The festival season is finally about to start so if you love music and travelling, now is the moment to grab your backpack and your tent, and let loose!
We’ve put together a calendar with the most interesting summer festivals in Europe for 2016.
There’s something for everyone… music, theatre, dance… so just unwind and have fun!
- theatre
- music
- culture
- cinema
Kirschblütenfest
Tradition
Kirschblütenfest
2024
Hamburg
Germany
The festival that celebrates Japanese culture with 5,000 cherry trees, fireworks and plenty of fun activities. And best of all, it’s free!
free
Fàcyl - International Arts Festival
Theater
Fàcyl - International Arts Festival
10/06 2024
Salamanca
Spain
The International Arts Festival of Castilla and León has a lot to offer: the beautiful streets and squares of the medieval city of Salamanca, a selection of theatrical performances, as well as dance, music and circus shows, video installations, literature readings and film screenings.
from:
25€
Dour Festival
Music
Dour Festival
17/07 2024
Dour
Belgium
Hosted in a small town in Belgium, this festival offers a very interesting line-up at affordable prices (camping is also included)! So if you enjoy alternative music, you will without a doubt appreciate this incredible event.
from:
50€
Rototom Sunsplash
Music
Rototom Sunsplash
20/08 2024
Benicàssim
Spain
The Rototom Reggae Festival is one of the largest and most important events in the world. In addition to great live reggae music, the festival aims to transmit that 'another world is possible' through peace, tolerance, respect, solidarity and non-violence.
from:
60€
Reeperbahn Festival
Music
Reeperbahn Festival
24/09 2024
Hamburg
Germany
This annual festival brings together more than 200 emerging international artists, offering also an extensive programme of exhibitions, readings and film screenings. For the first time ever, the festival will also host the 'German Music Export @ Reeperbahn Festival', an event dedicated exclusively to presenting new German artists.
from:
25€
Download Festival
Music
Download Festival
12/06
Derby
uk
One of the biggest British rock festivals - Slipknot, Muse and Kiss are some of the bands that have performed here.
from:
195£
Glastonbury
Music
Glastonbury
23/06 2024
Pilton
uk
The Glastonbury festival, first organised in 1970, is a tribute to Jimi Hendrix. Year after year, this epic music event never fails to impress its fans. Some of the performing artists you can enjoy this year include Muse, Coldplay, Sigur Rós and PJ Harvey.
from:
sold out£
Rock in Rio
Music
Rock in Rio
29/05 2024
Lisbon
Portugal
Rock in Rio is a grand event that has organised many editions in Brazil, Portugal and Spain, and has brought together more than 6 million people. The festival also organises the 'Proyecto Social', an initiative created with the purpose of addressing social issues through music.
from:
69€
Nos Primavera Sound
Music
Nos Primavera Sound
11/06 2024
Oporto
Portugal
Optimus Primavera Sound is the Portuguese version of Barcelona's Primavera Sound. Only here, concerts take place next to a lake!
from:
105€
Roskilde Festival
Music
Roskilde Festival
07/07 2024
Roskilde
Denmark
With a busy schedule full of celebrated international bands and emerging artists performing rock, pop, soul, hip hop, R & B and electronic music, the small Danish town of Roskilde comes to life in July…make sure you’re there to witness it!
from:
110€
Pukkelpop
Music
Pukkelpop
20/08 2024
Hasselt
Belgium
Two hundred artists, eight stages, three days of celebration and thousands of visitors from all over Europe ... plenty of reasons to go to Flanders this summer!
from:
99€
IN Music Festival
Music
IN Music Festival
22/06 2024
Lago Jarun - Zagabria
Croatia
Hosted on the 'Youth' Island in Zagreb, this event is without a doubt one of the most important open-air festivals in Croatia. In addition to concerts and camping facilities, it's also a great opportunity to visit some of Croatia’s most beautiful destinations.
from:
47€
Isle of Wight festival
Music
Isle of Wight festival
12/06 2024
Isle of Wight
uk
The Isle of Wight, located in the English Channel near the English coast, is home to the legendary Isle of Wight Festival. Suspended in 1970, the event was revived in 2002.
from:
195£
Ferrara Buskers Fesival
Theater
Ferrara Buskers Fesival
2024
Ferrara
Italy
The biggest event in the world dedicated to street art! A cheerful ensemble of buskers, musicians and actors invade the historic centre of Ferrara, in Italy. The artists do not receive compensation and you are not required to purchase a ticket, but you are encouraged to make donations.
