festival (Ottawa, Ontario) – June

If an explosion of trance and techno strikes your fancy, this is the music festival for you. Watch the nation’s capital light up in a dazzling celebration of life, unfolding against the beautiful city landscape – a view matched only by the pure euphoria of being in the midst of it all. Since 2009, Escapade has established itself as a premier music festival and placed Ottawa on the map as a rave-enthusiast must-visit. With musical sensations like Markus Schulz, ZedsDead, and Chris Lorenzo taking the crowd by storm, you’re sure to lose track of time out there on the dance floor.

ileSoniq (Montreal, Quebec) – August

Informally crowned the EDM capital of Canada, Montreal can thank ileSoniq for securing its fanbase. Clearly an elite music festival in terms of both its star-studded line-up and complexity of décor, ileSoniq really offers a taste of what the future of EDM holds. Guess you have to see it to believe it. I mean hello, Marshmello, Bad Bunny, and Excision on the same stage? Sign me up!

Chasing Summer Music Festival (Calgary, Alberta) – August

As one of the coldest cities in the entire world, Calgary sure knows to savor the few months of sun it is granted. Therefore, it comes as no doubt that Chasing Summer Music Festival is fueled entirely by a genuine carpe-diem mentality that trickles into every element of this long-awaited event. Earning the title of Canada’s largest EDM festival in the West, Chasing Summer is committed to treating you to two days of unparalleled fun and festivity. And if the joy of finally sporting a natural tan doesn’t win you over, I’m certain that the jaw-dropping performances by The Chainsmokers, Slushii, and Alesso will!

MUTEK Montreal (Montreal, Quebec) – August

Calling tech-geeks and EDM lovers alike to Montreal this fall for the marriage of cutting-edge technology and quality music. Like a modern-day fairy godmother, MUTEK transforms the pride and joy of Quebec into a futuristic wonderland complete with elaborate stages and elegant sets. With the line-up regularly boasting up and coming artists like Akufen, Jlin and Gudrun Gut, even the hardest-to-please of ravers are sure to find new EDM idols to swoon over.

Bass Coast Music and Arts Festival (Merritt, British Columbia) – July

If you’re bored of big mainstream music festivals and would like something with a little more edge, Bass Coast Music and Arts Festival is the answer to your (musical) prayers! Since its inception in 2009, this festival has made the curation of a unique and diverse line-up its top priority. So prepare to be wowed by moving performances by trailblazers like Sticky Buds, Yheti, and Nightmare on Wax. Made for artists, by artists, you’ll feel right at home at this vibrant and inclusive homage to creative expression.  

Contact Winter Music Festival (Vancouver, British Columbia) – December

Witness the nation’s largest indoor stadium transmute into the littiest club you’ve ever had the honor of setting foot in, right before your very eyes. Complete with elaborate sets and backed up by high-production value, Contact is sure to have you cozy up to chilly Vancouver this winter! With a line-up boasting the world’s most beloved EDM powerhouses like Tiesto, San Holo, and Kaskade, this iconic music festival will have you losing contact with reality and wishing you could freeze time so as not to have to grapple with the withdrawal symptoms that will inevitably follow.

Shambhala Music Festival (Salmo River Ranch, British Columbia) – July

Voted ‘North America’s Best Festival’ by the readers of DJ Mag in 2019, Shambhala sure lives up to its reputation as a fan-favorite. Yes, I’m talking four days of party-rocking with six separate themed stages teeming with EDM goodness! Watch out for homegrown Canadian superstars like Black Tiger Sex Machine and Ekali, while you take a break from going gaga over international acts like Dion Timmer and Channel Tres. The best indie music festival to hit the shore this side of the Pacific, Shambhala will make you sham-holla at the Canadian EDM scene.

