The first one—World DJ Festival in Seoul—is happening in two weeks, so book your tickets now!
Music festivals used to be a Western concept, with the likes of Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Woodstock in the US, and Europe’s Tomorrowland and Glastonbury dominating the scene. But long gone are those days, as Asians have also embraced and enjoyed this concept, from countries such as Japan to South Korea, Indonesia and the Philippines.
This is good news for us Filipinos as we no longer have to travel very far to enjoy a few days of great music, inspiring art, and many other things in between.
Here are some of this year’s upcoming music festivals in Southeast and Northeast Asia.
World DJ Festival
What started as the main program of Hi-Seoul Festival in 2007 at the Nanji Campground on the Han River in Seoul, has morphed into what is considered the biggest DJ festival in South Korea.
For this year’s festival, the star-studded lineup includes some of EDM’s biggest names such as Alan Walker, The Chainsmokers, Gryffin, and KSHMR. With the event being just two weeks away, you better book your flight soon!
When: June 15 and 16; Where: Seoul Land, Korea
Visit its official website for more information.
Fête de la Musique Philippines
Fête de la Musique Philippines celebrates its 30th anniversary this June (Wait, what? It’s already three decades old?). Also known as Music Day, Make Music Day, or World Music Day, it started in France in 1982 and has since expanded to over 700 cities and 120 countries. It has also become one of the country’s biggest, free, and most beloved multi-stage, live music events.
This year’s Fête de la Musique Philippines kicks off on June 21 at Greenbelt 3 in Makati, with several “pocket stages” in Poblacion on June 28. The event is also bringing the excitement to Baguio, Siargao, El Nido, and Siquijor among other tourist hotspots.
When: June 21 and 28; Where: Greenbelt 3 in Makati and Poblacion; Baguio, Siargao, El Nido, and Siquijor etc.
For more information visit its official Instagram account.
Waterbomb
Considered South Korea’s “ultimate summer bash, where music meets water,” Waterbomb is known for fusing fun, rhythm, and splashes. Who knew water festivals could be so hot especially with all those idols on stage? If you’re a K-pop and K-hip-hop enthusiast, this is the music fest to save up for.
You can also do a tour of South Korea while enjoying the fest because Waterbomb is not only taking place in Seoul but also in cities like Jeju, Busan, Incheon, among others. Can’t go to SoKor for some reason? You may choose to watch it in Japan, Bangkok, Singapore, and Dubai as the festival is also headed to those destinations.
When: July 5 to 7 (Seoul); check website for full schedule; Where: Kintex Outdoor Global Stage
Check out Waterbomb’s official website for updates.
We The Fest
Indonesia’s We The Fest is bringing out the big guns for its 10th anniversary! It boasts an exciting lineup featuring J Balvin, Joji, Russ, Bibi, and the Philippines’ very own Ylona Garcia. This annual summer festival of music, arts, fashion, and food in Jakarta, was first held in 2014, and has since evolved into a three-day musical extravaganza that attracts thousands of music lovers from all over the world.
A number of world-renowned musicians have performed at the first five editions of We The Fest held annually by Ismaya Live, including Lorde, Dua Lipa, The 1975, Phoenix, SZA, Miguel, Big Sean, Mark Ronson, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, and G-Eazy, and The Strokes.
Travel packages are available with discounted hotel rates.
When: July 19 to 21; Where: GBK Sports Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Indonesia
For more information, check out We The Fest’s official website.
Fuji Rock
One of the most popular music festivals on this list, Fuji Rock is steadily gaining popularity among Filipinos as it has become a magnet for some of our biggest celebrities, most notably Anne Curtis and her family. The largest outdoor music festival in Japan is held annually at the Naeba Ski Resort in Niigata.
The three-day event, organized by Smash Japan, features more than 200 Japanese and international musicians. Tickets open for sale on May 31 so be on guard so you won’t miss Fuji Rock 2024’s impressive lineup featuring SZA, Peggy Gou, Jax Jones, Raye, and many others.
When: July 26 to 28; Where: Naeba Ski Resort, Yuzawa-cho, Niigata, Japan.
For more information, check out Fuji Rock’s website.
Summer Sonic Festival
Another huge Japanese music event, Summer Sonic is an annual music festival held on one weekend in August simultaneously in both Chiba and Osaka, Japan. Given the two locations, the festival features revolving lineups performing one day in Osaka then performing the next day in Chiba and vice versa.
The lineup often features major international acts in addition to Japanese artists from major and independent record companies. This year’s fest features international acts such as OneRepublic, Christina Aguilera, Major Lazer, Måneskine, and Laufey. K-pop acts are making an appearance, too, such as Ive, NCT Dream, Ateez, Babymonster, and Riize.
International versions of the festival have occasionally been held outside of Japan, including Shanghai in 2017 and Bangkok in 2024. Let’s hope it comes to the Philippines soon!
When: Aug. 17 and 18; Where: Zozo Marine Stadium and Makuhari Messe (Tokyo), and Expo’ 70 Commemorative Park (Osaka)
Check out Summer Sonic’s official website for more information.
Clockenflap
Hong Kong’s beloved annual music and arts festival incorporates international, regional and local live music, film, art installations, street, and even a kids’ area, making it truly a mega event.
Since it’s happening several months from now, the organizers haven’t made any major announcements yet. With its electrifying 2023 lineup, however, featuring the likes of Yoasobi and Swae Lee, we can be sure we have much to look forward to in this year’s iteration.
When: Nov. 29 to Dec. 1; Where: Central Harbourfront, Hong Kong
For more information, check out Clockenflap’s official website.
Wonderfruit
Regarded as Thailand’s biggest art, culture, music, and nature festival, it is known for featuring a farm, musical performances, art and architectural installations, talks, workshops, wellness activities, and feasts.
Usually held at Fields at Siam Country Club, outside Pattaya in Chonburi, Thailand, 2023 saw a staggering 25,000 people in attendance, leading organizers to enforce ticket capping at only four tickets per person.
When: Dec. 12 to 16; Where: The Fields at Siam Country Club, Chonburi, Thailand
For more information, check out Wonderfruit’s official website.
