Whether you’re a solo traveler chasing vibrant crowds, a newlywed couple seeking a romantic spectacle, or an adventure seeker craving cultural immersion, the world’s biggest festivals offer unforgettable experiences. From Brazil’s samba-filled streets to Germany’s beer tents, these events draw millions each year. This guide covers the top 10 largest festivals worldwide, including dates, highlights, and insider tips to help you plan your 2025 festival bucket list.
1. Rio Carnival, Brazil
When: February/March 2025
Attendance: Approximately 2 million per day
Rio’s Carnival is the epitome of festival extravagance. Samba schools parade through the Sambadrome in elaborate floats and costumes, while street parties (blocos) take over every neighborhood.
Highlights:
- Sambadrome shows with competing samba schools
- Street blocos featuring live bands and dancing
- Spectacular costume competitions
Insider Tip: Book Sambadrome seats early and download a blocos map app to navigate unofficial street parties.
2. Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany
When: Late September–First weekend in October 2025
Attendance: Around 7 million over 16 days
Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer festival. Traditional Bavarian tents host millions for liters of beer, hearty food, and live oompah bands.
Highlights:
- Massive beer tents by major breweries
- Traditional Bavarian fare: pretzels, sausages, roast chicken
- Parades in traditional costume on opening weekend
Insider Tip: Reserve a table in advance and arrive early on weekdays to avoid crowds.
3. Kumbh Mela, India
When: Dates vary; next event in 2025 in Haridwar
Attendance: Over 50 million during pilgrimage period
Kumbh Mela is the largest religious gathering on Earth. Pilgrims bathe in the Ganges River to cleanse sins, joined by sadhus (holy men) in saffron robes.
Highlights:
- Holy dips at auspicious times determined by astrology
- Spiritual discourses and mass feeding (langar)
- Camps of akharas (monastic orders) showcasing rituals
Insider Tip: Stay in advance inside the mela zone for easy river access; carry a local SIM and water purifier.
4. Coachella, USA
When: Two weekends in April 2025
Attendance: About 250,000 over two weekends
Coachella is North America’s premier music and arts festival. Headliners span pop, rock, hip-hop, and electronic, complemented by art installations and food trucks.
Highlights:
- Star-studded lineups on multiple stages
- Iconic Ferris wheel and immersive art displays
- Fashion-forward desert style and celebrity spotting
Insider Tip: Book shuttle passes and on-site camping early; download the official app for secret set alerts.
5. La Tomatina, Spain
When: Last Wednesday in August 2025
Attendance: Around 20,000 participants
Held in Buñol, La Tomatina is a massive tomato fight in the streets. Thousands pelt each other with overripe tomatoes in a 60-minute battle.
Highlights:
- The tomato fight (bring goggles!)
- Music, dancing, and paella contests
- Traditional “palo jabón” tree climb before the fight
Insider Tip: Wear clothes you don’t mind trashing; book accommodation in Buñol early as it fills up fast.
6. Songkran Water Festival, Thailand
When: April 13–15, 2025
Attendance: Millions across Thailand
Songkran marks Thai New Year with nationwide water fights. Streets become rivers of revelry as locals and tourists drench each other.
Highlights:
- Water fights with super soakers and buckets
- Temple visits and merit-making ceremonies
- Traditional dance and beauty pageants
Insider Tip: Use waterproof pouches for valuables and embrace local rituals—offer flowers and incense at temples.
7. Mardi Gras, New Orleans, USA
When: February/March 2025 (Fat Tuesday)
Attendance: Over 1 million during main events
New Orleans’ Mardi Gras features parades, masked balls, and bead-throwing krewes. The French Quarter overflows with music, food, and festivity.
Highlights:
- Krewe parades with themed floats
- Street parties on Bourbon Street
- Traditional King Cake and street jazz
Insider Tip: Track parade routes on the official website and stake out spots early for the best catches.
8. Carnival of Venice, Italy
When: February 2025 (two weeks before Lent)
Attendance: Around 500,000 visitors
Venice’s Carnival is famed for its elegant masks and baroque costumes. Events include masked balls, historical regattas, and grand canal parades.
Highlights:
- Masked costume competitions in St. Mark’s Square
- Venetian-style mask-making workshops
- Classical music concerts in historic palazzos
Insider Tip: Book tickets for Palazzo balls early and stay on the island to avoid daily commuter crowds.
9. Glastonbury Festival, UK
When: Last weekend in June 2025
Attendance: Around 200,000 ticket holders
Glastonbury is the UK’s largest music and performing arts festival, featuring hundreds of acts across diverse genres plus theater, dance, and circus.
Highlights:
- Legendary headliners across multiple stages
- Circus performers, cabaret, and spoken-word tents
- Ecology and sustainability initiatives
Insider Tip: Apply for tickets on the first sale and consider volunteering for on-site perks; camp early for best pitch.
10. Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, China
When: January–February 2025
Attendance: Over 1 million visitors
Harbin’s winter festival features massive ice sculptures, illuminated castles, and ice lantern shows. Competitions showcase international ice artists.
Highlights:
- Ice palace and ice slide attractions
- Ice lantern garden and snow sculptures
- Siberian tiger park and winter sports
Insider Tip: Dress in layers (temperatures can drop below -20°C) and stay in central Harbin for shuttle access to festival sites.
Conclusion
From the colorful chaos of Holi to the electrifying energy of Tomorrowland, the top 10 largest festivals around the globe offer unforgettable experiences that celebrate culture, music, and human connection. Whether you’re planning your 2025 travel itinerary or simply dreaming of your next big adventure, this list serves as the ultimate guide to the world’s most iconic celebrations. So pack your bags, mark your calendar, and get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of global festivity!
Protect your travels with our Travel Insurance Guide 2025.
Looking for adventure? Explore our Outdoor Adventure Hotspots.
