Tiny bottles of Prosecco, plastic cups of Aperol Spritz and bumbags at the ready, we’re gearing up for music festival season. Whether you like mucking in at Glasto or glamping with the fam in Kendal – there are loads of brilliant festivals up and down the British Isles. Some of the world’s best-loved acts head to our shores between June and August to perform for tens of thousands of people at our line-up of festivals.
However, as much as we love the festivals over here, every single summer we wish we were heading onto the continent for one of the amazing showcases put on throughout Europe. The vibes look different, the bands and singers are different, and there’s often a few extra degrees out in the sun. So, this year, we’ve made the decision that we’re popping off to at least one of the best-looking European music festivals.
Here are the five we’re weighing up.
Sonar, Barcelona
We need little persuasion to head over to the Catalan capital. The little tapas bars, the wine, the sun, and the amazing architecture – it’s truly one of the best places in Europe by our reckoning. Throw in one of the continent’s best-loved festivals and you’re onto an absolute winner.
Set over three days in June (and sponsored by holiday beer par excellence, Estrella), Sonar may be the best place for a little boozy dancing in the sun this summer. This year’s line-up includes Little Simz, Eric Prydz and Bad Gyal, as well as bizarre low-fi act Aphex Twin if you’re looking to get a little weird. Be sure to keep hydrated though if you’re sampling the local lagers and vinos between boogies.
Primavera Sound, Porto
We’re going to come clean immediately here – we nearly listed the Barcelona stop of the Primavera Sound tour, but decided that doubling up in one city was cheating a bit. So, we’re plopping the Porto leg of the festival here instead. It’s slightly smaller but still has loads of the same headline acts, and Porto’s a magical place in its own right.
Located in the beautiful Parque da Cidade super close to the sea, Primavera Sound’s Porto stop has chilled-out holiday vibes written all over it. Held from 7-10 June, you can pretty much guarantee cloudless skies and plenty of tanning opps (don’t forget the sun cream, though!) as you catch sets from Kendrick, Blur, Halsey and even the Pet Shop Boys!
Ultra Europe, Split
Here’s one for the all-nighters amongst you, Ultra Europe in Split, Croatia is one of the continent’s best-loved and craziest EDM festivals with absolute tunes for days. This is about as far from Kendal Calling as it comes – a chance for dance music fiends to really let go under the Mediterranean sun and bust shapes into the small hours.
Huge names of the dance music world including Steve Aoki, Sam Feldt and Armin van Buuren have already been confirmed for 2023’s event with a host more expected to follow. It’s also got one of the most affordable VIP package price points of major European festivals – perfect if you’re tempted to add a little extra comfort to your stay after a long day on the dancefloor.
What’s more, the Ultra Europe Boat Party is held the day before the festival, a perfect chance for a little fun in the sun at sea. As we always say, what happens on the water, stays on the water.
Lollapalooza, Stockholm
Okay, okay – so, Stockholm isn’t as well known for its summer heatwaves as Barcelona, Porto or Split, but it does have one major summer card up its sleeve – almost endless sun. One of the continent’s most northern cities, Stockholm in June boasts close to 19 hours of daylight every single day. So, if you’re looking for a music festival that seems to go on and on and on – we reckon the Swedish leg of Lollapalooza is just the ticket.
This year’s line-up is really varied and well-rounded, too, perfect if there’s a group of you going and a few different tastes on board. We’re excited for Kygo, Lizzo and Lil Nas X, but there are loads of other bands and performers we reckon will be well worth a watch as well. Headlining the last day is Mumford and Sons – so, grab a cider, try to find a hay bale, and have a little banjo-backed singalong.
ADE, Amsterdam
If you’re reading this in the heat of the summer, having missed out on all the festivals of the season and FOMOing into your pillow – this last suggestion is for you. The Amsterdam Dance Event isn’t held until October! There’s still time! You can still get your European music festival fix in 2023, and it’s in one of the closest port cities to the UK.
Held throughout multiple venues across the city, Amsterdam Dance Event is a bit more than a music festival – it doubles up as an art exhibition and technology showcase. As one of the most progressive cities in the world, it’s bound to be full of mind-bending experiences and exhibitions all connected by the beautiful canals and crisscrossing roads of the Dutch capital.
We love the thought of renting bikes, and taking in as much art, music, and intrigue as possible (in between pancake stops of course) across the whole of Amsterdam, before partying well into the night. This sounds like a great little weekend treat after summer has finished.
Of course, we reckon the best way to experience any of these amazing music festivals is with a cruise pegged onto the front, back or around. All the featured festivals are located in port cities we know and love. So, if you’re ready to set sail, and explore the brilliant music festivals of Europe, head to our homepage and have a look through the world’s best cruise deals!