Igloofest (Montreal, Quebec) – January

You know what they say, when you can’t get to France, French Canada it is! But jokes aside, prepare yourself for a musical fiesta that stretches over twelve unforgettable nights this winter, because Igloofest is about to knock your socks off. Even bundled up in five warm layers to beat the Quebec chill, the jaw-dropping performances by powerful acts like Regular Fantasy, Lauer and Anjunabeats are certain to give you chills. And between sampling delightfully weird alcoholic concoctions at the ice-bar and killing it at the ‘Iglooswag’ snowsuit contest, you’ll forget that your teeth are chattering at all.

Veld Music Festival (Toronto, Ontario) – August

If you have any doubts about why the east coast is the best coast, let Veld Music Festival convince you once and for all. Drawing over 60, 000 ravers each year to its gorgeous venue in the heart of Toronto like moths to a magnificent flame, Veld has proven itself as the perfect amalgamation of hip-hop and electronic music time and time again. Let show-stopping performances by musical powerhouses like Illenium, Don Diablo and Marshmello cement your love for the genre and make a lifelong fan of both EDM and Toronto out of you, this fall. You’re in for a s-Veld time!

AIM Electronic Music Festival (Montreal, Quebec) – July       

With its mission to bring ‘Art, Innovation, and Movement’ to the next level embedded in its very name, AIM Electronic Music Festival remains one of the largest hubs of free-spirited yet immersive artistic showcases. Armed with a plethora of multi-media performances and as Canada’s only festival currently possessing the highly-coveted license to play music for over thirty-two consecutive hours, AIM is guaranteed to treat you to an unforgettable feast for the senses. Let the likes of Danny Tenaglia, Pig&Dan, and Getter leave you dazzled and star-struck, as is their aim.

Think it’s time to drop by Canada for a quick EDM fix, don’t you? Check Discotech for the latest festivals in Canada!

Guide to Different Coachella Stages

/in , /by

First time going to Coachella? Looking to get the lay of the land before you go? Wondering what type of music you’ll find at each stage? Coachella is one of the largest and most diverse music festivals in the world, with music from all types of genres – electronic, rock, hip hop, latin, pop, and more. Each of the stages are all unique and typically feature different types of music. Here is our breakdown of the different Coachella stages:

Coachella Stage (Main Stage)

coachella main stage

This is the main stage that features the biggest headliners and draws the largest crowds. The main headliners will close out each night at this stage. You’ll find the best production here, with sound that can be heard throughout the festival grounds. There are speakers set up thorughout the field in order to pump up the noise, but the closer to the front you are the louder the music will be. There is a beer garden to the left of the stage where you can get alcohol and watch the performance. Not much shade available.

Outdoor Theatre

coachella outdoor theater

Smaller outdoor stage to the right of the Coachella Stage. This also features some pretty big name artists, and is the second biggest stage. The genre varies depending on artist. This is one of the best stages to catch a sunset set. Not much shade available.

Mojave Tent

coachella mojave tent

The second largest tent stage – home to a lot of indie rock bands and other up and coming acts. Stage production is solid. Usually isn’t super crowded unless there’s a bigger artist playing.

Gobi Tent

Coachella Gobi Tent

The gobi is a place featuring smaller artists on the come up. This tent will never be crowded and the crowd there will tend to be hard core fans of the performers. The Gobi tent is a nice place to relax in the shade and get away from the crowds.

Sahara Tent

Coachella Sahara Tent

A large, hangar like tent that tends to host primarily EDM (electronic dance music) acts, with a few hip hop artist sprinkled in here and there. In 2018 it was built 25% larger and relocated to a spot near the festival entrance, which provided more shade and allowed more space for crowd flow in and out of the stage. Biggest production of all the tent stages – with lasers, lights, cool stage design that changes every year.

