The 20 Best European Music Festivals To Experience
It is no surprise that Europe is home to some of the most iconic music festivals in the world. There’s nothing quite like soaking up the sun by the beach or revelling in the historic charm of a new city while experiencing some of the most celebrated music icons around. Whether you’re a house music raver, metal lover, or pop fanatic, these 20 European music festivals are not to be missed if you’re looking for the ultimate festival adventure abroad.
Sziget
📍 Location: Budapest, Hungary
🕙 Duration: 6 days
🌍 Setting: City
🧑🤝🧑 Size: 90,000 attendees per day
🎵 Style of music: Rock, pop, indie, hip-hop, and more
💻 https://szigetfestival.com/en/
Sziget Festival, held on the leafy island of Óbudai in Budapest, is one of Europe’s largest music festivals, hosting around 1,000 performances every August. This iconic festival draws a global crowd with a diverse mix of international headliners that have previously included Green Day, Prince, Billie Eilish, and Calvin Harris. Alongside music, the festival also features immersive art installations, circus performers, theatre shows, and creative workshops, so a trip to Sziget is bound to make for an unforgettable Hungarian adventure
Fly from LTN to BUD in 2 hours 30 minutes with Wizz Air
Primavera Sound
📍 Location: Barcelona, Spain
🕙 Duration: 3 days
🌍 Setting: City
🧑🤝🧑 Size: 75,000 attendees per day
🎵 Style of music: Hip-hop, electronic, indie, experimental
💻 https://www.primaverasound.com/en/barcelona
Whether you’re into indie, pop, hip-hop, or electronic music, Primavera Sound in Barcelona has it all. In late May to early June each year, a host of international best-selling artists take to the breathtaking waterfront Parc del Fòrum stages, from the likes of hit sensations Charli XCX and A$AP Rocky to indie Hall of Fame’s Gorillaz and Arctic Monkeys. Primavera Sound is one of the top music festivals abroad that is not to be missed if you’re looking for a sunny Spanish getaway with a twist.
Fly from LTN to BCN in 2 hours 15 minutes with easyJet
Rock En Seine
📍 Location: Paris, France
🕙 Duration: 5 days
🌍 Setting: City
🧑🤝🧑 Size: 40,000 attendees per day
🎵 Style of music: Rock, indie, alternative
💻 https://www.rockenseine.com/en/
Held each year just a stone’s throw away from one of the most romantic cities in Europe, Rock En Seine is not one to miss for any fans of alternative, rock, and indie music. Since its debut in 2003, the famous Paris festival has grown into a multi-day event that attracts a diverse line-up including Queens of the Stone Age, Vampire Weekend, and Fontaines D.C.
Fly from LTN to CDG in 1 hour 20 minutes with easyJet
Sónar
📍 Location: Barcelona, Spain
🕙 Duration: 3 days
🌍 Setting: City
🧑🤝🧑 Size: 66,000
🎵 Style of music: Electronic
Electronic music lovers, this one’s for you. Since its launch in 1994, Barcelona’s Sónar festival has become a global reference for cutting-edge sounds and immersive audiovisual performances, blending technology, music, and creativity. Spanning three days across two venues in June, Sónar attracts international best-selling artists like Björk, Diplo, Kraftwerk, and New Order, alongside its one-of-a-kind Sónar+D conference that explores innovation and technology in the music industry.
Fly from LTN to BCN in 2 hours 15 minutes with easyJet
Open’er
📍 Location: Gdynia, Poland
🕙 Duration: 4 days
🌍 Setting: Countryside
🧑🤝🧑 Size: 80,000 attendees per day
🎵 Style of music: Rock, indie, hip-hop, pop
For a European music festival like no other, Open’er in Gdynia, located just a short drive out of historic Gdansk, is a must-visit for all fans of rock, pop, hip-hop, and alternative music. As well as hosting some of the world’s biggest names from Linkin Park and Kasabian to Kendrick Lamar and Lil Nas X, Open’er offers eye-catching art installations, inspiring fashion shows, and unique cultural events to get stuck into.
