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The United Kingdom has the highest number of music festivals, but there are plenty to choose from throughout Europe, representing a wide range of genres. Here are our top recommendations, including “cave raves” in Malta and indie music under the midnight sun in Norway.
Primavera Sound
What does it involve? An extensive, diverse festival featuring a modern lineup that runs throughout the night. Exit the event at sunrise, rest at an Airbnb, recharge at the nearby clothing-optional beach, and repeat. That’s our intended itinerary.
Where can I find it? Barcelona, Spain.
When is the event taking place? May 29th to June 2nd (there is also a version in Porto, Portugal from June 6th to 8th).
Which artists are performing? Some include Pulp, Lana Del Rey, the Last Dinner Party, Vampire Weekend, SZA and numerous others.
What is the general consensus? “Great lineup and welcoming environment.”
Earth Garden
What is this event? It is a non-conventional (also known as hippy) festival featuring a marketplace, a children’s park, a dog park, a relaxing area, and all the typical festival activities.
Where can it be found? The Ta’ Qali National Park in Malta.
What is the date? June 6th-9th.
Who is performing? The lineup includes Dub FX, Infected Mushroom, Kula Shaker, and a DJ set by Groove Armada.
What is the general consensus on this event? “This festival is well-known for its exceptional lineups, lively dance floors, welcoming atmosphere, embraces, enjoyment, and sunny weather.”
Meadows in the Mountains
What is the location? It offers psychedelic energy, a mountainous landscape, and only 3,000 attendees, with breathtaking sunrises as a bonus.
Where can it be found? The village of Polkovnik Serafimovo, located in the picturesque Rhodope Mountains of Bulgaria, is situated near the border with Greece.
When is the event? June 6th to 10th.
Can you tell me who will be performing? The lineup includes Anatolian Weapons, Walrus, Nathalia Nyn, and Bruno Schmidt.
What is the general opinion of it? “Despite its cringeworthy nature, Meadows in the Mountains is more than just a festival; it’s a complete sensory experience.”
Best Kept Secret
What is this? A large event with multiple stages and a variety of genres taking place on a lake.
Where can it be found? The Safaripark Beekse Bergen in Hilvarenbeek, the Netherlands.
What date is it? June 7th-9th.
Who is performing? Jockstrap, Disclosure, PJ Harvey, and Paolo Nutini.
What are people’s thoughts on it? “This event is essentially a smaller version of Primavera, with the standout feature being the impressive lineup. The location and overall vibe are fantastic.”
Sónar
What is the event? It is a festival that features dance and electronic music, divided into four segments: “by day”, “by night”, and a technology/panel discussion component for discussing topics like bitcoin and AI.
Where can it be found? Barcelona, Spain.
What date is it? June 13-15.
Who is performing? Air will be playing Moon Safari, along with Vince Staples, Floating Points, and Jessie Ware.
What is the general opinion on this? “Is there a more intense festival out there?”
Roskilde
What is the event? Initially a peaceful idea of two Danish students in 1971, Roskilde has evolved into a significant festival in Europe. And in addition to the musical performances, there is an annual tradition of a nude run on the last day of the festival.
Where can it be found? It is located in Roskilde, Denmark.
What is the date? June 29th to July 6th. The event lasts for one week, with Danish bands performing first before international acts take the stage on the weekend.
Which artists will be performing? Around 180 acts will be announced, including Skrillex, Foo Fighters, Doja Cat, Romy, and others.
Can you tell me others’ opinions on it? “The festival’s lineup is unbeatable and, in my view, is often underestimated in the popular festival scene. Additionally, Roskilde is impressively organized and clean – even the unhealthy food seems healthy.”
Open’er
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What is this event? A highly-anticipated festival that consistently attracts top performers.
Where can it be found? Gdynia is located on the northern coast of Poland.
What is the date? July 3-6.
Who is performing? The lineup includes Foo Fighters, Dua Lipa, Doja Cat, Ice Spice, and Michael Kiwanuka.
