Music festivals in Europe are magnificent no matter where they take place. Yes, it can be enticing to stay local. But travelling to attend a music festival? Getting to explore a new location and see a slew of amazing artists, as well as possibly – just maybe – enjoying nicer weather and cheaper beer? That’s a completely different type of exhilaration. And Europe knows what it’s doing. Every music lover’s bucket list should include the finest European festivals. These annual events include stunning stage designs and a lively environment. Music festivals also allow you to see most, if not all, of your favourite acts with a single ticket.
1. Tomorrowland
Image Source : https://tomorrowlandbelgium.press.tomorrowland.com/this-was-the-first-day-of-weekend-2-of-tomorrowland-2023
Where – Belgium
Date : 19th – 28th July 2024
Tomorrowland has been the go-to electronic music festival since 2005, with tickets often selling out in less than an hour. It takes place over two weekends in Boom, a town approximately 16 kilometres south of Antwerp. World-renowned performers (including David Guetta, Hardwell, and Martin Garrix) perform their most popular songs to thousands of fans worldwide. Tomorrowland is also recognized for its complex stage designs and stunning graphics, transporting you to another dimension.
2. Glastonbury Festival
Image Source : https://www.timeout.com/uk/music/glastonbury-festival
Where – United Kingdom
Date – 26th June – 30th June 2024
Glastonbury is a must-have on any list of the finest music festivals in Europe (or the world). Whether you’re chanting along with the crowds on the flashy Pyramid Stage or worming your way into one of the myriad hidden zones and renowned secret acts, a few hours at Glasto will show you why the massive festival sells out so rapidly every year.
3. Coachella
Image Source : https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/coachella-how-to-watch-livestream-1235302752/
Where – USA
Date – April 12th -14th & 19th – 21st 2024
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, or Coachella, is an annual event held in Indio, California. It’s become a well-known institution in pop culture, with a diverse schedule of musical performers, art installations, and celebrity attendance.
4. Roskilde Festival
Image Source : https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/coachella-how-to-watch-livestream-1235302752/
Where – Denmark
Date – 29th June – 6th July 2024
Small but mighty powerful, this town west of Copenhagen has been holding down the fort when it comes to staging northern Europe’s greatest cultural and musical festival. Roskilde, founded by two high school friends in 1971, has now developed from its hippie roots to a more prominent festival.
5. Sziget Festival
Image Source : https://dailynewshungary.com/sziget-festival-beginning-new-25-years/
Where – Hungary
Date – 7th August – 12th August 2024
How much music can you fit on one island in the middle of the Danube? Quite a lot, it turns out. Sziget, located on Budapest’s beautiful Óbudai-Sziget island, hosts hundreds of performances across 60 stages, producing some of the biggest names in international pop music. Sziget continues to grow and improve year after year, adding party boats, amusement parks, and even immersive chill-out domes.
6. Rock in Rio
Image Source : https://brazilexclusivetravels.com/experiences/rock-in-rio/
Where – Brazil
Date – 13th Sept – 22nd Sept 2024
Sister to Rock in Rio’s European event in Lisbon, the Brazilian iteration is the festival’s original and flagship event, taking over Rio’s Cidade do Rock alongside some of the largest and best performers in rock, pop, and hip-hop.
7. Lollapalooza
Image Source : https://www.choosechicago.com/articles/festivals-special-events/lollapalooza/
Where – USA and other locations globally
Date – 3rd – 6th August 2024
Lollapalooza began in the United States and has since spread to several other nations. This event is known for its broad program, which includes rock, pop, and hip-hop. Its impact on the music industry and ongoing growth make it an important annual music event.
8. All Points East
Image Source : https://www.timeout.com/london/music/all-points-east
Where – London
Date – 17th -23rd August 2024 and 25th August 2024
The APE festival has returned after a ground-breaking performance last year, and it is bigger than ever. This year’s event is very significant. The lineup will include Ezra Collective, Jai Paul, The Decemberists, PinkPanthress, and Loyle Carner. This is a music festival you will not want to miss.
9. Download Festival
Image Source : https://facts.net/events/14-facts-about-download-festival/
Where – United Kingdom
Date – 14th – 16th June 2024
The Download Festival is one of the world’s largest rock and heavy metal music events, including hundreds of bands performing throughout a weekend in mid-June. Donington Park in Derby typically has four outdoor stages.
The main stage attracts the largest crowds, with headliners such as Def Leppard, Whitesnake, Slipknot, and Faith No More.
10. Ultra Music Festival
Image Source : https://www.dancemusicnw.com/ultra-miami-2023-review/
Where – USA
Date – 22nd May – 24th May 2024
Ultra is an annual electronic music festival hosted in Miami, Florida. It is part of the wider Winter Music Conference. Ultra has grown in popularity thanks to its pulse-pounding sounds and top-tier EDM performances, with events now taking place in nations all over the world.
It is important to note that these are just a few of the many great music festivals in Europe this year. Deciding which ones to attend depends on your personal musical preferences, so do some research and discover the festivals that best suit your taste! With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find a festival that suits your musical taste and budget.