Do Lab

Coachella Do Lab

Straddling these two identities is a vibrant alcove at Coachella called the Do LaB Stage, a glimmering oasis in the arid landscape. This tucked-away corner is both a literal and figurative refuge from the heat of the festival. Colorful characters blast water guns from the stage while the whole area thumps with fresh electronic beats. The contoured rainbow canopy helps to block the desert sun while enveloping attendees in an intimate environment in sharp contrast to Coachella’s other cavernous domes. Curated by Lightning in a Bottle, you’ll find smaller, up and coming DJs that play music that’s a bit more underground. Think trap, bass heavy music, etc – not big room house. Will usually have a surprise DJ closing out the night.

Yuma Tent

Coachella Yuma Tent

A small air conditioned indoor tent with wooden floors that primarily hosts underground, darker electronic DJs. This tent has more of a club vibe and is a great spot to get out of the heat. This tent has limited capacity and there is usually a line to get in as they want to make sure that the tent doesn’t get over crowded.

Sonora Tent

A small indoor tent, hosting primarily latin and punk rock acts.

Heineken House

A walled structure featuring an open beer garden layout. There’s usually a DJ playing here – genre varies from hip hop, to funk, to trap.

Antarctic Dome

Coachella Antarctic Dome

An indoor dome introduced in 2017 to screen 360 degree immersive videos. The dome can seat 500 people at a time and the shows typically last anywhere from 10-20 minutes. You sit down and turn your gaze upwards for the show. Lines definitely get long for this – expect to wait at least 45 minutes. The best time to catch this show is at the very beginning, or at the end of the night when everyone’s at the headliner.

Best Festivals in New York

/in , /by

Synonymous with festivity and artistic talent, it comes as no surprise that New York hosts a number of annual cultural festivals that are unparalleled in magic and magnitude. Read on to update your New York bucket-list with the best festivals in town:

Panorama (Randall’s Island Park) – July

Picture this: Coachella unfolding in New York City’s beloved Randall’s Island Park with a hip-hop twist. Yes, as Coachella’s edgy cousin, Panorama is everything you could’ve ever hoped for: killer sets, party goers from all around the country to celebrate with, and a helluva star-studded line-up! From the Killers to The XX, Cardi B to the Weeknd, expect the who’s who of the music scene to put in an appearance. Besides, summer in California’s so cliché, come spend it in New York instead.

Afropunk (Brooklyn) – August

The love-child of rebellious goodness and the celebration of African heritage, Afropunk functions as an artistic safe space for every freak, geek and weirdo with mystique to explore the intersections of culture and music. Lose yourself in the unfiltered joy of discovering a new environment rich with artistic splendor and teeming with unconditional acceptance as you groove to tunes from black musical legends like Jill Scott, Santigold, and Leon Bridges.

SummerStage (Multiple locations) – Summer months

Set against the backdrop of dreamy summer days, SummerStage captures the very essence of music festivals so effortlessly with its come-one-come-all open-air format. Attracting over six million lovely humans from all around the globe since its birth back in the good old ’80s, this show-stopping performing arts festival has redefined the consumption of music and the celebration of artistic expression. With hundreds of spell-binding performances by the likes of diverse artists like Parquet Courts, The Concert, and Lisa Lisa, you’ll want to visit every one of the 18 locations SummerStage has decided to bless with its presence.

Electric Zoo (Randall’s Island Park) – March

From the depths of the Big Apple’s concrete jungle we bring you Electric Zoo – one of the East Coast’s most premier dance music festivals to ever exist! Set against the iconic backdrop of Manhattan, it serves up an exquisite offering of some of the finest artists specializing in dubstep, techno and house. Let the likes of Claptone, The Black Madonna, and Bassnectar blow your mind as you fall in love with this incredible city and the wacky sets on display. And ditch the chicken dance for some king-of-the-jungle worthy moves because it’s about to get wild up in here!

