1. TAO Music & Underwater Festival – Koh Tao, Thailand (28 to 30 Mar)
Set against the backdrop of the pristine waters of Koh Tao Island in Thailand, TAO Music & Underwater Festival is set to bring you three days of Hip-Hop, Electro and House. The festival will host artists from all over the world, and include visual arts and street art performances, all championing the protection of the environment.
Get ready to party for a good cause!
Dates: 28 – 30 March 2017
2. Air Festival – Gili Air Island, Indonesia (31 Mar to 2 Apr)
Speaking of a good cause, another environmentally-friendly festival to mark your calendars for is Air Festival, taking place on a tiny island off the coast of Lombok, Indonesia. Dance the night away under the stars with like-minded folks, and don’t forget to pack your swim gear to make the most of the surrounding clear waters.
Dates: 31 March – 2 April 2017
Air Festival: Tickets | Website
3. Sónar – Hong Kong (1 Apr)
Traditionally held in Barcelona, Sónar is finally coming to Asia and is debuting in Hong Kong this April. The festival is known for uniting electronic music lovers and providing a platform for the collaboration between creativity and technology.
Book your tickets fast to get a taste of experimental electronica and participate in a slew of workshops and activities.
Date: 1 April 2017
Sónar Hong Kong: Tickets | Website
4. LOOPTOPIA – Taoyuan, Taiwan (8 & 9 Apr)
LOOPTOPIA is Taiwan’s first international music festival and this 2017, over 50 DJs will be spinning on three massive stages — big names including Martin Garrix and Dimitri Vegas are already set to perform. Indulge yourself in the whole festival experience by camping, BBQ-ing and making sure you buy some of the Taiwanese delicacies to try.
Dates: 8 & 9 April 2017
5. Equation – Hanoi, Vietnam (14 to 16 Apr)
Equation is a gathering of DJs from some of the best underground clubs in Asia, pushing the frontiers of the House and Techno scene in the region. Pack for a getaway to Dong Mo Lake, which is about an hour’s drive from Hanoi, and don’t worry about grub – Equation is bringing in the best that Hanoi street food has to offer.
Dates: 14 – 16 April 2017
6. Paradise Island – Koh Samui, Thailand (15 & 16 Apr)
Paradise Island Festival on Koh Samui, Thailand, is set to be so much more than a music festival – Thai cooking classes, Tai Chi, sunset yoga and sunrise meditation sound like everything you could want for a weekend of rejuvenation.
Not forgetting of course, international and Thai musical acts who’ll be highlighting the best of what Thailand has to offer.
Dates: 15 & 16 April 2017
Paradise Island: Tickets | Website
7. Together Festival – Bangkok, Thailand (28 & 29 Apr)
Get your mates together for Bangkok’s Together Festival, which aims to put Southeast Asia on the map with the ultimate music experience. Leave your inhibitions at the door because it’s clear that everyone who gets a ticket is looking forward to the EDM party of the year in Thailand.
Dates: 28 & 29 April 2017
Together Festival: Tickets | Website
8. Electric Daisy Carnival – Chiba-shi, Japan (29 & 30 Apr)
As one of the biggest electronic dance music festivals in the world, Electric Daisy Carnival (a.k.a EDC) needs no introduction. Huge names in the music industry perform each year and the festival has evolved to include so many styles of dance music.
Make sure you explore all the stages and fields, and get lost in the dreamscape of it all.
Dates: 29 & 30 April 2017
Electric Daisy Carnival: Tickets | Website
9. MYTH Electronic Music Festival – Shanghai, China (Apr)
China doesn’t usually come to mind when I think “Epic Music Festival”, but MYTH Electronic Music Festival outdid itself with previous headliners like Knife Party and Diplo. Dates for 2017 have yet to be announced, but the festival typically takes place in April so… keep an eye out!
Dates: To Be Announced
MYTH Electronic Music Festival: Website
10. SPACEJAM – Bangkok, Thailand (12 May)
Bangkok is killing it with its music festival lineup this year, and SPACEJAM joins the ranks with its first ever edition this May. The festival promises world-class DJs and artistes and since the date has been set, the lineup and ticketing details should follow shortly.
