The festival season is finally about to start so if you love music and travelling, now is the moment to grab your backpack and your tent, and let loose! We’ve put together a calendar with the most interesting summer festivals in Europe for 2015. There’s something for everyone… music, theatre, dance… so just unwind and have fun!
theatre
music
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Kirschblütenfest
Tradition
Kirschblütenfest
22/05
2015
Hamburg
Germany
The festival that celebrates Japanese culture with 5,000 cherry trees, fireworks and plenty of fun activities. And best of all, it’s free!
free
website
Fàcyl - International Arts Festival
Theater
Fàcyl - International Arts Festival
5/06
10/06
2015
Salamanca
Spain
The International Arts Festival of Castilla and León has a lot to offer: the beautiful streets and squares of the medieval city of Salamanca, a selection of theatrical performances, as well as dance, music and circus shows, video installations, literature readings and film screenings.
from:
25€
website
Dour Festival
Music
Dour Festival
15/07
19/07
2015
Dour
Belgium
Hosted in a small town in Belgium, this festival offers a very interesting line-up at affordable prices (camping is also included)! So if you enjoy alternative music, you will without a doubt appreciate this incredible event.
from:
60€
website
Rototom Sunsplash
Music
Rototom Sunsplash
16/08
23/08
2015
Benicàssim
Spain
The Rototom Reggae Festival is one of the largest and most important events in the world. In addition to great live reggae music, the festival aims to transmit that 'another world is possible' through peace, tolerance, respect, solidarity and non-violence.
from:
60€
website
Reeperbahn Festival
Music
Reeperbahn Festival
23/09
26/09
2015
Hamburg
Germany
This annual festival brings together more than 200 emerging international artists, offering also an extensive programme of exhibitions, readings and film screenings. For the first time ever, the festival will also host the 'German Music Export @ Reeperbahn Festival', an event dedicated exclusively to presenting new German artists.
from:
34€
website
Download Festival
Music
Download Festival
12/06
14/06
Derby
uk
One of the biggest British rock festivals - Slipknot, Muse and Kiss are some of the bands performing in this year’s edition.
from:
195£
website
Glastonbury
Music
Glastonbury
24/06
28/06
2015
Pilton
uk
The Glastonbury festival, first organised in 1970, is a tribute to Jimi Hendrix. Year after year, this epic music event never fails to impress its fans. Some of the performing artists you can enjoy this year include the Foo Fighters, Kanye West and Lionel Richie.
from:
205£
website
Rock in Rio
Music
Rock in Rio
8/05
16/05
2015
Lisbon
Portugal
Rock in Rio is a grand event that has organised many editions in Brazil, Portugal and Spain, and has brought together more than 6 million people. The festival also organises the 'Proyecto Social', an initiative created with the purpose of addressing social issues through music. Metallica, Evanescence, Smashing Pumpkins and Linkin Park are some of the bands you can see perform this year.
from:
61€
website
Optimus Primavera Sound
Music
Optimus Primavera Sound
04/06
6/06
2015
Oporto
Portugal
from:
125€
website
Roskilde Festival
Music
Roskilde Festival
27/06
4/07
2015
Roskilde
Denmark
With a busy schedule full of celebrated international bands and emerging artists performing rock, pop, soul, hip hop, R & B and electronic music, the small Danish town of Roskilde comes to life in July…make sure you’re there to witness it!
from:
90€
website
Pukkelpop
Music
Pukkelpop
20/08
22/08
2015
Hasselt
Belgium
Two hundred artists (including Bastille, Diplo, Mark Ronson, Paolo Nutini), eight stages, three days of celebration and thousands of visitors from all over Europe ... plenty of reasons to go to Flanders this summer!
from:
83€
website
INMusic Festival
Music
INMusic Festival
22/06
24/06
2015
Lago Jarun - Zagabria
Croatia
Hosted on the 'Youth' Island in Zagreb, this event is without a doubt one of the most important open-air festivals in Croatia. In addition to concerts and camping facilities, it's also a great opportunity to visit some of Croatia’s most beautiful destinations. These are some of the bands you can expect to see there: Rambo, Amadeus and more.
from:
52€
website
Isle of Wight festival
Music
Isle of Wight festival
11/06
14/06
2015
Isle of Wight
uk
The Isle of Wight, located in the English Channel near the English coast, is home to the legendary Isle of Wight Festival. Suspended in 1970, the event was revived in 2002; Billy Idol, The Black Keys, Pharrell Williams, and Counting Crows all form part of this year’s line-up.
from:
75£
website
Ferrara Buskers Fesival
Theater
Ferrara Buskers Fesival
20/08
2015
Ferrara
Italy
The biggest event in the world dedicated to street art! A cheerful ensemble of buskers, musicians and actors invade the historic centre of Ferrara, in Italy. The artists do not receive compensation and you are not required to purchase a ticket, but you are encouraged to make donations.
