Here Are 14 Of The Best Music Festivals Europe Has To Offer

Glastonbury isn't the only festival that knows how to throw a party.

It's the best season of the year – festival season! I know a lot of us tried and failed to get Glastonbury tickets, but that isn't the only festival around. So here's my list of festivals you should definitely check out this summer.

1. Sonar

Instagram: @sonarfestival

Where: Barcelona, Spain

When: 15th June - 17th June

Why you should go: It's in Barcelona. Barcelona is one of the greatest cities to host festivals; they fully immerse themselves into the party and there's an activation everywhere you turn. Sonar festival isn't just about the party though, it's about music culture – from workshops to talks, you will tap into why music brings so many of us together. Incredible venues and great names such as BICEP, Peggy Gou, and even Little Simz – Sonar Festival is not one to be missed.

2. Roskilde

Instagram: @roskildefestival

Where: Roskilde, Denmark

When: 24th June - 1st July

Why you should go: Roskilde is a festival for those dedicated to the culture. This is an eight-day festival packed with music, art, activism and love. The lineup includes incredible names such as Kendrick Lamar,  Lil Nas X, Rosalìa, and Lizzo – but going just for the music is a mistake. Roskilde features over 50 artists and activists showcasing their unique talents. Lastly, the most unique aspect of this festival with all the big names they host, Roskilde is a non-profit organisation and all profits go to charity!

3. Rolling Loud

Instagram: @rollingloud.pt

Where: Portugal

When: 5-7th July

Why you should go: Rolling Loud has been a big player in the festival game in the US for a while, so it was only right that two years ago they made their way to Europe. A festival along the beach in Portimão, Portugal – Rolling Loud is all about those good vibes and having a good time. This year the festival will host incredible names such as Latto, Central Cee, and even Gucci Mane. If you want to enjoy Hip Hop on the beach, this is the only way to do it.

4. Mad Cool

Instagram: @madcoolfestival

Where: Madrid, Spain

When: 6-8th July

Why you should go: Robbie Williams, Sam Smith and even Queens of the Stoneage – this is a lineup you won't get anywhere else but Mad Cool. Set in central Madrid, Villaverde District, the festival recently moved to make it more accessible for festival goers and we love a festival that cares about its audience!  Mad Cool has a very big focus on sustainability, so you can party the day away knowing they're doing everything they can to make it as green as possible. A festival with a Madrid backdrop sounds like a dream you don't want to miss out on.

5. Wireless

Instagram: @wirelessfest

Where: London, United Kingdom

When: 7th - 9th July

Why you should go: In short, Wireless is the hottest ticket festival in London. Everyone and their grandma wants to be at this festival, but only a few lucky bunch actually get tickets. Wireless is a primarily R&B and Hip Hop festival with big names like 50 Cent, Playboi Carti, Bryson Tiller, and Ice Spice. Wireless is high energy from the second gates open until the last after-party ends at 6am. It's a festival that does not stop.

6. Junction 2

Instagram: @junction_2

Where: London, United Kingdom

When: 21st - 22nd July

Why you should go: Junction 2 is a fairly new festival, birthed in 2016 but quickly became a staple for bass heads and techno lovers. This festival has created a safe party space for those that enjoy electronic music to the fullest. Names this year include the likes of FJAAK, Max Cooper and b2b with Mall Grab and Skin on Skin – acts like this are not to be missed

7. Elrow Town

Instagram: @elrowofficial

Where: London, United Kingdom

When: 22nd July

Why you should go: In short, Elrow Town is a one-day fever dream where anything is possible for 24 hours. Elrow events are things of legend and if you're into the party scene, you've probably always wanted to attend one. This will be the most colourful, exciting and explosive event you will have ever attended with great DJs like Gorgon City, Fisherm and Patrick Topping.

8. Sziget

Instagram: @szigetofficial

Where: Budapest, Hungary

When: 10-15th August

Why you should go: Sziget means island in Hungarian, and as one of Europe's largest music festivals, it really does feel like a whole world of its own. If you think Glastonbury is big, then you're going to think this is HUGE. With around 450,000 partiers, Sziget is an experience you have to do at some point in your life. Over the six jam-packed days, you'll see acts such as Billie Eilish, David Guetta, and Florence + The Machine set the stages on fire, but you'll also catch some live theatre or enjoy incredible light installations. The options are endless!

9. All Points East

Instagram: @allpointseastuk

Where: London, United Kingdom

When: 18-28th August

Why you should go: All Points East is probably the youngest festival on this list, but has quickly become a favourite within London. Over six days you'll hear a great mix of artists – from people like Erykah Badu, Haim, Bonobo, and even The Stokes – All Points East caters to every type of music fan. The biggest complaint people tend to have around festivals is the lack or quality of food but All Points has an abundance of high-quality options, from taco trucks to bao buns to even Yorkshire pie burritos. You will never be hungry at a festival like this.

10. ION

Instagram: @ionfestival

Where: Dhërmia, Albania

When: 6th-13th September

Why you should go: A festival where the venues can only be accessed by boat, sounds like a dream to me. ION is not just a seven-day music festival, it's seven days of paradise along the Albanian Riveria. The stages include a yacht club, an underground bunker and coves, as well as options to go kayaking, paddle boarding, and even paragliding. A true haven.

11. Warehouse Project

Instagram: @whp_mcr

Where: Manchester, United Kingdom

When: 16th September - 31st December

Why you should go: Yes, you read those dates correctly, Warehouse Project is a 12-week-long music festival. Hosted every weekend at Depot Mayfield in Manchester, Warehouse Project is the pride of the town (on top of football, Oasis and the million other great things Manchester has to offer) (yes, I'm from Manchester). After 13 years, WHP still only brings on the best of the best, with acts like Jon Hopkins, Jamie Jones, and Honey Dijon already being announced for openers this year, we can only expect bigger acts to follow over the next weeks. 

12. Defected

Instagram: @defectedrecords

Where: Malta

When: 6-8th October

Why you should go: If you're a fan of house and techno music, Defected Records is a name you should already know. They host events all around the world, from Ibiza to Vegas to Amsterdam – they're a non-stop party. So in October when the weather starts to dip and you're mentally fighting for that last drop of sunlight before winter hits in full swing, make sure you head to Malta. Partying in 25-degree weather, with cocktails in hand in the middle of October is the only way I want to spend my winter. 

13. Amsterdam Dance Event

Instagram: @amsterdamdanceevent

Where: Amsterdam, Netherlands

When: 19th October - 23rd October

Why you should go: ADE is a five-day musical conference, with amazing acts and presentations all over Amsterdam. The whole city gets involved in the festivities making it a pretty huge playground. With over 1000+ events in over200+ venues, this is an experience that's almost indescribable. If you're a partier, an aspiring musician or you just appreciate the arts, this is the festival for you.

14. SnowBoxx

Instagram: @snowboxx

Where: Avioraz, France

When: 16th - 23rd March, 2024

Why you should go: Festival season doesn't have to begin and end in the summer, so why not make it all year round? SnowBoxx combines a classic ski holiday and a music festival to make an incredible event that brings people together to have one of the best times of their lives, making memories they'll never forget. If skiing wasn't enough, you can also attend raves in the forest, enjoy a bottomless brunch and even sledge racing. If you want to enjoy music in a completely different setting from the usual festival location, you definitely want to add SnowBoxx to your list.

What festivals are you going to this summer?