From indie rock to Afrobeats, the biggest music festivals around the world are back, just in time for summer.
Summer is alive with the sound of music—festivals that is. After two years of concertgoers on standby to hear their favorite artists perform in person, many of the world’s most popular music events are back. Here are five music festivals around the world that we would happily travel for this summer.
AfroNation Festival
July 1–3, 2022
Portimao, Portugal
The world’s biggest AfroBeats festival, AfroNation, makes its comeback in early July on Portimao, Portugal’s golden sand beaches in the Algarve region. The three-day annual festival was founded in 2013 to promote the world’s best African artists in Afrobeats, R&B, Dancehall, Amapiano, hip hop, Afro House, and more. Some headliners at this year’s event include award-winning artists WizKid, Burna Boy, and megastar Megan Thee Stallion, who will all perform to a beachside audience on Praia de Rocha. For those who prefer not to be in the middle of energetic crowds and want the best seat in the house, Sky Terrace seating is available for small groups.
For general and VIP tickets, visit afronation.com.
For tickets, visit essence.com.
Pitchfork
July 15–17, 2022
Chicago, Illinois
Musicians will take the stage for three days in Chicago’s Union Park for Pitchfork’scelebration of indie, rock, and hip hop. The National, the Roots, and Mitski are this year’s headliners, and they’ll be joined on three stages by artists like Toro y Moi, Japanese Breakfast, Spiritualized, and more artists you may need to ask the cool Gen Zers in your life about.
For tickets, visit pitchforkmusicfestival.com.
Electric Zoo
September 2–4, 2022
New York City
Feel the bass, literally, during New York City’s longest-running electronic festival, Electric Zoo. The three-day lineup includes the sounds of Diplo, Porter Robinson, and Subtronics, set on the grassy fields of Randall’s Island Park. Electric Zoo was founded in 2009, and its international editions have taken place in Mexico City, Tokyo, Shanghai, and São Paulo.
For tickets, visit electriczoo.com.