Best Music Festivals in Europe

Europe is a continent renowned for its rich cultural heritage and diverse musical scene. With numerous music festivals happening throughout the year, it can be challenging to choose which ones to attend. In this article, we’ll explore the best music festivals in Europe, so you can experience some of the most incredible music events the continent has to offer.

🎵 Roskilde Festival, Denmark

About the festival

Roskilde Festival is the largest festival in Northern Europe, attracting around 130,000 visitors each year. The festival is known for its diverse music lineup, as well as its commitment to social responsibility. The festival’s profits go to charity, and it has a reputation for being eco-friendly and sustainable.

Top acts

Recent headliners include The Cure, Bob Dylan, and Kendrick Lamar. The festival caters to all music tastes, with everything from pop, rock, and hip-hop to electronic, reggae, and metal.

When is it?

Roskilde Festival usually takes place in late June or early July, running for eight days.

🎵 Glastonbury Festival, United Kingdom

About the festival

Glastonbury is one of the world’s most famous music festivals, attracting around 200,000 visitors each year. The festival is renowned for its iconic Pyramid Stage, which has hosted legendary performances from the likes of David Bowie and Radiohead.

Top acts

Recent headliners include Stormzy, The Killers, and The Cure. The festival’s lineup caters to all tastes, with everything from pop, rock, and folk to electronic, reggae, and hip-hop.

When is it?

Glastonbury usually takes place at the end of June, running for five days.

🎵 Tomorrowland, Belgium

About the festival

Tomorrowland is one of the world’s most popular electronic dance music festivals, attracting around 400,000 visitors each year. The festival is known for its incredible stages, elaborate decorations, and immersive atmosphere.

Top acts

Recent headliners include Martin Garrix, Tiësto, and Armin van Buuren. The festival features a range of electronic dance music sub-genres, including house, techno, trance, and hardstyle.

When is it?

Tomorrowland usually takes place in late July, running for two weekends.

🎵 Sziget Festival, Hungary

About the festival

Sziget Festival is one of Europe’s largest music festivals, attracting around 500,000 visitors each year. The festival takes place on an island in the Danube River and is known for its diverse music lineup, as well as its arts and cultural offerings.

Top acts

Recent headliners include Ed Sheeran, Foo Fighters, and Post Malone. The festival features everything from rock, pop, and hip-hop to electronic, reggae, and world music.

When is it?

Sziget Festival usually takes place in mid-August, running for seven days.

🎵 Primavera Sound, Spain

About the festival

Primavera Sound is a multi-genre music festival held in Barcelona, Spain. The festival is known for its diverse lineup, which includes everything from indie rock to electronic and hip-hop.

Top acts

Recent headliners include Tame Impala, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, and Lorde. The festival also features up-and-coming artists from around the world.

When is it?

Primavera Sound usually takes place in late May or early June, running for three days.

🎵 EXIT Festival, Serbia

About the festival

EXIT Festival is one of Europe’s most unique music festivals, held in the Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, Serbia. The festival is known for its diverse music lineup and stunning location.

Top acts

Recent headliners include The Killers, Liam Gallagher, and Skepta. The festival features everything from rock, pop, and hip-hop to electronic, reggae, and metal.

When is it?

EXIT Festival usually takes place in early July, running for four days.

🎵 Rock Werchter, Belgium

About the festival

Rock Werchter is one of Europe’s most popular rock music festivals, attracting around 88,000 visitors each day. The festival takes place in a village near Brussels and is known for its impressive lineups and lively atmosphere.

Top acts

Recent headliners include Pearl Jam, Arctic Monkeys, and Gorillaz. The festival features everything from rock and indie to electronic and hip-hop.

When is it?

Rock Werchter usually takes place in early July, running for four days.

🎵 Øya Festival, Norway

About the festival

Øya Festival is a multi-genre music festival held in Oslo, Norway. The festival is known for its green initiatives, including using renewable energy sources and recycling waste.

Top acts

Recent headliners include Arctic Monkeys, Kendrick Lamar, and Arcade Fire. The festival features everything from rock and indie to electronic and hip-hop.

When is it?

Øya Festival usually takes place in mid-August, running for four days.

🎵 Pukkelpop, Belgium

About the festival

Pukkelpop is a multi-genre music festival held in Hasselt, Belgium. The festival is known for its diverse lineup and lively atmosphere.

Top acts

Recent headliners include The National, Tame Impala, and Post Malone. The festival features everything from rock and indie to electronic and hip-hop.

When is it?

Pukkelpop usually takes place in mid-August, running for three days.

🎵 Open’er Festival, Poland

About the festival

Open’er Festival is a multi-genre music festival held in Gdynia, Poland. The festival is known for its diverse lineup and impressive staging.

Top acts

Recent headliners include The Strokes, Florence + The Machine, and Arctic Monkeys. The festival features everything from rock and indie to electronic and hip-hop.

When is it?

Open’er Festival usually takes place in early July, running for four days.

🎵 Sónar Festival, Spain

About the festival

Sónar Festival is a multi-genre music festival held in Barcelona, Spain. The festival is known for its electronic music offerings, as well as its art and technology showcases.

Top acts

Recent headliners include Richie Hawtin, Bonobo, and Diplo. The festival features everything from ambient and experimental music to techno and house.

When is it?

Sónar Festival usually takes place in mid-June, running for three days.

🎵 Rock am Ring, Germany

About the festival

Rock am Ring is one of Germany’s largest rock music festivals, attracting around 75,000 visitors each day. The festival takes place at the Nürburgring racetrack and is known for its impressive rock and metal lineups.

Top acts

Recent headliners include Foo Fighters, Muse, and Iron Maiden. The festival features everything from punk and hardcore to metal and hard rock.

When is it?

Rock am Ring usually takes place in early June, running for three days.

🎵 FAQ

1. Can I camp at these festivals?

Most of these festivals offer camping facilities. However, it’s best to check the festival’s website for more information.

2. Are there age restrictions for these festivals?

Age restrictions vary for each festival, so it’s best to check the festival’s website for more information.

3. Can I buy tickets on the day of the festival?

Some festivals offer tickets on the day, but it’s best to purchase them in advance to avoid disappointment.

4. Are there food and drink options available at these festivals?

Yes, most festivals offer a range of food and drink options.