What’s better than heading to Europe for summer? Heading to Europe for summer AND going to an epic music festival! That’s right. Experiencing the absolute thrill, momentum, rhythm, and madness of an European festival should be on everyone’s bucket list. Expect some of the best artists in the world, in almost every genre in the world – all to give you the best live music experience in the world. It’s no joke.
The best music festivals in Europe are ready and waiting to be discovered (and they all make an epic addition to any Europe trip). So, here’s a list of the 20 best music festivals in Europe to get your heart thumping!
1. Tomorrowland, Belgium
Dates: July 19-21 and July 26-28, 2024
Address: De Schorre, Boom, Belgium
Artists performing: Armin van Buuren, David Guetta, Hardwell, John Newman
Held in the aptly named Belgium town of Boom, Tomorrowland is one of the world’s biggest festivals, showcasing the best electronic dance music the world has on offer. It’s often a sell out, which is no surprise with it’s epic stage sets and line ups featuring big names like Steve Aoki, Tiësto, Bebe Rexha and Martin Garrix.
Tomorrowland usually runs over two weekends which means there’s even more options to experience the magic! The festival is easily accessible by train from London, Paris or Amsterdam, so any Contiki trip that finishes there is an easy link to the festival.
2. Reading and Leeds Festival, United Kingdom
Dates: August 23-25, 2024
Address: Richfield Avenue, Reading, UK
Artists performing: Blink 182, Liam Gallagher, Lana Del Rey, 21 Savage
The longest running festival still in existence, Reading and Leeds Festival is one of the most iconic music festivals in the world. This is where Nirvana played their first ever UK show, where the Arctic Monkeys announced themselves to the world with a bang in 2005, and where the Libertines famously reformed in 2010. With multiple stages for every musical quirk and curiosity, it’s worth a visit if you’re in London for the summer.
3. Ultra Europe, Croatia
Dates: July 12-14, 2024
Address: Park Mladeži, Split, Croatia
Artists performing: KSHMR, Afrojack, DJ Snake, Hardwell
A worthy successor of the original Ultra from Miami, Ultra Europe continues the dance fever outside of America showcasing the biggest DJs in the world. The 2024 line-up will see the likes of Hardwell and Martin Garrix taking to the stage in Split, the city known for Croatia’s best music festivals. July (when the festival is usually held) is a very popular month to sail and there are numerous boats and departures that will be able to line up with finishing or starting after Ultra Europe such as Croatia Island Sail.
4. Sziget Festival, Hungary
Dates: August 7-12, 2024
Address: Óbudai-sziget, Budapest, Hungary
Artists performing: Stormzy, Liam Gallagher, Louis Tomlinson, Raye, Sam Smith
Music, art, performances and forest vibes – that’s Sziget! This festival takes over Budapest’s Island of Freedom to bring you the best of the best music acts. “Sziget” (Island in Hungarian) actually is one of the largest music festivals in Europe on a leafy 108-hectare island in the middle of the Danube. And more than 1,000 performances take place each year! More than half its visitors come from outside of Hungary, so you best believe it’s HUGE! Oh, and if you wanna go see it with a new set of friends, check out Sziget road trip!
5. Hideout Festival, Croatia
Dates: June 2025
Address: Zrće Beach, Pag Island, Croatia
Artists performing: Coming soon
Hideout Festival takes place on the stunning Zrće Beach on Pag Island, Croatia. Known for its beach parties and boat parties, Hideout is a literal haven for electronic music lovers. The festival features top DJs such as Jamie Jones, CamelPhat, and Peggy Gou. Think: idyllic beaches combined with high-energy performances. It’s 4 sun soaked days and nights of intense music & dance, AKA unforgettable.
6. Lovebox Festival, United Kingdom
Dates: June 2025
Address: Gunnersbury Park, London, UK
Artists performing: Coming soon
Artists performing: Coming soon
Music, art, and culture come together at Lovebox almost every July. This festival showcases a mix of hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music, and is popular for being LGBTQIA+ friendly. You’ll find art installations, yummy and trendy food stalls and a LOT of interactive experiences by some of the best brands in the world. It’s a feast for your mind, body and soul.
7. Wireless Festival, United Kingdom
Dates: July 12-14, 2024
Address: Finsbury Park, London, UK
Artists performing: Nicki Minaj, Doja Cat, 21 Savage
If you’re into urban music, Wireless Festival in London is THE go-to festival for you. Usually taking place in July, it has featured leading artists in rap, grime, and hip-hop, with acts like Cardi B, Travis Scott, and Stormzy headlining. Expect an intense energetic atmosphere and top-tier performances. Plus, if you’re looking to find the up and coming artists in these genres, this music festival has got you.
8. Festival Internacional de Benicàssim, Spain
Dates: July 18-20, 2024
Address: Benicàssim, Castellón, Spain
Artists performing: Black Eyed Peas, Yungblud, The Vaccines, Jess Glyne
Festival Internacional de Benicàssim (or just FIB) features a diverse lineup of indie, rock, and electronic music. Beachfront locations, a unique blend of music, and plenty of seaside relaxation. What more do you need in life? No wonder it’s one of THE best festivals in Spain and in Europe.
9. Glastonbury, United Kingdom
Dates: June 2025
Address: Worthy Farm, Pilton, Somerset, UK
Artists performing: Coming soon
Ah, yes. The legendary Glastonbury Festival. It’s easily one of the most iconic music festivals in the world, usually taking place in late June. It has previously featured some of the biggest artists in the world including Elton John, Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa and so many more. Beyond the main stages, you’ll find countless other attractions like circus performances, epic food and unique stalls. Glastonbury’s a must-visit for festival enthusiasts.
