With the massive crowds that gather together during the summer to listen to music, there are a lot of brands that want to take advantage of marketing music festivals—however, it just doesn't cut it anymore to have a company name splashed everywhere.
These marketing tactics employ everything from print to interactive objects and social media to creating exciting and engaging experiences. This year, to get into the Tomorrowland music festival, people are required to wear a bracelet that doubles as their ticket in, which also gives them the ability to instantly become Facebook friends with others at the event. And leading up to this year's event, Stockholm's Malmo Festival had a giant, climbable installation made to advertise the festival ahead of, and at the event.
21 Tactics for Marketing Music Festivals
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Sandy Composer Portraits
A Beachy Schubert Announces the 2014 East Neuk Classical Music Festival
22
Plug and Play Print Ads
The Skol Sensation Audio Print Ads Revolutionizes Print Advertising
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Tantrum-Reversing Campaigns
The 'Children's Voice' Campaign Transforms Tantrums into Performances
20
3D Festival Posters
This Giant Climbable Poster for Stockholm's Malmo Festival is Made of Plywood
19
Personalized QR Code Stickers
The Heineken 'U-Code' Sends Customized Messages
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Glowing Paper-Made Spectacles
The Nordik Impakt Festival is Being Promoted With Neon Paper Shades
17
Friend-Making Festival Bracelets
The Tomorrowland Music Festival Bands Create New Facebook Friends
16
Zany Festival Trailers
The Dominator Festival Trailer 2011 Carnival Art is Thrillingly Dark
15
Hipster Reform Campaigns
Primavera Sound's 2013 'Indie Coaching' Ad Has Hipsters Being Trained
14
DJing Monkey Marketing
The Volt 2012 Festival Promo Mixes Primates and Synthesizers
13
Music-Materializing Apps
The Vibetunes App Lets Deaf People Enjoy Music
12
Social Media-Powered Raffles
The 'Twombolr' Twitter Raffle Lets Contestants Enter with a Tweet
11
Moving Bus Music Festivals
Original Buff is Bringing Tunes on the Road
10
Incentivized Phone Trades
Sony Enticed Attendees of 'Way Out West' with a Free Phone Swap
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Music Event Apps
The Osheaga Festival Teases Its Lineup in a Mobile Game
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GPS Music Festival Apps
Fezzee is a One-Time Stop for the Active Music Festival-Goer
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Interactive Mobile Music
Zoo Records 'Hidden Live 2011' is the First Live Mobile Music Festival
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Music-Themed Social Shopping
Diesel 'Calvi on the Rocks' Facebook Campaign is Interactive
5
Interactive Branded Photo Booths
V Energy 'Power Wall' Offers Engaging Experience to Music Fans
4
Photo-Capturing Beach Balls
HP's Beach Ball Advertising Also Captures Unique Aerial Shots
3
Judgemental Public Pianos
This Al Bustan Festival Marketing Stunt Draws Crowds with a Chatty Piano
2
Science Fiction Concert Branding
Non-Format Creates the Identity for the Only Connect Festival
1
Groovy Music Festival Apps
The Lollapalooza Mobile App Keeps You Connected to All the Festivities
Related Ideas
Music Festival-Inspired Alcohol Bottles
Tomorrowland x Absolut Launch Limited-Edition Bottles
Luxe Designer Beauty Activations
YSL Launched an Entertainment-Themed Light Club 2.0 Concept
Iconic Stylish Bag Campaigns
Fendi's Summer 2025 Campaign is Cohesive and Contemporary
Summer Soda Brand Campaigns
Sprite 'Turns Up the Refreshment' With its Immersive Campaign
Next-Gen K-Beauty Pop-Ups
MUSKAT Hosted a Five Day Immersive Experience in L.A.
