23 Best music festivals in Europe in 2024
For those living in Europe, festivals and outdoor concerts are of great value. Especially if you live in Northern Europe, the cold and often wet weather can seriously affect your social life, so you look forward to festivals where you can mingle with people and see the artists and bands you admire live.
We have summarized the best and biggest music festivals in Europe for you in this article. Take a look at the videos so you can get a better idea of the festivals.
The best music festivals in Europe
Germany
One of the European countries with the above-mentioned weather conditions is Germany. So which festivals can we go to in Germany in 2024? Let’s look at these festivals where you will have unforgettable moments and experiences.
1. Summer Breeze (2024)
One of the best rock and metal festivals in Germany is Summer Breeze.
Launched in 1997, Summer Breeze has hosted some of the world’s best rock and metal bands since its inception. Korn, Opeth, Immortal, Megadeth, and many more bands have met their fans at this festival.
With around 45,000 visitors, Summer Breeze is one of Europe’s most vibrant rock and metal music festivals.
- Date: August 14–17, 2024
- Location: Dinkelsbühl, Germany
- Genre: Metal, Hardcore, Hardrock, Thrash Metal, Heavy Metal, Death Metal, and Deathcore
- Website: https://www.summer-breeze.de
Summer Breeze 2024 Line-Up
Summer Breeze plans to bring music lovers together again in 2024. This year, some of the world’s most successful bands and many new bands will take part in the festival. Here is the line-up for Summer Breeze 2024:
2. Rock am Ring/Rock im Park (2024):
Germany is one of the most active countries in Europe when it comes to festivals. Two of the most established and famous of these festivals are Rock am Ring and Rock im Park.
Rock am Ring, one of the most important rock festivals in the world, is held simultaneously with Rock im Park on June 7-9 in Germany. It attracts between 90,000 and 100,000 visitors every year. Visitors from all over the world will set up their tents for 3 days and live unforgettable hours regardless of the weather conditions
Rock am Ring is one of the festivals that rock and metal music lovers should experience.
- Date: June 7–9, 2024
- Location: Nürburgring (Rock am Ring)/Nuremberg (Rock im Park)
- Genre: Rock, alternative, metal
- Website: https://www.rock-am-ring.com/
3. Wacken Open Air (2024)
Wacken, a small village in northern Germany, transforms into a metalhead’s paradise during the Wacken Open Air festival.
Wacken Open Air is one of the world’s leading metal festivals. Opened in 1990 to metal lovers, Wacken has managed to increase the number of visitors every year. In 2022, Wacken hosted over 85,000 visitors, and in 2023, 61,000 metal lovers visited Wacken.
- Date: June 31, 2024–August 3, 2024
- Location: Wacken, Germany
- Genre: Metal
- Website: https://www.wacken.com/de/
4. Lollapalooza Berlin (2024)
Closing the season, Lollapalooza Berlin presents a kaleidoscope of musical genres, ranging from rock and pop to electronic and hip-hop. Held in the heart of the capital, the festival combines an urban setting with a diverse lineup, making it a must-attend event for music enthusiasts.
- Date: September 7-8, 2024
- Location: Berlin
- Genre: Multi-genre (rock, pop, electronic, hip-hop)
- Website: https://www.lollapaloozade.com/
5. Hurricane
Lower Saxony and Baden-Württemberg will once again become festival hotspots from June 21 to June 23, 2024. The Hurricane Festival and Southside are expected to draw together approximately 150,000 music enthusiasts.
The lineup for the main event is set. Tom Odell, Ed Sheeran, Avril Lavigne, and many other international and German artists will meet their fans at the festival.
- Date: June 21–23, 2024
- Location: Lower Saxony and Baden-Württemberg
- Genre: Rock, alternative and indie
- Website: https://hurricane.de
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NETHERLANDS
Now it’s the Netherlands’ turn. The Netherlands is the first country that comes to mind when you think of the greatest music festivals in Europe. The world’s most gigantic festivals take place in the Netherlands.
Especially electronic and dance music lovers meet in the Netherlands, which is also the country with the most active nights in terms of nightlife and entertainment.
Mysteryland
Mysteryland took place for the first time in 1993. It is one of the longest-running electronic music festivals in the world. Boasting diverse stages and immersive art installations, Mysteryland caters to a broad spectrum of musical tastes.