free
Wacken
Music
Wacken
06/08 2024
Wacken
Germany
Are you a fan of heavy metal? Well, this happens to be the biggest heavy metal festival in the world, organised in the small village of Wacken, near Hamburg.
soldout
MI AMI
Music
MI AMI
28/05 2024
Milan
Italy
If you enjoy indie music, this Independent Music Festival in Milan is one of the best places to be this summer! The prices are affordable, and in addition to music, you can also look forward to tasting some amazing food.
from:
18€
FMM Sines
Tradition
FMM Sines
30/06 2024
Sines
Portugal
From jazz, folk and blues to tango and reggae, the Festival de Músicas do Mundo is the biggest event for international music organised in Portugal. Here are some of the artists attending this year’s edition: the duo Amadou & Mariam (Mali), Trilok Gurtu & Tigran Hamasyan (India / Armenia), and Bomba Estéreo (Colombia).
from:
20€
Festival del Cinema di Cannes
Cinema
Festival del Cinema di Cannes
22/05 2024
Cannes
France
Stars, premieres, parties and movie screenings... the Cannes Movie Festival is here once more, with Jake Gyllenhaal in the jury! Here are some of the productions presented: Sicario (Denis Villeneuve), The Sea of Trees (Gus Van Sant), Carol (Todd Haynes) and others.
ND
Arezzo Wave
Music
Arezzo Wave
21/07 2024
Civitella in Val di Chiana, Arezzo
Italy
In addition to music concerts, dance, theatre and contact improvisation, this festival in Tuscany also offers workshops for children.
ND
Mostra del cinema di Venezia
Cinema
Mostra del cinema di Venezia
27/11 2024
Venice
Italy
Venice hosts one of the most important film festivals in the world, attracting every year thousands of fans, bystanders and tourists. Its purpose is to promote the broadcasting of international cinema in all its forms. The 72nd edition is directed by Alberto Barbera; the list of films in the programme remains to be announced in late July.
ND
Exit Festival
Music
Exit Festival
10/07 2024
Petrovaradin
Serbia
This is one of the most interesting music festivals in Europe, attracting renowned bands and DJs from all corners of the world. The Prodigy, Hardwell and others will make an appearance this year.
from:
149€
Rock am Ring
Music
Rock am Ring
05/06 2024
Nürburg
Germany
Rock am Ring is a rock and metal music festival held every year since 1985. Some of the bands playing this year are: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Black Sabbath, Billy Talent and Volbeat
from:
199,50€
Rock im Park
Music
Rock im Park
05/06 2024
Nürnberg
Germany
Rock im Park is the twin festival of Rock am Ring, presenting more or less the same line-up but organised in a different location.
from:
199,50€
Hurricane
Music
Hurricane
26/06 2024
Scheeßel
Germany
Hurricane is a much anticipated alternative music festival, hosted in the town of Scheeßel, near Bremen.
from:
sold out€
Festival of Lights
Tradition
Festival of Lights
16/10 2024
Berlin
Germany
A festival of lights that combines music, projections and fireworks; the programme also includes cultural events and special tours around the city of Berlin.
free
Sonne, Mond und Sterne
Music
Sonne, Mond und Sterne
14/08 2024
Saalburg
Germany
One of the biggest open-air festivals in Europe for electronic music lovers, with two main stages, 4 tents, clubs, bars, restaurants and markets. Unfortunately the festival is already sold out.
from:
sold out€
Pistoia blues
Music
Pistoia blues
16/07 2024
Pistoia
Italy
The most important festival of blues, rock and folk organised in Italy. Mumford & Sons are among the bands making an appearance this year.
from:
36€
Umbria Jazz
Music
Umbria Jazz
17/07 2024
Perugia
Italy
A festival for jazz lovers! It’s also a great opportunity to discover the beautiful Italian region of Umbria.
from:
33€
Kuopio Dance Festival
Theater
Kuopio Dance Festival
16/06 2024
Kuopio
Finland
Kuopio Dance Festival is the place to be if you wish to watch performances of classic and contemporary Finnish dance.
from:
13,50€
ERP
Music
ERP
7/09 2024
Cascais
Portugal
Hosted in the beautiful seaside town of Cascais,ERP is the perfect event for all those who feel nostalgic for the 80s.
from:
35€
Summerjam
Music
Summerjam
03/07 2024
Cologne
Germany
Summerjam is one of the most anticipated reggae events in Europe. If you wish to move to the rhythm of Snoop Lion, Alborosie or Raggasonic, get yourself to Lake Fühlinger in Cologne!
