The scourge of COVID-19 gave us practically two whole years in which we were deprived live music. Now, big concerts are back with a-vengeance. As music festivals rush in full force to fill your 2023 character, we aim to curate for you a list of shows you can’t afford to miss.
You probably rode the Flying Fiesta at Salo Salo Fest or are still riding a high from 88rising’s Head in the Clouds Manila—those were incredible shows, but we’re just getting started. These are the music festivals you have to watch this coming 2023.
Wanderland Festival Philippines 2023
Dates: March 4-5
Location: Filinvest City Event Grounds, Alabang, Philippines
Let’s start things off strong. Word is already traveling fast about Wanderland’s lineup. Phoenix for sure (2023’s shaping up to be a big tour year for them), and also No Rome, BLASTER, and South Korean collective Balming Tiger. Recent mats just confirmed Carly Rae Jepsen in the lineup. Who’s next? Only time will tell.
Pelupo International Music Festival
Date: March 11
Location: Siam Country Club, Pattaya, Tahilang
Two of the biggest acts to appear in the lineup so far are French powerhouse Phoenix and the kings of Norwegian indie folk, Kings of Convenience. Men I Trust fans can also look forward to seeing the trio at the festival as well, we just have to stay tuned for which stage. Watch out as well for H I N A N O, a new act from Thai label What the Duck, and snag those VIP passes while they’re still available!
PLUS63 Festival
Date: February 18
Location: SM Seaside Complex, Cebu
The Philippines is going strong with these killer festivals lined up—PLUS63 has Joji and Kehlani as the big headliners. It’s shaping up to be a show tailor-made for fans of contemporary R&B. It seems summer is set to start shining in February.
Clockenflap Music & Arts Festival
Dates: March 3-5
Location: Central Harbourfront Event Space, Hong Kong
After being postponed in 2021 due to COVID-19-related travel restrictions, it’s good to see festival titan Clockenflap coming back. Arctic Monkeys, Phoenix, FKJ, Men I Trust–whoa hey, Ben&Ben are going be there, too! Talk about a complete package.
Bobapalooza Music & Arts Festival
Date: February 25
Location: Globe Circuit Event Grounds, Makati, Philippines
Bobapalooza will be the chance for old-heads to kick it old-school. The OPM giants appearing in the lineup are enough to throw you back to the early 2000s: Ebe Dancel, Itchyworms, Parokya ni Edgar, Kamikazee, Mayonnaise, Franco and Urbandub are all slated to perform. Even the more contemporary December Avenue seems right at home at this kind of show.
TRIIP Music Festival
Dates: June 2-4
Location: Malta Island
Electronic music fans, you’re going to love this one. Australian DJ and producer Fisher is putting together a world-class gathering of DJ’s on the sun-kissed island of Malta. House music fans can look forward to seeing the likes of Chris Lake, Nora En Pure, Loco Dice and Claptone. Andrea Oliva and Brina Knauss will also be spinning on Malta’s sunny shores. More acts to be announced, but for now, make sure you’ve got a good pair of dancing shoes ready.
Words Jam Pascual
