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Summer's coming and that only means one thing - grabbing your pals and heading to a music festival. Because what could be better than chilling in the sun with your friends and listening to incredible live music? But this year, we're going to help you crank it up a notch by giving you our top picks for the 20 best festivals in Europe for 2024 spanning all genres and multiple countries.
An Introduction to Music Festivals in Europe
Which European country has the most music festivals?
While music festivals can be found across Europe, certain countries have gained a reputation for hosting the best music festivals in the EU. Among them, the Netherlands, UK, and Germany are often said to have the most music festivals.
- The Netherlands, with its vibrant music scene and diverse cultural landscape, boasts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the renowned Amsterdam Dance Event and Pinkpop Festival.
- The UK, with its rich musical heritage and passionate fan base, hosts tons of music festivals, from the legendary Glastonbury (that we cover in this blog) to the eclectic Boomtown Fair.
- Germany, known for its love of electronic music and thriving festival culture, offers a plethora of events, such as Fusion Festival and Rock am Ring.
Each of these European countries brings its own unique flair to the international music festival scene, ensuring there's always something for everyone to enjoy whether you're into techno, hip-hop or heavy metal.
What is the biggest European music festival?
Determining the "biggest" music festival in Europe can be measured by various criteria such as attendance, lineup size, and venue capacity. However, one EU music festival that consistently ranks among the largest in terms of attendance and global recognition is Tomorrowland. Held in Boom, Belgium, Tomorrowland attracts hundreds of thousands of electronic music fans from around the world each year. With its massive stages, awe-inspiring production, and a star-studded lineup featuring some of the biggest names in electronic dance music, Tomorrowland has earned its reputation as one of the most iconic and influential music festivals not only in Europe but across the globe.
What is the largest free music festival in Europe?
When it comes to free music festivals in Europe, one event stands out for its sheer scale and cultural significance: Fête de la Musique in France. This free European music festival started all that way back in 1982 but now the Fête de la Musique, also known as World Music Day, has spread to cities across the continent, including Berlin, Rome, and Barcelona. This free European music festival takes place all over the major cities in France, from intimate acoustic sets in local parks to raucous street parties in city squares, Fête de la Musique celebrates the universal language of music and the joy of sharing it with others, making it the largest free music festival in Europe in terms of its reach and cultural impact.
The 20 Best Festivals in Europe 2024 (For Every Music Taste)
1. Glastonbury Festival - Somerset, England
Date: June 26th - 30th
Genre: Multi-genre
Glastonbury is one of the most famous festivals in Europe and is famous for its diverse lineup and vibrant atmosphere, returns in 2024 for five days of non-stop music and entertainment. Legendary past headliners have included the likes of Beyoncé, Jay-Z and Coldplay (multiple times), along with a plethora of other artists spanning various genres from rock to electronic, Glastonbury promises an iconic European music festival experience for attendees wanting to listen to a little bit of everything. Tickets are notoriously hard to get so make sure you get organised months in advance or be prepared to shell out to get your hands on a pair of tickets.
2. Tomorrowland - Boom, Belgium
Date: July 19th - 28th
Genre: Electronic/Dance
Tomorrowland, the world's biggest electronic dance music festival, spans two weekends in July, offering a lineup of the biggest names in EDM. From Tiësto to Martin Garrix, and David Guetta to Calvin Harris, the EU music festival showcases an electrifying array of DJs and producers across its iconic stages, accompanied by stunning visual displays and immersive experiences.
3. Primavera Sound - Barcelona, Spain
Date: June 5th - 9th
Genre: Indie/Alternative
Primavera Sound takes over Barcelona's Parc del Fòrum for five days of indie and alternative music excellence. This year's lineup boasts headliners such as A.G. Cook, FKA Twigs, and Lana Del Rey, alongside a diverse array of up-and-coming acts from around the globe. With its picturesque seaside location and eclectic mix of genres, Primavera Sound is a must-attend festival for music lovers of all tastes.
4. Sziget Festival - Budapest, Hungary
Date: August 7th - 12th
Genre: Multi-genre
Next on our list of the best festivals in Europe for 2024 is Sziget Festival, held on the picturesque Óbuda Island in Budapest, which transforms into an eclectic musical playground for seven days of incredible performances. With headliners such as Halsey, Stormzy, and Skrillex, alongside a diverse lineup of artists spanning rock, pop, electronic, and world music, Sziget offers an immersive cultural experience like no other.
