While the Southern Hemisphere is heading into jumper weather, Europe is just heating up… literally!
Throughout the European summer, an oasis of epic festivals are taking place, with Eastern European countries taking centre stage as hosts. Insane music festivals, world-class DJs, boutique festivals and alternative celebrations promoting culture, cuisine and tradition are all on offer and waiting for you to explore this summer. Whatever you’re into, there’s a festival for you, and we’re going to give you the low down on the best ones!
Colourday Festival
Recognized as Greece's biggest music festival, the Colourday Festival takes place annually in Athens during the summer. It's a vibrant event filled with eye-catching bursts of coloured powder, fantastic vibes, and amazing music. Open to all ages, the festival attracts attendees from around the globe to the OAKA Olympic Stadium in Marousi, Athens.
Date: June 2024
Location: Athens, Greece
Tickets: Colourday Festival
Ultra Music Festival
This international music festival graces Split, Croatia with its presence year after year, bringing over 150,000 people to the UNESCO World Heritage listed city. Europe’s premier destination is transformed for a week of electronic beats, festival-goers from all over the world, a lineup of world class DJs and some pretty incredible light shows! This year's festival promises some big names, with Adam Beyer, Armin Van Buuren, Brois Brejcha and Martin Garrix headlining the festival. If there’s ever been a bucket list item to check off, Ultra Music Festival is the one!
Dates: 12 - 14 July, 2024
Location: Split, Croatia
Tickets: Ultra Europe
Kala Festival
Kala stands out as a boutique festival situated in Dhërmi, a cosy beach spot on the Albanian Riviera. Expect a diverse lineup of DJs, high-quality music and top-notch sound systems playing a mixture of house, disco, soul and funk against a picturesque beach backdrop. Dance among an enthusiastic gathering of music enthusiasts along with friendly locals.
Dates: 5 - 12 June, 2024
Tickets: Kala Festival
Sziget Festival
This fascinating festival has grown over the past 2 decades from a relatively small, student-focused event, to one of the largest music and culture festivals Europe has to offer. Sziget festival held on Óbuda Island and affectionately referred to as the ‘Island of Freedom’, attracts a diverse crowd of international artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Arctic Monkeys, Lana Del Ray and Mumford & Sons, just to name a few! The festival also boasts an eclectic range of alternative activities including fire twirling, comedy shows, and acrobats! This 7-day festival includes the option to camp on the Island of Freedom and soak up the crazy atmosphere this week-long celebration offers! The 2024 lineup includes Fred Again, Martin Garrix, Sam Smith and Stormzy.
Dates: 7 - 12 August, 2024
Location: Budapest, Hungary
Tickets: Sziget Festival
Hideout Festival
Hideout Festival has grown in popularity over the years and is now one of Croatia’s most well-known electronic music festivals. Taking over some of Novalja’s best beach clubs, this is one festival that needs to be on your European bucket list. Music varies from techno and drum & bass to grime and garage, with 2024 acts including 4AM Kru, Ammara, Alan Fitzpatrick, Eliza Rose, Danny Howard, Conducta and many more! Dancing to a world-class DJ, in an open-air club, overlooking the Sea….what more could you want from a festival!
Dates: 23 - 27 June, 2024
Location: Pag Island, Croatia
Getting there: Sail Croatia’s 22nd of June Hideout Festival Cruise will get you there! Tickets are included in the price of this cruise!
Exit Festival
Exit Festival, established in 2000, is a music extravaganza held at the Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, Serbia. This year the festival boasts a stellar lineup featuring artists like Barry Can’t Swim, Black Eyed Peas, Gucci Mane, Kenya Grace, and Rudimental. With its roots dating back over two decades, Exit Festival continues to draw diverse crowds from around the world. Expect a mixture of rock, hip-hop, techno, house and EDM in a historic fortress - an unforgettable experience filled with diverse tunes and lively performances.
Dates: 10 - 14 July, 2024
Location: Novi Sad, Serbia
Tickets: Exit Festival
Whatever your European summer plans are, make sure they includes one of these epic festivals!
