NORTH AMERICA
Noise Pop
San Francisco, CA, Feb 23-28
In it's 18th year, Noise Pop has a longstanding tradition of bringing indie rock acts to San Francisco. Having multiple venues and a week-long format allow festivalgoers to not only see a maximum amount of music, but also experience the City itself. Artists include Four Tet, !!!, The Dodos, The Soundtrack of Our Lives, Yoko Ono Plastic Ono Band, and many more.
We were there in 2009...

SXSW
Austin, TX, March 12-21
Recognized as being a launch pad for the next big thing, SXSW draws hundreds of bands from all corners of the globe. Set mainly on the city's hopping 6th Street, the festival's music showcase rages on for 5 nights. Too many bands to even begin to list. See the 1000+ bands playing here.
We were there in 2009....

Coachella
Indio, CA, April 16-18
Coachella is Southern California's premier rock festival. Spring in Southern California is nice enough, but with a progressive lineup of both world-renown and up-and-coming acts, this festival usually can be downright euphoric. 2010 artists include Jay Z, Muse, Portugal. The Man, Phoenix, Pretty Lights and more.
We were there in 2009...

Sasquatch
George, WA, May 29-31
Held each year in the Gorge Amphitheater, Sasquatch Music Festival is presented by the House of Blues and home to many favorite singer-songwriters with no shortage of hip-hop acts and enough genres to please everyone. With three separate stages and yearly line-ups that are worth every dollar and minute of your travel time, what started as a simple idea has become a festival force to be reckoned with. We are on the edge of our seats, patiently (or rather impatiently) awaiting the release of the 2010 lineup.
We were there in 2009...

Bonnaroo
Manchester, TN, June 10-13
For five days, music enthusiasts (and elitists) congregate in Manchester, Tennessee to wallow in the mud while enjoying the best that contemporary music has to offer. Featuring a diverse range of genres to appease the likes of thousands, it's no surprise that Bonnaroo was named "Best Festival" by Rolling Stone magazine. The 2010 lineup has been shrouded in mystery as the festival's Twitter account continues to release new "Bonnaroo Clues" every day until the official announcement date on Tuesday, February 9.
We were there in 2009...

Outside Lands
San Francisco, CA (dates not announced)
Held annually in San Francisco's sprawling Golden Gate Park, the art and music festival has generated a significant amount of buzz in just years thanks to its lush green environment and impeccable lineup. In 2009 the festival was streamed live on Youtube and upwards of 60,000 fans come together to enjoy the eco-friendly event which has the potential to become California's choice music festival.
We were there in 2009...

Lollapalooza
Chicago, IL (dates not announced)
Since 1991, Lollapalooza has been hosting some of rock's emergent, and most anticipated, acts on one of its five stages. Initially created as a farewell tour for Farrell's band, Jane's Addiction. Originally a traveling music festival, Lollapalooza trekked from city to city, and most recently has settled down in Chicago until 2018. Don't let the hot temperatures scare you away, Lollapalooza has undergone a makeover to ensure long-term success and a live festival-experience unlike any other. WIth no announcement yet of its 2010 lineup, we're all anxious to see whether this year brings as much energy and action as the years before.
We were there in 2009...

Bumbershoot
Seattle, WA (dates not announced)
These days Seattle is known for so much more than just grunge and rainy weather. Home to one of North America's largest music festivals, Bumbershoot, Seattle has continued feeding the world with some of today's greatest and most eclectic talent. Including both outdoor and indoor venues, Bumbershoot has become Seattle's longest-living music and arts fest and for good reason. With its influential artist lineup, Bumbershoot happens to conveniently fall on a 3-day work weekend (Labor Day) and continues to attract the masses almost 40 years after its commencement.
We were there in 2009...

Austin City Limits
Austin, TX (dates not announced)
Showcasing more than 130 bands on 30 different stages, Austin City Limits (ACL) is known not only for its hot climate and a seemingly endless list of performers but ability to induce quirky stage antics from many past headliners (Ben Kweller inserted a tampon into his nose after suffering a nosebleed onstage in 2006). We're all naturally curious to see what's on the agenda for ACL 2010.
We were there in 2009...

