Good vibes, good music, and good friends – what more would you need at the hottest music festivals in Asia?
The music scene in Hong Kong is growing with the presence of international influences and the cultivation of homegrown talent. And with social distancing a thing of the past (honestly, what is that again?), music festivals in Hong Kong and Asia have returned in full force. Karaoke lovers, party-goers, and music enthusiasts can rejoice as some of the most exciting things to do in Hong Kong have made their anticipated comeback – including a popular festival held annually in Cheung Chau. As you plan your year ahead, pencil in our roster of iconic music festivals in Asia – it’s almost time to grab those tickets!
Don’t miss these music festivals in Asia in 2024!
Music festivals in Hong Kong
1. Clockenflap Music & Arts Festival
After an extended hiatus, Clockenflap Music & Arts Festival has come back in full force in 2023. While details for Clockenflap 2024 are still under wraps, 2023 hosted two iterations of the festival – one in March and another in December. Expected to return as an annual smash event after a period of restrictions, Clockenflap is becoming one of the most in-demand music festivals in Hong Kong and Asia. With international acts as well as rising local musicians, previous performers have included the likes of Wu Tang Clan, Caroline Polachek, Balming Tigers, Yack Studio, Yoasobi, and Swae Lee. The festival has also proved to be a hotbed for local businesses and dining establishments, making Clockenflap a true beacon of Hong Kong talent.
Learn more about Clockenflap Music & Arts Festival.
2. Creamfields Hong Kong
UK’s famous EDM music festival, Creamfields, charged back into Hong Kong in 2023 to become the biggest electronic music festival ever held in the city. A haven for ravers and electronic dance music lovers, Creamfields has already announced its dates for 2024 (13 and 14 April), although the official line-up is yet to be confirmed. Attracting top talent from the EDM world as well as emerging artists, the festival has had Calvin Harris, The Chainsmokers, Miss K8, Tiësto, and more spinning tunes on the decks.
Learn more about Creamfields Hong Kong.
3. Freespace Jazz Fest
Having held its fifth edition at West Kowloon Cultural District in October 2023, the Freespace Jazz Fest has only begun to grow. To take part in one of the largest jazz music festivals in Asia, over 100 musicians came to celebrate jazz in all its forms in Hong Kong during the most recent edition. While the details for the 2024 festival is yet to be announced, you can expect the Freespace Jazz Fest to return even bigger and better. 2023 saw performers like The Lawrence Ku Trio, Richard Bona, and Stacey Kent Trio take the stages all across West Kowloon, including those at Freespace, Art Park, Wonderland, M+, and Xiqu Centre. Additionally, a big draw of the festival has been the variety of family-friendly activities, as well as programmes to introduce children and younger audiences to jazz. There are also a myriad of local arts and crafts markets, plus food and drinks stalls at the venue, making the Freespace Jazz Fest a terrific outing for families and jazz enthusiasts alike.
Learn more about Freespace Jazz Fest at West Kowloon.
4. HKT x WestK Popfest
With its debut in 2023, the HKT x WestK Popfest has emerged as one of the biggest music festivals in Hong Kong, with its 10-day celebration of local talent. HKT and the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority teamed up to create this ode to the Hong Kong pop music scene, featuring both mainstream and indie artists, as well as tributes to trailblazers like Leslie Cheung. Although the 2024 festival details are yet to be announced, the success of the inaugural event in 2023 has given promising prospects. Across a number of indoor and outdoor stages, pop acts like Anson Lo and Ian Chan from boy band Mirror, NiLiu, Janice Vidal, and more showcased their talents. The HKT x WestK Popfest also featured highlighted events at M+ Cinema, audio-visual experiences, and a series of free live music sessions. This festival presents a golden opportunity to soak in the rich history and diversity of Hong Kong’s pop music.
Learn more about HKT x WestK Popfest at West Kowloon.
5. Shi Fu Miz Festival
Venture over to the charming island of Cheung Chau to celebrate the best house and techno music at the annual Shi Fu Miz Festival! Since 2016, Hong Kong-based agency FuFu Creative, along with La Mamie’s crew from France, have brought music revellers to a farm in Cheung Chau to enjoy music and nature, well away from the urban noise. Putting the spotlight on both ecology and music, Shi Fu Miz Festival often sees attendees camp on the grounds and visit the nearby beach. While details for the 2024 festival are yet to be announced, 2023 featured performers such as Bongomann, Ani Phoebe, and Xiolin. Previous editions also included art installations, in addition to meditation sessions and sound healing, making Shi Fu Miz Festival one of the most unique and eclectic music festivals in Asia.
Learn more about Shi Fu Miz Festival.
Music festivals in Asia
6. Summer Sonic, Japan
One of the most well known music festivals in Asia, Summer Sonic has cemented itself as a historic event since its debut in 2000. Occurring annually in Japan during a weekend in August, Summer Sonic consists of several concerts held simultaneously in Chiba and Osaka. The line-ups typically feature prominent international acts and a few Japanese artists. Past performers have included Linkin Park, Adele, Radiohead, Beyoncé, Blackpink, Taylor Swift, New Jeans, Kendrick Lamar, and more (all huge names, we know!). A prolific music festival that many travel to Japan for, its tickets often go in a flash every year. For those of you lucky enough to gain entry, expect a truly unforgettable experience!
Learn more about Summer Sonic.
7. Wonderfruit, Thailand
For a truly special music festival in Asia, head to Thailand for the annual Wonderfruit event. A no-holds-barred celebration of nature and the arts, Wonderfruit holds concerts, installations, workshops, feasts, and more outside Pattaya in Chonburi Province. Highlighting local chefs, sustainable art, and architecture, as well as hot topics in Thailand, the festival is a salute to local culture. Musical acts like Rudimental, De La Soul, Submotion Orchestra, and more have performed at this grand event. Another notable aspect of Wonderfruit is that it’s a 24-hour festival, so you’ll truly get your money’s worth with non-stop excitement.
Learn more about Wonderfruit.
8. Ultra Worldwide
One of the world’s biggest international music festivals, Ultra Worldwide is the global offshoot of Miami’s Ultra Music Festival. Having held events in over 26 countries, it’s no surprise that this popular electronic music festival found its way over to Asia – with previous iterations in Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, Mainland China, and more. Top DJ talent as well as emerging artists have manned the decks in the past, including Skrillez, Zedd, The Chainsmokers, and Knife Party. The initially announced 2024 Asian festivals are Japan (14 and 15 September) and South Korea (7, 8, and 9 June), with more dates presumably coming as well.
Learn more about Ultra Worldwide.