Discover the top international music festivals to attend this summer, featuring diverse lineups, stunning settings, and opportunities to explore new destinations.
Primavera Sound Porto - Porto, Portugal
( Credit to: Thrillist )
Primavera Sound Porto started as a one-day festival for Spanish noise music and has now become a global powerhouse. Held in Portugal's largest city park, this intimate festival offers a gender-equitable lineup and a laid-back atmosphere. With acts like PJ Harvey, Mitski, and SZA, Primavera Sound Porto promises a memorable experience.
Sónar - Barcelona, Spain
Known for its easygoing French electronica, Sónar festival in Barcelona is a must-visit for music lovers. This electronic music extravaganza goes beyond music, featuring Sónar+D, an international meeting of art, science, and digital culture. With AI and blockchain summits and a focus on tech integration, Sónar pushes the boundaries of creativity.
Glastonbury Festival - Somerset, England
Glastonbury Festival is the largest greenfield music and performing arts festival in the world. Covering 900 acres in the Vale of Avalon, this iconic festival has hosted legendary acts like David Bowie and The Rolling Stones. With a diverse lineup that caters to all tastes, Glastonbury promises an unforgettable experience.
Saga Festival - Bucharest, Romania
Saga Festival is a newcomer on the festival scene, but it's already making waves. Held in an airport, this festival boasts more than 100 performers across three days and multiple stages. With immersive art installations and a VIP lounge, Saga Festival offers a unique experience for music and travel enthusiasts.
Open'er Festival - Gdynia, Poland
Open'er Festival, held in an unfinished airport, is Poland's biggest music festival. With a focus on environmental protection, this festival offers camping options and features food and clothing vendors that prioritize local and sustainable products. With a lineup including Dua Lipa and Doja Cat, Open'er Festival promises a fantastic musical experience.
Montreux Jazz Festival - Montreux, Switzerland
Set on the glamorous Swiss Riviera, Montreux Jazz Festival is a legendary event. Founded in 1967, this festival has hosted musicians from Alice Cooper to Aretha Franklin. With multiple venues and a new stage built on Lake Geneva, Montreux Jazz Festival promises breathtaking performances and stunning sunsets.
Rockwave Festival - Oropos, Greece
Rockwave Festival has become a temple of rock in Greece since its inception in 1996. Held in the picturesque Terra Vibe Park, this festival offers open-air camping and a lineup featuring big names like Mika and Machine Head. With its stunning mountain backdrop, Rockwave Festival creates a unique atmosphere for rock enthusiasts.
2000trees Music Festival UK - Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK
2000trees Music Festival UK provides an alternative to overwhelming mega-festivals like Glastonbury. Set on a farm in the Cotswolds, this family-friendly festival offers an intimate setting and a diverse lineup. With Manchester Orchestra and Death From Above 1979 headlining, 2000trees promises a memorable experience for guitar music lovers.
Splendour in the Grass - Byron Bay, Australia
Splendour in the Grass is Australia's largest winter music festival. Set in coastal Byron Bay, this festival offers a mix of international and local artists. With a camping experience, interactive attractions, and a beautiful setting, Splendour in the Grass provides a unique festival experience down under.
Tomorrowland - Boom, Belgium
Tomorrowland is one of the world's most renowned EDM festivals. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this festival creates immersive worlds with elaborate sets and accommodations ranging from tents to luxury glamping mansions. With a lineup featuring top EDM artists and a theme centered around "LIFE," Tomorrowland promises an unforgettable experience.
Fuji Rock Festival - Niigata, Japan
Fuji Rock Festival is Japan's largest music festival, held at the Naeba Ski Resort. With its stunning mountainous setting and hot springs, this festival offers a unique experience for music and nature lovers. From Kraftwerk to Rufus Wainwright, the lineup caters to diverse musical tastes.
Øya Festival - Oslo, Norway
Øya Festival, meaning "island" in Norwegian, takes place in Oslo's city center. As the largest outdoor festival in Norway, Øya offers a mix of music genres and cultural attractions. With a focus on sustainability and local products, this festival showcases the best of Norwegian music and food.
Green Man Festival - Brecon Beacons, Wales
Green Man Festival takes place in the scenic Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales. With a lineup that spans various genres, this festival offers a cultural smorgasbord. Emphasizing sustainability, Green Man Festival promotes Welsh-made food and drink and incorporates eco-friendly practices throughout.
Sonus Festival - Novalja, Croatia
Sonus Festival is the ultimate destination for dance music lovers. Set on Zrće Beach in Croatia, this festival combines music with the stunning Adriatic Sea. With pool and boat parties, as well as activities like rock climbing and windsurfing, Sonus Festival offers a unique and energetic experience.
Conclusion
These 14 international music festivals provide the perfect blend of music, travel, and cultural experiences. From Portugal to Japan, these festivals offer diverse lineups, stunning settings, and opportunities to explore new destinations. Whether you're a fan of rock, EDM, or folk music, there's a festival on this list that will satisfy your musical cravings. So pack your bags, grab your dancing shoes, and get ready for an unforgettable summer filled with music and adventure.