Treasure Island
San Francisco, CA (dates not announced)
A newcomer on the festival scene, Treasure Island Music Fest, has hastily become the Bay Area's most anticipated music event. The idealic island setting, striking sunsets and careful organization have helped Treasure Island rise to the ranks of other national festivals after only 2 years. Despite the windy conditions, our favorite thing about this festival its split bill, featuring mainly hip-hop/ electronica acts on Saturday and indie rock artists on Sunday so you don't have to spend money on music that doesn't suit your fancy.
We were there in 2009...

ASIA
Fuji Rock Festival
Naeba, Japan, July 23-25
Always with a world-class lineup, Fuji Rock could be Asia's largest and most well-known festival. High up on Tenjinyama Ski Resort, festivalgoers camp in the shadow of Mt. Fuji. More than 100,000 attend and tickets often sell out. The lineup has not been anounced.

Summer Sonic
Tokyo and Osaka, Japan, August (exact dates not announced)
This two-location festival is rocking into it's tenth year. Drawing large international acts since their beginning, look for Summer Sonic to have a history-making lineup in 2010. Artists have not been announced.
We were there in 2009...

AFRICA
Festival Au Desert
Bamako Mali, January 7-9
On the Southern edge of the Sahara Desert, Festival Au Desert is a modern rendition of the ancient traditional gatherings of the Tamashek people. Primarily showcasing Tuareg music, the festival has more recently attracted western performers such as Deacon (of Animal Collective), the Sway Machinery and Gang Gang Dance.
We were there in 2009...

Ramfest
Johannesburg SA, February 26-28
Expanding to include separate events in both Johannesburg and Cape Town, Ramfest boasts the largest collection of South African acts in the world. Big hitters include Fokofpolisiekar, Taxi Violence and Checked Zebra. Lineup not announced yet.
We were there in 2009...

Woodstock
Johannesburg, South Africa, November (dates not announced)
As South Africa's largest music festival, this fest not only prides itself on premiering some of the area's greatest local talent but also the celebration of its 10th year anniversary. Hosted at Liversands Farm Woodstock also features a variety of BMX riders, paintball competitions and of course, drool-worthy lineups year after year.
We were there in 2009...

OCEANIA
Laneway Festival
Perth, AU
This Australian music festival kicked off in Melbourne in 2004 and has been going strong ever since. Primarily an indie music event, the festival has recently been attracted fans of all genres and received notable acclaim throughout the region. This year's festivities will take place in various urban spaces in Auckland and if you like smaller, more intimate live settings, then Laneway Festival is right up your alley. 2010 boasts an impressive lineup featuring Florence & the Machine, The Black Lips, The xx and Echo & the Bunnymen.
We were there...

Big Day Out
Sydney, AU
Held in several cities throughout Australia and New Zealand, over the years since its inception in 1992, Big Day Out has branched out to include Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne and Auckland. With eight stages and tons or rising (as well as established) talent the music fest has been the honorable host of Nirvana, the Violent Femmes and Metallica to name a few. Due to its overwhelming success, Big Day Out has been known to add a second day to accommodate eager festival goers and bigger names. Muse, Groove Armada, The Mars Volta and The Decemberists will headline this year's 3-day festival.
We were there...

Homebake
Sydney, AU
As one of the only all-Australian lineup festivals, Homebake regularly sells out well in advance, often in under 10 minutes. In 2007, festival organizers announced that for the first time the event would be 18+, causing quite an outrage amongst its' younger fans. Homebake is the festival to watch out for up-and-coming talent that has been sifted through and brought straight to you for your enjoyment, all in one place.
We were there in 2009...

Sunset Sounds
Brisbane, AU
Moby, Kaki King, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Grizzly Bear and Andrew Bird and are already billed to perform at Sunset Sounds 2010. Unfortunately, tickets have already sold out for the 2-day event, however it's better that you know now about Sunset Sounds to plan your trip for next year. Perfect for any festival goer who likes to nest in green grass and enjoy their favorite band, Sunset Sounds is Australia's newest festival and is sure to become a classic.
We were there...

