We’ve got 20 of the best music festivals in Europe for you to indulge in here on this list! If you love festivals and want to travel around Europe to visit some of the best music festivals not only in Europe but in the world, you will want to add all of these to your bucket list.
From hip-hop and indie to EDM, techno, and reggaeton, these European music festivals have got you covered by the most well-known artists and amazing experiences worldwide. Europe has made a name for itself in the music festival world with some of the most unique festivals – taking place anywhere from fortresses to beautiful countryside – and the most massive festivals in the world.
You’ll find festivals in this list happening in countries like Spain, Hungary, Serbia, the Netherlands, and Finland, hosting European and international artists. But trust us, these festivals are epic no matter where they are, and they each have something different to offer that keeps people coming back and keeps them at the top of the list of the best festivals in Europe.
The Best Music Festivals in Europe
Europe has some of the best music festivals in the world. Many European festivals are camping festivals, so you will need to pack or plan for camping gear. Many require car camping or parking as well, so you must organize or rent transport. Here are some other festival resources to save for the journey:
- Festival Camping Checklist + Ultimate Packing List
- Best Festival Backpacks + Hydration Packs
- Top Festival Hacks and Tips
- Tips for going to a Music Festival Alone
Tomorrowland Music Festival (Belgium)
Where: Boom, Belgium
When: Two weekends in July
Tomorrowland is debatably the most well-known music festival in Europe and is certainly one the biggest, with over 400,000 people attending over two weekends in July. But don’t be put off by the number – The venue is MASSIVE and the crowd flow is very well-managed around a venue that is decorated to the nines to look like a true wonderland.
Tomorrowland has over FOURTEEN stages, from the massive, decked-out main state to a tiny rave cave you must search to find, and so many experiences in between it’s hard to name them all. This festival hosts every different kind of electronic music and makes sure every kind of music is accounted for with the biggest names in its genre!
Tomorrowland is truly an incredible European music festival – read my Tomorrowland Guide here for lots more info.
Mad Cool Festival (Spain)
Where: Madrid, Spain
When: Early/Mid July
The Mad Cool Festival is just as it’s called — Mad Cool! The festival takes place over three days every year in Spain and brings some of the globe’s most prominent artists from various genres, including rock, R&B, and indie. Past line-ups have included MGMT, The Artic Monkeys, and Green Day.
If you’re the type of festival-goer that loves a variety of music and popular names — but mainly rock, punk, and similar genres, this is the festival for you! Check out more of the best festivals in Spain too.
Sziget Festival (Hungary)
Where: Óbuda Island, Danube River, Budapest, Hungary
When: Second week of August
Sziget Festival is an incredible gathering in the center of Budapest each August with fun, activities, beaches, food, culture, sports, and more. The word Sziget means ‘island’ in Hungarian, and the festival taes place among many stages and areas on a big island in the middle of the Danube River.
Sziget gives out little passports that you can stamp if you make it around all the different activities on the island – like the cultural dance, the sporting arena, the beach, and even an ability park. This encourages exploration beyond just partying – but that party is fantastic too! Sziget hosts massive names across ALL genres, from Alesso, Jamie XX, and Dixon to Billie Eilish, Major Lazer, Lorde, Imagine Dragons, and more.
One of the only music festivals in Europe that truly takes place within a capital city center, Sziget is extremely accessible from Budapest – you can go in and out each day, or you can camp freely on the island known as the ‘island of freedom.’ Read the full guide to attending Sziget festival here.
Rosklide (Denmark)
Where: Roskilde, Denmark
When: Late June
This might be one of the longest-lasting festivals on this list! At eight days long, Roskilde is more than just an event to attend for the music. There’s camping, a sustainability lab, and volunteer opportunities. Artists like Eminem, The Cure, Nine Inch Nails, and Bruno Mars have taken the stage at this epic event, making it an event not to miss.
If you want more than just a few days of music, a community, and a festival that embraces the arts, add Rosklide to your list!