Fly from LTN to GDN in 2 hours 15 minutes with Wizz Air
Mad Cool
📍 Location: Madrid, Spain
🕙 Duration: 4 days
🌍 Setting: City
🧑🤝🧑 Size: 60,000 attendees per day
🎵 Style of music: Rock, pop, indie, electronic, hip-hop
Spain isn’t short of unmissable music festivals, and Madrid’s genre-spanning Mad Cool is up there with the best around, featuring the likes of Dua Lipa, The Smashing Pumpkins, Noel Gallagher, and Måneskin. Plus, if you want to combine sunny sightseeing around the capital with the European festival beats, Mad Cool’s non-camping site and evening-only entertainment means that you can book accommodation in style and explore the city’s beautiful boulevards and green spaces during the daytime.
Fly from LTN to MAD in 2 hours 30 minutes with easyJet
Electric Picnic
📍 Location: County Laois, Ireland
🕙 Duration: 3 days
🌍 Setting: Countryside
🧑🤝🧑 Size: 80,000 attendees per day
🎵 Style of music: Indie, alternative, electronic, rock, pop, dance
💻 https://www.electricpicnic.ie/
Electric Picnic is one of the most celebrated music festivals in Europe, drawing crowds from far and wide to County Laois in Ireland, with direct coach links to Stradbally Hall from Dublin - one of the top holiday destinations from the UK in 2025. The festival brings together music, comedy, theatre, and food across its multiple-stage set-up, with art installations, spoken-word performances, and wellness areas dotted around the site too. Electric Picnic offers a range of on-site camping options, including boutique glamping and family-friendly areas, so there’s something for everyone wanting to experience the European festival scene.
Fly from LTN to DUB in 1 hour 15 minutes with Ryanair
Isle of MTV Malta
📍 Location: Floriana, Malta
🕙 Duration: 1 day
🌍 Setting: City
🧑🤝🧑 Size: 50,000 attendees per day
🎵 Style of music: Pop, electronic, hip-hop, alternative
Isle of MTV Malta is the biggest European music festival that doesn’t cost a penny to get in! Located in the fortified town of Floriana, just outside Valetta, the festival features world-class international artists alongside local Maltese performers, including the likes of Raye, Nelly Furtado, and Tom Grennan. The festival is part of Malta Music Week, offering club nights, boat parties, and glamorous beach events leading up to the main show. With its Mediterranean setting, electric atmosphere, and world-class performances, Isle of MTV Malta is the perfect European festival experience.
Fly from LTN to MLA in 3 hours 20 minutes
Glastonbury
📍 Location: Somerset, Glastonbury
🕙 Duration: 5 days
🌍 Setting: Countryside
🧑🤝🧑 Size: 200,000 attendees
🎵 Style of music: Pop, folk, indie, rock, hip-hop, and more
💻 https://glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/
If you’re a festival fan, it’s hard not to have heard of Glastonbury’s legendary pyramid stage, hosting some of the biggest global music stars from Elton John to Coldplay. Glastonbury is one of the most iconic festivals in the world and provides a nostalgic haven for the ‘hippie’ ethos of the 1960s in the famous Somerset fields.
Coach transfers from LTN to Somerset take approximately 4 hours
Montreux Jazz Festival
📍 Location: Montreux, Switzerland
🕙 Duration: 2 weeks
🌍 Setting: Lakeside
🧑🤝🧑 Size: 18,000 attendees per day
🎵 Style of music: Jazz, blues, world music
💻 https://www.montreuxjazzfestival.com/en/
If you’re deciding on the best European music festival to attend, look no further than the Montreux Jazz Festival - one of the most prestigious jazz festivals in the world! Held annually in heritage venues along the glistening Lake Geneva shoreline, Montreux has hosted some of the most iconic names in the industry, from Nina Simone and Aretha Franklin to Stevie Wonder. Whether you’re a jazz aficionado or simply want to combine your travel plans with your love of music, a trip to the Montreux Jazz Festival in Geneva is not one to miss.
