The world of electronic dance music is buzzing with seismic news. Tomorrowland, the undisputed king of music festivals, is breaking new ground with its most ambitious expansion to date. The Belgian behemoth is not just growing; it’s launching a full-scale global takeover. Get ready for a brand-new, full-sized Tomorrowland festival in Thailand under a landmark five-year deal, and the Australian debut of its iconic CORE stage in Melbourne. This isn’t just another tour—it’s a new world order for festival lovers.
Thailand: A New Asian Empire is Born
Forget what you know about music festivals in Asia. Tomorrowland is planting its flagship in Chonburi, Thailand, starting in December 2026, and it’s here to stay. The Thai government has rolled out the red carpet, signing an unprecedented five-year deal that runs until 2030. This isn’t a one-off event; it’s a long-term commitment to create a permanent home for Tomorrowland in the heart of Asia.
The scale is jaw-dropping. Organizers are expecting to welcome over a million attendees over the five years, with projections of a staggering 21 billion baht (around $649 million USD) boost to the local economy. The festival will unfold in Wisdom Valley, a massive private area strategically chosen for its space and accessibility, ensuring it can handle the legendary scale of a Tomorrowland production.
But this won’t be a simple copy-paste of the Belgian original. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has emphasized that the event will be a unique fusion, blending Tomorrowland’s magic with Thai culture, art, and local artists. This is a true partnership, designed to elevate Thailand as a global event hub and give fans a completely new, culturally rich experience.
Australia, Get Ready for CORE
While Thailand gets the full festival treatment, Australia is set for a more intimate, yet equally legendary, experience. Tomorrowland’s beloved CORE stage is officially heading to Melbourne for its Australian debut on Saturday, November 28, 2026.
For those who don’t know, CORE is the soul of Tomorrowland. Born in the enchanting forests of Boom, Belgium, in 2017, the stage is famous for its stunning design—a giant, serene human face integrated with nature—and its focus on the deeper, alternative sounds of house and techno. It’s an immersive, sensory experience that has become a fan favorite for its unique vibe.
The arrival of CORE is a massive boost for Australia’s festival scene, which has faced challenges in recent years. Promoters are promising to capture the brand’s essence by hosting the event in a “natural, enchanting setting,” perfectly matching Melbourne’s vibrant electronic music culture. While the full lineup won’t drop until early 2026, past CORE stages have hosted titans like Disclosure, Diplo, and Maceo Plex, so expect a world-class roster.
Why This Is Happening Now
This massive two-pronged expansion into the Asia-Pacific isn’t a random move. It’s the result of a carefully crafted global strategy. Having learned valuable lessons from past international ventures like TomorrowWorld in the US, the organizers are now deploying a smarter, more robust plan.
The Thailand deal represents their high-investment, government-backed model for establishing a major continental hub. Meanwhile, the CORE tour—which also includes stops in Los Angeles and Medellín—is an agile way to bring the brand’s essence to key markets worldwide, partnering with local experts like Framed and Pitch Control in Melbourne to ensure an authentic experience.
It all ties into a larger ambition. Tomorrowland’s CEO, Bruno Vanwelsenaers, has stated a goal of becoming “the next Disney“—a global entertainment icon that offers its unique experience “at any time, anywhere in the world“. With a full-scale festival in Asia and the CORE brand touching down in Australia, that vision is rapidly becoming a reality. The message is clear: Tomorrowland is going big, and the world of music will never be the same.
Sources:
- On the Thailand Expansion Deal: https://edmmaniac.com/tomorrowland-thailand-government-approvement-5-year-deal/
- On the Australian CORE Debut: https://www.theurbanlist.com/a-list/tomorrowland-is-coming-to-australia-in-2026-heres-what-we-know-so-far
- On Tomorrowland’s Global Strategy: https://www.edmtunes.com/2025/06/tomorrowland-ceo-want-expand-worldwide-next-disney/
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