Boom Festival (Portugal)
Boom Festival is one of the largest ‘transformational’ festivals in the world, or a festival that focuses a lot of psytrance and workshops to elevate your consciousness rather than simply party. Boom Festival hosts one of the biggest psytrance stages in the world as well as techno, live music, house, glitch/bass, and so much more.
But the real pull of Boom is the incredible workshop spaces hosting sound healing, talks on many subjects, panels, workshops, breathwork, ecstatic dance, yoga, and even different kinds of therapies all on a massive lake in Portugal. It’s a very special festival! Read my guide to attending Boom Festival here or learn about more music festivals in Portugal.
Untold Festival (Romania)
Where: Cluj Arena, Cluj Napoca, Romania (Transylvania)
When: Early September
Untold Festival is honestly one of the best hidden gem music festivals in Europe. It flies under the radar but consistently brings in an INCREDIBLE lineup year after year in the electronic music umbrella. Cluj Napoca is a university city in Romania with an impeccable charm and lots to explore in the area, and this festival makes it truly come alive.
Taking place within a HUGE stadium and some surrounding arenas and spaces surrounding a park with a beautiful lake, Untold is basically the Tomorrowland of Romania. The production levels are top notch and the talent that comes to play here will rival (or beat) any of the other music festivals on this list. Past headliners have included the likes of David Guetta, Tale of Us, Monolink, Armin Van Buuren, Zhu, Charlotte de Witte, and more.
Glastonbury Festival (UK)
Where: Worthy Farm, Pilton Somerset
When: Last (or 2nd last) Weekend of June
Although some may not consider the UK part of Europe anymore (sigh), I had to include Glastonbury in this list of the best music festivals in Europe. Glastonbury is simply legendary and is known as the ‘largest greenfield music and performing arts festival in the world’, which has also been going since 1970. Let that one sink in!
‘Glasto’ as returning attendees lovingly call it, is a city in itself, becoming one of the most populous cities in the UK for the weekend it’s on. Glastonbury hosts all genres, from pop and rock to electronic and folk, but also has a massive performing arts sector with comedy, shows, dance, workshops, arts, and so much more.
Example headliners include Robert Plant, Pet Shop Boys, Bicep, Kylie Minogue, Wu Tang Clan, Tame Impala, and more massively famous artists.
Beonix Festival (Cyprus)
Where: Limmasol, Cyprus
When: Late September
Take a trip to 9 Planet, a world where you’re transported to three dance floors, all bumping electronic music with techno and house beats. Known as the largest electronic dance festival in Cyprus, the Beonix Festival is one of the best music festivals in Europe for electronic music lovers and was even voted one of the top 100 music festivals by DJ Mag.
This festival is only one day but offers one of the most impressive lineups in a stunningly beautiful place. What better reason to take a trip to Cyprus in September as the summer is cooling off, listen to some incredible music, then relax on the beach?
Balaton Sound (Hungary)
Where: Zamárdi, Hungary
When: Late June/Early July
Balaton Sound is the perfect music festival for all bass heads, ravers, and hip-hop lovers. The four-day festival along Laka Balaton has featured artists like DJ Snake, J Balvin, Future, and Marshmello in the past.
The festival offers multiple camping options, from pitching your own tent to wooden huts and lakeside camping! Another great thing about the festival is that although it’s not the capital, it’s accessible by public transportation if you don’t have a set of wheels.
Open’er (Poland)
Where: Gdynia, Poland
When: Late June/Early July
The four-day Open’er Festival in Poland has a star-studded line-up each year, having had artists like Lana Del Ray, J Balvin, Massive Attack, and Vampire Weekend take the stage in the past.
A unique aspect of the Open’er Festival is the Fashion Stage, where the catwalk features fashion by local brands and designers — plus you can shop them!
Electric Castle (Romania)
Where: Banffy Castle, Romania
When: Mid-July
Held on epic castle grounds in Transylvania, Romania, the five-day Electric Castle music festival boasts art installations and beautiful grounds. One thing you can expect at this European music festival is a line-up that includes a variety of music genres, from rap to reggae. Past line-ups have included Bring Me To The Horizon, Damien Marley, Limp Bizkit, and Florence + The Machine.