Fly from LTN to GVA, then take an hour-long train to Montreux
Exit
📍 Location: Novi Sad, Serbia
🕙 Duration: 4 days
🌍 Setting: City
🧑🤝🧑 Size: 40,000 attendees per day
🎵 Style of music: Punk, electronic, reggae, drum and bass, and more
Ever wondered what it would be like to listen to your favourite artists against the backdrop of a beautiful Serbian sunset? Exit festival, held in the historic Petrovaradin Fortress and with unique views overlooking the Danube, allows you to do just that, with a thrilling line-up of artists covering genres to suit all tastes, including John Newman, Barry Can’t Swim, and The Black Eyed Peas. Hop aboard a festival coach from Belgrade - one of our favourite spots for a budget break - and head to Novi Sad for a musical experience like no other.
Fly from LTN to BEG and take public transport to Novi Sad (roughly 1 hour)
Love International
📍 Location: Tisno, Croatia
🕙 Duration: 1 week
🌍 Setting: Beach
🧑🤝🧑 Size: 30,000 attendees per day
🎵 Style of music: Electronic
💻 https://www.loveinternationalfestival.com/
For beachside vibes, boat parties, and late-night discos, Love International is one of the best European music festivals for showcasing both hit-selling and upcoming electronic music acts, featuring the likes of Peggy Gou, Bicep, Young Marco, and Four Tet. Located at the Garden Resort in Tisno, just a 1-hour drive away from the sparkling Split coastline, Love International boasts a week-long celebration of house, disco, techno, and eclectic beats by the breathtaking Croatian shores, perfect for soaking up the sun while listening to the tunes.
Fly from LTN to SPU and hop on a coach to Tisno for 2 hours
Hospitality On The Beach
📍 Location: Tisno, Croatia
🕙 Duration: 1 week
🌍 Setting: Beach
🧑🤝🧑 Size: 10,000 attendees
🎵 Style of music: Drum and bass
💻 https://www.hospitalityonthebeach.com/
Tisno is proving to be the top European music festival spot for those who fancy raving on a sun-soaked beach, with Hospitality On The Beach offering a 7-day refuge for hardcore drum and bass fans along the Croatian waterfront. Make your way to Tisno after landing in Split and lose yourself in the music of Hybrid Minds, Netsky, Flava D, and Metrik, set over four immense stages and showcasing a mix of liquid, jungle, jump-up, and neuro.
Fly from LTN to SPU and hop on a coach to Tisno for 2 hours
Tomorrowland
📍 Location: Boom, Belgium
🕙 Duration: 2 weekends
🌍 Setting: Countryside
🧑🤝🧑 Size: 67,000 attendees per day
🎵 Style of music: Electronic dance music
💻 https://www.tomorrowland.com/home/
Tomorrowland is a globally renowned electronic dance music festival that attracts hundreds of thousands of attendees annually. With striking stage designs, immersive visuals, and a star-studded line-up that has included Armin Van Buuren, Martin Garrix, and David Guetta, Tomorrowland is the one to beat for all die-hard EDM fans.
Fly from LTN to AMS or CDG and then use public transport to Broom (roughly 2 - 3 hours)
Festival Internacional Benicàssim
📍 Location: Benicàssim, Spain
🕙 Duration: 4 days
🌍 Setting: Coastal
🧑🤝🧑 Size: 40,000 attendees per day
🎵 Style of music: Indie, pop, electronic, dance
Held near the Spanish coast and offering the perfect blend of beach and festival vibes, Festival Internacional Benicàssim is the top music festival in Europe for those looking to combine creative culture with a relaxing holiday atmosphere. FIB provides a range of interactive exhibitions, fashion shows, short films, and theatrical showcases alongside unmissable performances from the likes of Royal Blood, Arctic Monkeys, Milky Chance, and Chase and Status from 5 pm to 8 am, making it the ideal festival for anyone looking to experience a taste of the European arts scene.
