The festival season is almost here, and it’s time to get ready for endless summer days, lounging on the grass, discovering new music, or dancing with fellow festival-goers in front of the stage.
Music festivals in Europe have evolved from simple concert series to immersive musical events. Each festival usually has a unique theme, attracting people who are willing to travel far to find the perfect vibe.
Here’s our top 5 list of amazing festivals in Europe:
This legendary European festival began in 1970 and has hosted stars like T-Rex. Over the years, it has grown from a £1 per ticket folk festival to the largest festival in Europe, blending traditional rock ‘n’ roll with modern hipster culture. The 2013 lineup featured big names such as the Rolling Stones, Arctic Monkeys, Portishead, Primal Scream, Nick Cave, Elvis Costello, Smashing Pumpkins, Public Enemy, and Sinead O’Connor.
This Scandinavian music festival, the largest in Northern Europe, has been around since 1971. Run by a well-organized non-profit, it focuses on sustainability and social responsibility. In 2013, the lineup included Metallica, Kraftwerk, The National, Queens Of The Stone Age, Rihanna, Slipknot, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, James Blake, Crystal Castles, Kris Kristoffersen, and Suicidal Tendencies.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2016, this Portuguese festival is perfect if you want to combine some Lisbon sightseeing with beach relaxation. The 2016 lineup boasted artists like The Chemical Brothers, Radiohead, Arcade Fire, José Gonzales, Band of Horses, Pixies, and Tame Impala.
Despite being in one of Europe’s smallest countries, this festival ranks as the third largest on the continent. Its central location makes it convenient if you want to visit Brussels (30 km), Amsterdam (205 km), or Paris (344 km). Starting as a Rock & Blues festival in 1975, it has since expanded its musical variety and size. Past lineups have included Blur, Depeche Mode, Phoenix, Rammstein, Green Day, Kings of Leon, 30 Seconds to Mars, The Hives, and Band of Horses.
Sziget Festival won the “2011 Best European Major Festival” award and draws nearly 400,000 fans from over 70 countries to a picturesque island in Budapest. It offers a unique festival-holiday experience with continuous partying, fantastic live concerts, a diverse international crowd, and various cultural programs like theatre, circus acts, and exhibitions. The festival is known for its inclusive atmosphere, where you might find a Roma tent next to a gay-lesbian venue. In 2013, the lineup included Franz Ferdinand, Regina Spektor, Blur, Bad Religion, Editors, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Die Ärzte, Bat for Lashes, and Skunk Anansie.
Enjoy the festivities and make the most of the summer vibes!
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