What is the general opinion on it? “This tranquil and scenic corner of Europe has a surprisingly busy and compact airstrip.”
Rock Werchter
What is the name of this event? It is a festival that has been held since 1976.
Where can it be found? Werchter, located in Belgium.
When does it take place? July 4th to 7th.
Who is performing? Idles, Dua Lipa, Avril Lavigne, and Lenny Kravitz.
What is the general consensus regarding this? “Successfully maintains a delicate equilibrium between well-known and highly sought after performers, and up-and-coming talent poised to take their place.”
Mad Cool
What is this event? It is a traditional festival that covers various genres (but has a poorly chosen name) and boasts about its impressive list of performers.
Where can it be found? Madrid, Spain.
What is the date? July 10-13.
Which artists are performing? The Killers, Måneskin, Dua Lipa (again), and Pearl Jam.
What is the general opinion? “An almost flawless journey for music enthusiasts throughout Europe.”
Exit
What is this event? It is a festival held in a fortress for over two decades, featuring primarily intense sounds. The theme for this year is “uniting our superpowers” through energetic and loud music performances.
Where can it be found? The city of Petrovaradin, known for its historical significance, is located in Serbia.
What is the date? July 10-14.
Which artists will be performing? The lineup includes Black Eyed Peas, Gucci Mane, Tom Morello, and additional artists to be revealed.
What is the general opinion on it? “A popular destination for drum and bass and techno music in the Balkans.”
Love International
What is this event? It is a seven-day festival featuring dance music, held at a beach resort with beach parties, boat parties, all-night raves, and “sunrise sessions.”
Where can it be found? Tisno, Croatia.
When will it take place? July 10-16.
Who is performing? The lineup includes Artwork, Charlie Bones, Josh Caffé, OK Williams, Zen Arcade, and numerous other DJs.
What is the general opinion on this? “The passing days blend together into a never-ending cycle of afternoons and evenings.”
Melt
What is this? A massive rave event in Germany.
Where can it be found? Similar to the entire festival, it takes place at Ferropolis, allowing you to admire the powerful industrial machinery while grooving to the energetic industrial rhythms.
When will it take place? July 11-13.
Who is performing? The lineup consists of 150 artists such as Skepta, Sugababes, Freddy K, Honey Dijon, and Art School Girlfriend.
What are people saying about it? “The website is simply amazing, with a combination of beauty and harshness found in an abandoned quarry located an hour south of Berlin. There are certain moments from the entire weekend that I will always cherish.”
Nos Alive
What is the event? It is a relatively small festival that features a stage for fado music and another for up-and-coming Portuguese bands, as well as performances by popular international artists.
Where can it be found? Passeio Marítimo de Algés, located near the Tagus River in Lisbon, Portugal – allowing you to rest in an Airbnb instead of camping.
What day is it? July 11-13.
Which musicians are performing? The lineup includes Arcade Fire, Floating Points, Pearl Jam (whose hit single Alive inspired the festival’s name), and the highly in-demand Dua Lipa.
What is the general opinion on this? “Nos Alive has a remarkable ability to fit a large amount of local and international talent into small venues, surpassing all others.”
Colours of Ostrava
What is this? The largest music festival in the Czech Republic.
Where can it be found? The location is a former coal and ironworks site in Ostrava. Visitors are able to climb the watchtowers.
When will it take place? July 17th to 20th.
Who is performing? Lenny Kravitz, James Blake, Gogol Bordello, Mitsune.
What is the general consensus on the event? “The lines for drinks were efficient, the staff was extremely accommodating, safety measures were top-notch, and there were no instances of excessive anger or drunkenness. As someone who has attended British festivals, I was pleasantly surprised!”
Fib Benicassim
Can you provide more information about the event? The Festival Internacional Benicàssim, also known as FIB, is a popular rock festival that has been held annually since the 1990s. Along with the main event, there is also a campsite and a backstage area that includes a swimming pool.
