8 bucket list festivals for EDM fans in 2024

What does EDM stand for in music?

EDM, standing for Electronic Dance Music, encompasses a broad spectrum of the electronic music genre.

It's a foundational pillar for an EDM festival, a music festival where genres like techno music, house music, and hip hop converge, driven by the unifying force of bass.

This genre transcends auditory boundaries, incorporating visual art into its expression, making it a multidimensional experience.

What is an EDM music festival?

Electronic dance music festivals (or EDM festivals) showcase a genre of famous electronic sounds, drawing crowds to an annual festival celebration that spans the globe.

These events spotlight the electronic spectrum, inviting attendees into a curated world where genre blends with immersive art.

Each festival, known for its dynamic visual and auditory experiences, becomes an annual pilgrimage for fans.

From the deep grooves of house to the rapid rhythms of techno, and hip hop, EDM festivals are a testament to the enduring appeal and innovative evolution of electronic music in the global festival scene.

What is the world's largest EDM festival?

The biggest EDM festivals in the world, along with Tomorrowland, include Las Vegas' Electric Daisy Carnival, Romania's UNTOLD festival and, of course, Mysteryland festival.

Attendance-wise, Tomorrowland music festival garners one of the biggest crowds, recording 600,000 in 2022, and slated to bring in 400,000 this year, which makes for, quite probably, a music festival experience unlike any other.

Which music festivals are famous for EDM?

Along with the above EDM music festivals, it's also worth considering the likes of the UK's Creamfields ( one of the UK's largest and most famous electronic music festivals, featuring a wide range of electronic genres), Croatia's Ultra Europe which is known for a star-studded lineup of DJ sets, the Netherlands' iconic Defqon.1 - plus, all the music festivals listed below!

Looking for your ideal EDM festival? Browse our 2024 Electronic Dance Music annual festival guide

2024 EDM festival dates for the diary:

Tomorrowland

July 19 - 28, Boom, Belgium

Tomorrowland 2024, set to unfold from July 19 to 28 in Boom, Belgium, promises an electrifying lineup of genre-defining acts for its attendees.

The festival, renowned for its fantasy-themed stages and immersive worlds, has announced major headliners including Diplo, HAAi, Mind Against, and an exclusive DJ set from Disclosure for the first weekend.

These artists are celebrated for their contributions across various electronic music genres, promising a diverse and unforgettable musical experience

The 2024 edition of Tomorrowland music festival revolves around the theme "LIFE," taking festival-goers back to a vibrant era in the fictional world of Silvyra.

Sziget Festival 2024

August 7 - 12, Óbudai-sziget, Hungary

Sziget means island in Hungarian, and this one’s located in the heart of Budapest.

Five days of partying to good music on an island? Count us in. This music festival has got something for everyone, but with a dedicated party arena (plus a techno music colosseum) and dance music acts already secured like Fred again.. and Martin Garrix, this isn't one to miss for electronic music fans.

Mysteryland 2024

25 - 27 August, Floriade, The Netherlands

Mysteryland is The Netherlands’ longest-running electronic music festival, and we see why: EDM enthusiasts are treated with the hottest dance music lineups every year.

From 25 - 27 August acts like Franky Rizardo, Hot Since 82, Oliver Heldens, and Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano play alongside 300+ more artists, so FOMO for those not going is guaranteed.

Tickets are selling out fast - make sure to catch this one ASAP.

Dream Village 2024

9 - 10 September, Breda, The Netherlands

Two days of dance dreams: choose between ‘dark visions’ if you’re into heavy dancing or ‘sweet dreams’ if you’re ready for uplifting tunes.

Last year's Dream Village Saturday - i.e. the place to go hard & raw - featured acts like Sefa and Frequencerz, and Sunday was nothing shy of the hottest Indian summer party with Lucas & Steve, Afrojack, and many others. 

We're expecting line-ups any day for this music festival, so set your ticket alerts and keep your eyes on the prize!

Ostend Beach Festival 2024

12–14 July, Ostend, Belgium

Belgium knows what’s up: Armand van Helden, Meg-beg, Eli Brown, Nina Black, and many other hot dance acts go all out during this beach music festival. Expect fireworks, smoke machines, glamourous show dancers, and all-around good times during this three-day boutique festival with four different stages and a large camping area. 

Exit Festival 2024

10–14 July, Petrovaradin Fortress, Serbia

Have you ever been to a rave at a fortress? This is your chance!

Exit music festival in Serbia brings over 70.000 music lovers together, and the lineup of acts are nothing less than iconic this year, with the festival already having announced Carl Cox, Bonobo, Franky Wah, Rudimental, Steve Angello, Klangkuenstler and Barry Can't Swim for the 2024 edition.

And that’s just the beginning!

Ultra Europe 2024

12 - 14 July, Split, Croatia

In the world of EDM festivals, Ultra Europe is known as the place to be if you’re ready for three days of pure EDM DJs—the biggest names in the game travel to Split in Croatia to make the summer even hotter.

2024 lineups are still TBA, but with the likes of Carl Cox, DJ Snake, Zedd, Fedde Le Grand, Juliet Fox, Nicole Moudaber and Boris Brejcha all played in recent years, this one should be on your music festival bucket list.

Besides the stunning lineups, the festival site on a turquoise bay is quite the beauty, too: good music + good vibes.  

UNTOLD Festival 2024

8-11 Aug, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

We sure love a mad open-air electronic music festival.

UNTOLD Festival has already announced that the iconic Swedish House Mafia will be in attendence for the 2024 edition along with, many other killer DJs, and 375.000+ fans together in Romania this August.

Oh, and did we mention that the stage designs are nothing less than other-worldly?

Be prepared to get blown away by the lights, lasers, and visuals because UNTOLD music festival is not holding back this year. 

Balaton Sound 2024

3-7 July, Zamárdi, Hungary

EDM lovers, eat your heart out. Balaton Sound is one of Europe’s largest open-air electronic music festivals, where dancers dive into the thumping beats, the confetti madness, or Lake Balaton.

Over a hundred class DJs kept 2023 attendees dancing for three days and nights, and we're expecting 2024's edition to go even higher, with the likes of Ben Nicky, Marshmello, Purple Disco Machine and more already lined up to play this year. 

WiSH Outdoor 2024

5-7 July, 2024, Festivalterrein De AA, Beek En Donk, Netherlands

The small village of Beek en Donk is home to three days of festival madness this weekend, where fireworks and crazy stage designs surround you.

2023's edition saw DIØN takes the stage on Friday, with Dikke Baap and Gladde Paling keeping the vibes going on Saturday, and Cynthia Spiering and Mr. Belt & Wezol taking care of Sunday.

Stay tuned for 2024 WiSH Outdoor updates!

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