Music Festivals and Live Traditions Worth Travelling For

Where to listen

• Ireland: Traditional music sessions in pubs in Dublin, Galway, Doolin and Sligo. Sit quietly and enjoy.
• Lisbon, Portugal: Fado houses in Alfama and Mouraria. Dinner shows can be touristy, so look for smaller venues.
• Seville, Spain: Flamenco in tablaos. Smaller venues often feel more intimate.
• Mongolia: Throat singing and morin khuur (horsehead fiddle) performances in Ulaanbaatar and at the Naadam festival.
• West Africa: Live music in Dakar, Bamako and Banjul.
• Scotland: Pipe bands, ceilidhs and festivals such as Celtic Connections in Glasgow in January.
• Cuba: Son and rumba in Havana and Santiago.

Tips

1. Check dates and locations. Festivals have fixed dates.
2. Book tickets early for popular events.
3. Arrive early to get a good seat.
4. Follow etiquette: applause, silence and photography rules vary.
5. Support musicians by tipping or buying recordings.

Combine with travel

Plan a route around festivals, or add a local music night to any trip.

Schedules change, so check official listings.