Chelsea Music Festival (Canoe Studios) –  June

Calling all music fans, art-enthusiasts and foodies alike, Chelsea Music Festival offers up a delicious taste of the finer things in life that you’ve been craving at your boring desk-job. In a perfectly sophisticated and innovative amalgamation of classical music, ravishing scents and hand-crafted menus customized to match the sights and sounds of each act, attendees are sure to experience a sensory feast like never before. Keep an eye out for renowned and talented musicians like Alex Shiozaki, Amy Galluzzo, and Michael Dahlberg. Think of Chelsea Music Festival as the artistic equivalent of an expensive spa-day, the kind that has you grinning goofily in delight for days.

Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival (Brooklyn) – July

Whether you’re seeking a summer to remember or one to forget, Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival certainly has your back. Branded NYC’s biggest Hip-Hop event of the year, fans await this music festival with bated breath. Stretching beyond musical performances to include interactive exhibitions, block parties and panel discussions, this festival really dedicates itself to raising awareness of the community it has its roots in. Fall head-over-heels for fantabulous artists like Skyzoo, Mister Cee, and Torae while basking in the beauty of New York’s age-old love affair with Hip-Hop.

Governors Ball ( Randall’s Island Park) – June

Ever imagined yourself as a princess at a ball? Well why settle for princess when you can transform into a rave queen this summer at Randall’s Island Park attending the Governors Ball Music Festival, dancing with the breathtaking New York skyline as your backdrop? Watch Randall’s Island come to life with an array of show-stopping performances by fan favorites like Galantis, Wolf Alice and Flume, while you make memories to treasure for a lifetime. With some of New York’s best food trucks and interactive art installations to indulge in as well, I bet you’ll have a ball at Gov-Ball! 

Summer Jam ( East Rutherford, New Jersey) – June

Sponsored by New York’s favorite radio station Hot 97FM, Summer Jam brings together Hip-Hop fans from all across the tri-state area for an explosive night of pure unadulterated fun. With a history of absolutely iconic headliners like Nicki Minaj, Migos, and Lil Wayne, you can count on Summer Jam to set itself apart as a truly elite music festival. If quality music is what your heart desires, you know where to head this June.

Pinknic (Randall’s Island Park) –  July

Much like the Mean Girls, Pinknic attendees uphold their pink-and-white dress code with great pride. If live performances, pool parties, and gourmet food hailing from the Big Apple’s favorite restaurants strike your fancy, you’re sure to want to sell your soul to the Pinknic gods. Soak your toes in the ‘fairytale pool’ as you sway to the tunes of Moon Boots, Naations, and Mark Ronson. With an array of wines to choose from, head over to watch the stunning firework display with your new favorite drink in hand as you make a mental note to book tickets for next year as soon as you get home.

So for a much-needed musical (and dopamine) fix, plan your trip to New York right here, right now!

Top 10 Hip-Hop Festivals in USA in 2020

/in /by

Born out of the Bronx in New York during the 1970s, Hip-Hop has now become a musical genre that is known all over the world. One might say that Hip-Hop is one of the greatest things to come out of America. Reason stands that this amazing movement and its music will be celebrated throughout the country, even half a century later.

Here is the list of the ten best Hip-Hop festivals across the country where attendees can enjoy the newest and hottest music and artists in the scene.

SXSW: South By Southwest in Austin, Texas

The largest music festival of its kind worldwide, and a well-known institution for over 30 years, SXSW is much more than just a place to hear your favorite music. At this massive Texas convention, guests are able to enjoy everything from film, interactive media, individual music festivals, and conferences. SXSW is one of the world’s premier creative hubs and takes every effort to introduce up and coming artists and creators to the event’s attendees. This festival which splits its runtime over the course of two weeks, has as many as 2,000 musical acts, hundreds of guest speakers at the panels, and a large selection of films and shorts they put on for the enjoyment of guests. At SXSW you’re not likely to get through a large number of the artists and view their performances, but the ones that you are fortunate enough to witness over the 8 days it runs will probably leave you amazed. SXSW is a festival that the most ardent of festivals goers should attend at least once. You’ll be sure to be amazed by everything they put on if they do. Start preparing for the 2021 SXSW (planned for March) now.

