Summer is just around the corner -- which means that it's time to score those tickets for your favorite music festival. This list is an overview of some of the biggest and best music festivals and street markets in the world, from the hills of Tennessee to the posh tourist resorts of Europe.
While some festivals (such as Coachella and the iconic New Orleans Heritage and Jazz Festival) take place in the spring, most of the premiere music festivals take place during the summer months. (Although we did include one early autumn listing, Austin City Limits, which is held in October.)
No trip to a world-class music festival is complete without a camera, so use this as a quick guide capturing the best moments from your festival experience.
The Packing Essentials to Capture Every Moment
Half the fun of any music festival is sharing out the experience with others. From your favorite sets to selfies with your friends, here is your essential list of items to pack to capture every moment:
- Smartphone or digital camera
- Any necessary iPhone camera accessories
- Selfie stick or Bluetooth accessory
- Lens wipes
- Phone charger
- Battery pack
Whether you stay for a day or for a week, you're sure to get lots of great photo opportunities -- so before you leave, it's a good idea to check out your camera (or smartphone) and make sure that everything is in good working order.
If you decide to invest in a new camera or phone, be sure to give it a trial run before you leave. Likewise, familiarize yourself with all its bells and whistles. That way, you won't be fumbling with the wrong buttons when your favorite superstar comes within the perfect close-up range between shows.
Capturing Crowds
To make the most of your scenic or crowd shots, consider investing in a wide-angle (or wide-conversion) lens so you can get an impressive panoramic shot. If you have a compact camera that doesn't have interchangeable lenses, a wide-conversion lens will widen the viewing angle and fit a lot more into the frame.
Photographing Bands
Some of your best shots will be of your favorite bands, so here are some tips on how to capture the most memorable live performance photos:
1. Don't make things too difficult
In other words, if you're not well-versed in photography, let your camera do the work for you by setting it in aperture priority mode, which will automatically adjust the shutter speed and automate the overall process. Having said this, if you really want the best photos, see the next step.
2. Shoot in manual mode
Manual mode will give you the control you need to adjust to quickly-changing light displays and other factors. It's really the best method for shooting live concerts, but manual mode does require some expertise and extra work (such as learning to adjust exposure and shutter speed). However, the results will be worth it.
3. Use a faster shutter speed
According to the pros, you'll need to set a shutter speed of at least 1/200 sec, or you'll end up with blurry photos.
4. Opt for a fast lens
Because it provides a larger aperture, a fast lens enables you to maintain the same exposure even when you're using a faster shutter speed. This is crucial for clearer shots, especially at night.
5. Don't use flash
First, many venues don't allow flash photography because they can cause distractions onstage. Even when it's allowed, flash mode won't help, and can actually distort your image.
6. Raise ISO settings
This will enhance your camera's ability to capture lighting effects.
7. Use autofocus
Autofocus will give you the best frame for the most important part of your image, whether it's the lead singer or another band member you want to focus on.
8. Use a wide-angle lens
Use a wide-angle lens if you want to capture everything that's happening onstage.
Note: In some circumstances, performance photographs might not be allowed, so be sure to check before the concert starts.
Print Your Work for You and Your Fellow Festivalgoer
You're going to want to remember this weekend for years to come. Make your friends day by surprising them with a photo print featuring your entire festival friend group or frame that perfect shot you captured of your favorite band.
Understanding How to Shoot at Night
As for capturing those spectacular lighting effects at night, experts recommend starting with ISO 1600, using aperture priority or manual mode settings, and setting your shutter speed at a minimum 1/250 sec.
Use interchangeable lenses based on shutter speed, the pros recommend using a fast lens (such as 50 mm f1.8). If this sounds too technical or you're using a compact point-and-shoot, just remember to start your ISO setting at 1600 and shoot in manual mode.
If you're shooting with a smartphone instead of a camera, the good news is that you can use a variety of apps (such as Manual Camera) to enhance night shots. To diffuse or soften light, consider covering your phone flash with tissue paper or a color filter. Night shots also work better if the camera/phone is stable, so consider getting a small portable tripod. Likewise, you can also use photo editing software tools from apps such as EyeEm to enhance the quality of your pictures.
Now that you're ready to capture a festival, here's our list of the best, must-see music festivals this summer, along with a few tips for the best photo opportunities at each one.
1. Lollapalooza
Grant Park, Chicago, IL
At Lollapalooza, you'll find everything from classic rock and alternative to hip hop, electronic and heavy metal; and in a music industry that loves to categorize, this diversity brings a breath of fresh air to the festival scene. More than 100,000 fans of all ages come from around the world to enjoy the something-for-everyone atmosphere (and boisterous hijinks from rowdy fans).