Fly from LTN to ALC to make use of hire cars or public transport to the festival (roughly 2 - 3 hours)
Flow
📍 Location: Helsinki, Finland
🕙 Duration: 3 days
🌍 Setting: City
🧑🤝🧑 Size: 30,000 attendees per day
🎵 Style of music: Indie, electronic, jazz, soul, hip-hop
💻 https://www.flowfestival.com/en/
Fancy an excuse to explore the vibrant Finnish capital? Helsinki is home to Flow, one of the most unique European music festivals, celebrating a diverse range of experimental music and arts from classical compositions and jazz to immersive performances from the likes of FKA Twigs and Kneecap. What’s more, the festival itself is held in a historic power plant area in the heart of the city, making it a must-visit for adventurous festival-goers.
Fly from LTN to TLL and take public transport across the Gulf of Finland to Helsinki (roughly 2 - 3 hours)
Pukkelpop
📍 Location: Hasselt, Belgium
🕙 Duration: 4 days
🌍 Setting: City
🧑🤝🧑 Size: 66,000 attendees per day
🎵 Style of music: Rock, pop, electronic, hip-hop, punk, heavy metal
💻 https://www.pukkelpop.be/en/
Pukkelpop is one of Belgium’s largest music festivals, known for its diverse lineup spanning rock, electronic, pop, hip-hop, punk, and heavy metal. The 4-day festival began as a small, grassroots initiative set up by the Humanist Youth of Leopoldsburg before growing into a global success. Pukkelpop now features international artists across multiple stages, including Radiohead, Metallica, Eminem, and Daft Punk, as well as inspiring art installations and a dynamic atmosphere.
Fly from LTN to AMS and then take public transport to Hasselt (roughly 2 - 3 hours)
Bilbao BBK
📍 Location: Bilbao, Spain
🕙 Duration: 3 days
🌍 Setting: Countryside
🧑🤝🧑 Size: 35,000 attendees per day
🎵 Style of music: Rock, pop, indie, electronic, alternative
💻 https://bilbaobbklive.com/en/
Bilbao BBK isn't just a festival, it's an experience. Imagine dancing to your favourite artists high up in the hills of northern Spain, with breathtaking views and a buzzing atmosphere. Bilbao’s innovative festival brings together an epic lineup each year, featuring the likes of Arcade Fire, The Prodigy, Massive Attack, and Underworld. Beyond the main stages, there’s Basoa, an electronic forest rave, and Lasai, a chill-out space with avant-garde soundscapes, so you can take time out and unwind.
Fly from LTN to MAD and use a hire car or public transport to Bilbao (roughly 4 hours)
Roskilde Festival
📍 Location: Roskilde, Denmark
🕙 Duration: 8 days
🌍 Setting: Countryside
🧑🤝🧑 Size: 87,000 attendees per day
🎵 Style of music: Rock, pop, electronic, hip-hop, world music, and more
💻 https://www.roskilde-festival.dk/en
Established in 1971, Denmark’s Roskilde Festival is a uniquely non-profit event, supporting music, culture, and humanitarian charities. With a welcoming atmosphere and a line-up of global stars such as Doja Cat, Foo Fighters, and Jane’s Addiction, Roskilde is the perfect European music festival for those looking to make a difference and do a bit of good while experiencing the festival’s famous sing-alongs and late-night DJ sets.
Fly from LTN to BER and strap in for a long train journey to Roskilde, (roughly 7 hours)
Way Out West
📍 Location: Gothenburg, Sweden
🕙 Duration: 3 days
🌍 Setting: City
🧑🤝🧑 Size: 30,000 attendees per day
🎵 Style of music: Indie, rock, electronic, hip-hop, experimental
Sweden’s number-one music festival, located in the historic maritime city of Gothenburg, is a music lover’s sanctuary, with diverse line-ups featuring internationally renowned music acts like The National, Pulp, and Fred Again. Aside from its killer line-up, Way Out West is also renowned for its sustainability efforts and was the first festival in Sweden to become KRAV-certified, serving up a menu of exclusively vegetarian food to reduce its environmental impact since 2012.
Fly from LTN to BER and make an epic train journey across Germany, Denmark and Sweden to Gothenberg (roughly 10 hours)