With over 300,000 attendees, it’s the perfect place to make friends and enjoy the community. The festival also offers multiple camping options for your comfort, including car camping, glamping, and the tent site.
Awakenings (Netherlands)
Where: Spaarnwoude Park, Netherlands
When: Late June/Early July
Calling all techno lovers to the three-day Awakenings Festival! This is one of the best music festivals in Europe for EDM lovers and people rave about returning. Past line-ups have included DJs like Adam Beyer, Amelie Lens, and Honey Dijon.
Focusing on sustainability and social change, the festival promotes correct recycling, features an all-vegetarian menu, and donates to a charity every year. The festival also offers a variety of camping and accommodation options, including bringing your own tent, glamping, and cottages. The Netherlands is known for fantastic music and festivals – read about more of the best Dutch festivals here.
Primavera Sound (Spain & Portugal)
Where: Parque del Forum, Barcelona, Spain / Madrid, Spain / Porto, Portugal
When: Late May/Early June (Barcelona) / Early June (Madrid) / Early/Mid June (Portugal)
Primavera Sound is one of the music festivals in Europe with the world’s most popular and hype artists. Expect lots of hip-hop, RnB, rap, pop, and reggaeton at this European music festival, and expect to dance until you can’t anymore. Past line-ups have included J Balvin, Kali Uchis, Tyler the Creator, and Princess Nokia.
With multiple locations, even outside of Europe such as Argentina and Brazil, it’s an excellent opportunity to see many of your favorite artists in one place!
Hideout (Croatia)
Where: Zrce Beach, Croatia
When: Late June
Hideout is the ultimate beach party along the shores of Zrce Beach, Croatia. The five-day festival includes epic boat parties, five stages, and pool parties. So if you’re a beach lover and festival-goer, this might be the European music festival for you!
Bringing in some of the biggest names in house and techno music festivals in Europe, Hideout was called “one of the most acclaimed electronic music festivals in Europe” by Mixmag. The festival also helps sort out accommodation in nearby Novalja and provides a shuttle to the festival grounds. Check out my full hideout festival review + guide here or check out more music festivals in Croatia.
Festival Internacional de Benicàssim (Spain)
Where: Benicàssim, Spain
When: Mid-July
The four-day Festival Internacional de Benicàssim is the perfect way to spend a weekend in Spain — camping, dancing, and seeing some of your favorite artists. It’s one of many European music festivals covering various genres, from indie and punk to rock and hip-hop. Artists like The Killers, Lana del Ray, Travis Scott, and Fatboy Slim graced past line-ups at this European festival.
The festival offers camping, glamping, and transport to the festival grounds so you can arrive easily.
NOS Alive (Portugal)
Where: Passeio Marítimo de Algés, Lisbon, Portugal
When: Mid-July
The NOS Alive festival is one of the best European music festivals to see the top global musicians from various genres. The festival offers tickets from one-day tickets to complete weekend passes. Past lineups have featured Stomzy, Weezer, MGMT, and Tom Misch.
As for accommodation, you must find it yourself in the city, or you can camp at a nearby site that has partnered up with the festival — the campsite also includes a shuttle to and from the festival!
Dekmantel (Netherlands)
Where: Amsterdamse Bos Park, Netherlands
When: Late July/Early August
If you’re a Boiler Room music fan, keep reading! The Dekmantel Festival is not to be missed by house, and techno lovers who want to share their love outside of the mainstream realm, and it even includes a Boiler Room stage.
Happening in Amsterdamse Bos Park, there are six stages to explore an array of creative sounds and dance your worries away. Past line-ups have included DJs such as Ben UFO, DJ Python, and Donato Dozzy.
Rock en Seine (France)
Where: Domaine National de Saint-Cloud, Paris, France
When: Late August
Known as one of the biggest summer festivals in France, Rock en Seine is held on the beautiful grounds of the Domaine National de Saint-Cloud, easily accessible via public transportation, whether bus, train, or tram.
