15 Greatest Music Festivals in Europe You NEED to GO To

From summer time seaside events in Croatia to epic raves in Serbia, there’s a variety of alternative in terms of European music festivals. So many actually, it could nearly be too overwhelming to determine. So I’ve picked one of the best music festivals in Europe for you proper right here…

Are you aware what number of music festivals in Europe there are?

Me neither.

I attempted to Google it and the numbers ranged from 170 to 600. Both manner, there’s hundreds and given we’re only a hop, skip and a bounce away from our European neighbours I’d say we’re fairly fortunate to have the ability to simply entry them. However that signifies that every year requires some critical choice making: would you like go to Belgium for Tomorrowland or Barcelona for Sonar?

Powerful alternative.

To make it a tad simpler for you, that is my tackle 15 of the highest music festivals in Europe that can assist you whittle it down. Whereas it includes totally different sorts of music genres, all of the festivals promise an epic get together. Some are in additional in style vacationer hotspots, which could make travelling there a bit of simpler. Others are in much less frequented European cities. Both manner, all these European music festivals are in nice areas in the event you determine to increase your journey right into a full vacation.

1. Untold Pageant Pageant, Romania

If dance music is your jam and EDM feeds your soul then get your self to Untold Pageant. This one is situated in Cluj-Napoca, not too removed from Transylvania in Romania – see, it already sounds cool. Going down over 4 days in the beginning of August, it’s the nation’s greatest digital music competition and though it’s nonetheless pretty new, the fest is already cleansing up in terms of awards.

It has 9 totally different levels internet hosting dubstep, home and trance in addition to these lesser recognized genres of melodic techno, psy and euphoric hardstyle. There’s additionally gentle installations and big firework shows which actually lend to the general dancing-outside-under-the-stars-magic.

Day tickets begin from round €110. It is a completely totally different type of 24 hour-ticket to what you see typically, the place your day ticket grants you entry from 4pm til 5am.

2. Tremendous Bock Tremendous Rock Pageant, Portugal

Cementing its spot as the most effective music festivals in Europe, is Tremendous Bock Tremendous Rock Pageant. Its Portuguese location in Praia do Meco simply south of Lisbon makes it fairly simple to get to in the event you’re travelling from the UK. With its sandy bay, dunes and cliffside levels, it’s the best spot to merge a competition with a metropolis break.

Then there’s the stellar line up of each native and worldwide rock and steel acts it’s been offering since 1994. Nevertheless, I truly suppose the lineup extends outdoors these genres barely, however in a manner that pulls in large headliners you’ll possible of heard of. For instance, acts have included everybody from Bowie to The 1975, Ben Harper, A$AP Rocky, Franz Ferdinand and Wu-Tang Clan.

Tickets price €60 for a day cross and upwards of €110 for the entire weekend, which appears fairly affordable.

3. Roskilde Pageant, Denmark

Small however mighty, this city west of Copenhagen has been holding down the fort in terms of internet hosting the biggest competition of tradition and music in northern Europe. Launched by two highschool buds again in 1971, Roskilde has since advanced from its hippie origins to a extra mainstream occasion. It’s one of many finest festivals in June.

Anticipate over 180 acts like Cardi B, Travis Scott and Vampire Weekend. There’s additionally often shocking acts that make it one of many extra distinctive music festivals in Europe, resembling performances by classical musicians and opera singers or of movie soundtracks.

It really works onerous to maintain the unique group spirit robust although by solely partnering with organisations that assist equality and even donates income to charity.

4. Hideout Pageant, Croatia

One other one for the digital music followers, Hideout ticks main location bins. Located in Croatia’s Zrce Seaside on the Adriatic Sea you’ve acquired sunshine, sea and levels packing in over 150 musical acts. The 4 main seaside golf equipment are taken over, the boats are commandeered and the beachside transforms into a celebration utopia for 5 days in the beginning of July.

Tickets begin at £139 and in the event you’re not a fan of the entire tent scenario then one other thumbs up as a result of it’s all about staying in flats. Plus, in the event you can afford to go VIP, you’ll get a lot of advantages like separate bogs, queue leaping and rather more.

This one is certainly the most effective music festivals in Europe, in addition to the most effective festivals in Croatia. Should you like the concept of partying on an island to bounce music (who doesn’t?), this can be a good European music competition to place in your checklist of July festivals to do.

5. Sziget Pageant, Hungary

One of many greatest music festivals in Europe, Sziget hosts over 1000 performances and between 450,000-500,000 festivalgoers. Sure, it’s large. However there’s additionally a lot to do at Sziget Pageant that it’s simply an general enjoyable and fulfilling expertise. It’s additionally the greatest competition in Budapest, by far.

The competition has achieved the celebrated title of Greatest Main European Pageant not as soon as, however twice, successful the European Festivals Awards in 2011 and 2014. It’s most definitely as a result of its diversified performances from the largest acts round, or it’s nice location on an island surrounded by the Danube River.

