Top Music Festivals Around the World from September to March

As the last days of summer sun play out in the northern hemisphere, many are preparing to trade in their cut-offs for winter woolies, BBQ parties for wholesome Sunday roasts. However, for those who aren’t ready to say goodbye to thumping basslines over flat beers in the warm embrace of the setting sun and other festival-goers, we’ve picked out ten of the best music festivals happening across the world between the months of September and March.

From ski resorts to ancient mountains overlooking the Dead Sea, you can treat your senses and expand your horizons in one go. If you choose to embrace the chill of winter, you can warm up drinking pints at intimate gigs in Ireland, or go for cool as you explore the Parisian nightlife. Moreover, if you’d rather chase the sun, there are cruise ships in the Caribbean and balmy temperatures in the Fijian islands waiting for you.

Trans-Pecos Festival of Music + Love

September 26 – 29, Marfa, Texas, United States
Who’s playing: Broken Social Scene, Margo Price, Chicano Batman

The Trans-Pecos Festival of Music + Love is pretty representative of what the high plains of Marfa, Texas offers all year round. Close to the Mexican border and approximately six-and-a-half hours from Austin by car, the area is renowned for cattle ranching and for luring artists from all over the world. Set in the grounds of El Cosmico, a trailer-themed hotel and campsite, this festival invites all “intrepid wanderers” for a weekend filled with live music, sandlot baseball, workshops, parties, urban hikes, and great food. Camping is available in pre-pitched bell tents and safari tents. Running on the spirit of community, you’re encouraged to switch off from the outside world allowing for indulgent fireside chats and dreamy gazes at the endless night sky.

Day Zero Masada Rosh Hashanah: Dwellers of the Dead Sea

September 27, Masada, Israel
Who’s playing: AE:ther, Bedouin, Damian Lazarus

Overlooking the Dead Sea and located on the eastern edge of the Judaean Desert is the ancient mountain fort of Masada. For one night only, it will be home to the Day Zero Festival. Run by British DJ Damian Lazarus, Day Zero is the 18-hour dance music festival that merges modern and ancient cultures. Usually taking place in the Mexican jungles of Tulum, this groundbreaking event occurs at the base of Masada, where King Herod built two castles. Rich in history and filled with archaeological wonders, this UNESCO site is close to the Biblical ruins of Sodom and Gomorrah and approximately two hours away from Tel Aviv. Kicking off at sunset, the party culminates with a breathtaking sunrise set from Lazarus himself, promising a wild experience.

Pitchfork Music Festival

October 31 – November 2, Paris, France
Who’s playing: Skepta, Charli XCX, Belle and Sebastian

The 19th arrondissement is a cultural hub of Paris, making it a perfect location for the Pitchfork Music Festival. Taking place on Halloween weekend, there’s an enticing atmosphere of immersing oneself in live music from the best indie, hip-hop, and pop acts. Located in the former abattoir of Grande Halle de la Villette, music begins at 5 PM each day, allowing you to explore the area during the day. Public parks Parc des Buttes Chaumont and Parc de la Villette are nearby. Consequently, while enjoying the festival, you can integrate a cool city break into your experience.

Airwaves Iceland

November 6 – 9, Reykjavik, Iceland
Who’s playing: John Grant, Pillow Queens, Whitney

At Airwaves Iceland, alternative acts from all over the world perform in various venues, from the grand concert hall Harpa to the Sundhollin public bathhouse. By attending this festival, you are also undertaking a walking tour of one of the most culturally exciting places in the world. During this time of year, there’s a higher chance of seeing the Northern Lights in action, although they may not always be visible. Therefore, make sure to allocate enough time to explore the Golden Circle, which includes the Gullfoss waterfall and the active geysers in the geothermal area of Haukadalur. Before an exciting night full of music, warm yourself up with a shot of brennivín, Iceland’s sharp schnapps.