Date: 12 May 2017
SPACEJAM: Website
11. World DJ Festival – Seoul, South Korea (13 & 14 May)
I mean, the name itself is setting the highest of standards. The World DJ Festival is back this 2017, and has been championed as the most exciting electronic dance music festival in Korea. Mike Perry, Villain and Party Favor have already been booked, so all that’s left for you to do is to book your tickets.
Dates: 13 & 14 May 2017
World DJ Festival: Tickets & Website
12. WARP Music Festival – Pattaya, Thailand (19 & 20 May)
13. Golden Axe – Bangkok, Thailand (19 & 20 May)
And… Bangkok keeps on giving – Golden Axe has already confirmed live performances by members of the Wu-Tang Clan. The two-day festival will take place at Asiatique The Riverfront, and tickets are already on sale. Keep an eye out for details on the second headliner!
Dates: 19 & 20 May 2017
14. Wired Music Festival – Kuwana, Japan (21 May)
Relatively new to the scene, Wired Music Festival has already been exciting party-goers with bookings of big names like Hardwell and Wiz Khalifa. This celebration of EDM in Kuwana, Japan is definitely going to appease all the ravers.
Date: 21 May 2017
Wired Music Festival: Tickets & Website
15. Taico Club – Kiso, Japan (27 & 28 May)
Speaking of festivals in Japan, Taico Club is a popular dance festival that never fails to feature an eclectic lineup of acts. The stunning festival and campgrounds will make for some great pictures (and memories), so get ready for a weekend surrounded by good music and greenery!
Dates: 27 & 28 May 2017
16. Don’t Let Daddy Know – Mumbai (May), Macau (June)
Cheeky name aside, Don’t Let Daddy Know (DLDK) is one of the biggest EDM brands in the world. I mean, I wouldn’t expect anything less from something that began in Ibiza. Do at least let your mum know if you plan on heading to the celebrations in Mumbai and Macau.
Dates: To Be Announced
17. ITADAKI – Yoshida, Japan (3 & 4 June)
ITADAKI takes place annually in Yoshida, Japan. Set in summer, the weather should be perfect to enjoy camping in the outdoors, taking in the best of Japan’s alternative music scene. If you’re a fan of Hip Hop, Indie Rock, Pop Punk or Jazz, you’re probably going to enjoy this.
Dates: 3 & 4 June 2017
18. Ultra Music Festival – SG (10 & 11 June), Seoul (10 & 11 June), Tokyo (16 to 18 Sept)
Ultra Music Festival (UMF) has dominated the world over and we finally got a taste of it in Singapore back in 2015 with The Road To Ultra. UMF will take place in three countries in Asia this 2017 (Singapore, Seoul, Tokyo) and I can’t wait to re-live the best of the best in EDM.
Eat. Sleep. Rave. Repeat.
Dates: 10 & 11 June 2017 (SG), 10 & 11 June 2017 (Seoul), 16 – 18 Sept 2017 (Tokyo)
Ultra Music Festival: Singapore Tickets | Seoul Tickets | Tokyo Tickets
19. Playtime Festival – Gachuurt, Mongolia (7 to 9 July)
I was so happy to find that Mongolia hosts its own live music festival in Gachuurt village, which is located 30km outside of Ulaanbaatar. Growing bigger and better each year, Playtime Festival now features an impressive lineup of new and established international and Mongolian acts.
I don’t know about you, but I could use a bit of playtime in the scenic hills.
Dates: 7 – 9 July 2017
Playtime Festival: Tickets | Website
20. Baybeats – Singapore (14 to 16 July)
Baybeats is no stranger to the festival scene here in Singapore, and has provided a stepping stone to many local bands we now know and love. Featuring a variety of musical styles, the alternative festival takes place over three days and guess what? It’s absolutely free.
Dates: 14 – 16 July 2017
Baybeats Singapore: Admission is free | Website
21. Rainforest World Music Festival – Sarawak, Malaysia (14 to 16 July)
The incredible beauty of the Borneo Jungle serves as the backdrop for the annual Rainforest World Music Festival, which brings together musicians from all over the world, alongside local indigenous artistes. Mill around the many workshops in the afternoon and participate in some of the coolest arts and crafts in the region.