free
website
Wacken
Music
Wacken
30/07
1/08
2015
Wacken
Germany
Are you a fan of heavy metal? Well, this happens to be the biggest heavy metal festival in the world, organised in the small village of Wacken, near Hamburg. Agnostic Front, Alice Cooper, Anthrax and Deep Purple are some of the artists making an appearance this year.
soldout
website
MI AMI
Music
MI AMI
5/06
2015
Milan
Italy
If you enjoy indie music, this Independent Music Festival in Milan is one of the best places to be this summer! The prices are affordable, and in addition to music, you can also look forward to tasting some amazing food. Bands such as Bugo, Moltheni and Aperture will perform in this year’s edition.
free
website
FMM Sines
Tradition
FMM Sines
18/07
27/07
2015
Sines
Portugal
From jazz, folk and blues to tango and reggae, the Festival de Músicas do Mundo is the biggest event for international music organised in Portugal. Here are some of the artists attending this year’s edition: the duo Amadou & Mariam (Mali), Trilok Gurtu & Tigran Hamasyan (India / Armenia), and Bomba Estéreo (Colombia).
ND
website
Festival del Cinema di Cannes
Cinema
Festival del Cinema di Cannes
13/05
24/05
2015
Cannes
France
Stars, premieres, parties and movie screenings... the Cannes Movie Festival is here once more, with Jake Gyllenhaal in the jury! Here are some of the productions presented: Sicario (Denis Villeneuve), The Sea of Trees (Gus Van Sant), Carol (Todd Haynes) and others.
ND
website
Arezzo Wave
Music
Arezzo Wave
16/07
18/07
2015
Civitella in Val di Chiana, Arezzo
Italy
In addition to music concerts, dance, theatre and contact improvisation, this festival in Tuscany also offers workshops for children.
ND
website
Mostra del cinema di Venezia
Cinema
Mostra del cinema di Venezia
2/09
12/09
2015
Venice
Italy
Venice hosts one of the most important film festivals in the world, attracting every year thousands of fans, bystanders and tourists. Its purpose is to promote the broadcasting of international cinema in all its forms. The 72nd edition is directed by Alberto Barbera; the list of films in the programme remains to be announced in late July.
ND
website
Exit Festival
Music
Exit Festival
9/07
12/07
2015
Petrovaradin
Serbia
This is one of the most interesting music festivals in Europe, attracting renowned bands and DJs from all corners of the world. The Prodigy, Hardwell and others will make an appearance this year.
from:
138€
website
Rock am Ring
Music
Rock am Ring
5/06
7/06
2015
Nürburg
Germany
Rock am Ring is a rock and metal music festival held every year since 1985. Here are some of the artists that will be performing this year: Interpol, Fences, Bastille and others.
soldout
website
Rock im Park
Music
Rock im Park
7/06
9/06
2015
Nürnberg
Germany
Rock im Park is the twin festival of Rock am Ring, presenting more or less the same line-up but organised in a different location.
from:
165€
website
Hurricane
Music
Hurricane
19/06
21/06
2015
Scheeßel
Germany
Hurricane is a much anticipated alternative music festival, hosted in the town of Scheeßel, near Bremen. Cro, Florence + The Machine, Milky Chance and Ben Howard are some of the artists that will perform this year.
soldout
website
Festival of Lights
Tradition
Festival of Lights
9/10
18/10
2015
Berlin
Germany
A festival of lights that combines music, projections and fireworks; the programme also includes cultural events and special tours around the city of Berlin.
free
website
Sonne, Mond und Sterne
Music
Sonne, Mond und Sterne
7/08
9/08
2015
Saalburg
Germany
One of the biggest open-air festivals in Europe for electronic music lovers, with two main stages, 4 tents, clubs, bars, restaurants and markets. Some of the performing artists this year: Calvin Harris, The Chemical Brothers, Faithless and more. Unfortunately the festival is already sold out.
soldout
website
Pistoia blues
Music
Pistoia blues
17/07
21/07
2015
Pistoia
Italy
The most important festival of blues, rock and folk organised in Italy. Mumford & Sons are among the bands making an appearance this year.
from:
25€
website
Umbria Jazz
Music
Umbria Jazz
10/07
19/07
2015
Perugia
Italy
A festival for jazz lovers! It’s also a great opportunity to discover the beautiful Italian region of Umbria.
from:
15€
website
Kuopio Dance Festival
Theater
Kuopio Dance Festival
10/06
16/06
2015
Kuopio
Finland
Kuopio Dance Festival is the place to be if you wish to watch performances of classic and contemporary Finnish dance.
from:
13,50€
website
ERP
Music
ERP
6/09
7/09
2015
Cascais
Portugal
Hosted in the beautiful seaside town of Cascais,ERP is the perfect event for all those who feel nostalgic for the 80s.
from:
35€
website
Summerjam
Music
Summerjam
05/07
07/07
2015
Cologne
Germany
Summerjam is one of the most anticipated reggae events in Europe. If you wish to move to the rhythm of Snoop Lion, Alborosie or Raggasonic, get yourself to Lake Fühlinger in Cologne!