from:
139€
Edp Cool Jazz
Music
Edp Cool Jazz
27/07 2024
Oeiras
Portugal
This festival, held in the town of Oeiras,is an important event for anyone who loves jazz. John Legend, Mary Gadù, Diana Krall and Jamie Cullum are some of the artists making an appearance this year.
from:
160€
Sudoeste
Music
Sudoeste
07/08 2024
Zambujeira do Mar
Portugal
Sudoeste is possibly the biggest music festival in Portugal! It lasts 5 days
from:
48€ *pass
Sónar
Music
Sónar
18/06 2024
Barcelona
Spain
If you love electronic music, Sónar is an event not to be missed! Great artists like Skrillex, Hot Chips, FKA Twigs and The Chemical Brothers have played here and there are also some great movie screenings you can look forward to.
from:
54€ *one night pass
GREC
Theater
GREC
31/07 2024
Barcelona
Spain
Once a year, the city of Barcelona organises a cultural festival packed with theatre, dance, music and circus performances.
from:
10€
San Sebastian Film Festival
Cinema
San Sebastian Film Festival
24/09 2024
San Sebastian
Spain
The 61st edition of this film festival presents a promissing programme that is both cosmopolitan and glamorous. It's also a great opportunity to visit the beautiful Basque city of San Sebastian.
ND
Festival de theatre Clásico
Theater
Festival de theatre Clásico
27/08 2024
Mérida
Spain
The festival that brings greek and latin classics to life in the ancient Roman Theatre of Merida! We can look forward to interpretations of pieces by the greats.
from:
12€
Festival de Música y Danza
Theater
Festival de Música y Danza
19/07 2024
Granada
Spain
Exciting artistic performances are waiting for you in the beautiful city of Granada. The French National Orchestra and the Ballet of Monte Carlo are a must-see!
from:
5€
Primavera Sound
Music
Primavera Sound
05/06 2024
Barcelona
Spain
The most anticipated urban festival in the magical city of Barcelona! The Catalan capital hosts once again one of the hottest events of the summer.
from:
sold out€
Bilbao BBK Live
Music
Bilbao BBK Live
09/07 2024
Bilbao
Spain
Bilbao’s sensational rock festival presents internationally renowned rock bands. It takes place on top of a hill and offers great line-ups!
from:
69€
FIB
Music
FIB
17/07 2024
Benicassim
Spain
FIB is one of the most famous European festivals and one of Spain’s most anticipated rock events. Dozens of artists such as The Prodigy and Public Enemy will make an appearance this year. What’s more, if you don’t wish to pay for a hotel while in Benicassim, there is a large campsite nearby where you can set up your tent!
from:
50€
Monegros
Music
Monegros
18/07 2024
Fraga (Huesca)
Spain
Twenty hours of non-stop music await you at the 'biggest rave in Spain', with bands such as Andres campo, Ben Sims and many others.
ND
Przystanek Woodstock
Music
Przystanek Woodstock
2/08 2024
Kostrzyn
Poland
The biggest rock, punk and reggae music festival in Poland, presenting artists such as Shaggy, Black Label Society and others. All the money raised during the festival will be donated to charitable causes.
free
Kazantip Republic
Music
Kazantip Republic
14/08 2024
Popovka, Crimea
Ucraine
The most famous electronic music festival in Eastern Europe!
from:
500€ *una settimana
Heineken Open'er Festival
Music
Heineken Open'er Festival
02/07 2024
Gdynia
Poland
One of the biggest festivals in Central Europe, a must-see especially for hipsters! Some of the bands that will play here are Bastille, Beirut, Florence & The Machine, LCD Soundsystem
from:
49€
Donauinselfest
Music
Donauinselfest
26/06 2024
Vienna
Austria
A yearly open-air festival organised on the Danube Island in Vienna. Three days of fun, several stages and all the music genres you can possibly imagine…and it’s all free!!
free
Embassa't
Music
Embassa't
12/06 2024
Sabadell
Spain
The Independent Festival of the Vallès celebrates its fifth edition! More than 30 alternative and rock bands are scheduled to perform this year during 3 days of fun and entertainment.
from:
30€
Sziget
Music
Sziget
17/08 2024
Isola di Ubuda, Budapest
Hungary
If you enjoy rock and ethnic music above anything else, the Sziget festival will not disappoint.
from:
59€
Rock in Roma
Music
Rock in Roma
24/07 2024
Rome
Italy
Lasting from June until September, this event is the most important summer event in Rome. Make sure not to miss it!
from:
46€
Curtas Vila do Conde
Cinema
Curtas Vila do Conde
17/07 2024
Vila do Conde
Portugal
The 21st edition of the Festival Curtas de Vila do Conde has a packed programme filled with short film presentations, exhibitions, workshops and concerts. What more could you ask for?