Camping is an integral part of the experience, allowing festivalgoers to extend the magic under the Dutch skies. With tens of thousands in attendance, Mysteryland weaves a tapestry of musical diversity and artistic expression.
- Date: August 30, 31 and September 1, 2024
- Location: Haarlemmermeer, Netherlands
- Genre: Techno, house, dance, trance
- Website: https://www.mysteryland.nl/
Pinkpop Festival
For over half a century, the Pinkpop Festival has been an iconic event in the Dutch music calendar. Set in the charming town of Landgraaf, this rock-oriented festival welcomes legendary and contemporary artists alike. With a rich history, Pinkpop has become a cultural rite of passage for music enthusiasts.
- Date: June 21, 22, and 23, 2024
- Location: Megaland, Landgraaf
- Genre: Rock
- Website: https://www.pinkpop.nl/
North Sea Jazz Festival
Rotterdam becomes a haven for jazz enthusiasts during the North Sea Jazz Festival. Celebrating the rich diversity of jazz, this festival invites top-tier artists to its stages. With a reputation for stellar lineups and electrifying performances, the North Sea Jazz Festival promises a soulful journey through the sounds of jazz from around the globe.
- Date: July 12, 13 and 14, 2024
- Location: Ahoy, Rotterdam
- Genre: Jazz
- Website: https://www.northseajazz.com/
Sensation (2024)
Who doesn’t recognize Sensation? Also known as Sensation White, it’s one of the biggest festivals in Europe.
It’s called sensation white because all the visitors have to wear white. When you go to this festival, with its incredible laser shows and the best DJs in the world, you are cut off from the outside world, and you feel like you are in another era, another planet.
Sensation transforms the iconic Johan Cruijff Arena into a sea of dancing euphoria. With a global reputation, Sensation is a must-attend event for those seeking a sensory journey through electronic beats.
Sensation last took place in 2022. The dates for 2024 have not yet been announced.
- Date:
- Location:
- Genre: Electronic
- Website: https://www.sensation.com/
The Netherlands’ festival landscape is a celebration of music, culture, and unity. As you traverse these musical realms, let the melodies and vibrant atmospheres create memories that resonate with joy, leaving you with a harmonious connection to Dutch festival magic.
BELGIUM
Tomorrowland (2024)
Tomorrowland is a globally acclaimed electronic dance music festival that originated in Belgium. Launched in 2005, the festival attracts the largest number of visitors in the world. In 2022, around 650,000 visitors from all over the world experienced Tomorrowland.
With its extravagant stage designs and top-tier DJ line-ups, Tomorrowland promises a euphoric journey. If you are a fan of open-air festivals, you must experience Tommorowlanf´d.
Tomorrowland will take place over two weekends in Boom, Belgium, in 2024.
- Date: July 19, 20 and 21, 2024
- Location: Boom, Belgium
- Genre: Electronic and dance
- Website: https://www.tomorrowland.com/
SPAIN
Low Festival
Nestled on the sun-kissed shores of Benidorm, Spain, Low Festival is a musical haven known for its vibrant atmosphere and a lineup that spans indie, rock, and electronic genres. With an emphasis on embracing the Mediterranean spirit, it’s a destination where music enthusiasts come together to revel in the sounds of both established and emerging artists.
The Low Festival took place for the first time in 2008. Belle and Sebastian, Biffy Clyro, Bombay Bicycle Club, Hot Chip, Kasabian, Mando Diao, Massive Attack, New Order, Phoenix, Pixies, Primal Scream, The Chemical Brothers, The Kooks, The Libertines, and many more were among the acts that were booked in the previous years. You may find the history here.
- Date: July 26, 27, and 28, 2024
- Location: Benidorm, Spain
- Genre: Indie, rock, electronic.
- Website: https://lowfestival.es/
Bilbao BBK Live
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Basque Country in Spain, Bilbao BBK Live is a musical summit that combines an international lineup with breathtaking landscapes. Held on the picturesque slopes of Mount Cobetas, this festival offers a diverse mix of rock, pop, and electronic music, creating an unforgettable fusion of nature and sound.
With its panoramic views and a capacity for tens of thousands, the festival hosts an impressive lineup featuring rock, pop, and electronic acts. Camping options are available, allowing festivalgoers to immerse themselves fully in the Bilbao BBK Live experience.
