Music festivals have been part of human existence since before recorded history. The earliest known happening was the ancient Pythian Games at Delphi, held in honor of Apollo, the Greek god of music and the arts (among other things). Even then, it was believed that Pan, the half-goat/half-man in ancient Greece mythology, was playing his pipes before Apollo was even born. The Games, forerunner of today's Olympic Games, were organized around music and theater, with athletics being added later.

Every country in the world celebrates its music with extravagant festivals. The traditional frenzy of Carnival in New Orleans, the Caribbean, and other Latin countries, comes together around song and dance. The folk music of every country is showcased at seasonal festivals, like May Day and New Year's, and the significant dates of religions are marked by musical parties and processions.

One of the most famous music extravaganzas of modern times was the Woodstock Festival of 1969. Over 500,000 people assembled and made history. The largest festival today is held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Called "Summerfest', it goes all out for eleven days and attracts from 800,000 to 1,000,000 people each year.

Most of the festivals are held outdoors, since thousands of people attend and that many are hard to fit inside. Anyway, there is something magical about hearing music unconfined by walls, whether it is under a blue sky or one lit with stars and moonlight. Whether the event is chamber music in Italy, an amateur vocalist competition in a college town, jazz on the banks of a mighty river, or rock music in the park, festivals need room to spread out.

Food, dance, and merchandise often come with the main attraction. Some festivals are profit-making programs, but many of the most well-attended are benefits. Any reason is a good one, however, whether it is to celebrate a famous classical composer, encourage young musicians to perform in public, celebrate a holiday, showcase a certain genre, or just have fun.

Music festivals have always attracted both performers and spectators, who come together in mutual appreciation.