Rolling Loud Festival in Miami, Florida

Much newer than SXSW, Rolling Loud has been in the festival industry since 2015. However, this relatively new festival quickly staked its position as the biggest Hip-Hop festival in the world while also cementing its crown as the Rap mecca. If you’re worried about traveling far for festivals, it likely will not be the case for Rolling Loud. This event is an annually held traveling festival with stops in Miami, New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco which run over Friday into Sunday at each place. Rolling Loud always features a stacked roster of Hip-Hop acts which in the past included J. Cole, Future, Lil Wayne, Migos, Wiz Khalifa, and Cardi B. The 2021 lineup has already been announced and is the same as the cancelled 2020 one with Post Malone, A$AP Rocky, Travis Scott, Roddy Ricch, Young Thug, Megan Thee Stallion, DaBaby, and Doja Cat. It is meant to take place over February 12-14. With half a year to get ready, start planning your trip to attend Rolling Loud now!

JMBLYA in Texas

Another touring festival with locations in Houston, Dallas, and Austin in Texas as well as Rogers in Arkansas, JMBLYA has been building a loyal following in its home state of Texas since it began in 2013. This high energy show of JMBLYA brings a top-notch lineup of hip-hop across the central states of the US every May in the most pumped up and intense music festival that only runs the course of one day. The JMBLYA experience is witnessing the hottest young acts from hip hop’s new golden age and a curated selection of some of the biggest names in the game, that are comparable to alumni like Chance the Rapper, Cashmere Cat, Denzel Curry, Travis Scott, Vic Mensa, Kaytranada and A$AP Ferg, with a crowd full of hardcore fans ready to let loose. Next year’s JMBLYA is one music festival that you can’t skip.

The Roots Picnic in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Roots Picnic is an annual music festival created and hosted by Hip-Hop group, The Roots. The manager of The Roots, Shawn Gee is a co-founder as well as the executive producer of the festival. This festival has run since 2008 and is probably your favorite rapper’s most liked festival. With a gleefully celebratory air, the hometown heroes The Roots get to play music with their famously talented friends, who just happen to be some of the biggest artists in the Hip-Hop scene. With The Roots as headliners, and the backing band every year for artists like Future, Migos, Usher, Janelle Monae, and Snoop Dogg for example, attendees of the festival are able to enjoy some of the most unique and creative collaborations in Hip-Hop with some of the biggest names in the industry. The 2021 festival is set to premiere on June 5, so don’t miss your chance to see this legendary band perform the entire evening and well into the night.

Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival in Brooklyn, New York

Brooklyn and Hip-Hop have been intertwined since the beginning of the genre’s movement and the New York borough is inextricably linked with Hip-Hop culture. As such, New York often finds itself as the location for the genre’s biggest and baddest festivals that explore not only the music but the history and culture of Hip-Hop as well. BHF brings more to the table than just music—past installments of the weeklong series included conversations with prominent hip-hop personalities like Rakim, a film festival and a “Juice Hip-Hop” exhibition. It has also brought headliners DMX and The Lox, along with performances from DJ Rob Swift, EarthGang, Mister Cee and Oshun. The event has always strived to celebrate the culture’s artistic influence and ability to be a vehicle for social change since it began in 2005. It had been on hiatus for 2019, and then unable to go through in 2020 due to covid, but we’re sure that they’ll be back in 2021 with a killer roster of Hip-Hop artists and personalities, so be on the lookout.

FYF Fest in Los Angeles, California

The crowd during the 2017 edition of FYF Fest 2017, held at Exposition Park in Los Angeles. The festival’s production partner, Goldenvoice, cut ties with FYF Fest founder Sean Carlson just preceding accusations of sexual assault and harassment against him.