Though it’s marketed as rock competition, prior to now it’s had totally different tents and levels for various musical genres, resembling a jazz tent, a blues stage and a world music stage. However the principle stage is the place it’s at if you wish to see performers like Fatboy Slim, The Offspring, Lewis Capaldi, Justin Bieber, Dua Lipa, Kings of Leon, Ed Sheeran…the checklist goes on.

If you wish to know what it’s prefer to go, ensure you try my evaluate of Sziget for all of the highlights. I’ve additionally written about the place to remain for Sziget, one of the best issues to do at Sziget and some ideas to your first time at Sziget too.

6. Solar and Bass Pageant, Italy

Come the top of August when your European competition calendar is dwindling, hold the competition spirit alive by holding out for Sardinia’s Solar and Bass fest in September.

Within the city of San Teodoro places on every week of drum ’n’ bass acts throughout quite a few golf equipment, bars and seashores in addition to sneaking in a secret location. Initially a small seaside get together, it’s since grow to be recognized among the many finest music festivals in Europe and is thought for its household vibes and wonderful Italian meals.

7. EXIT Pageant, Serbia

Based in 2000 as a pupil motion striving for peace and democracy within the Balkans, EXIT Pageant has since advanced into the most effective music festivals in Europe, attracting music lovers and artists from all around the world. EXIT Pageant is one other large crowdpleaser that will get the large names. Artists resembling Calvin Harris, Lauryn Hill, Snoop Canine, Arctic Monkeys, The Chemical Brothers and so many extra have been headliners prior to now.

The competition takes place within the Petrovaradin Fortress, which is certainly one of many quirks of EXIT. It’s type of like going to a rave on a historic, architectural landmark however you’re not breaking any guidelines in doing so. The fortress truly acts because the artwork centre of town of Novi Unhappy, so it is sensible to carry one of the vital distinguished occasions in music right here.

What units EXIT Pageant aside is its deep-rooted dedication to social and political causes. Past the music, the competition maintains its preliminary mission of selling peace and unity within the area. It actively engages in varied social and environmental initiatives, advocating for optimistic change and utilizing music as a strong instrument for bringing individuals collectively.

However again to music – it’s an award successful competition, securing the Greatest Abroad Pageant on the UK Pageant Awards in 2007 and Greatest Main Pageant on the European Festivals Awards in each 2013 and 2017. It’s nicely price visiting, and in the event you do – listed here are a few of my ideas for going to EXIT Pageant!

8. Meadows within the Mountains Pageant, Bulgaria

Nice title, nice setting. Situated in Bulgaria’s Rhodope Mountain, it might be a trek to get to Meadows within the Mountains but it surely’s price it to cross off this high European music competition.

All about utilizing the ability of music to carry individuals collectively, the hedonistic fest additionally affords yoga lessons, meals vans and dancing in a trance treehouse. Then there’s the respectable tunes from the likes of Membership Nature, Photo voltaic and The Fish. As soon as the day’s wrapped up, reasonably than retreating again to a tragic sleeping bag, competition go-ers can crash in teepees, treehouses and even with locals within the city under.

9. Bilbao BBK Pageant, Spain

From rock and pop to digital and indie, Bilbao BBK Stay brings a spread of artists to the slopes of Mount Cobetas yearly. Take a look at my evaluate of Bilbao BBK, see to see why I like to recommend it as the most effective festivals in Europe to expertise.

It’s one other well-recognised competition to make this checklist of one of the best music festivals in Europe, the place it was nominated a number of instances for Greatest International Pageant and Greatest Medium-Sized European Pageant. Over time, the competition has had some spectacular names play there. Should you just like the sound of Weapons’n’Roses, Radiohead, The Remedy, Liam Gallagher and The Strokes, you’ll in all probability benefit from the subsequent lineups at Bilbao BBK within the years to come back.

Many festival-goers additionally declare Bilbao BBK Stay is without doubt one of the finest music festivals in Europe in terms of cleanliness too. It often has immaculate bogs – which is saying one thing, and showers! You can too get nice meals there too. It’s good to see a competition the place good meals and hygiene go hand-in-hand as they need to.

10. Dour Pageant, Belgium

Also called the ‘Pageant of Many Phases’, Dour Pageant has a variety of totally different performances from numerous music genres – therefore needing a lot of levels. It began off with solely 5 bands, however grew to become so in style it grew to welcome greater than 280 acts throughout a number of days.

Dour Pageant has acquired an intimate really feel, despite the fact that there’s truly large crowds there. Plus it’s tremendous pleasant, the place you’ll be able to simply begin speaking to individuals simply. I like this a couple of competition, because it’s all about celebrating music all of us love collectively. You’ll find out extra about what Dour Pageant’s like in my evaluate.

11. MS Dockville Pageant, Germany

A hipster competition with an eclectic lineup might be one of the simplest ways to sum up this Hamburg competition. It’s simply acquired a very cool vibe, which might be helped by the entire industrial setting in Wilhelmsberg, mixture of pop-up artwork installations and totally different areas to hang around, and common arty metropolis environment.