5. Roskilde Festival - Roskilde, Denmark
Date: June 29th - July 6th
Genre: Multi-genre
Roskilde Festival, one of Europe's largest music festivals, celebrates its rich legacy with eight days of music, arts, and activism. With headliners like 21 Savage, Pink Pantheress, and Kalis Uchis, alongside a dynamic lineup of international and local acts across various genres, Roskilde promises an inclusive and unforgettable experience for all attendees.
6. Exit Festival - Novi Sad, Serbia
Date: July 10th - 14th
Genre: Multi-genre
Next on our list of the biggest music festivals in Europe is Exit Festival, held within the walls of Novi Sad's historic Petrovaradin Fortress, which brings together music lovers from around the world for four days of non-stop entertainment. With headliners such as Eurovision's Baby Lasagna, alongside a diverse lineup of electronic, rock, and hip-hop artists, Exit Festival offers a unique fusion of music, culture, and heritage in a unique location.
7. Rock Werchter - Werchter, Belgium
Date: June 27th - 30th
Genre: Rock/Alternative
Rock Werchter, Belgium's premier rock music festival, returns with four days of electrifying performances from some of the biggest names in rock and alternative music. With headliners such as Pearl Jam, Green Day, and Red Hot Chili Peppers, alongside a stellar lineup of established and emerging artists, Rock Werchter promises an unforgettable weekend of high-energy music and camaraderie.
8. Electric Picnic - County Laois, Ireland
Date: August 16th - 18th
Genre: Multi-genre
Our next music festival in Europe takes us to stunning Ireland. Electric Picnic, nestled in the scenic surroundings of Stradbally Estate, offers three days of eclectic music, arts, and culture. Head down to the Irish music festival to see the likes of Calvin Harris, Raye and Kylie, alongside a diverse lineup of indie, electronic, and folk acts, Electric Picnic promises a vibrant and immersive experience for all festival-goers.
9. Collisioni Festival - Barolo, Italy
Date: July 13th - 17th
Genre: Multi-genre
Next on our list of the biggest music festivals in Europe is Collisioni Festival as it returns to the charming town of Barolo in the heart of Italy's Piedmont region. Set against the backdrop of rolling vineyards and historic castles, Collisioni Festival offers a unique blend of music, literature, food, and wine. This year's lineup features an eclectic mix of artists spanning genres from rock and indie to jazz and world music, including internationally renowned acts and emerging talents.
10. Sunrise Festival - Kołobrzeg, Poland
Date: July 19th - 21st
Genre: Electronic/Dance
Poland may not seem like the first place that comes to mind when you think about a European music festival in the sun but prepare to dance the days away as Sunrise Festival returns to the stunning Baltic coast of Poland for three days of non-stop partying on the beach. This electrifying Polish music festival brings together top international music acts including James Hype and Lily Palmer, alongside a lineup of renowned DJs and producers. With its sun-drenched beaches, pulsating beats, and infectious energy, Sunrise Festival promises an unforgettable weekend of dance music, sunshine, and seaside vibes.
11. Latitude Festival - Suffolk, England
Date: July 25th - 28th
Genre: Multi-genre
Latitude Festival, nestled in the idyllic countryside of Suffolk, offers a diverse program of music, arts, theatre, and comedy across multiple stages and arenas. With headliners such as Lana Del Rey, Vampire Weekend, and The National, alongside a lineup of indie, folk, and alternative acts, the Latitude Festival promises a weekend of creativity, culture, and community in a picturesque setting.
12. Bilbao BBK Live - Bilbao, Spain
Date: July 11th - 13th
Genre: Indie/Alternative
For those seeking a sunny music festival in Europe check out Bilbao BBK Live, set against the stunning backdrop of the Basque Country, which delivers three days of indie and alternative music excellence. You can expect to see acts like Massive Attack, Grace Jones and Arcade Fire at Bilbao BBK Live, gastronomy, and cultural events in the heart of northern Spain.
13. Melt Festival - Ferropolis, Germany
Date: July 11th - 13th
Genre: Electronic/Indie
Next on our list of the best festivals in Europe 2024 is Melt Festival, held at the awe-inspiring Ferropolis "City of Iron" in Germany, which offers three days of electronic and indie music bliss. With headliners such as Skepta, James Blake, and Bonobo, alongside a diverse lineup of electronic, indie, and alternative acts, Melt Festival is hosted in a unique industrial setting, complete with mesmerizing stages and art installations.
