Photo- AI Generated
Remembering the Biggest Music Festivals of the 2010s
The 2010s witnessed the continued rise of music festivals as cultural phenomena, with events around the world
17 April 2024
From iconic festivals like Coachella and Glastonbury to newer additions like Tomorrowland and Lollapalooza, the decade was filled with memorable moments that left a lasting impact on music fans worldwide. Let's take a trip down memory lane and remember some of the biggest music festivals of the 2010s:
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (Indio, California, USA)
Coachella, held annually in the California desert, became synonymous with the festival experience of the 2010s. Known for its star-studded lineup, fashion-forward attendees, and art installations, Coachella showcased a diverse range of genres, from rock and indie to electronic and hip-hop. Iconic performances by artists like Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, and Radiohead made Coachella a must-attend event for music lovers around the world.
Glastonbury Festival (Pilton, Somerset, England) Glastonbury
One of the world's largest and most famous music festivals continued to set the standard for live music experiences in the 2010s. With its sprawling grounds, eclectic lineup, and commitment to sustainability and activism, Glastonbury attracted hundreds of thousands of attendees each year. Legendary performances by artists like Adele, Kanye West, and The Rolling Stones solidified Glastonbury's reputation as a cultural institution.
Tomorrowland (Boom, Belgium)
Tomorrowland emerged as the premier electronic dance music (EDM) festival of the 2010s, entertaining audiences with its immersive stages, elaborate production, and world-class DJs. Known for its fantasy-themed decor and epic mainstage designs, Tomorrowland transported attendees to a magical world of music. Sets by DJs like David Guetta, Martin Garrix, and Tiësto made Tomorrowland a highlight of the festival calendar for EDM fans worldwide.
Lollapalooza (Chicago, Illinois, USA)
Lollapalooza, originally conceived as a touring festival in the 1990s, found a permanent home in Chicago's Grant Park in the 2010s. The festival expanded internationally to cities like São Paulo, Berlin, and Buenos Aires, offering attendees a diverse lineup of rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic music. Headliners like Foo Fighters, Arctic Monkeys, and Childish Gambino drew massive crowds to Lollapalooza's stages each year.
Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival (Manchester, Tennessee, USA)
Bonnaroo, held on a sprawling farm in rural Tennessee, celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2012 and continued to attract music fans. The festival featured a wide range of musical genres, as well as comedy, cinema, and interactive art installations. Memorable performances by artists like Paul McCartney, Kanye West, and LCD Soundsystem made Bonnaroo a beloved destination for festival-goers seeking an immersive and unforgettable experience.
Electric Daisy Carnival (Las Vegas, Nevada, USA)
Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), one of the largest electronic dance music festivals in the world, transformed the Las Vegas Motor Speedway into a vibrant playground of music and art each year. With its massive stages, elaborate light shows, and carnival rides, EDC offered attendees a sensory overload like no other. DJs like Calvin Harris, Skrillex, and Armin van Buuren delivered high-energy sets that kept crowds dancing until sunrise, making EDC a favourite destination for dance music enthusiasts.
These are just a few of the biggest music festivals that defined the 2010s, from the desert plains of Coachella to the green fields of Glastonbury, these events brought people together to celebrate the power of music and create memories that will last a lifetime.