The festival season is almost here, bringing days filled with endless summer fun, lounging on the grass, and enjoying new music or dancing in front of the stage with fellow enthusiasts.
Music festivals in Europe have grown from a simple series of concerts into major musical events. Each festival typically has a unique theme, attracting people who are willing to travel far to experience the one that suits their taste.
Here’s our top 5 list of outstanding festivals in Europe:
Glastonbury Festival | UK | 21-25 June 2017
This legendary festival has come a long way since its beginning in 1970, which featured acts like T-Rex. From a £1 per ticket folk festival, it has transformed into Europe’s largest, mixing the old Rock’n’roll vibe with modern hipster trends. The 2013 lineup boasted stars such as the Rolling Stones, Arctic Monkeys, Portishead, Primal Scream, Nick Cave, Elvis Costello, Smashing Pumpkins, Public Enemy, and Sinead O’Connor.
Roskilde Festival | Denmark | 24 June – 1 July 2017
As the largest music festival in Northern Europe since 1971, Roskilde is organized by a non-profit that emphasizes sustainability and social responsibility. The 2013 lineup featured Metallica, Kraftwerk, The National, Queens Of The Stone Age, Rihanna, Slipknot, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, James Blake, Crystal Castles, Kris Kristoffersen, and Suicidal Tendencies.
Nos Alive | Portugal | 6-8 July 2017
Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2016, this festival provides a perfect blend of music and sightseeing in Lisbon, followed by relaxation on nearby golden beaches. The 2016 lineup included The Chemical Brothers, Radiohead, Arcade Fire, José Gonzalez, Band of Horses, Pixies, Tame Impala, and many others.
Rock Werchter | Belgium | 29 June – 2 July 2017
Although hosted in one of Europe’s smallest countries, Rock Werchter is one of the continent’s third-largest festivals. Its central location offers easy access to Brussels, Amsterdam, and Paris. It began as a Rock & Blues festival in 1975 and now features a wide variety of music genres. Previous 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 | Hungary | 9-16 August 2017
Awarded “Best European Major Festival” in 2011, Sziget Festival attracts nearly 400,000 fans from over 70 countries to a beautiful island in Budapest. It offers a comprehensive festival and holiday experience with non-stop parties, live concerts, an international community, and various cultural programs like theatre, circus, and exhibitions. The unique diversity includes a Roma tent alongside an LGBTQ+ venue, making it the must-attend party of the year in Budapest. The 2013 lineup featured Franz Ferdinand, Regina Spektor, Blur, Bad Religion, Editors, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Die Ärzte, Bat for Lashes, and Skunk Anansie.
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