With a name that is redundant unless you call it by its shortened form FYF Fest, F*ck Yeah Fest Fest in Los Angeles has showcased some of the most progressive acts and talents across a variety of genres, the festival is a haven for artistry from 2004-2017. FYF Fest’s lineup is uncompromising and more focused on the music, delving deep into Hip-Hop and featuring amazing artists that you might not find at other multi-genre affairs over the course of its 3-day long festival. Though this festival is not as famous or big as Coachella or EDC, it is not less impressive and has had performances from stars like Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Frank Ocean, and Janet Jackson in the past. It’s unclear if FYF Fest is gone forever as there haven’t been events for 2018 and 2019 but we are eagerly hoping for its return and for it to once again assert its position as one of the best west coast Hip-Hop festivals.

Made in America in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Founded by Jay-Z, and produced by Live Nation, Made in America Festival is an annual music festival featuring several stages that continuously host live music from a wide range of genres including Hip-Hop, rock, Pop, R&B, and EDM. The event used to be held simultaneously in Los Angeles and Philadelphia, but now just takes place in the latter. This event could be considered to be a more upscale and professional version of The Roots Picnic which also takes place in the same city. Celebrating music and culture that is fundamentally American in its roots, Made in America is meant to bring people together who can find joy in like-mindedness and the emotions that music creates. The festival has gotten more and more impressive each year and often has themed sections of entertainment like Rocky Stage, Liberty Stage, and Freedom Tent (which features primarily EDM) for live music. It also has become known for showcasing artists who end up blowing up in popularity quite soon afterwards. If you’re the type of person who always wants to be ahead of the curve and discover new artists and music before they become too mainstream this is the festival for you. Of course, Jay-Z’s festival also features big artists like himself and his wife Beyonce on occasion as well as famous colleagues like Nicki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar, the Weeknd, etc. Get ahead of 2021, by preparing for Made in America today!

Day N Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada

Born out of the short-lived Day N Night Festival in California, Day N Vegas burst onto the scene in 2019 with perhaps the strongest Hip-Hop lineup anywhere on the planet, with over 100 artists that included the likes of J. Cole, Future, Migos, 21 Savage, 6LACK, Kendrick Lamar, Tyler, The Creator, Brockhampton and others.  It seemed pretty much every hip hop artist making waves was passing through for three days in November. Pairing that with the fact that this festival was in “The Party Never Stops” Las Vegas, it quickly found fame as one of the world’s best music festivals of 2019. There are tentative plans to still hold Day N Vegas over November 2020, but it looks like it might get cancelled. One thing is for sure, when Day N Vegas is finally able to come to life again, it will be out of this world in terms of music and entertainment.  

The Meadows Music & Arts Festival in Queens, New York

The Meadows Music & Arts Festival, in Queens, made its debut in 2016 with Kanye West, J.Cole, Kygo, and Chance the Rapper headlining and will always be remembered as the event where Kanye stopped his set early after finding out his wife Kim Kardashian had been robbed in Paris and left. Outside of that misfortune, The Meadows Music & Arts Festival did relatively well its first year with such impressive headliners as well as 42 other artists and four stages in total (Linden Blvd., Queens Blvd., Shea, and The Meadows). The following year, Jay-Z, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Gorillaz headlined the event. The event seems to be on a hiatus for now, but their company Founders Entertainment, which also produces the Governors Ball Music Festival, most likely has future plans to have other fun and energetic music festivals for the festival-going crowd in New York.

Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival in Los Angeles, California

Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival, formerly known as OFWGKTA Carnival or Odd Future carnival, is a music festival and carnival curated by Tyler, The Creator which has been held annually since its creation in 2012. The carnival’s name is an anagram of “Wolf Gang” and it features a variety of carnival games, rides, food vendors, and combines it with the hype and artistry of a music festival, hosting a myriad of notable artists. Prior to 2016, the festival had only been held for one day. It is always held on a weekend. Growing bigger and bigger each year, the festival has moved from a quirky boutique to a full on, heavy hitting extravaganza. Whatever Tyler, The Creator, produces is always a spectacle and this extraordinary music festival is no different. It is unclear yet whether or not the next Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival will be in 2020 or 2021, but it is not going to disappear from the music scene anytime soon.