Best photo opportunities:
- Get a group shot with your fellow music lovers in front of the Lolla sign
- Snap a few of your favorite local Chicago meals and drinks
- Capture what one-of-a-kind experiences Lolla partners are offering at More Than Music
- Use the Chicago skyline as your backdrop
2. Glastonbury Festival
Glastonbury, UK
What began as a hippy music fest in 1970, Glastonbury typically attracts more than 175,000 worldwide fans who love the festival's retro peace-and-love vibe, awesome musical diversity and spontaneous street entertainment (sometimes the spectators are as good as the show). As festivals go, many people feel that this iconic event is simply the best.
Best photo opportunities:
- Get shots of the local police (they're allowed to wear glitter and face paint on duty)
- Take portraits of the regulars in costume, especially the notorious Disco Bunny (ask him to leap for you)
- Be sure to get a wide-angle, panorama shot of the massive crowd -- it's very impressive!
3. Isle of Wight Festival
Seaclose Park, Newport, UK
From its beginnings as a pre-1970 counterculture event, the Isle of Wight Festival entertains around 90,000 fans every year with an appealing line-up of classic and hard rock icons mixed with top-notch indie and electronic newcomers.
Best photo opportunities:
- Get a group shot as the sun sets over the English channel (a must-have photo)
- Luxury Loo Lounge: This festival is famous for its "luxury loo" outdoor toilets, each with soft towels and uniformed staff. Also, there are hair styling/spa tents as well.
4. Austin City Limits Festival
Zilker Park, Austin, TX
As one of the biggest festivals around (catering to more than 450,000 fans each year), Austin City Limits is another music fest that celebrates diversity, offering up a roster that includes everything from 80's rock superstars to hip hop and indie performers.
Best photo opportunities:
- Fabulous food photos: This fest is famous for its food, so be sure to take plenty of mouth-watering pics with your friends
- Capture the Austin skyline (with skyscrapers overlooking the park)
5. Bonnaroo
Great Stage Park, Manchester, TN
Another celebration of musical diversity, Bonnaroo offers a high-powered roster of talent performing on multiple stages set along 650 acres of rolling farmland. Around 76,000 fans gather each year to enjoy a mix of rock, pop, reggae, gospel, folk, country, bluegrass, indie and Americana performed by the biggest names in music.
Best photo opportunities:
- Beautiful scenic photos of the gorgeous rolling farmland
- Snap lots of group shots in front of the iconic Ferris wheel and psychedelic water fountain
6. Governors Ball Festival
Randall's Island Park, New York, NY
The popular Governors Ball is a favorite with indie/alternative rock and hip hop fans, but this eclectic festival also features Americana, folk, pop, and classic rock musicians. About 150,000 folks each year enjoy not only the music but also the funky carnival atmosphere, which abounds with classic New York food trucks and carnie-type games and activities.
Best photo opportunities:
- Must-have group shot: your crew in front of the New York City skyline across the water
- Amazing art installations brought in for the festival (such as a Statue of Liberty with sunglasses)
7. Tomorrowland
De Schorre, Boom, Belgium
A top world destination for electronic music fans, Tomorrowland is considered to be the premier electronic music festival. Attracting as many as 450,000 fans, it features the world's best DJs and electronic music performers doing their thing on multiple stages, all enhanced with breathtaking high-tech lighting effects.
Best photo opportunities:
- Take plenty of photos of the phantasmagoric, iconic stage
- Incredible day and night light shows during the festival (and don't forget the fireworks!)
- Capture the many thousands of audience members waving flags from all over the world
8. Montreux Jazz Festival
Montreux Music & Convention Centre, Montreux, Switzerland
Held on the stunning Lake Geneva shore, the famed Montreux Jazz Festival is historically a top destination for true jazz mavens, featuring the world's best performers in all jazz genres. Attracting around 250,000 fans, Montreux also opens its multiple performance venues to the world's greatest classic rock, soul and blues artists.
Best photo opportunities:
- Use the gorgeous Lake Geneva in the background of your shots
- Grab candid photos of all the special events running alongside the festival (such as art exhibits and local concerts)
9. AFROPUNK FEST
Commodore Barry Park, New York, NY
Founded in Brooklyn, the multi-venue AFROPUNK (it's also held in Atlanta, London, Paris and Johannesburg) is a true arts festival. This festival celebrates all types of live music, film, art and fashion produced by black artists. Like its sister venues, Brooklyn AFROPUNK offers a wide variety of genres and caters to around 70,000 enthusiastic fans each year.
