If you’re looking to travel for your next gig, you might as well look into some of the most popular festivals out there to get a feel of what’s to offer outside the US. If you’re a local, you’ve probably already heard of some of these, but you may not have thought to try and play a set yourself. Fear not, we’ve come up with a list of some of the best music festivals outside of the US that are bound to be a perfect fit for you. Look no further, here are the Top Latin Music Festivals outside of the US you should apply to.
Top Latin Music Festivals Outside the US You Should Apply To
Festival Estéreo Picnic Festival
When: April
Where: Bogotá, Colombia
This festival rose from the ashes and is now Colombia’s biggest alternative festival. It began in 2010 with mainly Colombian artists, but it’s grown to encompass all kinds of genres and performers. From Alternative artists to rappers to Pop and EDM icons, this unique festival is a staple for the Colombian community. This year, the lineup doesn’t disappoint. Kendrick Lamar, Arctic Monkeys, Rüfüs Du Sol, Twenty One Pilots and a plethora of other huge artists will make their way to the Colombian capital to put on a show you don’t want to miss. Don’t let the big names discourage you from shooting your shot though! Anything is possible. You can reach out to them at info@festivalestereopicnic.com.
Ruidosa Festival
When: April
Where: Santiago, Chile
Ruidosa started with one goal in mind: to empower women throughout the music community in a way that they haven’t been represented before. This fest exposes the need for female representation in the mainstream festival scene and is kicking the industry into shape by showcasing female-led bands and artists. Although this festival’s focus is on the empowerment or women, it’s not a girls-only event. Every year, it features some of Chile’s biggest artists and welcomes everyone and anyone to get involved. They’re all about hosting a safe space for everyone to come together and appreciate what female artists bring to the table while just straight up enjoying a badass festival. Ladies, if this sounds like something you’d love to be a part of, you can contact them at ruidosafest@gmail.com.
Isle of Light
When: April
Where: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
This festival is all about showing off the local island culture while embracing it’s international guests with open arms. Isle of Light has a major focus on diversifying the music they offer to cater to all audiences. This festival shows off artists from all backgrounds and various genres to make up a one of a kind event that is paving the way for future festivals to come. In recent years, Isle of Light has featured artists like Crystal Castles, Rita Indiana, Original Juan and many others, and your name could be added to that list! You can reach out to them with any questions you may have by clicking here.
LTDO MX
When: June
Where: Guanajuato, MX
This festival has been known for supporting and bringing national and emerging bands to its stages, making it perfect for someone who’s looking to play a festival for the first time. LTDO MX aims to shed light on some of the best local, up and coming, and international acts that deserve to be known. If you’re traveling to Mexico to try and play some shows, this is definitely a festival you should look into. Reach out to find out more at hello@latidomx.com.
Lollapalooza Argentina
When: March
Where: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Lollapalooza is the biggest festival in Argentina, lasts 3 days, and hosts 100,000 people per day within it’s colorful walls. This fest is held in the Hipodromo de San Isidro, which makes for a perfect place to harbor so many people without feeling claustrophobic or limited by any means. Electronic music is rapidly growing in Argentina, and this festival is definitely helping along the cause. Play sets among artists from all around the world like Allison Wonderland, Dillon Francis, Kygo and many others while being immersed within a culture that is unique to Argentina. For more info, reach out to info@lollapaloozaar.com.
You never know if you’ll be accepted or denied for a festival or show, but you’ll never find out if you don’t try!
If you’ve played at a festival outside the US, how was it? Let us know in the comments!