Large-Scale Apéritif Activations
Aperol Kicked Off its 'Summer of Spritz Campaign' in NYC
Festival-Inspired Luxury Fashion Campaigns
Burberry Celebrates the Energy of British Music Culture
Tropical Music Events
Kona Big Wave x Spotify AUX Hosted Their First Soundwave Session
High-Profile Live Performance Marketing
Rokid Delighted Folks with a High-Profile Marketing Event
Cross-Network Playoff Promotions
NHL and Multiple Broadcasters Launch a Playoff Marketing Campaign
Festival Vodka Brand Activations
Absolut Launched Its Heat Haus & New RTD Line at Coachella 2026
Playful Creative Design Billboards
Canva Unveils 3D Billboards to Spotlight its Capabilities
Major Fan-Centric Candy Campaigns
Skittles Debuts the Playful Skittles Obsessed Initiative
Mini Festival Experiences
MGA’s Miniverse Invites Festival-Goers to Explore a Tiny Coachella
Beer-Sponsored Beach Concerts
Corona and Todo Mundo no Rio Partnered for a Free Concert
Authentic Connection Campaigns
Heineken's Hijack Socialization Encourages Out-of-Home Gatherings
Phone-Free Crafting Experiences
Pinterest Brought a Phone-Free Experience to the Desert
Wishlist-Spotlighting Billboards
Sephora Canada Features Customer Wishlists on Holiday Billboards
Summery Lip Balm Activations
e.l.f. Cosmetics Spotlights Its Melting Lip Balm at Coachella
Island-Style Lager Activations
Kona Big Wave Partners with Spotify for Summer-Forward Experiences
Interactive Advertising Installations
Intimissimi's 'Feel the Billboard' Uses Tactile Advertising
Night QSR Campaigns
The Mcdonald’s Night Posters Turn Post-Party Cravings into Glowing Urban Art
Music-Inspired Audiobook Campaigns
Spotify Launches its Bold 'Read Like You Listen' for the Summer
Smart Beer Bands
Heineken's The Clinker Celebrates Music as a Shared Language
Gamified Condiment Experiences
HEINZ’s Ketchup Blast Turns Meals Interactive
Festival Fashion Denim Pop-Ups
A New Levi’s® Pop-Up Will Bring Festival Style to Old Montreal
Cinematic Campaign Posters
Nike 2026 World Cup posters frame national teams through film-styles
Retail Advertising Campaigns
IKEA Hides Price Tags to Highlight Material Quality in a New Campaign
Brighton Retail Launch Ads
IKEA Brighton Uses Seagull Splatter Campaign to Win Local Attention
Cultural Waterfront Festivals
The Water/Fall Festival Aims to Transform Toronto's Waterfront
Ice Cream-Sponsored Music Festivals
The Magnum Ice Cream Company Supports Coachella
Music-Inspired Snackable Cheese Campaigns
Bel Brands USA's Babybel Partners with Timbaland
Friendly Fandom Campaigns
Heineken Kicked Off Fans Have More Friends with a Fun Social Experiment
Football-Themed Hiring Campaigns
The NFL Links Draft Culture to Inclusive Hiring Practices
Festival Brand Activations
American Eagle Opened Its Denim Desert Activation at Stagecoach 2026
Cross-Industry Insight Networks
The Think Party Explores the Future of Socialization
Festival-Inspired School Dining Programs
Chartwells K12 Has Launched Foodie Fest
Emotive Song Campaigns
Sos Songs Uses Technology to Show How Music Reflects Your Emotional State
Music Experience-Focused Beer Campaigns
The Heineken House is Back for 2026 Coachella
Marketer-Targeted Albums
The Spotify Tunetorials Campaign Blurs Education and Entertainment
Mobile Beauty Pop-Ups
Henkel’s göt2b Debuts a Citywide Mobile Beauty Experience
Wellness Brand Experiences
Pilates and Influencer Events Are Shaping Lifestyle Marketing in Peru
Imaginative Fantasy-Inspired Campaigns
Canva Spotlights its Creative Tools Ahead of Halloween
Self-Expression Festival Activations
Barbie Brings Customizable Persona-Building to Coachella
Doll-Centric Festival Experiences
Barbie Dream Fest Brings the Iconic Doll to Life for Fans
Multi-Sensory Spa Experiences
111SKIN and Myndstream Created Two Bespoke Sonic Journeys for Guests
Interactive Beer-Focused Festival Devices
Heineken's Debuts The Clinker at Coachella
Cultural Mullet Campaigns
Mcdonald’s McMullet Campaign Turns a Viral Joke into a Live Activation
Gen Z Soda Campaigns
Enjoy the Moment with a Coca‑Cola Targets a Generation That Wants to Unplug
Creative Music-Based Campaigns
Bose Launched its 'Life Deserves Music. Music Deserves Bose.' Spot