EUROPE
Reading Festival
Berkshire UK, August 27-29
With a disclaimer that festival tickets will “sell out in minutes” and over 80,000 anxious festival fanatics vying to attend, you better believe that Reading Festival is nothing short of a big deal. As the world’s oldest, and arguably most popular, music festival, Reading draws the biggest headliners in the world. Originally a jazz festival, today’s Reading features a multitude of genres. The 2010 line-up should be announced the last weekend of March, and with predecessors such as Radiohead, Metallica and Nirvana, it’s surely going to be huge.
We were there...

Sónar
Barcelona Spain, June 17-19
Now in its seventeenth year and officially described as a festival of “Advanced Music and Multimedia Art,” Sonar Music Festival boasts some of the most cutting edge artists and exhibits. The three day celebration is split into two phases (Sonar by Day and Sonar by Night). Once night falls buses transport festival goers for the remainder of the party to one of four large music venues. Hosting some of the greatest electronic and avant-garde artists around, Sonar keeps kicking until the early hours, only to do it all over again the next day. From Animal Collective to Justice, there’s never a dull moment at this Barcelona spectacular.
We were there in 2009...

Glastonbury
Pilton UK, June 23-27
Nicknamed Glasto, Glastonbury is the world’s largest green-field music festival. Showcasing everything from comedy to circus acts, Glastonbury prides itself on its always contemporary and in-demand acts. The festival was heavily influenced by the free love movement of the Seventies and established after the organizer experienced an open-air Led Zeppelin show. U2 have already been booked to headline this year’s festival and we hate to break it to you, but tickets are already sold out.
We were there in 2009...

Hard Rock Calling
London UK, June 25-27
As a newbie festival, Hard Rock Calling, knew that it had to prove itself quickly if it was going to attract the cult following music festivals need to sustain in order to survive. The primarily rock event quickly set to booking some of the most sought after headliners and soon enough became a favorite amongst the older demographic. Pearl Jam and Wolfmother are set to headline the usually peaceful Hard Rock Calling, but as the festival becomes steadily more contemporary the noise level with undoubtedly get cranked up as well.

Exit Festival
Novi Sad, Serbia, July 8th-11th
Held in an 18th century fortress by the Danube river, the acclaimed four day festival has evolved from its political beginnings to the all-encompassing music festival it is today. Started by three college students at, Exit Festival was awarded for being the Best European Festival thanks to its huge draw and established headliners intermingled with up-and-coming talent from all genres. Exit Festival 2010 is already rumored to already have Crystal Castles and Does it Offend You, Yeah? on the bill and it goes without saying that this year will be bigger and better than any before.
We were there in 2009...

MIDDLE EAST
Rock’n Coke
Istanbul, Turkey, dates not announced
Sponsored by Coca-Cola, Rock N' Coke is a primarily rock Turkish music festival spanning 2 days and showcasing national and international talent. The festival grounds become a mini-amusement park covering 60 acres, accommodating thousands of fans there to see anyone from Nine Inch Nails to The Smashing Pumpkins. Festival organizers have opted to hold the festival every two years to "differentiate and make room for progress." Keep your eyes peeled for the 2011 lineup and make sure to get your tickets as soon as its announced.
We were there in 2009...

Dubai Sounds City Festival
Dubai UAE, dates not yet released
The Futureheads, Super Furry Animals and Echo & the Bunnymen have all performed at Dubai Sounds City. Hosted in a variety of venues throughout Dubai, the picturesque festival is quickly on the rise to become one of the Middle East's most sought after music events. Make sure to read up on the city's tolerance policy and plan your trip well in advance as the festival is THE hottest winter music fest.
We were there in 2009...

LATIN AMERICA
Vive Latino Rock Festival
Mexico City, Mexico, May 16th-17th. Spanish speaking rock bands, and national acts. This festival is one of the biggest Spanish rock festivals in the Latin world.
We were there in 2009...
Check out the 2010 line-up

Rock al Parque
Bogota, Colombia, late June
Spanish speaking rock bands, and national acts (320,000 people, all free!!! This festival is put op by the Colombian government and is one of the biggest rock gatherings in the continent.
We were there in 2008...

Indie-O Fest
Mexico City, Mexico, April
Small festival but really worth it since the bands featured here are normally the up-and-coming bands in the Indie rock world.
We were there in 2009...

Carnaval
Sao Paulo, Brazil
Local bands/heritage music. Carnival is one of the biggest music attraction in Latin America. Definitely check back for coverage on this.