Synästhesie

November 16 – 17, Berlin, Germany
Who’s playing: Deerhunter, Black Lips, Stereolab

If you ever need an excuse to visit Berlin, the addition of a music festival focusing on dark n’ synthy psychedelic tunes should entice you out of winter hibernation. Taking place in the post-punk dive bar 8MM in Prenzlauer Berg, Synästhesie has been running since 2016, focusing significantly on community. This festival offers a less intensive experience, allowing you to also enjoy the full Berlin ambiance, whether floating in the salt waters of the Liquidrom spa, touring WWII air raid shelters, or exploring all the vibrant bars and gallery spaces in the Urban Spree area. Remember, time moves differently in Berlin, so keep an eye on the Synästhesie timetable!

Other Voices

November 29 – December 1, Dingle, Ireland
Who’s playing: TBC

If getting cozy in a pub is your idea of perfection, then Other Voices is ideal for you. This festival takes place in the coastal town of Dingle, Co. Kerry and initially began as a television broadcast from St. James’ Church. It has since grown into an event involving the entire community, with gigs happening in pubs, shops, restaurants, and distilleries. Intimate performances from the church, where artists like Amy Winehouse and Jessie Ware have previously performed, continue to be recorded for the festival’s ongoing TV series. The Music Trail allows festival-goers to explore Dingle while enjoying live music from a mix of Irish and international acts. Over the years, Other Voices has also journeyed to Austin, London, and Berlin, embracing the local culture of each destination.

Your Paradise

December 6 – 12, Mamanuca Islands, Fiji
Who’s playing: A-Trak, The Blaze (DJ Set), Gorgon City

It shouldn’t be hard to convince anyone to visit the Mamanuca Islands in Fiji. The Your Paradise Festival more or less lives up to its name; this place truly is paradise. Running for six years, this festival specializes in electronic music, combining flights, accommodations, ground and sea transfers, and access to all billed artists into a standard package. The Mamanucas are a volcanic archipelago; the event occurs on Plantation Island Resort. Surrounded by crystal clear waters, tall palm trees, and white sandy beaches, if dancing all night doesn’t wear you out, resort activities include paddle boarding, golf, coral snorkeling, and hiking. Additionally, eight series of the reality TV show Survivor have been filmed in the Mamanucas.

Holy Ship! Wrecked

January 22 – 26, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Who’s playing: Diplo, Armand Van Helden, Claude VonStroke

In a thrilling rebranding, the festival previously known as Holy Ship! is now operating as Holy Ship! Wrecked. Party-goers will now fully dock in the Dominican Republic. Taking over the entire resort of Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Punta Cana, this EDM festival is not for the faint-hearted, featuring 12 pools, four swim-up bars, and nine restaurants. You might find it difficult to break free from the resort; however, you should embrace your surroundings. Swim in the pools under the Damajaqua Cascades waterfalls, stroll through the old town of Zona Colonial, or watch the sunset from the Dunas de Bani. Balance the party with a little culture, as enjoying the area’s offerings only enhances your experience.

Rainbow Serpent Festival

January 24 – 27, Lexton, Victoria, Australia
Who’s playing: Benny Page, Öona Dahl, Opiuo

The art and atmosphere of the Rainbow Serpent Festival have inspired festivals worldwide to elevate their vibes and visual displays. Set on expansive farmland in southeastern Australia, this four-day camping festival blends psychedelic and trance music with spirituality, environmentalism, and permaculture. Centering around Australia’s Day holiday (January 26), and located two hours outside of Melbourne, this festival attracts numerous Australians. For those looking to escape winter entirely, consider venturing Down Under for this summer fest and connect with a tribe of brightly dressed, lively attendees.

Tomorrowland Winter

March 14 – 21, Alpe D’Huez, France
Who’s playing: TBC

As hard as we try, it’s impossible to overlook the winter season, and the dedicated team behind Tomorrowland has fully embraced it by hosting Tomorrowland Winter in the snowy French Alps. A skier’s paradise, Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine Ski is accessible within one hour from Grenoble and features 250 km of ski slopes alongside an eclectic week of music. A ticket includes lodging in surrounding villages such as Auris en Oisans, Villard Reculas, Oz en Oisans, or Vaujan, as well as lift and ski passes bringing you directly to the festival. In addition, the usual spectacle of Tomorrowland guarantees that your adrenaline will be pumping from the slopes to the dance floor.