14. Belladrum Tartan Heart - Inverness-shire, Scotland
Date: July 25th - 27th
Genre: Multi-genre
One of the best family-friendly music festivals in Europe is Belladrum Tartan Heart, set amidst the scenic Scottish Highlands, which offers three days of music, arts, and culture in a vibrant and family-friendly music festival. With headliners such as Jake Bugg, Deacon Blue, and James Arthur, alongside a diverse lineup of indie, rock, and electronic acts, Belladrum Tartan Heart promises a family-friendly and inclusive weekend of live music, entertainment, and Highland hospitality.
15. Secret Solstice - Reykjavik, Iceland
Date: June 21st - 23rd
Genre: Multi-genre
Secret Solstice, set amidst the stunning landscapes of Iceland's capital city, Reykjavik, invites festival-goers to experience the phenomenon of the Midnight Sun with three days of music, art, and exploration. With headliners such as Disclosure, Bon Iver, and The Chemical Brothers, alongside a lineup of international and Icelandic artists, Secret Solstice promises an unforgettable weekend of music and natural wonders under the never-setting sun.
16. TRNSMT Glasgow - Glasgow, Scotland
Date: July 12th - 14th
Genre: Multi-genre
Our next festival in Europe takes to Glasgow, Scotland. TRNSMT returns to the iconic Glasgow Green featuring an incredible lineup of artists from across the musical spectrum, this year's festival promises to be nothing short of epic. From the indie-pop vibes of Blossoms and the electronic beats of Scotland's own Calvin Harris to the raw energy of Gerry Cinnamon and the anthemic rock of Liam Gallagher, TRNSMT offers something for every music lover. With stages set against the stunning backdrop of Glasgow Green, surrounded by Glasgow's rich history and vibrant culture, TRNSMT creates a unique and immersive festival experience like no other.
17. AthensRocks Fest 2024 - Athens, Greece
Date: July 27th
Genre: Multi-genre
If you're spending time in Greece's capital, don't miss the chance to attend this top EU music festival. AthensRocks Fest 2024 takes over the historic city of Athens for a music festival set against the backdrop of ancient ruins. With international headliners such as Queens of the Stoneage and Spiritualized, alongside a diverse lineup of international and Greek artists spanning rock, indie, and alternative genres, AthensRocks Fest promises an unforgettable weekend of live music, cultural exploration, and Greek hospitality in the heart of the Mediterranean.
18. Wacken Open Air - Wacken, Germany
Date: July 31st - August 3rd
Genre: Metal
Next on our list of the best festivals in Europe is Wacken Open Air, the world's largest heavy metal festival, descends upon the small village of Wacken in northern Germany for four days of headbanging mayhem. Wacken Open Air unites heavy metal bands from across Europe for a festival full of loud guitars, mosh pits, and camaraderie for metalheads from around the globe.
19. Hellfest Open Air - Clisson, France
Date: June 27th - 30th
Genre: Metal
Hellfest Open Air, nestled in the picturesque town of Clisson in western France, is a mecca for metalheads, offering three days of relentless headbanging and heavy riffs. With headliners such as Metallica, Foo Fighters, and Machine Head, alongside a lineup of metal and hard rock bands from across the globe, Hellfest offers an unforgettable EU music festival full of pure, unadulterated metal madness.
20. Rolling Loud Vienna - Vienna, Austria
Date: July 5th - 7th
Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap
Our next best music festival in Europe is for the hip-hop heads. Rolling Loud Vienna, the European edition of the world's largest hip-hop festival, takes over the vibrant city of Vienna for three days of hip-hop excellence. With global headliners like Nicki Minaj, Playboi Carti, and Travis Scott, alongside a lineup of top-tier and up-and-coming artists from the hip-hop scene, Rolling Loud promises an electrifying weekend of booming beats and iconic performances in Austria's capital.
Looking For The Best Gift for Music Lovers
If you're looking for the best gift for music lovers, meet Flightgift. With an airline gift card, you can give your favourite music lover the chance to fly to any of these European destinations to attend one of the best festivals in Europe in person. Whether its Glasto in the UK, Tomorrowland in Belgium or if they'd rather jet to Coachella in the US, the world's their oyster with an airline gift card.
All you do is upload money, personalise it in a few clicks and then choose to send via email, in the post or print at home to give in person. Then, your lucky gift recipient heads to our website and enters their Flightgift code on a flight that suits them! It's the best way to gift a flight!
Your loved one will have 2 years to redeem their airline gift certificate so if they're favourite festival is sold out, they can try again next year. It really is the best gift for music lovers seeking an international music experience.
