When selecting this list of the best rock festivals in the world, I narrowed down my choices to ones that feature primarily mainstream and hard rock bands. Many great festivals include a wide range of genres in their lineup, but if they weren’t primarily rock shows, they didn’t make the cut. With that in mind, here are the top 10 rock festivals you need to know – and if you think I’ve left one off that deserves notice, let me know. (And if rock isn’t your thing, there are also plenty of great pop festivals around, too.)
Austin City Limits Music Festival
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Tied to the popular PBS music series Austin City Limits, the Austin City Limits Music Festival caters to rock fans who enjoy acts in the mainstream (Dave Matthews Band) and the margins (the Raconteurs, Wilco). Beginning in 2002 and located in Zilker Park in Austin, Texas, the Austin City Limits Music Festival usually runs during a weekend in September, but that changed for 2009’s event, which will be held October 2-4.
Crüe Fest
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When Motley Crüe reunited in 2008, they organized a traveling tour called Crüe Fest, which included similar groups like Papa Roach, Buckcherry and Trapt on the bill. The first Crüe Fest was a hit, so Crüe Fest 2 will be happening this year starting in July. This time, Theory of a Deadman, Drowning Pool, Godsmack and Charm City Devils will be the featured guests.
Download Festival
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The Download Festival happens every June for one weekend in Donington Park in Derby, England. Making its debut in 2004, Download has spotlighted up-and-coming groups (such as the Answer) as well as veteran bands (like the reunited Limp Bizkit and Faith No More). There are a ton of bands playing on different stages during the three-day event, so it’s important to map out your itinerary in advance.
Lollapalooza
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Founded in the early ‘90s by Jane’s Addiction frontman Perry Farrell, Lollapalooza was once a traveling summer festival highlighting alternative rock bands such as Soundgarden and Rage Against the Machine. The festival relaunched in 2005 in Grant Park, Chicago, becoming a weekend-long event with a wider musical focus. Recent editions have featured everyone from Kanye West to the Hold Steady, positioning Lollapalooza as one of the most eclectic festivals in the world.
Ozzfest
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Run by Ozzy Osbourne, Ozzfest is America’s premier hard rock and metal festival. Kicking off in 1996, Ozzfest has evolved from a weekend festival to a traveling road show. In recent years, however, the festival has shown signs of slowing down – the 2008 edition was only a one-day event, and Osbourne announced that the festival wouldn’t be happening at all in 2009 due to his focus on a new studio album. The festival has featured heavyweights like System of a Down, Velvet Revolver and Tool.
Projekt Revolution
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Projekt Revolution doesn’t happen every year – it depends on the availability of the tour’s organizers, Linkin Park – but when it does, this series of shows highlights hard rock bands and hip-hop groups. The first Projekt Revolution festival occurred in 2002 and has expanded from being simply a U.S.-only event to include dates in Europe. Jay-Z, Chris Cornell and Korn have all been featured performers.
Reading Festival
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Held in Reading, England, the Reading Festival takes place over the last weekend in August. Rock bands of all stripes perform at the festival, and the 2009 edition is no different, with Kings of Leon, Eagles of Death Metal, Deftones and Glasvegas putting in appearances. One of the most famous Reading moments occurred in 1992 when Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain was taken to the stage in a wheelchair, alluding to rumors that he was horribly addicted to drugs and was in declining health.
Rock on the Range
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Rock on the Range brings together hard rock and metal bands every May to Columbus, Ohio, for a weekend festival. Hinder, Stone Temple Pilots and the newly-reformed Alice in Chains are some of the big names that have played at Rock on the Range, which recently added a Canadian date in Winnipeg, demonstrating the growing popularity of this festival. Since its inception in 2007, Rock on the Range has stayed true to its motto: “Where Rock Lives.”
Rockstar Mayhem Festival
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Kicking off in 2008, the Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival travels the U.S. with some of the loudest hard rock bands in tow. The debut edition featured Slipknot and Disturbed, and this year’s lineup will include Marilyn Manson, Slayer and Killswitch Engage. Lesser-known bands are spotlighted on side stages earlier in the day, but as evening approaches, all eyes turn to the main stage and the headlining acts. The festival runs from July to August.
Roskilde Festival
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The Roskilde Festival is one of the oldest and most celebrated rock festivals in the world. Held in Roskilde, Denmark, the festival began in 1971 and has featured bands like Guns N’ Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Oasis, Nine Inch Nails and Smashing Pumpkins. (In the U.S., it is perhaps best remembered for the tragic death of nine fans who were killed when the crowd rushed the stage during Pearl Jam’s 2000 performance.) The Roskilde Festival usually runs about a week from the end of June to the beginning of July.
