Best Music Festivals 2023 to go to if you’re visiting the Philippines

Music festivals are among the most anticipated events in practically every corner of the Philippines (and the rest of the world for that matter). From the buzz of international talents to the hype of local stars, to the electricity of it all, there is no denying the fact that Filipinos know how to immerse themselves in live music and the magic that comes with it. Here are some music festivals you might want to check out for this year and next. It’s time to block your calendars and book those tickets! 

1. Wanderland Music Fest

There is no denying the fact that the Wanderland Music & Arts Festival is one of the most anticipated festivals every year. With every edition comes new, exciting lineups, performances, and all around experiences for festival goers. The first festival took place ten years ago, in May of 2013. Since its start, Wanderland has featured international stars like Kid Cudi, Jhené Aiko, Lauv, Daniel Caesar, and Carly Rae Jepsen, to name a few. To add to all the action, the organizers have a theme each year. In past years, themes have consisted of Camp, Sports, Magic, Outer Space, Summer Festival, Carnival, Jungle, and Arcade Game.

After a three year hiatus, Wanderland came back in full force in March of this year, bringing together over 20 artists from across the globe to two stages for two action-packed days of music and fun. The festival is set to make yet another exciting return in 2024 from March 9-10 next year. 

For more information visit https://wanderlandfestival.com/

Photos by Charles Villaruz, Iya Forbes, and Magic Liwanag

2. Plus 63 Festival

Named after the Philippines country code (+63), the Plus 63 Festival is all about empowering both international and local talent, creating a free-spirited, creative, multicultural, and multi-genre sonic atmosphere for people to immerse themselves in. Since its start in 2016, the festival has made major strides in the music scene, collaborating with international music sensations like Steve Aoki, LANY, Joji, Kehlani, and so much more. 

This year (2023)’s edition took place in February in Cebu. Festival goers braved the rain to keep the spirit of the festival alive. A little mud couldn’t get them down! Now, that’s passion. 

For more information, visit https://www.plus63festival.com/ 

3. Bobapalooza Music & Arts Festival

The Bobapalooza Music & Arts Festival is a celebration of culture and art in various forms. Aside from enjoying the great music and live performances, attendees had the option to take part in art activities, such as paint murals and work their way around the other forms of street art that were interactive and available. On the music side, Bobapalooza has made waves for bringing together OPM (Original Pilipino Music) powerhouse performers like December Avenue, The Itchyworms, Kamikazee, and so much more! 

Their next festival is set for February 24-25, 2024 at the Filinvest City Events Grounds. This celebration of Filipino talent hopes to engage audiences from all walks of life, providing them with an experience they’ll never forget. 

For more information, visit https://www.bobapalooza.com.ph/

4. Fusion: The Philippine Music Fest 

Fusion: The Philippine Music Fest is set to make its mark in the last quarter of the year and fans have so much to look forward to. Beyond your average music festival activities, Fusion is changing the game and integrating FreeJam intercollegiate battle of the bands, where some of the most interesting up-and-coming talents in the industry will compete against each other to win the judge’s and festival goers hearts. This unique celebration of Philippine music will also consist of performances from popular forces of OPM like Gloc-9, Morissette, KZ Tandingan, Bamboo, and Denise Julia. 

Block your calendars and clear your schedules! Fusion: The Philippine Music Fest is happening on November 11, 2023 at the CCP Open Grounds in Pasay City. 

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/fusionphilippinemusicfestival/

5. Clark Aurora Music Festival

The Clark Aurora Music Festival, also known as the Clark Hot Air Balloon Music, Arts and Food Festival, is an annual two day celebration of amazing live music, delicious food, beautiful art installations, and hot air balloons in Clark Global City in Pampanga, Philippines. The first edition of the festival took place last year, in 2022, and made history for its record breaking attendance of 150,000 people. 

This year’s festival was on April 15 and 16, 2023. Stars like December Avenue, Arthur Nery, Ben&Ben, Kamikazee, Sponge Cola, and a large number of fan favorites took the stage and gave festival goers a magical night of music and entertainment. 

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/ClarkHotAirBalloonFest/ 

6. Malaya Music Festival 

A celebration of Philippine Independence! In Tagalog, “Malaya” directly translates to “Free”. Okada Manila’s Cove is the perfect place to celebrate the Filipino culture and art in the form of live music from none other than some of the country’s most respected artists. Staying true to its name, the Malaya Music Festival is transformed into a place for festival goers to be free and sing their hearts out to their favorite OPM hits from all ages. 

The highly anticipated festival is set to make its return on August 19 and 20 this year in Cove Manila. Attendees are in for a treat with a lineup that consists of BINI and BGYO, Dionela, Ace Banzuelo, Ben&Ben and a ton of other iconic Filipino artists.

For more information, visit https://www.okadamanila.com/deals/malaya-music-fest-2023 

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Written By Nico Belasco

Photographer, Writer, Speaker, Podcast Host, Creative

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