2017 is the 20th anniversary of the festival, so you know it’s going to be extra special!
Dates: 14 – 16 July 2017
Rainforest World Music Festival: Tickets | Website
22. Fuji Rock Festival – Yuzawa, Japan (28 to 30 July)
With a killer lineup set for this 2017, the Fuji Rock Festival returns to Naeba Ski Resort in Japan. The three-day festival is top of my bucket list of festivals in Asia and if you’ve got the moolah, I highly recommend shelling out.
Opt to camp for the full festival experience, and don’t forget to pack some onigiri for the road.
Dates: 28 – 30 July 2017
Fuji Rock Festival: Tickets | Website
23. Jisan Valley Rock Festival – Ansan, South Korea (July)
Jisan Valley Rock Festival (aka Valley Rock Festival and Ansan Valley Rock Festival) is traditionally held on the last weekend of July. Dates have yet to be confirmed for 2017, but you don’t want to miss out on this South Korean mega event which is almost on par with the famous Fuji Rock Festival.
Last year saw performances from Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Zedd and Disclosure, so who knows what this year will bring.
Dates: To Be Announced
Jisan Valley Rock Festival: Website
24. We The Fest (WTF) – Jakarta, Indonesia (11 to 13 Aug)
Last year’s We The Fest (WTF) was an epic celebration of music, arts, fashion and food, brought to you by ISMAYA LIVE. The team are back this summer and the phase one lineup already includes exciting acts including Yuna, Dua Lipa and Phoenix.
Fellow Singaporeans, Jakarta is only one hour and 50 mins away by plane…
Dates: 11 – 13 August 2017
We The Fest (WTF): Tickets | Website
25. Summer Sonic – Chiba & Osaka, Japan (18 to 20 Aug)
Japan isn’t holding back this year, and the annual popular Summer Sonic Festival is back to take over Osaka and Chiba. Expect headliners like Calvin Harris, upcoming acts like Honne and old school favourites Sum 41 and Good Charlotte to rock those seasoned stages.
Dates: 18 – 20 August 2017
Summer Sonic: Tickets | Website
26. Pentaport Rock Festival – Incheon, South Korea (Aug)
Join thousands of other rock and electronica fans at the annual Pentaport Rock Festival in Incheon this August. Dates have yet to be announced but I’m sure with past headliners like Fall Out Boy, Crystal Castles and Kasabian, tickets are going to sell like hotcakes.
Dates: To Be Announced
Pentaport Rock Festival: Website
27. Ziro Festival – Arunachal Pradesh, India (Sept)
The picturesque Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh plays host to Ziro Festival once a year. Pack your sunscreen and embark on a three-day adventure in the fields, with musicians coming together from all over the world to bring you an experience to remember.
Dates: To Be Announced
Ziro Festival: Website
28. The Labyrinth – Yuzawa, Japan (Sept)
The Labyrinth festival tickets are some of the most difficult to secure, with only 5% being released for purchase outside of Japan. The electronic music festival is held every year in a clearing in the mountains, and the carefully curated lineup is what makes this event so special.
Get camping on Resident Advisor or start sucking up to friends in Japan to make it for the 2017 celebrations.
Dates: To Be Announced
The Labyrinth: Watch This Space For Tickets | Website
29. Concrete & Grass Music Festival – Shanghai, China (Sept)
The lesser known Concrete & Grass Music Festival in Shanghai should be on your list if you’re travelling to China in September. Set on the grounds of the Shanghai Rugby Football Club, even an epic downpour in 2016 couldn’t stop revellers from coming out to see Sekai no Owari, Edison Chen and A$AP Ferg.
Dates: To Be Announced
Concrete & Grass Music Festival: Website
30. Burning Japan – Tochigi, Japan (Oct)
Inspired by the famous annual Burning Man festival in Nevada, Burning Japan is a celebration of art, community, self-expression and self-reliance. Go alone, set up a tent and make new friends in an environment that encourages interaction and sharing of experiences.
If you still haven’t made it to the Nevada desert, Burning Japan is a pretty sweet alternative.
