Forget Coachella: Explore The Best Music Festivals in Southeast Asia
You don't need to travel to enjoy good music. Rock on in the best music festivals in Southeast Asia
As poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow once said, “Music is the universal language of mankind.” And it’s true; music connects us in ways that nothing else can. One of the best ways to feel this connection is by experiencing music with other people.
That’s right, I’m talking about music festivals. But not just any music festival. In this article, we’re bringing you a list of the best music festivals in Asia 2023. These festivals feature a range of genres and international artists, so you’re sure to find one that fits your taste!
Table of Contents
1. Djakarta Warehouse Project
Where: Indonesia
When: Every December
First up we have the Djakarta Warehouse Project. This is one of the biggest annual music festivals in South East Asia. It originally began in 2008 as a club event, but it got so big that they decided to turn it into a full-blown festival long term in 2010. Nowadays, this 2-day festival is held every December.
As one of the largest music festivals, the festival features a bunch of electronic artists and dance sub-genres and always has fantastic EDM music. Its 2023 lineup hasn’t been announced yet, but the 2022 music festival featured artists such as Acraze, DJ Snake, Gareth Emery, Hardwell, Illenium, Lost Frequencies, Martin Garrix, Shiba San, Yellow Claw, and Zedd.
2. Wonderfruit
Where: Thailand
When: Every December
Considered one of the best Asian music festivals, Wonderfruit doesn’t disappoint. This event has more than just music. It includes art, food, lifestyle, and ideas with its workshops, talks, art installations, and live music acts.
Founder Pranitan “Pete” Phornprapha and Thai musician and co-founder Montonn “Jay” Jira created Wonderfruit to bring the music festival experience to Thailand. They wanted to focus on arts and awareness, which is why the festival aims to merge fun with social responsibility.
This year’s lineup and dates have yet to be announced, but the festival usually takes place in December.
3. It’s The Ship
Where: Singapore
When: Every March
While the 2023 dates have already passed, it’s not too early to start thinking about a trip to this upcoming music festival in Singapore for next year. It’s the Ship is Asia’s largest festival at sea. Its inaugural sailing took place back in 2014.
The festival has made its home on a few different ships, most recently the Genting Dream, a gorgeous Asian-inspired cruise liner. It leaves Singapore for a three-day, two-night experience.
This unique festival is perfect for adventurers and those who’d love to spend quality time with artists and performers. Not to mention the cruise ship features a water park, cinema, arcade, and tons of bars and restaurants. The hassle-free nature of the ship will make this festival feel like your home away from home as you party the night away.
4. ZoukOut
Where: Singapore
When: Every December
Who says Singaporeans don’t know how to party? ZoukOut is a highly anticipated Singapore music festival in 2023. Along with many music festivals in Asia, 2022 was ZoukOut’s first year back after a three-year hiatus. While the 2023 dates haven’t been announced, this annual event promises an electrifying lineup with both international and local artists alike.
The first ZoukOut festival took place about 20 years ago. It was started by one of the biggest and most well-known clubs in Asia, Zouk. Here in the shared spaces with other music lovers, you’ll be able to find top-tier talented artists, incredible stage production, and a fantastic atmosphere.
5. Ultra Music Festival
Where: Bali, Philippines, and Singapore
When: Every Varies
With events all over the world, the Ultra Music Festival knows what it’s doing. The first Ultra Music Festival was held in 1999 in Miami, Florida at Miami Beach. In 2008, Ultra Worldwide began, with its first event in Brazil. It has since expanded to include locations worldwide, including Bali, the Philippines, and Singapore.
The dates vary depending on the location, so keep an eye on their website or social media accounts. With over twenty years of experience in festivals across the globe, Ultra has stellar lineups and terrific productions.
6. 808 Festival
Where: Thailand
When: Every December
Voted #60 in the top 100 festivals worldwide, the 808 Festival isn’t one to miss. This event is considered one of the best EDM festivals in Asia. The 2023 dates haven’t been announced yet, but it will likely take place in December.
This festival has been going for 9 years, and in previous years, artists such as DJ Snake, Hardwell, and Zedd have headlined, so they are sure to have some great artists again this year. With its specialty in EDM music, 808 curates artists that produce genre-defying music that is sure to wow any electronic music fan.
7. Ultra Music Festival
Where: Malaysia
When: July 15-30
In its 14th year, the George Town Festival is set to be one of the great music festivals of 2023. This year it takes place from July 15-30 in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town.
Back in 2008, George Town was declared a World Heritage Site, and the festival was born in celebration of that. In addition to music, the festival features visual art, theatre, dance, film, photography, and more.
This festival is perfect for music lovers and those who love to learn and experience unique events in the presence of amazing people and artists.
8. George Town Festival
Where: Malaysia
When: July 15-30
In its 14th year, the George Town Festival is set to be one of the great music festivals of 2023. This year it takes place from July 15-30 in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town.
Back in 2008, George Town was declared a World Heritage Site, and the festival was born in celebration of that. In addition to music, the festival features visual art, theatre, dance, film, photography, and more.
This festival is perfect for music lovers and those who love to learn and experience unique events in the presence of amazing people and artists.
9. Wavy Baby Music Festival
Where: Philippines
When: Every January
The Wavy Baby Music Festival was organized by the label of Filipino singer-songwriter James Reid. This festival is great for fans of R&B and K-pop hits. The 2023 event took place in January, and it is sure to be back in future years.
In 2023, Pink Sweats, Sunmi, and BamBam headlined the event, and its lineup also included James Reid, A-Team, SOS, and ISSA among other artists.
10. Everblast Festival
Where: Indonesia
When: Every March
If you’re a fan of 1990s- and 2000s-era music, this is the perfect festival for you. Everblast was created by Akselerasi Ent. to bring back the memories and nostalgia for that time. It was originally set to start in 2020 but had to be postponed because of the pandemic. However, it returned in March of 2023 with great success.
2023 featured artists like Simple Plan, The Rasmus, Hoobastank, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, and Secondhand Serenade in the lineup. Keep a look out on their website for the dates of future festivals.
Best Music Festivals in Southeast Asia: Conclusion
There you have the top music festivals in Southeast Asia. Check out these stunning locations and killer lineups the next time you feel the itch for live music. From EDM to 2000s nostalgia, there’s something for everyone in these music festivals.
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