Top 10 Music Fests in Central and South America

They say music is the universal language, and the surge of music festivals across the globe seems to confirm the age-old adage. More than ever before, people are traveling away from home to enjoy destination weekends with friends that hinge on these popular musical extravaganzas— sometimes to locations they might never have considered otherwise.

Today, according to industry trade mag Pollster, there are more than 800 music festivals in 57 countries around the world. For Australians and Europeans, traveling far and wide for these festivals is a long-standing tradition, but with ever more impressive lineups in some very exotic places, it’s easy to see why the pastime has spread Stateside.

Here in the U.S., concert revenues topped $4.3B in 2013, and even fledgling festivals make millions in ticket sales alone— to say nothing of merch, food and alcohol sales or the influx of dollars into local economies. It’s clear Americans don’t mind spending money on concerts and music festivals, so it should come as no surprise more and more of us are choosing to dedicate some coin to a destination vacation South of the border for music festivals.

Since festival season here in the States is in full swing, we thought we’d share some of our favorite music fests (in chronological order) in Central and South America. Some are strictly popular music, others are culturally relevant festivals and still others are a mixture of both:

ROCK IN RIO

Rio de Janeiro | September 2015 2015

Highlights: Queen, Metallica, Motley Crue, One Republic, Rod Stewart, Elton John, John Legend, Queens of the Stone Age, Faith No More, Rihanna, Katy Perry and A-Ha

Rock in Rio BrazilCelebrating 30 years, the largest music and entertainment event in the world returns home with its diverse lineup, including everything from rock greats to local stars. Find out more at http://rockinrio.com/rio/en/.

PANAMA JAZZ FESTIVAL

Panama City, Panama | January 11-16, 2016

Last Year’s Highlights: Brian Blade, The New England Conservatory, Matt Marvuglio, Benny Golson Quartet, Paris Conservatory, Kevin Harris Project, Shea Welsh and Danilo Perez Foundation

Panama Jazz Fest Panama CityFounded by Panamanian Gramm-winning artist Danilo Perez, the week-long Panama aJazz Fest is a mega tourist destination, attracting 220,000+ travelers from all over the world. Its mission is to better lives through shared musical experiences. Discover your experience at http://www.panamajazzfestival.com.

LOVE PARADE

Santiago, Chile | January 2016 TBD

Last Year’s Highlights: All night non-stop dance party

Love Parade ChileThis “one world” fest is consistently among the Top 5 South American music festivals attracting more than 100,000 attendees for its wide range of electronic dance music. It boasts colorful parades, more than 100 international DJs and non-stop music. Research is required, as there is no web site.

FIESTA PALMARES

Palmares, Costa Rica | January 2016 TBD

Last Year’s Highlights: Sean Paul, sporting events (including an opening soccer match), standup comedy acts, lantern parade, bullfighting, fireworks and a tope

Fiesta Palmares Costa RicaThey say only at Germany’s annual Oktoberfest is more beer consumed than at this two-week celebration held each January. An estimated one million visitors descend on the town for what can only be described as a cultural festival with great live music— and a great excuse to throw back some cold ones. Stay tuned for next year’s lineup at http://www.fiestaspalmares.com.

LOLLAPALOOZA CHILE

Santiago, Chile | March 2016 TBD

Last Year’s Highlights: Jack White, Kings of Leon, The Smashing Pumpkins, Interpol, Kasabian, Bastille, Foster the People, Skrillex, The Kooks, The Specials and Cypress Hill

Lollapalooza ChileOriginally founded by Jane’s Addiction frontman Perry Farrell, this multi-day music fest headed South last year with its signature blend of alt rock, metal, hip hop, punk, visual artists and crafts. Find out what sets Lollapalooza Chile apart at http://www.lollapaloozacl.com.

LOLLAPALOOZA ARGENTINA

Buenos Aries, Argentina | March 2016 TBD

Last Year’s Highlights: Pharrell Williams, Calvin Harris, Robert Plant, Major Lazer, Kongos, Jack White, The Smashing Pumpkins, Interpol, Kasabian, Bastille, Foster the People and Big Gigantic

Lollapalooza Argentina Buenos AiresThe second stop on the Lollapalooza South America tour is Buenos Aries. Although some bands overlap, there are many artists who join up for this leg of the tour. This fest sold out last year, so check early at http://www.lollapaloozaar.com to see if Argentina makes your bucket list.

LOLLAPALOOZA BRAZIL

Sao Paulo, Brazil | March 2016 TBD

Last Year’s Highlights: Jack White, Pharrell Williams, Calvin Harris, Skrillex, Robert Plant, The Smashing Pumpkins, Childish Gambino, Fitz & the Tantrums, Steve Aoki and Young the Giant

Lollapalooza BrazilIf the World Cup and Rio Games aren’t for you, you can still get the flavor of Brazil when Lollapalooza makes its last South American stop for 2016. You know you want to partake of the Lolla South American adventure. Find out more at http://www.lollapaloozabr.com.

TOMORROWLAND BRAZIL

Sau Paulo, Brazil | April 21-23, 2016

Last Year’s Highlights: Steve Aoki, Hardwell, Afrojack, Nicky Romero, David Guetta, Steve Angello, Showtek, Oliver Heldens, Mambo Brothers, Romeo Blanco and Secret Cinema

Tomorrowland Fest BrazilOriginally from Belgium, this is the biggest electronic music festival in the world, and it just finished its first year in Brazil. Expect huge crowds getting down to the biggest DJs in the world in EDL, trance, house and techno. Grab your glow sticks and head to http://www.tomorrowlandbrasil.com for more information.

QOYLLUR RIT’I OR “FESTIVAL OF THE SNOWS”

Peruvian Andes | May 2016 TBD

Last Year’s Highlights: Music and dancing on a glacier anyone?

A tea totaler’s paradise, this three day and night cultural celebration has been described as a “rock festival without the bands.” Every year, 30,000 people make the pilgrimage to this remote destination for music and dancing on 17,000-foot glaciers. Research is required, as there is no web site.

ROCK AL PARQUE

Bogota, Colombia | August 2016 TBD

Past Highlights: Coheed and Cambria, Dead Kennedy’s, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Anthrax, Block Party, Mute Math, Living Colour and a ton of regional stars

The largest festival on the continent, Rock al Parque has been wowing audiences as large as half a million attendees since 1995 with national and international bands from around the world and across genres. The best part? It’s totally free! Find out more about the 2016 lineup at http://www.rockalparque.gov.co.

*Originally published on VIP Journeys.