The festival brings in some of music’s biggest names from various genres, including indie and rap, so come expecting to hear a variety. In the past, line-ups have featured Stefflon Don, Die Antwoord, Bonobo, and Thirty Seconds to Mars. Read about more of the best music festivals in France here.
MEO Kalorama (Portugal)
Where: Lisbon, Portugal
When: Late August/Early September
MEO Kalorama is a festival perfect for saying goodbye to summertime. So bring your best outfits, your singing voice, and your dance moves as this festival celebrates a variety of genres, from drum n bass to indie!
Past line-ups have included artists like Disclosure, Bonobo, The Artic Monkeys, and Bomba Estéreo, so you know you’re coming for a variety of genres that will keep you dancing!
Exit Music Festival (Serbia)
Where: Petrovaradin Fortress, Novi Sad, Serbia
When: Early/Mid-July
Exit Music Festival is for festival goers who love big-name artists that bring a bit more edge, energy, and intensity. Located in and around an ancient fortress, EXIT has one of the most unique venues out of all the best festivals in Europe.
Each year the lineups include a unique blend of artists across genres such as hip-hop, EDM, techno, and reggae. Past lineups have brought Ben Klock, Ziggy Marley, Honey Dijon, Solomun, and The Cure.
The festival also promotes social and global change, including addressing mental health, sustainability, and hunger, to name a few, so by supporting this festival, you support a movement beyond just the music. Lastly, tickets are budget-friendly, so if you have yet to visit Serbia and want to hit an epic festival, consider this one!
Rock Werchter (Belgium)
Where: Festivalpark, Werchter, Belgium
When: Late June/Early July
Known as Belgium’s largest music festival, Rock Werchter is a European music festival that happens over four days, with four stages. The primary genres to expect include alternative, indie, and punk, although other genres, such as Afrobeats and pop, do have their time to shine at this festival. Past line-ups have brought PINK, the Gorillaz, A Day to Remember, and Muse.
As for accommodation, get the whole experience by camping onsite and bring your own tent or glamp!
Flow Festival (Finland)
Where: Suvilahti, Helsinki, Finland
When: Early August
Undoubtedly, the festival grounds for Flow Festival in Helsinki are something else! Held in the former powerplant area Suvilahti, the grounds have many venues, including the main stage and seven other stages, to experience various sounds from electronic to classical — yes, classical! As for past line-ups, the festival has seen names such as Mura Masa, Patti Smith, and Kendrick Lamar.
As for getting to the festival, it’s easily accessible by public transportation, so there’s no need to worry about having a set of wheels!
Super Bock Super Rock (Portugal)
Where: May change, usually in Lisbon, but sometimes Sesimbra, Portugal
When: Mid/Late July
Running over 20 years now, the Super Bock Super Rock festival has brought artists like Lana del Ray, Migos, and Sevdaliza to Portugal. The musical festival brings a variety of genres, such as hip-hop, rock, and indie, to the stages for three days each year and provides free on-site camping for ticket holders.
In addition, this festival is more budget-friendly than others on this list, making it an excellent choice for those who want to see some famous artists but not splurge too much.
Sonár Festival (Spain)
Where: Barcelona, Spain
When: Mid-July
The Sonár music festival in Europe is more than just a festival. Over the three days, the festival boasts art installations, talks, and creative meetings to promote art, science, and technology — how cool is that?! With five stages and other locations for activities, expect to be entertained for the whole three days!
Past lineups have featured artists like Bad Bunny, Gorillaz, Bad Gyal, and Skepta, meaning the festival brings a variety of genres to keep every festival-goer happy!
Cala Mijas (Spain)
Where: Cala Mijas, Spain
When: Late August/Early September
The Cala Mijas Festival is one of the best European music festivals to see all your favorite artists from various genres. Held over four days and with four stages, rock, indie, pop, and electronic music are there to please your ears! Past line-ups have featured Nathy Peluso, The Arctic Monkeys, and James Blake.
The festival offers a free shuttle from the La Cala de Mijas bus stop, and while you can stay at a local hotel, yet camping and glamping are available, so you don’t have to miss a second of the festival!
