Discover the world’s most successful music festivals. From rock to EDM, we explore the biggest and most profitable events that draw in millions of fans
Photo by Hanny Naibaho on Unsplash
Whether you’re a die-hard festival-goer or just a casual concert enthusiast, the world’s most successful music festivals are a spectacle to behold.
From rock and pop to electronic dance music, these events draw millions of fans from around the globe, generating staggering profits and leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.
Jarred Abbott from A2Z Events delves into the world’s most successful music festivals, exploring their unique offerings, the secrets behind their success, and the lasting impact they have on the industry and their devoted fans.
| Festival | Profit | Tickets Sold | Global Monthly Search Volume |
| Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival | $40.1 million | 225,000 | 33,000 |
| Hard Summer Music Festival | $29.9 million | 75,000 | 5,700 |
| Phish: Riviera Maya | $22.1 million | 25,000 | 1,100 |
| Tecate Pa’l Norte | $20.7 million | 238,000 | 18,000 |
| Corona Capital Festival | $20.5 million | 242,000 | 22,000 |
| Hurricane Festival | $20.1 million | 233,000 | 31,000 |
| Lollapalooza Brazil | $19.7 million | 227,000 | 900 |
| CMA Music Festival | $19.3 million | 204,000 | 9200 |
Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival
Held annually in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, Outside Lands is a three-day celebration of music, art, and cuisine. With a diverse lineup spanning rock, hip-hop, and electronic genres, the festival caters to a wide range of music enthusiasts.
The festival’s sterling reputation can be attributed to its unique blend of cultural experiences, including art installations, gourmet food vendors, and a commitment to sustainability.
Outside Lands has become a cultural touchstone for the Bay Area, offering a one-of-a-kind experience that combines world-class music with art, food, and a deep respect for the environment.
Hard Summer Music Festival
Hard Summer is a two-day electronic dance music (EDM) festival held in Southern California.
Known for its high-energy atmosphere and cutting-edge production, the festival attracts a predominantly young audience seeking an immersive experience.
The festival is known for its ability to curate a lineup of the hottest EDM acts and create a vibrant, party-like atmosphere.
“Its success comes from the massive popularity of EDM and hip-hop among the younger audiences,” Jarred says. “Its production values, including amazing stage designs and light shows, really enhance the overall experience.”
Hard Summer has become a rite of passage for EDM fans. It’s a place where they can let loose and fully embrace the music and culture.
Phish: Riviera Maya
Phish’s annual destination festival in Riviera Maya, Mexico, is a unique offering catering to the band’s devoted fanbase.
Spanning multiple days, the event combines live performances by the legendary jam band with a tropical vacation experience.
Its success stems from the loyalty of Phish’s dedicated followers, who flock to the festival year after year for an unforgettable musical and cultural experience.
“The festival’s exclusive and intimate nature, combined with the setting of its destination, makes the event highly appealing for music lovers,” Jarred says. “Fans get to enjoy their favorite band in a stunning locale, which adds to the overall allure.”
Fun fact: Phish’s Riviera Maya festival has become so popular that fans have created their own unofficial pre-show events, turning the festival into a week-long celebration.
Tecate Pa’l Norte
Tecate Pa’l Norte is a 2-day music festival held in Monterrey, Mexico, featuring a diverse lineup of rock, pop, and electronic acts.
While details on its success are limited, its impressive ticket sales and global search volume suggest it has a strong following, likely due to its diverse lineup and location in a major Mexican city.
“Tecate Pa’l Norte is known for its impressive production, including large-scale stages and elaborate light shows, which enhance the live music experience,” Jarred says.
“The festival’s success is largely due to its diverse lineup, which appeals to a wide demographic. The festival’s inclusive atmosphere and well-organized setup also contribute to its popularity,” he adds.
Corona Capital Festival
Corona Capital is a two-day music festival held in Mexico City, featuring a mix of rock, pop, and electronic music acts.
Like Tecate Pa’l Norte, its success can be attributed to its diverse lineup and location in a major city, as well as its association with the popular Corona beer brand.
“Its location in the heart of Mexico City makes it easily accessible, and its lineup of international stars ensures a high attendance rate,” Jarred says.
“The festival’s reputation for good organization and top-notch performances also draws in crowds,” he adds.
Hurricane Festival
Hurricane is a three-day rock and alternative music festival held annually in Germany, attracting a predominantly European audience.
The festival’s prominence can be attributed to its long-running history (since 1997), consistently strong lineups, and popularity among rock and alternative music fans in Europe.
“The festival’s long history and reputation for featuring top-tier international and German bands contribute to its success. The camping experience also adds to the festival’s charm,” Jarred notes.
Lollapalooza Brazil
Lollapalooza Brazil is an offshoot of the iconic Lollapalooza festival in Chicago, featuring a diverse lineup of rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic acts over 2 days.
The festival’s fame can be attributed to the strong brand recall of the Lollapalooza brand, as well as the growing demand for large-scale music festivals in Brazil and South America.
“The brand recognition of Lollapalooza and the inclusion of major international acts make it a must-attend event,” says Jarred. “The festival’s vibrant atmosphere and cultural diversity add to its appeal.”
CMA Music Festival
The CMA Music Festival is a four-day country music festival held annually in Nashville, Tennessee, catering to fans of the genre.
“CMA’s positive reputation highlights the enduring popularity of country music, particularly in the United States, as well as the festival’s association with the Country Music Association (CMA),” says Jarred.
Interestingly, the festival features numerous free outdoor concerts and events in addition to the ticketed shows, making it accessible to a wider audience.
These are just a few examples of the world’s most successful music festivals, each offering a unique experience that resonates with its target audience.
“Whether you are a veteran festival-goer or just somebody eager to attend his or her first big music event, these events represent some of the best the music world has to offer. Each one provides a unique experience, blending music, culture, and community in ways that continue to attract and delight audiences year after year,” says Jarred.
About A2Z Events
A2Z Events is a premier product within the comprehensive Personify technology suite. Personify offers a range of solutions designed to enhance organizations’ operations and member engagement. Their products, including advanced event management and online learning management software, are tailored to help organizations grow revenue and deliver more benefits to their members.
With A2Z Events, organizations can streamline their event planning processes, ensuring seamless and successful events that leave a lasting impression. Personify provides the tools needed to elevate organizational performance and member satisfaction.
Methodology
The study’s profit and tickets sold data was taken from Statista.
The global monthly search volume data was taken from ahrefs.com.
