With the weather heating up, and it’s prime time for enjoying music out in the sun!
In this season of summer, the music scene is getting equally as hot with music festivals popping up all across the continent. From the Aurora Music Festival this May to Summer Sonic in Japan this July, there surely is no shortage of music-filled fun events to add onto your vacation wishlist. It’s the perfect time to pop out your perfect tropical outfits, a pair of shades, and your dancing shoes – ’cause music stars from all around the globe are set to gather for a lineup of live events these next few months.
Whether you’re looking to add wonderful musical experiences to your travel itinerary this summer or on the hunt for a full day of fun in the city, Billboard Philippines has a list of festivals to look forward to in the season of the sun.
Aurora Music Festival
Where: Clark Global City, Pampanga
When: May 3 and 4
Tickets: Starts at Php. 500 on their website
Presented by: Epic Events
If there’s an event local music lovers look forward to yearly, it’s the Aurora Music Festival. Having made its mark on the map for its hot air balloon festivities and illustrious OPM lineups, this year’s rendition of the event doesn’t skimp on the lineup this year as well, with the Nation’s Girl Group, BINI headlining on both days, and celebrated artists like current chart-toppers Cup of Joe and Dionela.
BaliSpirit Festival
Where: The Yoga Barn at Ubud, Gianyar
When: May 7 to 11
Tickets: Starts at IDR 1,600,000 (Php. 3,300) through their website
Presented by: Wonderful Indonesia
BaliSpirit is more than just a music festival; it’s a four-day experience of yoga, music, dancing, and healing. With a mission to “awaken and nourish each individual’s potential for positive change within,” the event takes a different approach on the typical festival, and empowers sustainability and earth-consciousness within its visitors.
&Friends Festival Manila
Where: The Cove at Okada, Pasay City
When: May 30 and 31
Tickets: Starts at Php. 3,500 through their website
Presented by: Clout Kitchen
Bringing international EDM stars from around the globe to the Philippine shores, &Friends is more than just your typical music festival — it’s a showcase of pop culture as a whole. With panels for content creators filling up the daytime festivities and renowned producers like ILLENIUM and Zedd taking over the music nights, there’s something for everyone at the &Friends Festival.
Java Jazz Festival
Where: Jiexpo Kemayoran, Jakarta
When: May 30 to June 1
Tickets: Starts at Php. 1,150 through their website
Presented by: Java Festival Production
Offering a whopping number of 100 shows in three days, the Java Jazz Festival makes the perfect bucket list show to keep on your radar. The festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year with a roundup of internationally renowned acts from Jacob Collier to Raye, bringing out performances of smooth jazz to electric funk.
Seoul Jazz Festival
Where: Sun Olympic Park, Seoul
When: May 30 to June 1
Tickets: Starts at KRW 187,000 (Php. 7,300) via Melon Ticket
Presented by: Melon
Boasting of a lineup with international headliners like LANY, Thundercat, Jacob Collier, and more, the 17th iteration of the Seoul Jazz Festival is back and better than ever. Mixing in local Korean jazz performers with world-renowned jazz acts like Snarky Puppy, Eliane Elias, and more, the three-day festival serves as the penultimate Asian celebration of jazz.
Weverse Con Festival
Where: Inspire Arena at the Inspire Entertainment Resort, Incheon
When: May 31 to June 1
Tickets: Starts at KRW 99,000 (Php. 3,900) via Weverse Shop
Presented by: Weverse
Paying tribute to the past year of K-pop, Weverse is rounding up some of your favorite South Korean acts for two days of celebration. For the international fans, the two-day show will soon be made available through streaming, and the organizers are set to soon release the payment rates for the official stream.
WaterBomb Seoul
Where: KINTEX Outdoor, Seoul
When: July 4 to 6
Tickets: Starts at KRW 99,000 (Php. 3,900) via Melon Ticket
Presented by: WaterBomb
What is a year of summer festivals without the classic Waterbomb Music Festival? The illustrious festival has been a staple for K-pop fans worldwide as they’ve recently set out on their world tour, with its Philippine leg having taken place last February 22 to 23 at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila. The full lineup for their Seoul festival has yet to be fully revealed, but artists like EXO’s Kai, Crush, and more have already been announced as performers.
Fuji Rock Festival
Where: Naeba Ski Resort, Niigata Prefecture
When: July 25 to 27
Tickets: Starts at JPY 9,000 (Php. 3,500) through their website
Presented by: SMASH Go Round
Set in Naeba Ski Resort in Japan’s Niigata prefecture, the annual Fuji Rock Festival is a cultural celebration of music and nature. Boasting of a star-studded lineup with Vampire Weekend, HAIM, and more, the three-day event is a must for those looking to experience a music festival outside of the Philippines. Additionally, Fuji Rock is set to be the first-ever Asia performance of the hit-making house producer, Fred again..
Summer Sonic Japan
Where: Expo’ 70 Commemorative Park (Osaka) and Zozomarine Stadium & Makuhari Messe (Tokyo)
When: August 16 and 17
Tickets: Starts at JPY 17,500 (Php. 6,850) through their website
Presented by: Sonic Mania
Commemorating the festival’s 25th anniversary, this year’s Summer Sonic Music Festival Japan is bringing in all kinds of artists, from industry veterans like Alicia Keys and Fall Out Boy, to rising pop sensations like aespa to KATSEYE. To allow for the multitude of musical acts they invite over each year, the festival takes place in two key cities of Japan — Osaka and Tokyo.
Summer Sonic Thailand
Where: Impact Challenger Hall, Bangkok City
When: August 23 and 24
Tickets: Starts at 6,000 Thailand Baht (Php. 10,100) through their website
Presented by: Clout Kitchen
Proudly dubbed as “Japan’s Biggest Music Festival in Thailand,” Summer Sonic Thailand is the Southeast Asian leg of the celebrated Summer Sonic music festivals. Curating lineups with globally renowned artists from pop favorites to rising indie acts, this festival is celebrating its second-ever iteration with artists like the Black Eyed Peas, Camila Cabello, and more.