Music festival empty grounds

The empty grounds of a music festival reveal the scale of transformation needed to welcome thousands of attendees.

About this subject

Music festival grounds are ephemeral spaces that, for a few days, become temporary cities. In Brazil, examples like Rock in Rio (Cidade do Rock, Rio de Janeiro) and Lollapalooza (Interlagos, São Paulo) occupy large areas that, outside event days, are parks or racetracks. Globally, Glastonbury (UK) takes place on a farm, while Coachella (California) uses a golf course. The transformation begins weeks in advance: setting up stages, tents, sanitation facilities, and camping areas requires complex logistics. In 2024, Rock in Rio took about 90 days to build its structure, featuring 15 stages and a capacity of 100,000 people per day. The emptiness contrasts with the arriving crowd, and photographers like Brazilian Marcus Leoni document these vacant spaces to highlight the scale and planning behind the festival.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do music festivals transform empty spaces into large events?

Organizers install stages, sound systems, food stalls, and portable toilets. In Brazil, Rock in Rio took three months to build the Cidade do Rock in 2024.

What are the largest music festivals in the world?

Glastonbury (UK), Coachella (USA), Rock in Rio (Brazil), and Tomorrowland (Belgium) are among the biggest. Glastonbury hosts around 200,000 people.

What happens to the grounds after the festival ends?

Most festivals have dismantling and cleaning plans. In some cases, the grass is replanted and the site returns to its original use, such as a park or racetrack.