National Geographic Music (National Geographic)

This summer Nat Geo Music is previewing our favorite festivals—both domestic and international. In our first installment we take a look at three of the longest-running international "destination festivals"— Morocco's Festival of Sacred Music, England's WOMAD Festival and The Rainforest World Music Festival in Malaysia. We also take a look at the ever-popular Bonnaroo festival and the brand new All Points West Festival, which makes its debut in the NYC area in August.

Fes Festival of Sacred Music

June 6th - 14th, Fes, Morocco

Now in its fifteenth year, Morocco's popular Fes Festival of Sacred Music again brings a passel of international music makers to the medieval walled city of Fes. This year's performers include Tartit, Nas El Ghirwane, Al-Kindi Ensemble, Huong Thang, and headliners Jessye Norman & Ismael Lo.

Learn More

Bonnaroo Festival

June 12th-15th Manchester, TN

The Bonnaroo Festival has outgrown its jamband roots to become a true international destination festival - but you still need to bring your own tent. This year's festival boasts appearances from marquee names like Pearl Jam, Metallica, Jack Johnson, Kanye West, and Cat Power, as well as Ozomatli, Orchestra Baobab, Groupo Fantasma, Vampire Weekend, K'naan, Extra Golden, and Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, among others.

Learn More

Rainforest World Music Festival

July 11th – 13th

Sarawak Cultural Village, Borneo, Malaysia

For the truly adventurous, the Rainforest World Music Festival takes place on the Malaysian side of the Indian Ocean island of Borneo. The festival bringing together musicians from around the world with local and indigenous musicians for the interior of the island. This year's featured artists include Japan's Hiroshi Motofuji, Anglo-Congolese ensemble Kasai Masai, Greece's Ross Daly Quartet, Indian fusion group Oikyataan, Colombian virtuoso Cholo Valderamma, and Fillipino group Pinikpikan.

Learn More

WOMAD UK

Malmesbury, Wiltshire
United Kingdom
25-Jul-2008 — 27-Jul-2008

WOMAD is the grandaddy of all international world music festivals, and has been doing it for over 25 years. This year the venerable British festival sets up camp at a new site in Charlton Park, near Malmesbury in Wiltshire. The acts for 2008 include Mavis Staples, Hot tuna, Little Feat, Show Of Hands, Chic, Adrian Sherwood & OnU Soundsytem, Transglobal Underground, Michael Brook with Special Guests including Djivan Gasparyan, Boy George, Lo Cor de la Plana, Altai Kai, Bedouin Jerry Can Band, Dhoad Gypsies of Rajasthan, Dulsori, Ernest Ranglin, Andy Palacio and Garifuna Collective featuring Umalali, Kenge Kenge Orutu Systems, The Kasai Allstars, Justin Adams & Juldeh Camara, The Taiko drummers Gocoo, Eddy Grant and His Frontline Orchestra, Beat Bristol, Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba, Melbourne meets Kingston from Mista Savona, Agricantus, and more.

Learn More

All Points West Festival

August 8–10, Liberty State Park, NJ

This year's newcomer is The All Points West Festival, which will pitch its tents in New Jersey's Liberty State Park this August and attract hipsters from all over the New York area with an indie-rock heavy lineup that includes Radiohead, Kings of Leon, Jack Johnson, Cat Power, New Pornographers, Michael Franti & Spearhead, The Roots, The Go! Team, and Mates of State, as well as a sprinkling of international acts that include Forro In The Dark, Juana Molina, K'naan, Amadou & Mariam and Rodrigo & Gabriela.

Learn More