Where exactly is it located? It is situated in the seaside town of Benicàssim. You can reach it by flying to Valencia airport, but it will require a long drive afterwards.
What is the date? July 18-20.
Who is performing? The lineup includes The Libertines, Royal Blood, Yungblud, Miles Kane…you can imagine the rest.
What are people’s thoughts on it? “I went with a group of 10 people, all 18 years old, and we had a great time! However, the campsite was very dusty and we couldn’t secure our tent with pegs because the ground was concrete.”
Bukta
What is this event? It is a laid-back festival held in a beautiful location, featuring performances by local musicians and unconventional stars.
Where can it be found? Trømsøya Island is located at the northern tip of Norway, approximately 1,367 miles away from the North Pole. This means you can experience the midnight sun and should remember to bring warm clothing.
What day is it? July 19-20.
Who is performing? The lineup includes The War on Drugs, the Sha-La-Lee’s, Kvelertak, and Heave Blood & Die.
What are people saying about this? “A celebration held in the city where the world’s northernmost brewery is located will definitely not offer Heineken.”
Parookaville
What exactly is this event? It is a massive dance music festival with intricate design.
Where can it be found? The airport in Weeze, Germany, is located close to the Netherlands border.
What date is it? July 19-21.
Which artists will be performing? Armin van Buuren, Martin Solveig, Angerfist, Timmy Trumpet, and others will also be making appearances.
What is the general consensus on Parookaville? “Parookaville boasts various themed stages, including Bill’s Factory, a massive industrial stage featuring smoke stacks that also serve as a pyrotechnic show. Another unique stage is the Brainwash – a local laundromat in Parookaville that produces suds for your clothes while DJs perform on a booth made of washing machines.”
Whole
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What is this event? It is a unique electronic music festival that unites various clubbing groups. It is so unconventional that it even has its own designated areas for douching and cruising.
Where can it be found? Ferropolis is located in Gräfenhainichen, Germany and was formerly a coal mining site that has now been transformed into an open-air museum showcasing industrial machinery.
When is the event taking place? August 2nd to 5th.
Who will be performing? The artists include The Blessed Madonna, Juliana Huxtable, Roi Perez, and a DJ who goes by the name DJ Fuckoff.
What is the general consensus? “The community workshops provide lessons on ‘genital renaming’ and ‘hormone-induced highs’. A designated Flinta (comprising of female, lesbian, intersex, trans, and agender individuals) area is available for ‘comfortable, sensual, consensual, and playful interaction’.”
Punk Rock Holiday
What is this event? It is a weekend for headbangers, featuring bands, skateboarding, a beach, and stages with no barriers to make stagediving easier.
Where can it be found? The Sotočje peninsula is located in Tolmin, Slovenia.
What date is it? August 6th to 9th.
Who is performing? The lineup includes Alkaline Trio, Flogging Molly, Death by Stereo, and Charlie Bit My Finger.
What is the general opinion? “All the rumors are accurate. The views are stunning, there is plenty of sunshine and beautiful beaches. The punk rock scene is intense, with high-energy hardcore and wild stage diving.”
Sziget festival
Can you tell me about it? The Luminarium is a large and lively festival featuring bands, carnival rides, and a very psychedelic atmosphere.
Where can it be found? It is located on an island in the Danube River in Budapest.
When is the event? It takes place for almost a full week, from August 7th to 12th.
Who is performing? The lineup includes Four Tet, Louis Tomlinson, Stormzy, Yard Act, and the appropriately named Fred Again.
What is the general opinion about it? “Sziget is the most culturally diverse festival I have attended. You never know where someone you speak to may be from, unless they are visibly displaying a large flag as a cape.”
Way Out West
What is this event? A large, impactful festival that prioritizes sustainability – it stirred up controversy in 2012 by becoming completely vegetarian.
Where can it be found? It is located in a spacious park in Gothenburg, Sweden. Once the main location closes at night, the celebration shifts to different venues throughout the town.
What date is it? August 8th-10th.