from:
35€
Las Fogueres de Sant Joan
Tradition
Las Fogueres de Sant Joan
24/06 2024
Alicante
Spain
The Bonfires of Saint John (Fogueres de Sant Joan) is the festival of fireworks and bonfires. This event is celebrated throughout Spain, especially in Catalonia and Valencia.
free
San Fermines
Tradition
San Fermines
17/07 2024
Pamplona
Spain
Running with the bulls for Sant Fermin is probably the most famous festival in Spain. If you’ve never been before, go to Pamplona this summer and throw yourself in the middle of the fun and madness! We've prepared some tips to ''survive'' this festival.
free
La Tomatina
Tradition
La Tomatina
2024
Buñol
Spain
The Tomatina…some say it’s the world’s biggest food fight! If you´ve never been to Buñol in Valencia, don’t pass up this opportunity to throw over-ripe tomatoes around. Aside from this, there are also plenty of concerts, parades, cooking contests, and fireworks!
free
Carrera de caballos de San Lúcar
Tradition
Carrera de caballos de San Lúcar
28/08 2024
Cádiz
Spain
An equestrian competition celebrated annually on the beach of Sanlucar, in Andalusia.
free
Feria de Málaga
Tradition
Feria de Málaga
20/08 2024
Málaga
Spain
Parades, bullfights, shows, gastronomy ... the entire city of Malaga comes to life in August!
free
Les Vielles Charrues
Music
Les Vielles Charrues
17/07 2024
Carhaix
France
Every year, more than 200,000 spectators gather in Carhaix, France to attend this festival.
from:
45€
Rock en Seine
Music
Rock en Seine
28/08 2024
Paris
France
This eclectic rock festival is a definite must if you wish to watch rock bands in an amazing location! Have you bought your ticket already?
from:
49€
Garorock
Music
Garorock
03/07 2024
Marmande
France
If you love electro-rock, be sure not to miss this festival! Alt-J, Infected Mushroom, Archive are some of the artists that have performed here.
from:
45€
Le chien à plumes
Music
Le chien à plumes
07/08 2024
Langres
France
Best way to describe this festival? A surprisingly great mix of ska, reggae and folk!
from:
30€
La route du Rock
Music
La route du Rock
14/08 2024
Saint - Malo
France
An amazing rock, pop and electro music festival! Free access to a camp site nearby is included in the price of the ticket, so if you’re on a budget, you won’t need to book a hotel.
from:
19€
Festival Performance d'acteur
Theater
Festival Performance d'acteur
15/04 2024
Cannes
France
Shows, dance acts, theatre, games, writing contests…this and more await you this summer on the beautiful beach of Cannes!
from:
11€
Francofolies de la Rochelle
Music
Francofolies de la Rochelle
17/07 2024
La Rochelle
France
A festival created to honour both French and international artists. With its pleasant mix of styles and varieties, Francofolies de la Rochelle is definitely an event worth experiencing!
from:
10€
Festival Paris Cinéma
Cinema
Festival Paris Cinéma
11/07 2024
Paris
France
For the 11th consecutive year, the Festival Paris Cinéma will be screening more than 200 films in over 15 different Parisian locations. Famous actors are sure to make an appearance.
from:
5€
Edinburgh international Festival
Theater
Edinburgh international Festival
29/08 2024
Edinburgh
uk
The beautiful Scottish city of Edinburgh will host once more this fantastic international festival, presenting both popular theatre works and new projects.
Great interactive map. It is pretty convenient to use. Found a few festivals I’d like to visit :). Never thought that there are so many festivals in Europe this year . It is missing some festivals and some information isn’t true (there’s no Kazntip Republic in Crimea this year, the last one was in 2013).
So happy to see Donauinselfest on the list, I’ve been in town last time on a business trip and our clients took us there. Pretty cool, huh? They also arranged our transfer to and from the airport. I was quite satisfied with the service and ask them what company they used, they said http://wientransfer.com/ so I go with them now too whenever I visit.
Thanks for the suggestion Lei!
Thanks for the suggestion Lei!
There’s only two festivals in Poland marked, while there’s much more to see. I would like to mention Satyrykon festival in Legnica, Poland (near Wroclaw). It’s an international comedy and satire festival in summer, with fresh, young as well as well-known artists.
http://www.pr-controlled.com/pr-controlled-Satyrykon-Festival-for-those-who-think.php#.UeZe1G1YKt4
This year’s edition was great, can’t wait to see the next. Hope to see you there!