Music festivals in Asia have long played a central role in shaping the region’s live music economy. Japan’s Fuji Rock Festival, first held in 1997, now draws more than 100,000 attendees every year, while Summer Sonic has operated across Tokyo and Osaka since 2000, regularly hosting global and domestic headliners in stadium-scale settings. These events helped establish Asia as a viable touring destination for international artists, while also giving regional acts access to larger audiences.
In other places in Asia, festivals have followed a similar trajectory. Indonesia’s Java Jazz Festival, launched in 2005, has grown into one of the largest jazz festivals in the world, featuring hundreds of performers each year. In the Philippines, festivals like Wanderland, founded in 2013, have introduced international indie artists to local audiences while providing a platform for Filipino acts performing on the same bill.
Festivals create rare opportunities for regional artists to share stages with international acts, often defining how a country’s music identity is seen beyond its borders. More than just concerts, these gatherings serve as a cultural exchange of where a scene has been and where it is heading next.
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Upcoming Music Festivals in Asia
Goa Sunsplash (India)
Where: Thalassa Beach Boutique Resort in Ashwem Beach, Goa
When: Every January
Goa Sunsplash is India’s leading reggae festival, held in the coastal state of Goa. It celebrates reggae culture alongside local Indian acts. Artists like Luciano, Macka B, and Hempress Sativa have headlined. The festival connects India’s scene to reggae’s global roots in Asia.
Wanderland (Philippines)
Where: Filinvest City Events Grounds, Alabang
When: Every March
Wanderland has positioned itself as a key gateway for international indie acts entering the Philippines. Held in open-air fields at the Filinvest Event Grounds in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, it balances international headliners with rising Filipino artists. Acts like Bon Iver, Jack Johnson, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Phoenix have headlined, alongside local favorites like UDD and Lola Amour. Its curated visual art installations and relaxed atmosphere have helped define Metro Manila’s indie festival culture.
Equation Festival (Vietnam)
Where: Mỏ Luông Cave, Mai Châu, Hòa Bình Province, Vietnam
When: April 24-26
Equation Festival takes place inside and around the Mỏ Luông Cave in northern Vietnam, giving it one of the most distinct environments among Asian festivals. Established in 2016, it focuses on leftfield electronic music, particularly techno, ambient, and experimental DJ sets. Its cave setting molds both the acoustics and atmosphere, attracting a niche audience interested in immersive listening experiences. Artists such as John Talabot, Peach, CEM, D. Tiffany, and Malika have performed, while the festival has also helped introduce Vietnam’s growing electronic scene to international audiences.
Rainbow Disco Club (Japan)
Where: Higashi-Izu Cross Country Course, Shizuoka City
When: April 17-19
Rainbow Disco Club is Japan’s premier electronic music festival, held in Shizuoka, focusing on house, techno, bass, disco, and many more. Artists like Four Tet, Kode9, and Ben UFO have performed there. Its intimate scale, set against the idyllic scenery of the Izu Peninsula, attracts dedicated electronic music fans.
Organik Festival (Taiwan)
Where: Secret Island, Taiwan
When: April 3-5
Organik Festival is an independent electronic music gathering in Taiwan known for its remote, nature-based setting and focus on leftfield sounds. Founded in 2017, the festival prioritizes minimal techno, ambient, and experimental electronic music, often running extended DJ sets that stretch late into the night. Its secluded forest location and limited capacity have made it a destination for dedicated listeners across Asia. Artists such as DJ Nobu, Diskonnected, Moopie, livwutang, and Xiaolin have performed there, helping connect Taiwan’s scene to the wider global electronic community.
Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival (Philippines)
Where: Puerto Real Gardens, Intramuros, Manila City
When: May 23
The festival was formerly held in Puerto Galera and became known for blending music with environmental advocacy. Set against mountain and ocean views, Malasimbo offered one of the most scenic festival locations in Southeast Asia. The festival is now held at the scenic Puerto Real Gardens in Intramuros, Manila. Artists like Jacob Collier, Mike Love, and local acts like Apartel performed there. Its emphasis on sustainability helped define its legacy.
Java Jazz Festival (Indonesia)
Where: Nusantra International Convention Exhibition, Tangerang City
When: May 29-31
Java Jazz is one of the largest jazz festivals in the world, held annually in Jakarta. It brings together jazz legends, pop crossovers, and regional artists. Performers have included Toto, Raveena, and Snarky Puppy. The festival has expanded jazz’s reach to younger Indonesian audiences.
Playtime Festival (Mongolia)
Where: Playtime Field, Ulaanbaatar
When: July 2-4
Playtime is Mongolia’s longest-running music festival and serves as the center of the country’s independent music movement. Held in Ulaanbaatar, it highlights Mongolian rock, indie, and electronic artists while inviting select international acts. Bands like The Hu and Altan Urag have become national icons partly through this platform, while visiting bands like envy, Silica Gel, and Megumi Acorda have performed on their famous showcase stage.
Fuji Rock Festival (Japan)
Where: Naeba Ski Resort, Niigata
When: July 24-25
Fuji Rock is held in Niigata’s mountainous Naeba Ski Resort, making it one of the most scenic festivals in the world. Known for its environmental advocacy and sprawling multi-stage layout, the festival blends nature with music in a way few others do. Past headliners include Red Hot Chili Peppers, Björk, Kendrick Lamar, and The Cure. Performing at Fuji Rock has also become a rite of passage for Japanese artists looking to break into larger audiences.
Summer Sonic (Japan)
Where: ZOZO Marine Stadium & Makuhari Messe, Chiba / Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, Osaka
When: August 16-17
Held annually in Chiba and Osaka, Summer Sonic is one of Japan’s most commercially dominant festivals, known for bringing global headliners alongside domestic giants. Unlike camping festivals, it takes place in urban stadiums and convention centers, which makes it more accessible to city audiences. The festival has hosted major acts like Radiohead, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, and Arctic Monkeys, while also platforming Japanese mainstays like X Japan and Babymetal. Its dual-city format allows it to reach two massive audiences in a single weekend.
Maho Rasop (Thailand)
Where: Live Park, Rama IX, Bangkok
When: Every November
Maho Rasop is a Bangkok-based festival focused on indie and alternative music since 2018, often introducing Southeast Asian audiences to emerging global acts. It has hosted artists like Interpol, Alex G, and Phum Viphurit. The festival balances international bookings with Thailand’s growing indie scene.
Joyland Festival (Indonesia)
Where: City Park Senayan, Jakarta
When: November 29-30
Joyland Festival takes place in Jakarta, focusing on indie, alternative, and experimental music. It is known for its carefully curated lineup and emphasis on discovery rather than purely commercial appeal. Artists like The Strokes, M.I.A., and Joji have appeared, alongside Indonesian artists such as Hindia and White Shoes & The Couples Company. Its multidisciplinary programming includes film screenings and comedy sets.
Clockenflap (Hong Kong)
Where: Central Harbourfront, Hong Kong
When: December 5-7
Clockenflap is Hong Kong’s largest international music and arts festival, held along the Central Harbourfront skyline. Its lineup spans indie, electronic, and pop, reflecting the city’s global identity. Artists like Halsey, My Bloody Valentine, and Massive Attack have headlined.
Wonderfruit (Thailand)
Where: Siam Country Club, Pattaya
When: December 10-14
Wonderfruit is a multidisciplinary festival combining music, art, wellness, and sustainability. Held in Pattaya, it emphasizes eco-friendly practices and immersive experiences. Artists like Khruangbin, Floating Points, and BadBadNotGood have appeared throughout the festival’s colorful history.