Which artists will be performing? Sampha, Big Thief, Queens of the Stone Age, J Hus, and others yet to be announced.
What is the general consensus on the event? “Despite its intimate atmosphere, Way Out West effectively implements a variety of progressive approaches and ideologies, solidifying their position as a leading example of how festivals and the music industry as a whole can thrive and positively impact a sustainable, environmentally-conscious world.”
Untold
What is this event? A massive electronic music festival that attracted over 100,000 partygoers each night in the previous year.
Where can it be found? Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
What is the date? August 8-11.
Can you tell me who will be performing? Sam Smith and Swedish House Mafia have been revealed, but the rest are being kept secret.
What is the general consensus? “The atmosphere throughout the weekend is welcoming, warm, and fully engaged.”
Flow
Can you tell me more about it? This is a unique festival that features a diverse range of performances, discussions, and movie showings.
Where can it be found? Helsinki, Finland.
When does it take place? August 9th-11th.
Who is performing? The lineup includes Raye, Idles, Blonde Redhead, PJ Harvey, Pulp, and Knife Girl.
How do others describe it? “Flow is the hidden gem among European festivals, relying on its impressive lineup and distinct, avant-garde charm to speak for itself. If there is a festival that represents the future, it is Flow.”
Glitch
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What is this event? A festival featuring electronic dance music and offering “cave raves”, boat parties, pool parties, and other exciting rave activities.
Where can it be found? Malta.
What is the date? August 13-16.
Which artists are performing? FKA.M4A, Brutalismus 3000, Ben Klock, Ki/Ki, horsegiirL, and others.
What is the general sentiment regarding this? “In my opinion, the crucial factor in fully enjoying the experience is organizing transportation for afterwards. Otherwise, it can be extremely detrimental and ruin the entire weekend.”
Paredes de Coura
Can you describe it? It’s a music festival in Portugal that has a focus on indie rock and has been around since 1993. It offers a peaceful, scenic atmosphere by the river where you can relax in a hammock after enjoying the energetic moshing.
Where can it be found? It is located at Praia do Taboão in Paredes de Coura, Portugal.
When will it be? August 14-17.
Who is performing? The lineup includes Fontaines DC, the Jesus and Mary Chain, Cat Power, and Sleater-Kinney.
What is the general consensus? “There were hardly any lines (except for food during busy times), the grass remained green for the majority of the festival, as it should, and the shows didn’t feel overly crowded.”
Pukkelpop
What is the event? It is a large three-day festival with numerous bands and approximately 180,000 attendees.
Where can it be found? Hasselt, a Belgian city that is likely unaware of its current situation.
What date is it on? August 15th to 18th.
Who is performing? Fred Again, Stormzy, Sam Smith, Skrillex, and the Smile.
What is the general consensus on this? “People of all ages enjoy the great atmosphere, sound, and variety of music at this event with no lines and pleasant weather.”
Electric Picnic
What is this event? A festival that celebrates music and arts, featuring theater, comedy and other cultural experiences in addition to live bands – essentially, the Irish version of Glastonbury. Tickets are currently unavailable.
Where can it be found? Stradbally Hall located in Stradbally, County Laois, Ireland.
When will it take place? August 16-18.
Who will be performing? The lineup is still to be announced. Last year featured artists such as Billie Eilish, the Killers, and Wet Leg.
What is the general consensus on it? “The overall vibe and excitement at this year’s festival was truly incredible.”
Rototom Sunsplash
What is this event? It is a reggae festival featuring six stages, a Rastafari tent, and an interestingly named Reggae University.
Where can it be found? After relocating multiple times, it has now established its home in the seaside town of Benicàssim, Spain.
What is the date? August 16-21.
Who will be performing? It has not been announced yet. In previous years, artists such as Burning Spear, Capleton, and UB40 have performed on stage.
What are others’ opinions on it? “The sense of liberty and affection experienced in Rototom Village (the campsite) is extraordinary. I don’t just make acquaintances at Rototom, I make a family. Even if you’re not a fan of reggae music, there are endless activities to enjoy, it’s truly incredible.”
