There is nothing like traveling the world to celebrate the diversity of music. Each year, music festivals around the globe bring joy and a sense of connection to millions of people. From punk rock to reggaeton, EDM to jazz, hip-hop to samba, music inspires jet-setters to journey to new destinations. And while the melodies might be the draw, exploring a destination’s cultural and culinary wonders complete the experience.
With so many exceptional music festivals, it can be hard to choose where to plan your next trip. To help narrow things down, we’ve put together a list of landmark music festivals not to be missed in 2026, along with the best hotels in each city to stay at in style.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
January 15 – February 7: Igloofest in Montreal, Canada
While the rest of the world is trying to escape the cold, this Canadian festival embraces it. Igloofest is Montreal’s winter electronic music festival. Located in the Old Port of Montreal at the defining Jacques-Cartier Pier, this celebration showcases a roster of A-list DJs and up-and-coming artists. Igloofest also hosts an annual tacky snowsuit contest (think ugly holiday sweater) to win prizes and glory.
A short car ride has you pulling up to the swanky W Montreal, just over a mile from the pier. Situated among Montreal’s most iconic landmarks, like Notre-Dame Basilica and Mount Royal, the hotel effortlessly channels Montreal’s urbane cool. After dancing for hours out in the cold, warm up with a cocktail in the Living Room.
February 13–21: Rio Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio Carnival is a showstopping, bucket-list festival that welcomes millions of visitors each year. During Carnival, Rio de Janeiro celebrates with music, dancing, and vibrant costumes. The parades at the Sambadrome, where the sounds of drums, cymbals, and trumpets spill into the streets, are the heart of the event.
Rio de Janeiro is also surrounded by beautiful landmarks. The luxurious JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro gives guests easy access to these popular attractions and more. You can rejuvenate and invigorate your senses at the on-site Spa by JW, and indulge in all-day dining while overlooking Copacabana Beach.
March 13–15: Lollapalooza Argentina in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Held at the iconic Hipódromo de San Isidro Racecourse in Buenos Aires — Argentina’s oldest continuously operated horse-racing track — Lollapalooza Argentina will host an epic lineup of acts this March.
A brand-new addition to the country’s capital city, Recoleta Grand, Buenos Aires, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel is both a retreat from the festival action and perfectly located for getting out and exploring the city. The property’s meticulosity decorated spaces reflect the iconic streets, artistic flair, and distinctive character of this storied neighborhood.
April 3–5: Manchester Punk Festival in Manchester, United Kingdom
Three promoters walk into a pub to figure out how to create a proper buzz to showcase the bands they love to an audience … No, this isn’t the start of a joke, it’s how the Manchester Punk Festival was born. Taking place over Easter weekend, MPF is a punk rock showcase festival promoting more than 140 acts across seven venues throughout the city, all within walking distance of each other.
About 1.5 miles from the main stage, Stock Exchange Hotel, Manchester, Autograph Collection features opulent design elements that reflect the architectural splendor of its dwelling, the former Manchester Stock Exchange.
April 23 – May 3: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is considered the birthplace of jazz, turning out some of the genre’s greatest icons. Heading into its 56th year, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival will host a mix of diverse musical traditions, with a lineup that includes legendary artists.
Le Pavillon, New Orleans, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel is located about 4 miles from the festival. It’s also just steps from Bourbon Street and the French Quarter, where Preservation Hall — an intimate, acoustic venue that relives the birth of jazz — is a must-visit. The hotel’s grand lobby, striking staircase, and immaculate suites are awash in elegant, historical charm.
June 3–7: Primavera Sound Barcelona in Barcelona, Spain
Primavera Sound Barcelona is one of the largest and most heavily attended festivals in Europe. It brings together 150 international artists covering genres of music ranging from indie rock to R&B to house, and this year’s lineup is as epic as ever.
About 4.5 miles down the coast, situated along the beachfront Barceloneta Boardwalk and providing panoramic views over the Mediterranean Sea and the city, is W Barcelona. The WOW Suites celebrate both the nighttime atmosphere of Barcelona and the magic of the sun setting at the beach.
July 17–26: Tomorrowland in Boom, Belgium
Love EDM? Then taking a trip to one of the top electronic music festivals in the world is a must for 2026. Tomorrowland is a 10-day festival known for its elaborate stage designs, variety of EDM artists, top-tier DJ lineups, and fireworks. Each summer, more than 400,000 people from all corners of the world unite in Boom, Belgium.
Located about 10 miles away, Moxy Antwerp is a slick hotel featuring a bright, open lobby and contemporary furniture. Visit the nearby museums and monuments and return to your cleverly designed room.
July 31 – August 1: World Pride Music Festival in Amsterdam, Netherlands
It’s Amsterdam’s turn to host World Pride. With the city’s iconic canals as the backdrop and its dynamic and diverse culture, the World Pride Music Festival celebrates the LGBTQ+ community with a raucous dancefest featuring music genres ranging from pop to techno, circuit to house.
When the music stops, it’s time to relax in the lap of luxury at one of Amsterdam’s canal hotels. Housed in a former telephone exchange and bank building, W Amsterdam boasts a spa, two restaurants, and a rooftop lounge. Sip cocktails by the WET Deck pool overlooking the Royal Palace.
September 19–20: Ultra Japan in Tokyo, Japan
Ultra Japan is the country’s biggest EDM music festival. The greatest sounds from house, techno, and dance-pop electrify festivalgoers through elaborate stage set-ups.
After hitting the dance floor hard, retreat to sky-high luxury at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, perched on the top nine floors of a 53-story building. Indulge in the hotel’s Heritage by Kei Kobayashi, which holds one MICHELIN Star. The hotel’s immense windows showcase incredible views, like the Tokyo Tower, the Imperial Palace, and Mount Fuji.
October: Harvest Rock Festival in Adelaide, Australia
Every year, a two-day festival electrifies South Australia’s capital, celebrating the union between legendary live music and culinary delights.
Adelaide Marriott Hotel, set in a historic building that served as the General Post Office for South Australia from 1872 to 2019, is within walking distance of the festival. It overlooks Victoria Square, is close to Rundell Mall (the longest and busiest mall in Australia), and gives you access to the Adelaide Hills wine region.
November 4–7: Iceland Airwaves in Reykjavik, Iceland
With more than 100 artists spread across eight venues in the country’s capital, Iceland Airwaves is the biggest party in Reykjavík. This festival is recognized for highlighting new talent alongside a lineup of global headliners in diverse genres.
101 Hotel, Reykjavik, a Member of Design Hotels sports a sleek design and futuristic feel. It’s also smack in the city center, next to the iconic Icelandic Opera House, as well as a bevy of museums, restaurants, and galleries.
December: Clockenflap in Hong Kong, China
Clockenflap Music & Arts Festival, Hong Kong’s biggest outdoor international festival, takes place on the Central Harbourfront. And if past years are any indication, revelers can expect a slew of well-known international artists and local acts. The three-day fest sees travelers from all over the world come together with Hong Kong residents.
JW Marriott Hong Kong Hotel is the ideal place to revitalize after an epic musical journey. Situated in the heart of the Central district, this five-star grande dame is directly connected to the Admiralty MTR station for easy access to all the city’s star attractions, and rooms overlook Victoria Harbor, the mountains, or the skyline. Don’t miss the exquisite dim sum at Man Ho, the hotel’s MICHELIN-Starred Cantonese restaurant.
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