Top 5 Best Snow / Winter Music Festivals in the USA & Canada

/in /by

Despite what California and Florida seem to suggest by their weather, most parts of the USA get really cold during the winter months of the year. And for a country that loves to party, the US has quickly followed Europe and their trend of hosting icy music festivals that bring skiing, snowboarding and other snowsports into the mix.. With 2020 approaching its end and the winter months quickly approaching, the snowsport music festival scene is coming alive, we thought there was no better time than to compile a list of the best snowsports music festivals to check out in North America.

SnowGlobe in South Lake Tahoe, California

Run by iconic MTV, the SnowGlobe festival is perhaps the most multi-purpose music festival in the world and also the most interesting winter wonderland. Set in South Lake Tahoe, with some of the continent’s best ski resorts, such as Squaw Valley, Heavenly, and Northstar, near striking distance of the festival, this is one festival where the fun never stops. Onsite the lineup of party-stating electronic artists like Zedd, Disclosure, Tiesto, and Kaskade ensure the dancefloor stays hot. Offsite, guests can enjoy the slopes in between rounds of their favorite artists performing. If that’s not enough, the festival is always set over New Year’s Eve, so you can get your ski trip, festival experience, and NYE plans settled in one fell swoop.  

Snowbombing Canada in Sun Peaks British Columbia

Snowbombing Canada at Sun Peaks began at the popular ski resort in the spring of 2017, bringing some of the world’s most notable electronic and Hip-Hop acts to British Columbia. The event has two outposts, one in Austria and this one in Canada. In Europe, where snowsport music festivals are much more common, Snowbombing is regarded as one of the premier festivals of its kind, and it is no different in North America with its sister festival. Expertly curated lineups of upbeat dance music from artists like Illenium, Cypress Hill, and Odesza take the après ski vibe to a whole other level after a day on the pristine slopes of the Rocky Mountains.

World Ski & Snowboard Festival in Whistler, British Columbia

NOS performing at the outdoor concerts series at WSSF

Coming alive in 1994 with the World Technical Skiing Championships, the World Ski & Snowboard Festival has brought together ski champions from various disciplines and attracted a large number of ski media to Whistler to enjoy themselves at the biggest snowsports music festival in North America. A quarter of a million attendees with ski and snowboard aficionados amongst them are able to witness premier athletes compete and partake in some activities themselves while also getting to enjoy live concerts and DJ sets. The cold doesn’t keep away the talent either. The event regularly has a stacked lineup with artists such as Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Old Soul Rebel, Little Destroyer, Skratch Bastid, Mat the Alien, and March Fourth playing.

WinterWonderGrass in Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Photo by Molly McCormick © WinterWonderGrass Festival All Rights Rerserved 2019

This is another popular snowsports music festival that has branched out to take place in multiple locations amongst which are Squaw in California, Stratton in Vermont, and of course Steamboat Springs in Colorado. Unlike the other events on this list, this festival is a multi-day bluegrass and roots music festival. Their aim is to cultivate and nurture the relationship between nature, authentic music, and communal family, which creates a vehicle for inspiration. They believe that when people come together with open hearts and open minds, bringing all of their differences and unique opinions, they truly begin to dissolve the illusion of separation from one another. Their intention is to create a platform for artists, vendors, attendees, and our planet to unite as one – connecting the community. With artists like Greensky Bluegrass, Margo Price, Billy Strings, Keller Williams and the Keels, Nikki Lane, The Travelin’ McCourys, and Molly Tuttle playing, it’s suffice to say that WinterWonderGrass achieves their goals. If winter sports and bluegrass music are right up your alley then this is the perfect music festival for you.

