Bust out K-pop-inspired dance moves or groove to African hip-hop beats at these music fetes
Coachella and SXSW may be over, but they shouldn’t be the only music festivals on your radar. The second half of 2018 ushers in a slew of exciting music extravaganzas taking place all over the world, from Bangkok to Paris and New York. The best part? These events cater to an assortment of musical tastes, from EDM and R&B to K-pop and even Chinese opera.
1. Electric Zoo
When: 31 August to 2 September 2018
Where: New York City, USA
What: For its 10th edition, the EDM festival will showcase some of the biggest names on the scene – think American DJ/producer Marshmello, Dutch DJ Martin Garrix and Swedish DJ Alesso – in Randall’s Island Park over America’s Labour Day weekend.
How much: Regular passes start from US$89.99 (S$122); premium VIP and Platinum passes are available, too. Purchase them here.
2. Afropunk Takeover Brixton
When: 1 to 8 September 2018
Where: London, England
What: Celebrating black influences in music, art and fashion, Afropunk’s week-long festivities in south London includes the UK debut of American jazz-meets-hip-hop band August Greene, as well as performances by British DJ Jazzie B and London-born grime and R&B collective Born N Bread.
How much: Tickets start from £17.05 (S$30). Purchase them here.
3. Hallyu Pop Fest
When: 7 to 9 September 2018
Where: Singapore
What: Catch over 100 K-pop stars live at Hallyu Pop Fest, which is touted as Southeast Asia’s largest K-pop music festival. Score free afternoon performances, get up close with your favourite singers at red-carpet fan events and sing along to your heart’s content at the evening concerts. Highlights include Girls’ Generation leader Taeyeon’s first solo appearance in Singapore, as well as popular boyband Wanna One’s two-part performance.
How much: Tickets start from S$148. A Daebak! Pass (S$498), which entitles you to priority access and photo ops, is also available. Purchase them here.
4. Waterzonic
When: 14 to 15 September 2018
Where: Bangkok, Thailand
What: Expect to get liberally doused by giant water cannons while partying against a backdrop of spectacular firework displays at this two-day bash. This year’s lineup includes Belgian duo Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Moldovan DJ Andrew Rayel and Dutch DJ Mike Williams.
How much: Tickets start from THB3,200 (S$131). Purchase them here.
5. Rocking The Daisies
When: 5 to 7 October 2018
Where: Cape Town, South Africa
What: Set in a beautiful wine estate an hour from Cape Town, this festival celebrates multiple music genres – from British alternative rock band Wolf Alice to Japanese hip-hop/R&B artist Yukibeb and Grammy-nominated British EDM producer Mura Masa. Besides revelling in good tunes, do your part for the environment by participating in on-site initiatives like #DaisiesSpringClean, where you can donate an item of clothing to communities in need.
How much: Tickets start from ZAR895 (S$93). Purchase them here.
6. The 21st Beijing Music Festival
When: 12 to 26 October 2018
Where: Beijing, China
What: With 21 performances spread across three weeks, this year’s Beijing Music Festival promises to be both a visual and aural treat. Watch a re-imagined version of the classic Chinese opera Farewell My Concubine, savour the Beijing Symphony Orchestra’s melodious harmonies or catch the Asian premiere of the play The Orphan of Zhao.
How much: Tickets start from CNY50 (S$10).
7. Pitchfork Festival
When: 1 to 3 November 2018
Where: Paris, France
What: Held in the Grand Halle de la Villette cultural centre in the 19th arrondissement, Pitchfork showcases popular indie acts like American folk band Bon Iver, Scottish synth-pop outfit CHVRCHES and Canadian singer Mac DeMarco. Don’t miss out on Pitchfork Avant-Garde (30–31 October), a pre-festival showcase of 46 emerging artists across seven venues in the 11th arrondissement.
How much: Tickets for Avant-Garde are €15 (S$24), while tickets for the festival start from €45 (S$72). Purchase them here.
To book a flight, visit singaporeair.com