Music Scene-Informed Luxury Campaigns
Burberry Taps Twiggy for Spring 2026 Advertising Campaign
Musical Makeup Packaging
Rimmel London's Full Volume Makeup Includes Scannable Spotify Codes
Immersive Dairy-Free Summer Campaigns
So Delicious Dairy Free Debuts Dairy Free Your Mind™
Casual Cannabis-Infused Beverage Campaigns
Triple Debuts Its Laid-Back 'Turfing' Campaign
Gamified Sports Rewards
Mountain Dew Links MLB Home Runs to Real-Time Free Drink Rewards
Gamified Scent Marketing Experiences
Axe's Grab The Sweet Turned a Bus Stop into a Claw Machine
Musician-Led Beverage Campaigns
poppi Tapped Charli xcx and Rachel Sennott for the Super Bowl
Lager Popsicle Initiatives
Beer is Art Taps the Lager Popsicle Concept in Its Campaign
Supermarket-Inspired Nail Art Designs
Aldi Dropped a Festival-Inspired Nail Art Collection
Brand-Creator Matchmaking Events
Dhar Mann Studios & Brand Innovators Hosted a Speed Dating Event
Beer Brand Artist Refreshes
Terrapin Beer Co. Refreshes Packaging With Artist Collaborations
Experiential Grocery Campaigns
No Name launches a multi-city grocery goss campaign
Zero-Proof Festival Experiences
The Drinks with Benefits Festival Signals the Growth of the Market
Lyrics-Inspired OOH Campaigns
Taskrabbit Interprets Pop Culture Songs for Summer Home Tasks
Festival Beauty Activations
Medicube Brings Skincare Tech and Experiences to Coachella
Coordinated Convenience-Focused Promotional Campaigns
7-Eleven Runs Promotions for Two Events
World Cup Hospitality Experiences
Stella Artois Turns Bars into Immersive FIFA Viewing Locations
Airline Festival Sponsorships
Alaska Airlines is the Official Airline of Coachella and Stagecoach
Interactive Scented Billboard Ads
LOLA MullenLowe Presents a Scented Lynx/Axe Campaign
Personal Listening Experiences
Spotify Showcases its Consumer-First Approach at Elevate Festival
Athlete-Led Marketing Strategies
Forta Cosmetics Uses Athlete Network to Launch Its Setting Spray
Festival-Ready Bodycare Kits
The Lush x Download Festival Kit Helps Music Lovers Refresh & Reset
Game-Day Getup Sweepstakes
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Axe Wants to See Fans' Craziest Outfits
Subway Station Fashion Takeovers
Reitmans Hosts its Spring 2026 Lower Bay Station Preview
Social Listening Parties
Spotify's Wrapped Party Unites Users for Shared Experiences
Immersive Music Campaigns
Spotify x Gorillaz Fan Experience Promotes the Mountain Across London
French Beer Marketing Campaigns
1664 Features Robert Pattinson in Its New Acting-Inspired Campaign
Multi-Faceted Community-Focused Festivals
Halsey Fest 2025 Offered a Variety of Activities
Athletic Event-Timed Tech Campaigns
TCL Ran a Comprehensive Ad Campaign During the Olympics
Mental Health-Focused Music Alliances
Project Healthy Minds and the Music Health Alliance Partner
Expansive Pride Activations
Smirnoff is Amplifying Its Support for the 2SLGBTQI+ Community
Music-Inspired Workout Event Series
Ministry of Sound Launched Ministry of Sound Games
Pop-Up Sports Hospitality
Toronto’s FIFA Fan Festival Turns Urban Spaces into Immersive Fan Hubs
Beer-Branded Fictitious Record Labels
Coors Light Launches the Playful Coors Light Records
Canadian Fan-Based Campaigns
Molson Launches its 'Performance Enhancing Canadians' Initiative
Immersive Virtual Reality Concerts
IMMERSION VR Concert Film Brings Fans Virtually on Stage
Football-Focused Venue Marketing Campaigns
Dave & Buster's Delivers on Social Atmosphere & Dining
Audio Experience-Integrated Beverage Packaging
TapTunes, Inc. Has Introduced Virtual Wax
Music-Driven Hospitality Concepts
W Montréal and Billboard Launch Billboard Live at W Montréal
Exciting Musician-Inspired Beer Activations
Outlaw Light Beer Debuts HARDY-Branded Can
Month-Long Color Celebration Events
Sally Beauty is Running the Exciting COLORfest
Limited-Edition Beer Campaigns
San Miguel launches a Limited-Edition Beer Campaign for Summer
Music Festival-Themed Cannabis Drinks
Woodstock Goods is Launching Hemp-Derived Drinks
Design Sound Festivals
CONTRIBUTIONS Festival #2 Pairs Exhibited Art with Commissioned Soundscapes
Gum Brand Activations
