Get Your Festival Fix
From a three-day party on a ship to a festival on the Great Wall of China, Asia is jam-packed with some of the world’s top music festivals.
Whether you are into the latest house music or discovering emerging rock bands, we’ve got you covered in our roundup of the best music festivals in Asia.
November 2018
It’s The Ship, 4 – 7 November, Singapore
Sail aboard the luxurious “It’s The Ship” for 4 nights and 3 days of non-stop music, activities and fun pop-up parties. Sailing from Singapore to Phuket and back, Asia’s largest festival at sea celebrates its 5th anniversary this year with an epic lineup including Paul Van Dyk, Cash Cash, Sander Van Doorn and Showtek.
Clockenflap, 9 – 11 November, Central Harbourfront, Hong Kong
Back for it’s 11th year, Hong Kong’s biggest and oldest music and arts festival is pulling out all the stops with an impressive lineup including the likes of Khalid, Interpol and David Byrne. With a mix of both local and worldwide talent and a mission to inspire creativity, Clockenflap remains a major highlight for the cities cultural calendar.
Find more music events in Hong Kong in our complete guide to what’s on here.
Neon Lights, 9-11 November Fort Canning Park, Singapore
At Neon Lights, be prepared for three days and six stages of music, art and fun among the untouched beauty of Fort Canning National Park, Singapore. The family-friendly festival features a brilliant line up of international and local musical acts, as well as a variety of activities for all ages. Watch your favourite bands live, get creative with workshops, marvel at art installations and sample some delicious food at one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year.
ALTN8, 24 November, PMQ, Central, Hong Kong
Setting the scene for the third edition of the festival, ALTN8 returns this year with much excitement from dance and electronic music fans. With heart-pounding beats and visuals from outer space, the well-anticipated event will feature a lineup including breakthrough artists and some of the genre’s most revered names in the heart of the city.
December 2018:
ZoukOut, 1 December, Sentosa, Singapore
Asia’s largest beach music festival, ZoukOut, will be treating dance music festivalgoers to yet another A-list lineup this year including headliners Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike. Party from dusk til dawn at Siloso Beach, Sentosa in Singapore, where a crowd close to 30,000 fans are expected to gather to experience world-class stage productions, immersive experiences and some of the world’s biggest names in dance music.
Djakarta Warehouse Project, 7 – 9 December, Jakarta, Indonesia
Set to make a triumphant return for its 10th anniversary edition, Djakarta Warehouse Project promises to feature impressive house, trance and EDM lineups including world-class headliners, The Weeknd, Armin Van Buuren and Major Lazer.
Wonderfruit Festival 2018, 13 – 16 December, Pattaya, Thailand
Wonderfruit is a four-day celebration of art, music, food and ideas to create positive impacts. Combining Thai culture with a boho-chic Coachella vibe, the sustainably conscious festival has a packed agenda including everything from live music experiences and perspective-shifting talks to innovative art- installations and world-class cuisine.
Creamfields Hong Kong, 15 – 16 December, Hong Kong
Following the support of fans, long-standing British dance musical festival, Creamfields, is back for its second edition in Hong Kong. Promising a bigger stage and strong headliners including EDM giants Alesso, Diplo and Martin Garrix, the event is set to be the biggest electronic dance music festival in Hong Kong history, two years in a row.
Epizode, Vietnam, 28 December – 8 Jan, Phú Quốc , Vietnam
If you like the sound of a 12-day festival, Epizode is just what you’re looking for. Welcoming in the New Year, Epizode takes place on the Vietnamese island of Phú Quốc and features performances from a variety of underground house and techno stars. With eye-catching production and beautiful scenic backdrops, the festival is a fantastic way to celebrate the arrival of 2019.
Sunburn Festival, 29 – 31 December, Pune India
If you don’t mind venturing further afield, Sunburn Festival is not one to miss. Fans from all over the world will be preparing themselves for three days of partying in the hills of Pune, India at the annual electronic dance festival. Headliners include Martin Garrix, Clean Bandit, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, all performing in the beautiful surroundings of the Maharastra state.
2019
Sonar Hong Kong, 13 April, Hong Kong Science Park
Originating from Barcelona, the well-respected festival returns to the city for its 3rd edition, offering its crowds an eclectic lineup of both emerging talents and legendary artists alongside high-quality production. If you’re into music, creativity and technology, be sure to add this event to your diary.
Fuji Rock, 26 – 28 July, Yuzawa, Japan
Located in the mountains at Naeba Ski Resort, a 90-minute train ride from Tokyo, Fuji Rock’s three-day pop and rock festival is the biggest music festival in Japan. Running since 1997, the event is held mostly outdoors with over 13 stages and 200 acts. Soak in the hot springs after a day of partying or explore the authentic Japanese cuisine on offer, all of which can be enjoyed with an incredible mountainous backdrop. While the 2019 lineup is yet to be announced, with Kendrick Lamar, Bob Dylan and Skrillex headlining 2018, we are sure it will be just as memorable!
Ultra Music Festival – TBA, Hong Kong
Miami’s dance music giant has officially gone global with Asia editions in Seoul, Singapore, Bali, Shanghai and Tokyo. Fans can expect only the biggest DJs after the 2018 lineup included Afrojack and Tchami.
Great Wall Festival, 18 – 19 May, The Great Wall, China
A two-day party in one of the greatest sights in the world, you say? Unlike any other dance electronic music festival, this iconic event is held on the historic and globally renowned Great Wall of China. Besides the incredible location, the event also promises an impressive lineup of house and techno royalty with the 2018 line up including Nina Kraviz and Dixon. When it comes to throwing a truly unforgettable party, the organisers of the Great Wall Festival definitely tick all the boxes.
EDC Japan, TBA, Japan
Electric Daisy Carnival, otherwise known as EDC, is an annual electronic dance music festival. While its flagship event is held annually in Las Vegas, the festival is world-renowned for its explosive, immersive parties featuring the biggest EDM/dance music artists, previously featuring Deadmau5, Diplo and Martin Garrix. Keep your eyes peeled for the 2019 dates!
Summer Sonic, TBA, Osaka and Chiba, Japan
This annual two or three-day rock festival is held simultaneously in both Osaka and Chiba with the lineup containing many Japanese rock musicians from both major and indie record companies as well as international acts. If you are more of a dance music fan, you’re in for a treat as Sonicmania takes place immediately before Summer Sonic and features a more electronic lineup.
For more gigs and parties, check out our complete guide to what’s on in Hong Kong here.
Hira is a British freelance lifestyle, food & travel writer currently living her best life in Hong Kong and blogging about her experiences here
Add comment