Snowsio in Frisco, Colorado

Snowsio was launched in February 2020 in Colorado. From the rock, electronic, and jazz fusion artists Papadosio, this three-day event came to life bringing a more intimate feel to snowsports music festivals. The event trades in big mountain skiing for the more collective activity of tubing. Attendees are also able to enjoy special après sets, multiple appearances from Papadosio, and an all-star Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin jam sesh as well as artists like Joel Cummins (of Umphrey’s McGee), Eminence Ensemble, Stan Kitchen, Brether, and Earthcry for its inaugural show. At Snowsio, festival goers are able to enjoy the casual air of friends hanging out and enjoying good music while having fun in the snow, making for the perfect winter experience.

Best EDM Music Festivals in Australia

/in /by

Missing concert-hopping as winter sets in and takes over? Swap in the snow boots and parka for sandals and a crop-top because it’s time to head down-under for a taste of the best EDM music festivals on offer under summery Australian skies.

Strawberry Fields (Tocumwal, New South Wales ) – November

Yes, the Beatles might have had your mom swooning with ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’, but I promise you this Strawberry Fields will get you twice as hyped and definitely leave you feeling a lot more content as opposed to forlorn – sorry Lennon, but it’s true. Venture into the Australian bush to experience this heart-warming explosion of creative talent, with everything ranging from magnificent live performances and interactive art installations to fun workshops and exciting market stalls to explore. Enjoy mesmerizing sets from world-class acts such as Octo Octa, Eris Drew and Leon Vynehall. You’ll want to stay in Strawberry Fields forever, I promise.

Festival X Australia (Brisbane + Sydney + Melbourne) – November

With its stunning 2019 debut, Festival X effortlessly established itself as a giant in the Aussie EDM scene. Spanning over three cities and three days, this music festival’s as fresh as it is new and has its heart set on outdoing itself with each and every installment. I mean, how can you pass up on the opportunity to dance the night day away to the likes of Vini Vici, Lil Pump, and Armin van Buuren as the sun showers you in warm kisses? You’re in for a good day, mate!

Ultra Australia (Sydney + Melbourne) – March

As emperor of the world of EDM, Ultra has successfully extended its reign to include the lovely land of ’stralia so be prepared to indulge in the top-quality production, edgy sets and stellar line-up that this brand has grown synonymous with. Gracing not one but two of the nation’s most prominent urban landscapes, Ultra Australia is guaranteed to sweep you off your feet like a musical Prince Charming. With global sensations like Zedd, Luciano, and Marshmello headlining the event, you bet it’s going to be an ultra-smashing rave experience.

Rainbow Serpent Festival (Lexton, Victoria) – January

Welcoming EDM enthusiasts, hippies and art junkies alike, Rainbow Serpent Festival definitely lives up to its lovely, wacky name. Here you’ll find new artists to fall in love with like Megapixel, Kodiak Kid, and Remedy II, and a delectable selection of local food stalls and artworks to marvel at. Around since the ‘90s, Rainbow Serpent has really retained a lot of its old-school charm without compromising on keeping up with the (musical) times, as is evident from their jaw-dropping sets and sheer variety of vibrant performances to choose from. So follow the rainbow and you might just strike gold with this festival: a celebration of life and art like no other!

Electric Gardens Festival ( Adelaide + Melbourne + Sydney + Perth) – January

Electric Gardens Festival proves to be the true embodiment of the phrase “go big or go home”, capturing that element of amusement-park excitement and combining it with concert extravagance in an all-in-one treat for the senses. With elaborately done up indoor and outdoor stages to rotate between, you’ll be giddy with joy at this stunning music festival as the endless dance floor is brought to life with show-stopping performances by musical powerhouses like Alan Fitzpatrick, and What So Not. Whether you choose to hop on a thrilling show ride or get your brows bedazzled at the Brow Bar, there’s never a dull moment at this eclectic festival!

If you’re feeling a little under the weather, it’s time for a trip down-under! To maintain your tan year-round, get tickets to your favorite Aussie festivals right here.