Music festivals pack in the entertainment at a price usually much lower than what you would pay to see each artist individually. Most festivals are arranged to offer as much music as possible, typically over several days. Some of the better festivals include accommodations for visitors. Many festival locations are in carefully chosen areas near hotels, restaurants and other amenities visitors tend to appreciate. Some of the best major music festivals outside Europe and the United States provide rare access to big name artists with a sampling of local bands and performers thrown into the mix.
Lake of Stars Music Festival – This festival is held over four days on the shores of Lake Malawi, the third largest lake in Africa located in Malawi. The lake itself is so-named because the reflection of the lake at night makes it look like it has stars in it. The festival presents some of the biggest names in African music, including Tay Grin, The Black Missionaries and Lucius Banda. Proceeds from the event benefit a number of local charities. This festival has experienced steady growth and larger crowds each year.
Rock in Rio – This annual festival takes places in three cities: Madrid, Spain, Lisbon, Portugal and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Rock in Rio is the largest music festival in the world, attracting more than a million visitors each year. The 2012 will take place in Lisbon. Just to show how popular this event is, pre-sales for the 2013 festival have already passed 15,000. Some of the biggest names in music perform over the course of the festival, usually lasting about a week. Recent festivals have included performances by Queen, Whitesnake, James Taylor, George Benson, Iron Maiden, Rod Stewart and Ozzy Osbourne.
The Big Day Out – Usually held in late January, this annual music festival is held in several cities in New Zealand and Australia. Depending on the venue, seven or eight stages are available for performances from artists spanning all genres from mainstream and contemporary rock to electronic and hard rock. Headlining acts have included Blink 182, Nirvana, Muse, Neil Young, Marilyn Manson, Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers and System of a Down. The festival is credited with launching the careers of several Australian bands, including Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and Wolfmother.
The Parachute Music Festival – More than 25,000 fans gather as a giant tent city is created every January to host what is considered the largest Christian music festival in the world. Taking place over four days and three nights, this festival blends music and featured guest speakers. Some of the bands performing at The Parachute Music Festival on a regular basis include Relient K, Avalanche City, The Rocket Summer, Aaron Gillespie, Ascend the Hill and The Almost. Six stages host performances spanning genres from hardcore and alternative country to hip hop and electronica. The drug and alcohol free event promotes Christian values while attracting a diverse selection of bands from around the world.
The Viña del Mar International Song Festival – Held over five days in late February in Vina del Mar, Chile, this annual festival includes live performances and a song competition in two categories: folk song and pop music song. The performances reflect a selection of artists from around the world spanning diverse genres from pop and rock to salsa and reggae. The diverse lineup has included acts such as Earth, Wind and Fire, Daddy Yankee, Simply Red, Nelly Furtado and Journey.
If you are planning to attend any of these festivals, it is highly recommended to book tickets in advance. Music festivals tend to attract fans from around the world, especially high profile festivals. Remember that in addition to the cost of the tickets, you should make an allowance for additional expenses such as a hotel, restaurants and concert merchandise. With a little advance planning, attending a music festival can be a truly memorable experience.
Author Bio:
Nancy Zimmer writes for TicketLiquidator.com, a website dedicated to helping event-goers .
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