10. Roskilde Festival, Denmark
Dates: June 28 – July 5, 2025
Address: Darupvej, Roskilde, Denmark
Artists performing: Coming soon
A non-profit music festival? This must be a first. Roskilde Festival in Denmark, is one of Europe’s largest and oldest music festivals. And of course, the music is phenomenal here. But more than that, this festival is known to support humanitarian and cultural work (especially to create new opportunities for children and young people). It truly goes beyond entertainment.
11. Primavera Sound, Spain
Dates: June 5-7th, 2025
Address: Parc del Fòrum, Barcelona, Spain
Artists performing: Coming soon
Barca’s Primavera Sound is easily one of the most popular music festivals in all of Europe. It’s a feast for indie and alternative music fans, typically featuring an interesting lineup of artists from many genres. Think: rock, pop, electronic and even hip-hop. Plus, all of this takes place in an urban beach setting. City and nature – you’ll get the best of both worlds here.
12. Exit Festival, Serbia
Dates: July 2025
Address: Petrovaradin Fortress, Novi Sad, Serbia
Artists performing: Coming soon
It’s not everyday you get to visit a music festival that takes place in a literal fortress. But the Exit Festival will do that for you. Set in the historic Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, this festival will give you a unique blend of music, culture, and history. It’s known for its amazing lineup and commitment to social causes too. It really ticks off all the boxes…
13. Electric Picnic, Ireland
Dates: August 30 – September 1, 2024
Address: Stradbally Hall, County Laois, Ireland
Artists performing: Calvin Harris, RAYE, Kodaline, Gerry Cinnamon
Don’t let the name fool you. It’s way more than just a picnic. This epic festival is a celebration of music, arts, and culture, taking place from late August to early September in Ireland. You’ll find top artists performing next to show-stopping art installations. And theatre performances paired with gourmet food. It’s all-in-one and a must-do if you’re a culture vulture.
14. Sunrise Festival, Poland
Dates: July 19-21, 2024
Address: Kołobrzeg, Poland
Artists performing: Armin van Buuren, KSHMR, ATB
Electronic dance music fans, unite! Poland’s Sunrise Festival will have you locking and popping like nothing else. It’s usually held in July, and almost always features some of the best DJs in the world. The stage design every year is worth a look too. But it gets better – all of this is on the beach! So, summer trip to Eastern Europe anyone?
15. Secret Solstice, Iceland
Dates: June, 2025
Address: Reykjavik, Iceland
Artists performing: Coming soon
Iceland’s not the first country that comes to mind when you think of the best music festivals in Europe. But think again. Secret Solstice, held in Reykjavik, offers a unique festival experience under the midnight sun. As you might expect, it’s renowned for its stunning natural setting and unique event locations – like geothermal pools and glaciers (IKR). Stunning.
16. Rock Werchter, Belgium
Dates: July 3rd – 6th 2025
Address: Werchter, Belgium
Artists performing: Coming soon
Rock festivals in Europe don’t get much better than Rock Werchter. The festival usually features top artists like Pearl Jam, The Killers, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. And it’s particularly famous for its high-quality production. Plus, there’s a huge focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility. If you happen to be in Belgium in July, be there.
17. Melt, Germany
Dates: Possibly June 2025
Address: Ferropolis, Gräfenhainichen, Germany
Artists performed: TBC
Ferropolis AKA the City of Iron hosts the Melt Festival in June every year. Imagine a unique industrial setting with tower cranes and machinery, combined with epic & innovative music. That’s what this is. It’s huge in the indie and electronic music scene and up there in the list of some of the most creative music festivals in Europe. Unfortunately, as rumour has it, the 2024 show might be the last run of this show.
18. Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland
Dates: June/July 2025
Address: Montreux, Switzerland
Artists performing: Coming soon
Imagine jazz, but in the stunning Swiss Alps. Yep. Montreux Jazz Festival is a world-famous event that goes beyond jazz. It’s usually held from late June to mid-July, and always features an eclectic lineup of jazz artists. You can enjoy the sweet tunes against an even sweeter backdrop of Lake Geneva. Wow. The perfect way to enjoy your time in Switzerland.
19. Way Out West, Sweden
Dates: August 8-10, 2024
Address: Slottsskogen, Gothenburg, Sweden
Artists performing: Slottsskogen, Queens of the Stone Age, PULP, PJ Harvey
No matter what genre of music you fancy, Sweden’s Way Out West, will pique your interest. It’s a multi-genre festival that attracts a diverse crowd. Best part? It’s known for its commitment to sustainability, and allowing only vegan food. There’s music, film, and art – all set in a beautiful urban park. It’s definitely one of the best music festivals in Europe.
20. Hellfest, France
Dates: June 19th-22nd 2025
Address: Clisson, France
Artists performing: Coming soon
Metal and rock fans, this one’s for you. Hellfest in France is a paradise for metal lovers, usually featuring legendary bands like Iron Maiden, KISS, and Slipknot. It’s known for its intense atmosphere and dedicated fanbase (and super loud music too, of course). It’s an immersive experience for heavy music enthusiasts with well-designed stages and strong community spirit.
What is the European version of Coachella?
Primavera Sound is Europe’s Coachella – but with more paella and fewer flower crowns!
What is the biggest music festival in Europe?
Glastonbury is said to be the biggest festival in Europe with over 200,000 guests, 2,000 acts and 100 stages. Massive is an understatement.