EXCEL® Gum Gets a Bold Refresh with Concert Activations to Match
Soundtrack-Integrated Print Media
Radioposter Merged Audio Storytelling with Physical Books &Zines
Immersive Music Festival Stores
BELLA+CANVAS Debuted Museum of Merchandise at Coachella
Immersive Festival Speakeasies
The Pretty Girl Parlour by Kiss Products Transports Festival-Goers
Travel-Focused Summer Campaigns
good2grow Debuts National Sweepstakes & Partners with Pack Up + Go
Trading-Focused Marketing Initiatives
Exness Debuts an Ambitious Global Marketing Initiative
Co-Branded Family-Oriented Events
Disney and Formula 1 Launch Fuel the Magic Campaign
Taco-Focused Food Festivals
Taco Fest Expands is 2026 Footprint with an Event in Mississauga
Festival Season Refreshment Campaigns
The Capri-Sun Festival Feeling Campaign is Running in the UK
Taxi Driver-Centric Branded Events
Carlsberg Ran the 'Fare Game' Initiative for Taxi Drivers
Fantasy World Theme Parks
Disney Builds Real-Life Arendelle with World of Frozen
Mid-Strength Marketing Pushes
6Percent, Small Beer And Quarter Proof Launch Mid-Strength March
Conscientious Tourism Campaigns
Evaneos Advocates Against Overtourism in a New Campaign
Craft Chocolate Festivals
Ranger Chocolate Co. Attended the Portland Craft Chocolate Festival
Girded Billboard Posters
Irn-Bru And Lucky Generals Introduced Girders Posters
Festival-Themed Retail Snack Campaigns
Kellanova Announced Flavour Fest ’25 in the UK
City-Focused Influencer Platforms
Storytime Launches Storytime Marketplace in Cities
Data-Driven Concert Discovery
Apple Music Uses Listening Behavior to Surface Ticketmaster Events
Exclusive Pop-Up Events
Man’s Best Friend Pop-Up Offers Limited Merch & Immersive Album Experience
Interactive Streaming Ads
Spotify Turns Listening into Engagement with Carousel Ads
Music Loyalty Platforms
FanBase.fm Is A Loyalty Platform For Music Fans And Artists
Seasonal Reservation Street Installations
Uber UK Launches 'Reserve' by Mother
Promotional Fitness Incentives
Planet Fitness' PerksFest Returns with Exclusive Discounts
Omnichannel Seasonal Support Campaigns
Bestway Wholesale Launches 'Buzz About the Sweetest Deals'
Summer-Forward Food Billboards
Waitrose Launched its 'Let Your Summer Side Out' Campaign
Festive Musician-Led Campaigns
Smirnoff ICE Partners with Troye Sivan for the Holidays
Stadium Stay Experiences
Marriott Bonvoy Introduces a World Cup Final Sleepover Suite for Fans
Live Music Pizza Partnerships
Boston Pizza and Live Nation Canada Form a Partnership
Grass-Roots Golf Gatherings
HEAD Golf and Links Social Tour Bring Style to Toronto Invitational
Fan-Powered Concerts Platforms
ConcertFutures Lets Fans Stake to Bring Artists to Their Cities
Founder Marketing Resources
Better Marketing Blog Shares Practical Playbooks For Founders
Adventurous Summertime Retailer Promotions
The Maverik Summer Deals Prioritize Cost Savings
Interactive Traveler-Focused Campaigns
Tessan Will Spotlight the 100 Travelers Campaign
Local Event Planners
Knowhere Helps You Discover and Attend Local Events With Friends
Neighborhood Music Series
Bloor-Yorkville Brings Live Performances to Historic Toronto Park
Multi-Property Seasonal Events
Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment Unveils Hot Summer Fun 2025
Recycling-Focused Travel Campaigns
Coca-Cola and Merlin Entertainments Partnered for a Promotion
Stadium Fan Festivals
FIFA Turns the LA Coliseum into a Multi-Day Fan Experience Hub
Festive Product Launch Events
Love Magenta announces a 10-day Christmas launch event
Expansive Creative Regional Festivals
Tokyo Creative Salon 2026 is Schedule to Occur in March
Branded Accessibility-Focused Concerts
Sony's GAAD Concert Event Emphasizes Disability Inclusion
30-Hour Music Events
The Infinite Now Builds Sleep into the Experience with Beds and Hammocks
Music Experience Concierges
Beat Butler is a VIP Pass To Unforgettable Music Events
Event Branding Tools
Frame Me Lets Event Managers Share Branded Photos For Viral Marketing
Exposure-Oriented Dance Conventions
Xcel Talent Agency Enhances DansMusik Fest 2025
Mardi Gras-Themed Breast Campaigns
Frida Marked Mardi Gras with the Breast Gallery Campaign