Best photo opportunities:
- Fantastic, one-of-a-kind outfits and haute couture ensembles worn by festival goers
- Photograph some of the featured artwork on sale
10. Rock am Ring/Rock im Park
Nürburgring Race Track and Zeppelinfeld in Nuremberg, Germany
Rock am Ring / Rock im Park are two music festivals that take place simultaneously in Nürburgring and Nuremberg. Attracting more than 150,000 people, the festivals feature a diverse roster, headlining famous classic rock icons, hip hop newcomers, and everything in between. The super-charged atmosphere is akin to a rock-and-roll Oktoberfest, so be prepared to party.
Best photo opportunities:
- Climb to the top level of one of the onsite buildings for a breathtaking panoramic photo of the massive crowd below
- You'll want to get group photos with some of your new friends from all over the world
11. Roskilde
Roskilde Festival Ground, Roskilde, Denmark
Advertised as eight days of music, activism, arts, camp, and freedom, Roskilde has a delightfully retro hippy vibe coupled with cutting-edge talent, featuring the world's best performers in classic and hard rock, hip hop, reggae, electronic and world music. As one of the world's largest festivals, it attracts as many as 149,000 visitors to this picturesque Danish city -- and all profits are donated to charity.
Best photo opportunities:
- Between performances, be sure to get lots of scenic photos of the outrageously picturesque town of Roskilde
- Don't leave without taking lots of group shots in front of the iconic graffiti mural
12. Download
Donington Park, Derby, UK
Download has become a favorite yearly destination for fans of heavy metal, punk, and alternative rock. In the UK it's second (size-wise) only to Glastonbury, attracting as many as 110,000 people who enjoy communing with the high-energy music and then relaxing in the massive festival campground.
Best photo opportunities:
- This is the epicenter for metal and punk fans, so you'll want to get pics of some of the incredible costumes you'll see, both onstage and off
- Pose in front of the gigantic Ferris wheel, and take other fun shots of the other fun fairground rides
13. Reading and Leeds Festival
Richfield, Ave, Reading, and Bramham Park, Leeds, UK
Showcasing a mix of rock, punk, metal, alternative, and indie music, the Reading and Leeds Festival was founded in Reading during the 1960s and is actually one of the oldest music festivals in Europe. Thanks to its history, as well as its reputation for booking some of the biggest names in music, it attracts around 85,000 people a year and appeals to people of all ages.
Best photo opportunities:
- There's always a carnival-like atmosphere here, so get plenty of fun crowd shots
- Take photos in front of and inside the colorful circus tents (where you'll find the food vendors and other attractions)
14. Primavera Sound
Parc del Fòrum, Barcelona, Spain
One of Europe's biggest and most diverse music festivals, Primavera Sound offers an amazingly eclectic roster of performers from nearly every modern musical genre, ranging from classic/hard/punk rock to electronic, indie, alternative and jazz. Catering to as many as 200,000 fans, Primavera Sound features multiple venues, and also showcases a popular film festival.
Best photo opportunities:
- Must-have photo: a group shot with the Mediterranean Sea in the background
- Get your camera ready, because this festival is famous for its stunning, high-tech lighting/visual effects onstage
15. Pitchfork Music Festival
Union Park, Chicago, IL
Attracting more than 50,000 fans each year, Pitchfork primarily features indie and alternative rock, as well as hip hop and electronic music, although it isn't averse to booking punk, rock, and even jazz acts. In true festival fashion, Pitchfork also offers a popular open-air market showcasing posters and artwork from regional artists.
Best photo opportunities:
- You'll want to get photos of the many interactive advertisements installed onsite by Pitchfork sponsors, such as billboards you can stick your head into and live recording booths
- Get plenty of pics of Pitchfork's ornate, artist-designed mainstage
Creating a Festival Photo Album
One great way to document your festival experience is to create a photobook that you can share with your friends. If you're a regular festival goer, you can organize your pics into chronological albums (such as "Bonnaroo -- Vol 1").
Another method is to organize your albums according to artist names, so you can quickly look up all the photos you took during favorite performances.
An easy way to tell the story of your festival adventure is to organize the pages by theme or experience. For example, if you're camping, you can have one section filled with layouts featuring your camping experience. Other pages could feature scenery, while still another section could showcase fun crowd shots.
Whatever type of music you like, be it rock, pop, reggae, jazz, blues, country, folk or Americana, these 15 festivals run the gamut of musical genres and offer something for everyone. For the best experience, try to book your tickets online as early as possible -- and be sure to bring along a good camera so you can take plenty of once-in-a-lifetime pictures of your festival adventure.