- The Last Waltz (1978)
- The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years (1988)
- Woodstock: Three Days That Defined a Generation (2019)
- Festival Express (2003)
- Glastonbury (2006)
- The Punk Singer (2013)
- The Other One: The Long, Strange Trip of Bob Weir (2014)
- We Are X (2016)
- Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened (2019)
- Under the Volcano (2016)
Festivals are not just events; they are a celebration of culture, music, art, and community. This curated list of documentaries takes you behind the scenes of some of the world's most iconic festivals, offering a unique glimpse into their creation, the people behind them, and the magic they bring to life. Whether you're a festival-goer or simply curious about the spectacle, these films provide an immersive experience that captures the essence of celebration.

The Last Waltz (1978)
Description: Directed by Martin Scorsese, this film documents The Band's final concert at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco, which was a festival-like event with numerous guest artists.
Fact: It's considered one of the greatest concert films ever made, featuring performances by Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, and others.


The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years (1988)
Description: While not about a single festival, this documentary captures the essence of the metal music scene in the '80s, which was often celebrated at festivals like Monsters of Rock.
Fact: Features interviews with metal legends like Ozzy Osbourne and Lemmy from Motörhead.


Woodstock: Three Days That Defined a Generation (2019)
Description: Revisit the legendary Woodstock festival through this documentary, which explores how the event became a symbol of peace and love in the late '60s, capturing the spirit of a generation.
Fact: The film uses archival footage and interviews with attendees to recreate the atmosphere of Woodstock.


Festival Express (2003)
Description: This documentary captures a unique moment in rock history when musicians like Janis Joplin and The Grateful Dead traveled by train across Canada, performing at various festivals.
Fact: The film was lost for 30 years before being rediscovered and restored.


Glastonbury (2006)
Description: This documentary captures the essence of the Glastonbury Festival, one of the UK's most famous music and performing arts festivals. It delves into the history, the preparation, and the atmosphere that makes Glastonbury unique.
Fact: The film includes interviews with artists like David Bowie and Coldplay, offering a rare insight into their festival experiences.


The Punk Singer (2013)
Description: Although focused on Kathleen Hanna of Bikini Kill, the film touches on the Riot Grrrl movement, which was instrumental in shaping punk festivals and DIY music culture.
Fact: The documentary includes rare footage from the early '90s punk scene.


The Other One: The Long, Strange Trip of Bob Weir (2014)
Description: While not strictly about a festival, this documentary follows Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, whose music is synonymous with festival culture, offering insights into the band's influence on festivals like Dead & Company.
Fact: The film features rare footage from the band's early days and interviews with Weir.


We Are X (2016)
Description: This documentary follows the Japanese rock band X Japan, whose live performances are akin to festivals, showcasing their influence on music culture.
Fact: The film explores the band's impact on the visual kei movement in Japan.


Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened (2019)
Description: A cautionary tale of how a luxury music festival turned into a disaster, this documentary provides a fascinating look at the hype, the collapse, and the aftermath of the infamous Fyre Festival.
Fact: The film features interviews with key organizers and attendees, revealing the behind-the-scenes chaos.


Under the Volcano (2016)
Description: This documentary explores the chaos and creativity of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, showcasing the diverse performances and the struggle of artists to make their mark.
Fact: It includes performances from well-known comedians like Eddie Izzard and Tim Minchin.