The music is principally digital, pop and indie bands, the place it’s a spread of rising acts (which might be additionally actually cool) and fairly massive ones, just like the Klaxons, Portugal. The Man, and even Billie Eilish. It’s truly a pleasant likelihood to see native acts that you already know are going to be massive, however haven’t fairly achieved worldwide fame but.

On high of this being one of many coolest European music festivals, it’s one in the event you favor each smaller levels and nice meals! I rave about their cheeseburger in my Final Information to MS Dockville Pageant!

12. Pukkelpop Pageant, Belgium

Going down in Belgium’s Hasselt, Pukkelpop is without doubt one of the finest and largest festivals within the European nation. It fees €99 for a day cross and €205 for the complete weekender ticket, however that features your practice trip from Brussels — bonus. The competition website contains a big tenting space, a wide range of food and drinks choices, and even a ‘Chill Island’ space the place attendees can calm down.

Pukkelpop often occurs mid August – the most effective August festivals round. Numerous massive acts from the charts hit the levels, resembling Anne Marie, Twenty One Pilots and Billy Eilish. There’s additionally a cool pop-up report store, secret periods and an space devoted to artwork.

Should you’re the kind of person who will get misplaced at festivals, then Pukkelpop even have a helpful app with an interactive map inbuilt. Should you’re the kind of person who arrives early raring to go, then you’ll be able to benefit from the Boiler Occasion, which takes place at night time on the eve of the competition.

13. Extremely Europe Pageant, Croatia

Over three days in July, Extremely Europe rocks the Croatian metropolis of Break up with dance music. Tickets begin at €199 for a 3 day ticket and former line ups have included Alessi, AfroJack and Hardwell. The principle get together is hosted in Mladeži Park, however festival-goers may go to the aspect occasions in Hvar, Brač and different cool areas.

Staying robust since 1999, the final Extremely drew in a report variety of 160,000 attendees, or ‘ultranauts’ as they’re referred to as. It’s one of the vital idyllic festivals, set in a coastal metropolis and island, filled with seaside events and boat events.

14. Mad Cool Pageant, Spain

The title in itself qualifies this one for the checklist. A beginner to the Europe competition scene, Mad Cool takes place in Madrid and is just in its fourth yr however has massive crowds and even larger acts.

One for the rockers, indie youngsters and electro lovers, you’ll be able to count on the likes of Bon Iver, Empire of the Solar and Eric Prydz. Going down over three days in the course of July, it doesn’t kick off till a bit of later within the day supplying you with loads of time to discover the Spanish capital.

15. Earth Backyard Pageant, Malta

The actual fact this one takes place in Malta immediately bumps it up within the coolness stakes. Add to {that a} sprint of the environmentally aware, a celebration of range and its all-out group spirit and Earth Backyard is a straightforward promote.

It takes place in Ta’ Qali Nationwide Park for 4 days in the beginning of June and has 5 totally different musical areas devoted to delivering totally different genres of music; every thing from reggae to trance, electro to hip hop. Then there’s the Therapeutic Fields, Ethnic Market and Music Playground, all different areas the place you are able to do actions like facial yoga, sound area therapeutic, breathwork.

Greatest European music festivals

This checklist of one of the best music festivals in Europe are solely a number of the nice festivals you’ll be able to go to throughout the continent. It’s such an fascinating place to be, the place you expertise so many alternative cultures, musical tastes, traditions and so forth. as you go from nation to nation, and even metropolis to metropolis. That is little question why the European music competition scene must be the most effective on the earth.

Many of those festivals have advanced from historic traditions too. For instance, Serbia’s EXIT Pageant started as an emblem of the youth motion for peace and freedom. And Pukkelpop in Belgium additionally grew to become synonymous with celebrating youth tradition because the Nineteen Eighties, which is why it’s recognized for its different music.

You additionally get the chance to see unbelievable European areas, every distinctive with its personal character. The Sziget Pageant in Hungary, for instance, transforms Budapest’s Óbuda Island into one of many greatest music festivals on the earth, whereas Hideout and Extremely Europe take over Break up and Croatian islands.

Quicklist of one of the best music festivals in Europe

1. Untold Pageant Pageant, Romania
2. Tremendous Bock Tremendous Rock Pageant, Portugal
3. Roskilde Pageant, Denmark
4. Hideout Pageant, Croatia
5. Sziget Pageant, Hungary
6. Solar and Bass Pageant, Italy
7. EXIT Pageant, Serbia
8. Meadows within the Mountains Pageant, Bulgaria
9. Bilbao BBK Pageant, Spain
10. Dour Pageant, Belgium
11. MS Dockville Pageant, Germany
12. Pukkelpop Pageant, Belgium
13. Extremely Europe Pageant, Croatia
14. Mad Cool Pageant, Spain
15. Earth Backyard Pageant, Malta