What makes summer vacation even better? Concerts and music festivals! From the classical masterpieces of Mozart and Beethoven to the modern beats of EDM and pop, Europe has it all when it comes to music
And what better way to experience this musical diversity than by attending a music festival? In this blog, we will take a closer look at some of the best music festivals in Europe that you don't want to miss.
Glastonbury Festival - Somerset, England (June 21-25, 2023)
Glastonbury Festival is a major british culture and it is placed in Somerset, England. It features a diverse lineup of musical acts, ranging from rock and pop to dance and electronic music. There is a big chance that your favourite artist will perform there! You can expect much more than live music as it hosts dance, comedy, theatre, circus, cabaret, and other arts. Although it is muddy, the experience is totally worth it!
The closest international airport to Glastonbury Festival is Bristol International Airport. There is a regular bus link from Bristol airport named the “Bristol International Flyer” which can take you from the airport to Bristol Temple Meads railway station. You can catch a bus from Temple Meads to the Festival Bus Station.
Tomorrowland - Boom, Belgium (July 21-23 & 28-30, 2023)
If you are an electronic music fan, I'm sure you have heard of Tomorrowland as it has become one of the most famous music festivals in the world. Held in Boom, Belgium, this festival is known for its spectacular stage designs, immersive atmosphere, and diverse lineup of DJs and performers. In 2023, the festival will take place over two weekends in July.
The easiest and safest way to travel to Tomorrowland is through the Tomorrowland City Shuttles which you can find in several stops in several cities in Belgium.
Airport shuttles will run from Brussels Airport (BRU) and from Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) and taking a train takes about 30 minutes to Boom.
Find flights here.
Roskilde Festival - Roskilde, Denmark (June 24 - July 1, 2023)
Roskilde Festival is a Danish non-profit festival and it is considered the largest in the Nordic countries. Based in Roskilde, the festival is known for its diverse lineup, which features a mix of international and local acts from various genres. Besides, the oldest festival in Europe stands out for its concern about sustainability. Roskilde Festival 2023 will take place 24 June - 1 July.
Roskilde Festival has its own station that you can get there either by train or bus (using Flixbus). Each trip costs DKK 25.
Ready to book a flight? Check them here.
Sziget Festival - Budapest, Hungary (August 9-16, 2023)
One thing you can expect from Sziget Festival is its musical diversity which is great if you go with a group of friends with different music tastes. Held on an island in the Danube River in Budapest, Hungary, the festival features over 1,000 performances across 60 stages, ranging from rock and pop to world music and electronic dance music.
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport is the closest airport to get to the festival. The festival recommends you take the 100E towards Deák Ferenc tér M (City centre) which cost 1500 HUF (3.99 €), then change at Deák Ferenc tér to Metro 2 (M2) to Batthyány tér. Change to HÉV (H5) to Filatorigát, there you will be guided by the festival to the entrance. It takes about 1 and a half hours.
In 2023, the Sziget Festival will take place from August 9 to 16.
Primavera Sound - Barcelona, Spain (June 1-3, 2023)
Primavera Sound is a music festival held annually in Barcelona. The festival is known for its eclectic lineup of international acts from various genres, including rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic music. Due to its success, it has expanded to Porto, Los Angeles, São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Santiago and Madrid.
To get to PARC DEL FÒRUM, you can take the free shuttle bus from Plaça Catalunya which is available Thursday from midnight to 5am, Friday from 2am to 5am and Saturday from 4am to 7 am. Also, the platforma marina on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from midnight to 4am.
Alternatively, you can use the bus on lines H16, H14, 7, 136, V31 and 143 (working from 6:30 to 23:15 h aprox.) and for the nocturnal bus take the N6 and N7.
You can also go by tramway, from Trambesós (T4 Line) to Fòrum Station through a connection with the underground (L4). The advantage of the tram is that has a non-stop service from Thursday to Sunday.
A subway is also a viable option as there is a metro station 150 meters away from the Fórum called El Maresme-Fòrum.
From Monday to Thursday from 05:00 am to 00:00 am
Fridays and a day prior to festive days from 05:00 am to 02:00 am
Saturdays non-stop service
In 2023, the festival will take place from June 1 to 3 in Barcelona, Jun 8 to 10 in Madrid and Jun 07-10 in Porto.Are you bold enough to attend them all?
Rock am Ring - Nürburg, Germany (June 2-4, 2023)
Rock am Ring is one of the largest and most popular rock music festivals in Europe. Held at the Nürburgring racetrack in Nürburg, Germany, the festival features a mix of international and German acts across multiple stages. In 2023, the festival will take place from June 2 to 4.
The Transportation to the festival is not difficult. You can either arrive to Frankfurt or Cologne airport and then catch a train to Koblenz. Once you get to Koblenz train station you can pick up the shuttle bus which goes directly to the Festival.
Koblenz is the meeting point where all the rock fans like you will descend for the final journey to Rock am Ring.
Check out the flights to Frankfurt and Cologne.
