The festival season is almost upon us, bringing endless summer days where you can either relax on the grass listening to new tunes or rave in front of the stage with others who share your passion.
European music festivals have evolved significantly, transforming from simple concerts into must-attend musical events. Each festival often has its own unique theme, attracting people from all over who are willing to travel far to find the perfect one for them.
Here are our top 5 picks for amazing festivals in Europe:
1. This iconic European festival has been around since 1970, starting with acts like T-Rex. It has grown from a small £1 per ticket folk festival into the largest festival in Europe. The event now blends nostalgic elements like tipis and new trends with attendees like Kate Moss in hot pants and Wellingtons. In 2013, the lineup boasted massive names such as the Rolling Stones, Arctic Monkeys, Portishead, Primal Scream, Nick Cave, Elvis Costello, Smashing Pumpkins, Public Enemy, and Sinead O’Connor.
2. A huge music festival in Scandinavia, this event has been running since 1971 and is the largest in Northern Europe. Organized by a non-profit group, it emphasizes sustainable practices and social responsibility. The 2013 lineup featured big names like Metallica, Kraftwerk, The National, Queens Of The Stone Age, Rihanna, Slipknot, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, James Blake, Crystal Castles, Kris Kristoffersen, and Suicidal Tendencies.
3. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2016, this Portuguese festival is ideal for combining a bit of Lisbon sightseeing with great music, followed by some relaxation on nearby golden beaches. The 2016 lineup included The Chemical Brothers, Radiohead, Arcade Fire, José Gonzales, Band of Horses, Pixies, Tame Impala, and many others.
4. Even though it is located in one of Europe’s smallest countries, this festival is probably the third largest on the continent. Its central location is perfect for exploring nearby cities like Brussels (30 km), Amsterdam (205 km), or Paris (344 km). Originating as a Rock & Blues festival in 1975, it has since grown in both size and musical diversity. Past lineups have included Blur, Depeche Mode, Phoenix, Rammstein, Green Day, Kings of Leon, 30 Seconds to Mars, The Hives, and Band of Horses.
5. Sziget Festival, which won the “2011 Best European Major Festival” award, attracts nearly 400,000 fans from over 70 countries to a beautiful island in Budapest. It offers a full festival-holiday experience with non-stop parties, amazing live performances, a diverse international community, and all the attractions of the city. The festival also includes various cultural programs like theatre, circus, and exhibitions. It’s the only major festival where you can find a Roma tent next to a gay-lesbian venue. The 2013 lineup included 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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