There’s rarely more fun to be had than at a music or dance festival. Music uplifts the spirit and when shared with thousands of people, the atmosphere is truly amazing. All over the world, there are music and dance festivals that are worth traveling thousands of miles for, as they offer an experience like no other. Dubai is a great destination for any event- thanks to the beautiful surroundings, glorious weather, and top class tourist attractions.
Top 10 Music and Dance Events in Dubai
Dubai is host to a number of great entertainment events, including some top quality music and dance events. Whether a one-off event, or an annual affair, the music and dance events in Dubai are varied, exciting, and well worth a visit. Here is our pick of the top 10 music and dance events Dubai has to offer.
Red Fest DXB
The biggest festival in the United Arab Emirates, Red Fest DXB has been an annual event since 2014 held in the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre every February. The two-day event has previously showcased the talent of Demi Lovato, The Script, Sean Paul, Bastille, and Tinie Tempah, as well as closing sets from DJs like Zane Lowe and Steve Aoki. Music is not the only thing on offer at Red Fest, there is also a wide range of street food vendors, interactive installations, and activities.
Groove on the Grass
Dubai’s largest EDM festival Groove on the Grass is held 5 times a year, with the next event taking place on the 23rd September 2018 at the Emirates Golf Club. Acts at the upcoming dance event include- Avatism, Ellen Allien, Droog, The Element, Josh Wink, and Radio Slave, amongst others. Groove on the Grass has two stages of electronic dance music, as well as an activities area featuring a boutique fashion and accessories marketplace.
Bongo’s Bingo Dubai
Dubai residents and holidaymakers will be pleased to know that the world-famous Bongo’s Bingo has arrived in Dubai. The next event will be held on the 26th of July at the Media One Hotel and will feature plenty of cheesy music, crazy prize giveaways, and even a few dance-offs. Bongo’s Bingo is a must-attend Dubai music event for those who just love to have fun.
Dubai Jazz Festival
The annual jazz festival has been going since 2003, growing from just a 1,000 visitors to an event attracting ten thousands of jazz fans from around the world. Previous performers have received the likes of John Legend, Sting, Duran Duran, and James Blunt. The next Dubai Jazz Festival will be held between the 13th and 22nd of February at the DMC Amphitheatre, with the line-up yet to be announced.
Carmen at Dubai Opera
Fans of the classical music are in for a real treat to see one of the world’s most popular opera productions, Carmen from the 6th to 8th of September. 2018. In the opulent surrounding of the Dubai, Opera patrons can get lost in the dramatic tale of the doomed love story between the fiery Carmen and her soldier lover, Don Jose.
Blended Music Festival
The pop music festival, Blended ran for two years before taking a break after the 2015 edition. It made a triumphant return in 2018 with a show in Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, with headliners The Backstreet Boys performing, alongside Melanie C, Danny Aridi, Lemar, and Omar Afuni. Blended organisers have confirmed that they will return once again in 2019, so pop music fans should look out for updates on the lineup and location.
Dubai Marina Music Festival
Bringing music to life, the Dubai Marina Music Festival will be held between the 14th – 23rd of December 2018. Held at the beautiful Dubai Marina Mall, this unique music event encourages attendees to be more involved in music, with interactive shows and displays, and intimate live performances from musicians. The Dubai Marina Music Festival is a great event for those already living in Dubai, or for those who are visiting the amazing city as a tourist. Experience music in a different way at this wonderfully immersive festival.
Alvin Ailey, American Dance Theater
For those who love both music and Dance, Alvin Ailey, American Dance Theater will be performing a breathtaking show at Dubai Opera on the 4, 5, and 6th of October 2018. It is the world-famous dance company’s first time in the Middle East, where they will perform eight beautiful works that will celebrate the range and diversity of their dancers. As, the American Dance Company is in such high demand, having previously performed in 71 countries, this may be their only visit to Dubai for some time. So catch the show whilst you can.
Ghost the Musical
The smash hit, Ghost the Musical is coming to Dubai Opera from the 9th to 13th of October. The Hollywood film starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore has had great success as a stage musical with lyrics and music from Dave Steward and Glen Ballad. Following the story of lost love, when Molly loses her boyfriend Sam to a brutal murder, the show features beautiful performances and unforgettable songs, including ‘With You’ and The Righteous Brothers’ ‘Unchained Melody’. A good event for the whole family, Ghost is a must-see for the fans of musicals.
Wasla Music Festival
February 2018 saw the first Wasla Music Festival, which was Dubai’s First Arab Alternative Music Festival. The founders of Wasla aim to spread a positive message of inclusion and to showcase the talent of Arab artists through various art forms. The festival featured talks, art, and music to show the world, the Arab cultural alternative. Performers at this ground-breaking event included Cairokee, Aurostrad, Lekhfa, and Gnawa Diffusion. Hopefully, the Wasla music festival will return once again in 2019 and for many years to come.
The Diversity of Dubai Music Events
There is a huge diversity of music and dance events happening in Dubai in 2018 and beyond. From opera to electronic dance music, musicals to jazz, dance performance to contemporary pop music, there is something for everyone. Tourists can plan their trip around a particular event, and residents will have something to look forward to all year round.