Isle of Wight Festival - Isle of Wight, England (June 15-18, 2023)
The Isle of Wight Festival is a historic music festival that has been held on the Isle of Wight since 1968. The festival has hosted some of the biggest household names in music history over the years such as Jimi Hendrix, The Who, and David Bowie. In 2023, the festival will take place from June 15 to 18.
To get to the Isle of Wight you need to be on one of the four mainland ferry ports such as Southampton, Portsmouth, Lymington or Southsea. The closest airport is the Southampton Airport. Once you get to the ferry Port at Southampton. After a short crossing, you will arrive on the Island by ferry.
For more flights information click here .
Sónar - Barcelona, Spain (Jun 15 – Jun 17, 2023)
If you looking for cutting-edge electronic music, innovative use of technology, and a unique atmosphere, Sónar is the place for you.
Founded in Barcelona, it has become one of the most important festivals of its kind in the world. The festival will take place on Jun 15 – Jun 17, 2023.
From the city centre, you can catch the metro on the green or red line to España station. The area sits close to the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc and the MNAC - museum Nacional art de Catalunya. Alternatively, you can take the Hop on hop-off sightseeing tourist bus or public buses.
Sonar by Night takes place in a large conference centre called Fira Gran Via, on the outskirts of the city and it is a bit more challenging to get there. Keep in mind not to mix up Fira Gran Via mixed up with Fira Montjuïc - they are in different locations in the city.
As Sonar by Night finishes by 07:00 AM, you are likely to find thousands of people slightly outside of Barcelona with only a few options to go home. You can choose to take a taxi, although it goes directly to the venue in a short amount of time, you will risk paying a large sum around 60€. It is rather easier to Sónat by night by train. You just need to get to the closest train station which is called 'Europa/Fira', and leaving from the venue to the station takes only a 5 min walk.
Consider also take advantage of the bus service which leaves from Placa de les Drassanes near the bottom of Las Ramblas (metro: Drassanes) and shuttles uninterruptedly Friday and Saturday from 8:30pm to 8am.
Ultra music festival - Split, Croatia (July 7-9, 2023)
Ultra Music Festival is also an electronic dance music festival that was founded in Miami, Florida in 1999. But if you were thinking somewhere closer, you can attend the Ultra Europe held in Split, Croatia. Whether you're a die-hard electronic dance music fan or just looking for a high-energy music festival experience, Ultra Music Festival is definitely worth checking out. The festival takes place from July 7-9.
To get to the festival you can book on its website the festival shuttle bus with unlimited rides and airport transfers.
Flights available here .
Crusell Music Festival - Uusikaupunki, Finland (July 22-29)
If you fancy classical music, you can't miss the Crusell Music Festiva in Crusell Music Festiva in Uusikaupunki, Finland. Whether you're a lifelong classical music fan or a curious newcomer, the festival's diverse program and focus on chamber music make it a must-see event for anyone interested in the rich and varied world of classical music. Add to your calendar from July 22 until July 29.
The closest airport to Uusikaupunki is Turku Airport. You can arrive at Uusikaupunki by bus which takes 2 and a half hours. Alternatively, you can go by train from Turku or Helsinki and once you arrive at Uusikaupunki train station you have a 15-20 minutes walk or take a taxi.
Interested in booking a flight? Click here.
Korsholm Music Festival - Korsholm, Finland (July 26 - August 2)
Continuing with classical music, Korsholm Music Festival, also known as Korsholm Chamber Music Festival, is an annual chamber music festival held in the Finnish town of Korsholm. This festival has become one of the most prestigious classical music events in Finland. If you looking for intimate settings that allow for a closer connection between the performers and the audience, Korsholm Music Festival is the right place for you!
The closest airport is the Vaasa Airport which is located about 9 kilometers from Vaasa city center. The airport buses number 4 and 10 will drive to and from the airport during weekdays.
Get you flight here!
Smukfest - Skanderborg, Denmark (July 31st-August 6th)
Smukfest takes place in the beautiful surroundings of Skanderborg's Dyrehaven forest for over 4 days. The "Denmarks' Most Beautiful Festival" where the nickname Smukfest comes from (the actual name is Skanderborg Festival) is a must-see event for anyone interested in music, culture, and community. Its diverse lineup, commitment to sustainability, and unique atmosphere make it one of the most exciting and memorable music festivals in Europe. This festival will take place from July 31st until August 6th.
Both Billund Airport and Aarhus are identically close to city where you can take the bus to arrive at the festival site. Skanderborg has also a train station, which is served by regional and intercity trains. From the train station, you can take a shuttle bus or walk to the festival forest. Although the walk will about 20-30 minutes the designated walking route is well-marked.
Would you like to see flights to Billund? Click here.
Ponude direktno u prijemno sanduče
Europe is a treasure trove of musical diversity, and its music festivals offer a unique and immersive way to experience this diversity firsthand. Whether you're into rock, pop, electronic, or classical music, there's a festival in Europe that caters to your taste. We hope this guide has been helpful in highlighting some of the best music festivals in Europe and providing tips for making your festival experience unforgettable.
