Looking for an unforgettable summer? Europe’s festival season packs iconic lineups, wild street parties, and arts marathons into June–August. Below are the five best summer festivals in Europe—what they’re famous for, when they usually happen, and quick tips to plan your trip.
Trip tip: Compare flight deals and lock in hotels early on HudHudTrip to stay walking distance from the action.
1) Glastonbury — Pilton, England
Typical dates: Late June
Best for: Bucket-list music lovers, once-in-a-lifetime vibes
Why go: The blueprint for modern mega-festivals: legendary headliners, secret sets, and entire “mini-worlds” (Arcadia, Shangri-La, the Healing Fields).
Plan it:
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Tickets: Sell out fast; secure your registration early and watch resale windows.
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Getting there: Fly into London or Bristol, then bus/coach to site.
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Where to stay: On-site camping is part of the magic. Prefer comfort? Base in Bristol/Bath and commute.
2) Tomorrowland — Boom, Belgium
Typical dates: Mid–late July (two weekends)
Best for: Electronic dance fans, jaw-dropping stages
Why go: The world’s most theatrical EDM experience—immaculate production, story-driven stages, and a truly global crowd.
Plan it:
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Tickets: Global Journey packages (flight + hotel) simplify everything—and sell quickly.
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Getting there: Fly to Brussels; Boom is ~40 minutes by shuttle/train.
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Where to stay: DreamVille camping or Brussels/Antwerp hotels.
3) Edinburgh Festival Fringe — Edinburgh, Scotland
Typical dates: August (three weeks)
Best for: Comedy, theater, street performance overload
Why go: The planet’s largest arts festival—thousands of shows ranging from household names to daring debuts, all crammed into pubs, basements, and pop-up venues.
Plan it:
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Tickets: Build a flexible schedule; great shows often surface after word-of-mouth hits.
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Getting there: Direct flights to Edinburgh or trains from London/Manchester.
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Where to stay: Central books out months ahead—set alerts on HudHudTrip.
4) Sziget — Budapest, Hungary
Typical dates: Mid–August
Best for: Week-long island party with a multi-genre lineup
Why go: “The Island of Freedom” serves music plus art installations, circus, and wellness zones—all on an island in the Danube.
Plan it:
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Tickets: Day passes are great, but multi-day wristbands maximize value.
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Getting there: Fly to Budapest; metro + suburban rail take you near the entrance.
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Where to stay: On-site camping for the full experience, or snag city hotels on HudHudTrip.
5) La Tomatina — Buñol, Spain
Typical dates: Last Wednesday of August
Best for: High-energy street fun, unique cultural chaos
Why go: The world-famous tomato fight. It’s messy, it’s hilarious, and it ends with the town square getting hosed down and the parties rolling on.
Plan it:
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Tickets: Official entry/wristband required; book early.
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Getting there: Fly to Valencia, train to Buñol.
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Where to stay: Valencia city hotels (easy day trip).
How to plan (and save) for Europe’s summer festival circuit
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Book flights 6–10 weeks out: Prices tend to spike inside a month, especially for weekend festival peaks. Use price alerts on hudhudtrip.
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Stay walkable or near transit: Late-night finishes make proximity worth it. Hotels with free cancellation give flexibility if lineups change.
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Pack smart: Reusable water bottle, earplugs, portable charger, lightweight rain jacket (yes, even in July), and comfy shoes you’re not precious about.
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Cashless readiness: Many festivals are card/contactless only—enable travel notifications with your bank.
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Respect local rules: Street festivals (like La Tomatina) have safety guidelines—follow them so the party stays fun for everyone.
Quick FAQ
Which festival is best for first-timers?
Tomorrowland for EDM perfection; Sziget for variety and a city-break combo; Fringe if you prefer arts/comedy over mosh pits.
Are European festivals family-friendly?
Fringe and many day-time city events can be, but always check age policies and facilities. Camping festivals vary.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes—look for coverage that includes event cancellation and lost/damaged gear.
What if tickets are sold out?
Watch verified resale channels and consider nearby dates/festivals; Europe’s calendar is packed.
Related reading
Planning a Middle East stopover too? Don’t miss Dubai’s Must-Attend Events of 2025: Festivals, Concerts & More.
Ready to go? Start building your itinerary with flexible flight and hotel options on HudHudTrip—then count down the days to your favorite stage.