- Date: July 11, 12 and 13, 2024
- Location: Lower Saxony and Baden-Württemberg
- Genre: Rock, pop, electronic.
- Website: https://bilbaobbklive.com/en/
Sonar Festival
Barcelona transforms into a pulsating hub of electronic music during the Sonar Festival. Celebrated globally for its cutting-edge lineup, this event showcases the latest trends in electronic, techno, and experimental music. With a day-to-night format and a commitment to innovation, Sonar has become a beacon for electronic music enthusiasts worldwide.
- Date: June 13, 14, and 15, 2024
- Location: Barcelona, Spain
- Genre: Rock, alternative and indie
- Website: https://sonar.es/en
Festival O Son do Camiño
The hills of Monte do Gozo in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, come alive with the Festival O Son do Camiño. This festival is a celebration of Galician culture and music, featuring a diverse array of artists across genres. As the sun sets, attendees experience the magic of live performances against the backdrop of the beautiful Galician landscape.
The festival boasts an eclectic lineup spanning indie, rock, electronic, and hip-hop. Though camping is not offered on-site, the festival’s urban location provides easy access to a variety of accommodation options, allowing attendees to explore the vibrant city of Barcelona alongside the music festivities.
- Date: June 21 and 23, 2024
- Location: Santiago de Compostela, Spain (Monte do Gozo)
- Genre: Rock, alternative and indie
- Website: https://www.osondocamino.es/
Primavera Sound
Primavera Sound in Barcelona is a rite of passage for music lovers seeking a diverse and boundary-pushing experience. Set in the urban oasis of Parc del Fòrum, this festival boasts a lineup that spans indie, rock, electronic, and hip-hop.
Primavera Sound is one of the greatest music festivals in Europe. Known for its commitment to inclusivity and innovation, Primavera Sound has become a global benchmark for cutting-edge music festivals.
- Date: June 21and 23, 2024
- Location: Barcelona, Spain (Parc del Fòrum)
- Genre: Rock, alternative and indie
- Website: https://www.primaverasound.com/
Watch Dave Gahan, the lead singer of Depeche Mode rock the stage.
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PORTUGAL
Portugal, a country renowned for its rich cultural heritage, is also home to some of the most satisfying music festivals that draw visitors from across the globe. In this joyous celebration of music, let’s explore the most famous festivals in Portugal and share the key information to ensure your experience is nothing short of magical.
NOS Alive
The NOS Alive Festival has been in existence since 2007. It began as a one-day event called “Oeiras Alive” in Oeiras, Portugal. Over the years, it expanded and was renamed, and since 2015, it has been held at Passeio Marítimo de Algés in Lisbon. The festival has grown into one of the largest and most prestigious music festivals in Portugal.
NOS Alive stands as a testament to Lisbon’s pulsating music scene. Each July, this festival transforms Lisbon into a sonic haven, echoing the sounds of international and local artists spanning various genres.
While camping isn’t an option on-site, Lisbon’s enchanting streets and warm hospitality provide a perfect backdrop for a memorable festival adventure. NOS Alive has witnessed an ever-growing attendance, with over 160,000 visitors immersing themselves in the joyous celebration of music.
- Date: July 12 and 13, 2024
- Location: Passeio Marítimo de Algés, Portugal
- Genre: rock, indie, pop, electronic, and alternative.
- Website: https://nosalive.com/
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Super Bock Super Rock
The Super Bock Super Rock festival takes place in Porto. This musical extravaganza, typically held in July, offers a blend of indie, rock, and electronic beats.
Super Bock Super Rock has welcomed over 30,000 attendees, creating an electrifying ambiance that resonates with the rhythm of Porto itself.
At the Super Bock Super Rock, limited camping options are available.
- Date: July 18, 19, and 20, 2024
- Location: Meco, Sesimbra
- Genre: Indie, rock, and electronic
- Website: https://superbocksuperrock.pt/
EDP CoolJazz
NOS Alive stands as a testament to Lisbon’s pulsating music scene. Each July, this festival transforms Lisbon into a sonic haven, echoing the sounds of international and local artists spanning various genres.
