All the summer festivals you can’t miss out on in 2022

summer festivals 2022
Whether you're studying in the US or France, here's an ultimate guide to some of the best summer festivals 2022 around the world. Source: Geoffroy Van Der Hasselt / AFP

Music lovers rejoice: as we enter the post-COVID new normal era, many experiences we’ve missed out on are coming back with full force. This means a return to live concerts and excitingly: summer music festivals. 

So, what are some of the best summer festivals in 2022 that you shouldn’t miss out on? Some feature today’s biggest artists like J Cole, Mitski, Dua Lipa, Doja Cat, and more.

The best part? Many are playing in locations all over the world, from the US to Argentina, and France to Belgium, which means plenty of opportunities for students worldwide to see their favourite artists in the flesh. 

Here’s a round-up of the best upcoming global summer festivals in 2022, along with everything you need to know to make the most out of your time and money.

Upcoming Summer Festivals 2022

Lollapalooza

Dance/electronic artist Flume played during Lollapalooza 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. Source: Tasos Katopodis/AFP

When and where: July 28-31, 2022 – Chicago, US; September 24 to 25, 2022 – Berlin, Germany; July 1-3, 2022 – Stockholm, Sweden; July 16-17 – Paris, France

Line-up: J Cole, Metallica, Dua Lipa, Machine Gun Kelly, J-Hope

Price range: From 125 US dollars for a one-day pass

COVID Policy: Proof of negative COVID-19 test or full COVID-19 vaccination, masks

If you’re a US-based international student, you’re in luck. One of the biggest summer music festivals outside Coachella, Lollapalooza, is coming back to life for a whopping four-day extravaganza in Chicago. Headliners include some of the biggest names in the music industry, from Dua Lipa to Metallica. You can choose to pay US$125 for a one-day pass or US$350 for all four days — either way, you’re sure to have an incredible experience that will stick with you for years to come. 

If you’re not based in the US? That’s fine — you’ll be able to experience the festival in several locations in Europe, too. Lollapalooza Paris will feature Imagine Dragons, David Guetta, Pearl Jam and Megan Thee Stallion; Lollapalooza Stockholm will see Post Malone, The Killers, Jack Harlow and The Kid Laroi; and Lollapalooza Berlin has Machine Gun Kelly, Paolo Nutini, Tiësto and Robin Schulz headlining. 

Be sure to check on the festival’s 2022 COVID policy to avoid disappointment. 

Rolling Loud

 

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When and where: July 22-24, 2022 – Miami, US; September 23-25 , 2022– New York, US; July 6-8, 2022 – Portimão, Portugal; July 1-3, 2022 – Beekse Bergen, Netherlands; September 9-11, 2022 –Toronto, Canada

Line-up: Ye, Future, Nicki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar

Price range: From US$349 for a three-day pass

COVID Policy: TBC

With headliners like Nicki Minaj, Ye and Kendrick Lamar, Rolling Loud is definitely a summer festival 2022 that you should keep on your radar. The three-day affair will prove to be a great way to de-stress from studying — and if you need a break, there are plenty of bundles that will cover your other essentials, such as hotels, belongings, and more for a stress-free time. 

Rolling Loud in Miami will see Ye, Future and Kendrick Lamar, while New York is bringing Nicki Minaj, A$AP Rocky and 21 Savage to its stages. If you’re outside the US, you’re in luck; the festival is also coming to Portugal and the Netherlands in July, bringing J-Cole, Future and Roddy Rich. The Toronto festival in September will see Dave, Migos, Roddy Rich and more. 

Tomorrowland 

 

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When and where: July 15-17, 2022, July 22-24, 2022 and July 29-31, 2022 – Boom, Belgium

Line-up: Alesso, Above & Beyond, Diplo, Marshmello, Martin Garrix

Price range: From 114.50 Euros for a 1-Day Pass

COVID Policy: Not yet announced

If you’re a student in Europe, you’re guaranteed to have heard about Tomorrowland. Simply put, Tomorrowland is the biggest electronic music festival in the world. You’ll party non-stop with acts from the likes of Martin Garrix, Alesso and many more over the course of three weekends in July and across 14 stages. 

More than that, the festival is known for its bright, quirky decor and otherworldly stages, transporting attendees to another dimension entirely. Tickets are still available but are quickly selling out.

Pitchfork Music Festival

FKA Twigs performed at Pitchfork Music Festival in 2014 in Chicago. Source: Daniel Boczarski/AFP

When and where: July 15-17, 2022 – Chicago, US; November 9-13, 2022 – London, UK

Line-up: The National, Mitski, The Roots, Japanese Breakfast

Price range: From US$99 for a one-day pass

COVID Policy: Keep updated with this page

This one’s for the alternative lovers. From The National to Mitski, Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago is promising three days for you to drown in your feelings. General tickets both for one day and the full three days are still available, but higher-priced Plus tickets have all sold out. You can still, however, join the waitlist for these ticket types. 

The festival will be coming to London and has played in Paris, though the headlining acts have not been announced for these two locations as of yet. 

Primavera Sound

When and where: September 16-18, 2022 – Los Angeles, US

Line-up: Lorde, Clairo, Arctic Monkeys, Cigarettes After Sex

Price range: From US$149 for a one-day pass

COVID Policy: All state and county COVID-19 guidelines in effect will be implemented

If you’re into alternative or indie music, you should definitely keep your eyes peeled for Primavera Sound. Held over three days in LA, the summer festival 2022 promises the likes of Lorde, Arctic Monkeys, Girl in Red, James Blake, Giveon, among others. 

Primavera Sound originated from Barcelona and held its festival there in June this year, inviting Tame Impala, The National, Jorja Smith, and more. It will also make an appearance in Brazil, Chile and Argentina

Mad Cool Festival

 

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When and where: July 6-10, 2022 – Madrid, Spain

Line-up: Metallica, Carly Rae Jepsen, Kings of Leon, Muse, Florence + the Machine

Price range: From €65 for a one-day pass

COVID Policy: TBC

Madrid is bringing forth one of the most anticipated festivals this summer. At Mad Cool Festival, a range of critically acclaimed acts will gather for what looks to be an incredible five days of celebration. You can expect the likes of established artists such as Metallica, Kings of Leon and Muse, as well as popular artists in the last decade such as pop princess Carly Rae Jepsen, indie royalty Two Door Cinema Club and the soulful Florence + The Machine. 

Tickets are selling out quickly, so be sure to grab yours before they run out.