The year 2017 stands as a landmark period for live entertainment and cultural gatherings. Across the globe, millions of people traveled to attend massive music events, niche food festivals, and immersive art experiences. This year saw a significant shift in how festivals were produced, focusing more on “instagrammable” moments and high-tech stage production than ever before.
If you are looking for a retrospective on the best festivals of 2017, you have come to the right place. This guide provides a detailed look at the major events that defined the year, from the deserts of California to the fields of England. Understanding these events helps music fans and event planners alike see how the industry has evolved over the last several years.
The Most Influential Music Festivals of 2017
Music festivals were the primary draw for travelers in 2017. Several iconic events reached new heights in attendance and production value during this season.
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
Located in Indio, California, Coachella 2017 was one of the most talked-about events of the year. The festival featured headliners Radiohead, Lady Gaga, and Kendrick Lamar. Lady Gaga stepped in as a replacement for Beyoncé, who had to postpone her performance due to pregnancy. This year was also notable for its massive art installations, including the iconic “Spectra” seven-story rainbow tower.
Glastonbury Festival
In the United Kingdom, Glastonbury 2017 remained the gold standard for European festivals. The Pyramid Stage hosted legendary acts like Radiohead, Foo Fighters, and Ed Sheeran. Beyond the music, the festival was praised for its political engagement and its vast array of performance art, circus acts, and hidden forest parties. It was a particularly emotional year as the festival announced a “fallow year” for 2018 to allow the land to recover.
Tomorrowland
For electronic dance music (EDM) fans, Tomorrowland 2017 in Boom, Belgium, was the ultimate destination. The theme for the year was “Amicorum Spectaculum,” which transformed the grounds into a massive, circus-themed wonderland. With over 400,000 attendees across two weekends, it solidified its position as the world’s premier electronic music event, featuring sets from Armin van Buuren, Tiësto, and David Guetta.
Notable Cultural and Niche Festivals
While music often takes the spotlight, 2017 was also a great year for cultural and community-focused festivals. These events offered unique insights into local traditions and modern creative industries.
South by Southwest (SXSW)
SXSW in Austin, Texas, continued to be the premier intersection of technology, film, and music. In 2017, the festival focused heavily on the rise of virtual reality and artificial intelligence. It served as a launching pad for several indie films and provided a platform for thousands of emerging musical acts from around the world.
The Fontanet Bean Dinner Festival
On a more local and traditional scale, the Fontanet Bean Dinner Festival in Indiana celebrated its long-standing history in 2017. This event is a prime example of the enduring power of community festivals. It focuses on historical reenactments, traditional food, and family-friendly entertainment, proving that small-town gatherings remain a vital part of the festival landscape.
Sziget Festival
Held in Budapest, Hungary, Sziget 2017 celebrated its 25th anniversary. Known as the “Island of Freedom,” this week-long event attracted visitors from over 100 countries. The 2017 lineup included P!nk, The Chainsmokers, and Macklemore. Sziget is unique because it combines a massive music lineup with theater, dance, and even a “Luminarium” light installation.
Key Trends That Defined 2017 Festivals
To understand why 2017 was such a pivotal year, it is helpful to look at the trends that emerged or peaked during this time. These elements changed the way organizers plan events today.
- Immersive Art Installations: Festivals began investing heavily in large-scale, interactive art that provided the perfect backdrop for social media photos.
- Cashless Payments: 2017 saw a wide adoption of RFID wristbands, allowing attendees to pay for food and drinks without carrying a physical wallet.
- Sustainability Efforts: Many major festivals introduced stricter recycling programs and banned single-use plastics to reduce their environmental footprint.
- Boutique Experiences: While mega-festivals grew, there was also a rise in “boutique” festivals—smaller, more curated events that focused on luxury camping (glamping) and gourmet food.
How to Find Archives and Lineups from 2017
If you are trying to find specific information about a festival that occurred in 2017, there are several reliable ways to track down the details. Many people look for past lineups to settle debates or to find new music from that era.
Check Official Social Media Accounts
Most major festivals keep their social media history intact. By scrolling back through the 2017 archives on Instagram or Facebook, you can find original posters, daily schedules, and photos of the performances. This is often the best way to see the “vibe” of the event.
Use Digital Archive Tools
Web archiving tools allow you to view versions of festival websites exactly as they appeared in 2017. This is useful for finding full artist lists, ticket prices, and site maps that may have been removed from the current live websites.
Search for Fan-Made Playlists
Streaming platforms like Spotify often have user-generated playlists titled after specific 2017 festivals. Searching for “Coachella 2017 Lineup” or “Tomorrowland 2017 Sets” will give you a direct link to the music that defined those weekends.
Why We Look Back at 2017 Festivals
Reflecting on the festivals of 2017 allows us to appreciate how much the live event industry has grown. It was a year of transition where technology began to play a much larger role in the attendee experience. For many, these festivals represent a “golden era” of live music before the global disruptions of later years.
Whether you were there in person or are just discovering these events now, the festivals of 2017 offer a fascinating look at global culture. They remind us of the power of gathering together to celebrate music, art, and community. If you enjoyed this look back, you might also find our guides on modern event planning and travel tips for current festivals helpful for your next adventure.