While camping isn’t an option on-site, Lisbon’s enchanting streets and warm hospitality provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable festival adventure. NOS Alive has witnessed an ever-growing attendance, with over 160,000 visitors immersing themselves in the joyous celebration of music.
- Date: July 9 to 31, 2024
- Location: Cascais
- Genre: Jazz and pop
- Website: https://www.edpcooljazz.com/
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ITALY
Embark on a musical odyssey through the heart of Italy, where enchanting festivals weave a tapestry of melodies against the backdrop of historic cities and picturesque landscapes. These events not only celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Italy but also offer an immersive experience for music enthusiasts. Let’s delve into the vibrant scene of some of the most celebrated festivals, sharing the essential details to make your Italian festival adventure truly unforgettable.
Sanremo Music Festival
Nestled along the Ligurian coast, the Sanremo Music Festival has been a cornerstone of Italian music since 1951. Held annually in the city of Sanremo, this iconic event showcases a diverse array of genres, from classic Italian ballads to contemporary pop hits. Beyond the captivating performances, Sanremo serves as the platform for the renowned “Big Artists” competition, unveiling emerging talents to a global audience. With a rich history and a significant cultural impact, Sanremo is a must-experience event for any music lover.
- Date: February 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, 2024
- Location: Ariston Theatre, Sanremo, Liguria
- Genre: Pop, rock, contemporary, Italian ballads
- Website: https://sanremo-festival.de/
Umbria Jazz Festival
Set against the backdrop of medieval towns and rolling hills, the Umbria Jazz Festival in Perugia is a captivating blend of music and culture. Renowned globally, this festival attracts jazz aficionados and music enthusiasts alike. The historic venues and cobblestone streets reverberate with the sounds of jazz legends and emerging talents. While camping isn’t a traditional feature, the festival’s proximity to the charming town of Perugia offers a delightful immersion into the Italian way of life.
- Date:
- Location: Perugia, Umbria
- Genre: Jazz, blues
- Website: https://www.umbriajazz.it/en/
Rock in Roma
Rome, the eternal city, becomes the stage for Rock in Roma, a dynamic festival that echoes with the beats of rock, pop, and indie. With performances by international headliners and local gems, this festival transforms the Olympic Stadium into a massive concert arena. While camping options aren’t available on-site, the festival’s location in the heart of Rome invites attendees to explore the city’s historical treasures between musical acts, creating an immersive experience.
So far, artists Bruce Dickinson, Deep Purple, Gabry Ponte, and another eight artists are confirmed for Rock in Roma 2024.
- Date: June 15, 2024–September 9, 2024
- Location: Rome, Lazio
- Genre: Rock, pop, indie
- Website: https://rockinroma.com/
Collisioni Festival
Immerse yourself in the collision of music, literature, and wine at the Collisioni Festival in the enchanting town of Barolo. This unique event brings together artists, authors, and wine enthusiasts in the heart of the Langhe wine region. While camping isn’t a typical offering, the festival’s atmosphere and the surrounding vineyards provide an idyllic backdrop for a cultural and sensory experience.
- Date: July 5, 6 and 7, 2024
- Location: Piazza Medford, Alba
- Genre: Varied lineup including rock, pop, and indie
- Website: https://www.collisioni.it/
As we conclude this journey through the best music festivals in Europe, we find ourselves immersed in a rich tapestry of melodies, cultures, and shared experiences. From the sun-soaked shores of Benidorm’s Low Festival to the electronic beats echoing through Barcelona’s Sonar Festival and the iconic rock performances at Landgraaf’s Pinkpop Festival, each festival offers a unique chapter in the continent’s musical story.
In Portugal, the soulful sounds of Fado intertwine with the energetic rhythms of NOS Alive, while the rolling hills of Barolo provide a picturesque backdrop for Italy’s Collisioni Festival, where music collides with literature and wine.
The Netherlands, with its Tomorrowland and Mysteryland, opens portals to electronic wonderlands, while the jazz notes resonate through Rotterdam’s North Sea Jazz Festival. Amsterdam’s Sensation takes the festival experience beyond traditional boundaries, creating a sensory spectacle that captivates the imagination.
These festivals are not just events; they are cultural celebrations, where music becomes a universal language that transcends borders and connects people from all walks of life.
Have you ever been to one of these festivals? Let us know in the comments.