Dates: To Be Announced
Burning Japan: Website
31. Clockenflap – Hong Kong (17 to 19 Nov)
I have no idea what Clockenflap means and even the festival claims that it cannot be defined. One thing is for sure though – the Hong Kong music and arts festival is going to be three days of magic in the bustling city, a respite from the usual nine to five (or nine to whenever the boss goes home).
Dates: 17 – 19 November 2017
Clockenflap Music & Arts Festival: Website
32. Neon Lights – Singapore (Nov)
Yay to another festival that allows us to save on travel! If you live in Singapore that is. Neon Lights will be back this November 2017, and will hopefully be dry this time. Still, the rain and mud didn’t stop fans of Foals, Yuna and Crystal Castles from coming out to dance.
With an emphasis on promoting local music too, I can’t wait to see if Gentle Bones and Disco Hue will return.
Dates: To Be Announced
Neon Lights: Website
33. Electric Zoo Shanghai – China (12 Nov)
The famous electronic music festival from New York will be making its way to Shanghai. Asia is really where it’s at these days! Get ready for Electric Zoo Shanghai ticket sales as the 2016 rendition quickly sold out and for good reason – just take a look at that stage set up!
Date: 12 November 2017
Electric Zoo Shanghai: Website
34. Wonderfruit – Pattaya, Thailand (14 to 17 Dec)
This up and coming Thai music festival was truly an adventure this past February, and I’m so glad I get to relive it in December. Wonderfruit is a four-day celebration of the arts, music and food, featuring wellness workshops and talks promoting sustainability.
Escape to the fields of Pattaya for a dream-like experience that I promise you won’t regret.
Dates: 14 – 17 December 2017
Wonderfruit: Tickets | Website
35. ZoukOut – Singapore (Dec)
This list wouldn’t be complete without the biggest EDM beach festival in Asia, our very own ZoukOut. I have friends who plan their outfits a year in advance, which seems to defeat the purpose since everyone ends up stripped down to their bikinis and board shorts at about 5am anyway.
Whip out those daring speedos and get ready to party on Siloso Beach to some of the biggest names in the scene.
Dates: To Be Announced
ZoukOut: Website
36. Sunburn – Pune, India (Dec)
EDM continues to reign supreme, with Sunburn (India’s biggest electronic music festival) also set to take place in December. The party used to be in Goa, but has now moved to the hills of Pune. Having recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, this is one festival in Asia not to be missed.
Dates: To Be Announced
Sunburn: Website
37. Djarkata Warehouse Project – Jakarta, Indonesia (Dec)
Get on those cheap flights to Jakarta ASAP and start planning for the Djarkata Warehouse Project. The two-day electronic music festival is bringing in frontrunners of EDM, House and Techno, with megastars like Martin Garrix and Nicky Romero making up some famous alumni.
Pack a pair of sunnies because the pyrotechnics are supposed to be cray cray.
Dates: To Be Announced
Djarkata Warehouse Project: Website
38. Neverland Manila – Pasay, Philippines (Dec)
Not to be confused with Tomorrowland, Neverland Manila is a celebration of EDM in the heart of the Philippines. Returning in December 2017, expect spectacular stages and large-scale productions to showcase some of the best DJs around the world.
Dates: To Be Announced
Neverland Manila: Website
39. Big Mountain Music Festival – Kaeng Krachan, Thailand (Dec)
I usually get excited over three big stages but NINE? Big Mountain Music Festival is one of the biggest in Southeast Asia, with hundreds of acts set to impress with a wide array of genres. Dates have yet to be announced, but if I were you, I’d start clearing my plans for December 2017 at this rate.
Dates: To Be Announced
Big Mountain Music Festival: Website
40. Full Moon Party – Koh Phangan, Thailand (Monthly)
You didn’t think that I’d forget about the Full Moon Parties now did you? Mostly attended by tourists, the Full Moon Party started in Koh Phangan in Thailand, and usually takes place before, on the night of, or after every full moon.
That just sounds like a lot of parties. With some form of celebration happening almost every month, this is probably your best best if you’re planning a last minute getaway and just want to have a good time!
Dates: Monthly
Full Moon Party: Website
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