50 Best Music Events & Festivals In The World For Artists To Perform

There is so much information on events and festivals from a festival-goers perspective, but what about the aspiring artist?

Of course, some of these off world class stages that only the worlds brightest SuperNovas can touch!

But did you know, many of these events and festivals also have smaller stages and various routes to allow smaller artists to get in on the action..

It is worth looking into it, if you see your band or brand in lights- bookmark it for later or just read to learn what the barrier to entry is.

Enjoy 😉

1. Coachella

Indio, CA

How Do You Perform At Coachella?

Coachella is the biggest festival in the world, and as such, performing at Coachella is a multi-step process that involves various parties such as the artist, booking agencies and the festival organizers.

This isn't somewhere you can just send an email and demo to and get into, which I am sure you are well aware of.

Any artist performing at Coachella will likely have gone down a path that resembles the following:

1. Build a Solid Foundation: Artists should start small with local festivals and concerts. Having a bunch of local concerts and shows under your belt will help you gain experience and exposure.
   
2. Get Representation: Artists usually need representation by booking agencies. These agencies submit lists of artists on their rosters that they feel would be a good fit for the festival.
   
3. Festival Organizers Select the Lineup: The festival organizers reach out to booking agencies probing for what talent will be available. They then select the lineup based on these submissions.
   
4. Contract Negotiation and Confirmation: Once selected, the artist or their representative will negotiate the terms of the performance. This includes payment, which is private per person.
   
5. Prepare for the Performance: After contracts are signed, artists prepare for their performance at the festival.

2. Lollapalooza

Chicago, IL

How Do You Perform At Lollapalooza?

Similarly, performing at Lollapalooza is a process that is typically initiated by the festival organizers, not open to unsolicited submissions.

Here is a general guide:

1. Build a Solid Foundation: Artists should start small with local festivals and concerts to gain experience and exposure (I hope you are already sensing a theme here…)
   
2. Get Representation: Artists usually need representation by booking agencies or record companies. These representatives play a crucial role in getting artists booked at festivals.
   
3. Release Relevant Work: Lollapalooza tends to book artists who are currently relevant, with an album due soon or recently released.
   
4. Festival Organizers Reach Out: Unlike some other festivals, Lollapalooza does not accept unsolicited submissions. Instead, festival organizers reach out to the artists or their representatives.
   
5. Contract Negotiation and Confirmation: Once contacted, the artist or their representative will negotiate the terms of the performance.
   
6. Prepare for the Performance: After contracts are signed, artists prepare for their performance at the festival.

3. Austin City Limits

Austin, TX

How Do You Perform At Austin City Limits?

Austin City Limits does not provide specific public information on how an artist can perform at their festival. However, like many other music festivals, it is likely that artists are selected by festival organizers who reach out to artists or their representatives for booking.

4. Bonnaroo

Manchester, TN

How Do You Perform At Bonnaroo?

Bonnaroo does not accept performance or artist submissions. Their talent team spends the entire year looking for acts and contacting them to join the show

The best way for an artist to get noticed by the talent team is to play shows, make great music, and have a good time!

5. Electric Daisy Carnival

Las Vegas, NV

How Do You Perform At Electric Daisy Carnival?

Another big one; getting put on Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) involves a process that is typically initiated by the festival organizers.

They do not publicly provide a process for artists to apply or submit their work for consideration.

However, the general tips that could increase your chances of being noticed apply:

1. Build a Solid Foundation: Artists should start with local performances and smaller festivals to gain experience and exposure.
   
2. Create a Buzz: Artists should focus on making great music and creating a buzz around their work. This could involve releasing new music, getting press coverage, or building a strong social media presence.
   
3. Get Representation: Having a manager or agent who has connections in the music industry can be very beneficial. They can help get an artist's music in front of the right people.
   
4. Network: Artists should try to make connections with other artists, producers, and people in the music industry. This could lead to opportunities like collaborations, which can increase visibility.
   
5. Stay Active in the Music Scene: Artists should continually work on their craft and stay active in their local music scene. This includes regularly performing, releasing new music, and engaging with fans.

Ultra Music Festival

Miami, FL

How Do You Perform At Ultra Music Festival?

UMF. isone of those huge events that also have several mini stages, events and opportunities for alternative artists.

If you want to become a part of the Ultra Music Festival, here are some steps you can follow:

1. Determine your area of expertise: Ultra Music Festival is a music festival that focuses on electronic dance music. So, if that is not your genre, maybe skip this one.
2. Create a strong portfolio of your work: To be considered for a performance at Ultra Music Festival, you will need to have a strong portfolio of your work. This should include music videos or clips of your performances, recordings of your music, and any other materials that showcase your talent.
3. Submit your application to Ultra Music Festival: Once you have created a strong portfolio of your work, you can submit your application to Ultra Music Festival. The application process is open to all musicians, regardless of their experience level.
4. Wait for a response from Ultra Music Festival: After you submit your application, you will need to wait for a response from Ultra Music Festival. If you are selected to perform at the festival, you will be notified by email.

Tomorrowland

Boom, Belgium

How Do You Perform At Tomorrowland?

• Tomorrowland is held in Boom, Belgium and ranks among the world's largest music festivals, drawing over 200,000 attendees each year.
• The festival stands out for its elaborate stages, diverse lineup of artists, and energetic atmosphere.
• If you're interested in performing, I highly recommend taking their academy route, but be prepared for tough competition.

SXSW

Austin, TX

How Do You Perform At SXSW?

Governors Ball

New York City, NY

How Do You Perform At Governors Ball?

Jazz Fest

New Orleans, LA

How Do You Perform At Jazz Fest?

Hangout Music Festival

Gulf Shores, AL

How Do You Perform At Hangout Music Festival?

Outside Lands

San Francisco, CA

How Do You Perform At Outside Lands?

Firefly Music Festival

Dover, DE

How Do You Perform At Firefly Music Festival?

Sasquatch! Music Festival

George, WA

How Do You Perform At Sasquatch! Music Festival?

Shaky Knees

Atlanta, GA

How Do You Perform At Shaky Knees?

Boston Calling

Boston, MA

How Do You Perform At Boston Calling?

BottleRock

Napa Valley, CA

How Do You Perform At BottleRock?

Primavera Sound

Barcelona, Spain

How Do You Perform At Primavera Sound?

Exit Festival

Novi Sad, Serbia

How Do You Perform At Exit Festival?

Rock in Rio

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

How Do You Perform At Rock in Rio?

Lollapalooza

Berlin, Germany

How Do You Perform At Lollapalooza?

Sziget Festival

Budapest, Hungary

How Do You Perform At Sziget Festival?

Roskilde Festival

Roskilde, Denmark

How Do You Perform At Roskilde Festival?

Glastonbury

Glastonbury, UK

How Do You Perform At Glastonbury?

Fuji Rock Festival

Yuzawa, Japan

How Do You Perform At Fuji Rock Festival?