Rock en Seine
What is this event? It is a traditional alternative rock festival that has been around for 20 years, although there were concerns about overcrowding last year.
Where can it be found? The Parc de Saint-Cloud is located west of Paris.
What is the date? August 21-25.
Which artists will be performing? LCD Soundsystem, Massive Attack, Baxter Dury, the Kills, the Last Dinner Party, and Fred Again as expected.
What is the general opinion? “Rock en Seine takes pride in the wide range of nationalities represented by the artists, as well as the diversity of music genres.”
Reykjavík jazz festival
What is this event? It is a highly regarded festival that showcases jazz in all of its variations.
Where can it be found? Reykjavík, the main city of Iceland, where you can experience jazz with a view of volcanoes.
What date is it? August 28-31.
Who will be performing? The official lineup has not been announced yet, but last year’s performers included the Nordic Quintet, Daníel Helgason, and Cathrine Legardh.
What are people’s thoughts on it? “A wide variety of musical styles, from popular to chaotic.”
Meo Kalorama
What is it? A very recently established festival whose two previous iterations have received rave reviews. The lineup is strong and while it’s smaller than many of its competitors, it’s also a lot cheaper (145 euros for three days).
Where can it be found? The Bella Vista park is located in Lisbon, Portugal.
What is the date? August 29-31, marking the end of summer.
Who will be performing? The popular artists this summer include LCD Soundsystem, Sam Smith, Peggy Gou, Yard Act, and the Smile.
What is the general consensus? “As the weekend comes to a close, the other individuals in the crowd become recognizable and all participants experience a powerful feeling of unity and connectedness – a sentiment that is becoming more rare as festivals become more commercialized and overcrowded.”
Mysteryland
What event is this? It is the largest dance festival in the Netherlands, founded in 1993, and attended by approximately 100,000 ravers.
Where can it be found? Haarlemmermeerse Bos, a large park in Haarlemmermeer that has a hill and offers a rare vantage point in the Netherlands.
When is the event taking place? August 30th to September 1st.
Who will be performing? Around 300 artists who have not yet been revealed, spread across 22 stages, all adorned with vibrant psychedelic designs.
What is the general consensus? “It’s not just a regular music festival, it’s a full immersive artistic experience.”
ION
What is this event? It is a large and established Balkan party featuring innovative DJs.
Where can it be located? Dhërmi, situated along the stunning coast of Albania.
What is the date? September 4-11. Summer is not ending yet! Take your time, this is a week-long event.
Who are the performers? Batu, Bobby Scallop, Mother of Mankind, Yung Singh, and once again, DJ Fuckoff.
What are people saying about it? “Visitors are encouraged to join hour-long yoga classes with a view of the beach, or the lesser-known ‘cacao experience’ where participants can taste raw cacao, known for its natural energizing effects.”
Iceland Airwaves
What is this event? It is a festival that offers multiple genres for those who wish to maintain the festive atmosphere through the winter season.
Where can it be found? Multiple locations in the downtown area of Reykjavík.
What date is it? November 7th-9th. Brr!
Which artists are performing? Some of the confirmed names are Shygirl, Bar Italia, Joy (Anonymous), and Klemens Hannigan.
What is the general consensus regarding it? “Iceland Airwaves is successful in incorporating Reykjavík’s culture and heritage, and further enhancing it by featuring some of the most innovative new artists from around the world.”
Le Guess Who?
What is this event? It is considered to be the most remarkable experimental music festival since the peak of All Tomorrow’s Parties. It is organized by various guest musicians and includes unexpected guest performances.
Where can it be found? Different locations in Utrecht.
What is the date? November 7-10.
Who will be performing? The lineup and curators have not been announced yet.
What is the general opinion of it? “Le Guess Who? stands out from other festivals by showcasing artists who have intentionally remained under the radar, have a strong following in their home country without much international recognition, or are on the cusp of breaking out.”
Source: theguardian.com