from:
99€
website
Edp Cool Jazz
Music
Edp Cool Jazz
4/06
27/07
2015
Oeiras
Portugal
This festival, held in the town of Oeiras,is an important event for anyone who loves jazz. John Legend, Mary Gadù, Diana Krall and Jamie Cullum are some of the artists making an appearance this year.
from:
160€
website
Sudoeste 2015
Music
Sudoeste 2015
5/08
9/08
2015
Zambujeira do Mar
Portugal
Sudoeste is possibly the biggest music festival in Portugal. Emeli Sandé, Buraka Som Sistema and Lil John are some of the artists making an appearance this year.
from:
90€ *pass
website
Sònar
Music
Sònar
18/06
19/06
2015
Barcelona
Spain
If you love electronic music, Sònar is an event not to be missed! Aside from great artists such as Skrillex, Hot Chips, FKA Twigs and The Chemical Brothers, there are also some great movie screenings you can look forward to.
from:
66€ *one night pass
website
GREC
Theater
GREC
1/07
31/07
2015
Barcelona
Spain
Once per year, the city of Barcelona organises a cultural festival packed with theatre, dance, music and circus performances.
from:
14€
website
San Sebastian Film Festival
Cinema
San Sebastian Film Festival
18/09
26/09
2015
San Sebastian
Spain
The 61st edition of this film festival presents a promissing programme that is both cosmopolitan and glamorous. It's also a great opportunity to visit the beautiful Basque city of San Sebastian.
ND
website
Festival de theatre Clásico
Theater
Festival de theatre Clásico
1/07
27/08
2015
Mérida
Spain
The festival that brings greek and latin classics to life in the ancient Roman Theatre of Merida! We can look forward to interpretations of pieces by the greats.
from:
12€
website
Festival de Música y Danza
Theater
Festival de Música y Danza
10/07
19/07
2015
Granada
Spain
Exciting artistic performances are waiting for you in the beautiful city of Granada. The French National Orchestra and the Ballet of Monte Carlo are a must-see!
from:
5€
website
Primavera Sound
Music
Primavera Sound
25/05
31/05
2015
Barcelona
Spain
The most anticipated urban festival in the magical city of Barcelona! The Catalan capital hosts once again one of the hottest events of the summer.
from:
90€
website
Bilbao BBK Live
Music
Bilbao BBK Live
9/07
12/07
2015
Bilbao
Spain
Bilbao’s sensational rock festival presents internationally renowned rock bands.
from:
49€
website
FIB
Music
FIB
16/07
19/07
2015
Benicassim
Spain
FIB is one of the most famous European festivals and one of Spain’s most anticipated rock events. Dozens of artists such as The Prodigy and Public Enemy will make an appearance this year. What’s more, if you don’t wish to pay for a hotel while in Benicassim, there is a large campsite nearby where you can set up your tent!
from:
70€
website
Monegros
Music
Monegros
18/07
2015
Fraga (Huesca)
Spain
Twenty hours of non-stop music await you at the 'biggest rave in Spain', with bands such as Andres campo, Ben Sims and many others.
from:
65€
website
Przystanek Woodstock
Music
Przystanek Woodstock
31/07
2/08
2015
Kostrzyn
Poland
The biggest rock, punk and reggae music festival in Poland, presenting artists such as Shaggy, Black Label Society and others. All the money raised during the festival will be donated to charitable causes.
free
website
Kazantip Republic
Music
Kazantip Republic
31/07
14/08
2015
Popovka, Crimea
Ucraine
The most famous electronic music festival in Eastern Europe!
from:
500€ *una settimana
website
Heineken Open'er Festival
Music
Heineken Open'er Festival
1/07
4/07
2015
Gdynia
Poland
One of the biggest festivals in Central Europe, a must-see especially for hipsters! Some of the bands that will make an appearance are Alabama Shakes, Disclosure, Drake and others.
from:
45€
website
Donauinselfest
Music
Donauinselfest
26/06
28/06
2015
Vienna
Austria
A yearly open-air festival organised on the Danube Island in Vienna. Three days of fun, several stages and all the music genres you can possibly imagine…and it’s all free!!
free
website
Embassa't
Music
Embassa't
11/06
13/06
2015
Sabadell
Spain
The Independent Festival of the Vallès celebrates its fifth edition! More than 30 alternative and rock bands are scheduled to perform this year during 3 days of fun and entertainment.
from:
18€
website
Sziget
Music
Sziget
10/08
17/08
2015
Isola di Ubuda, Budapest
Hungary
If you enjoy rock and ethnic music above anything else, the Sziget festival will not disappoint. Florence + The Machine, Ellie Goulding and Avicii are some of the bands that you can expect to see in this year’s line-up.
from:
49€
website
Rock in Roma
Music
Rock in Roma
14/06
6/09
2015
Rome
Italy
Lasting from June until September, this event is the most important summer event in Rome. Make sure not to miss it!
from:
20€
website
Curtas Vila do Conde
Cinema
Curtas Vila do Conde
4/07
12/07
2015
Vila do Conde
Portugal
The 21st edition of the Festival Curtas de Vila do Conde has a packed programme filled with short film presentations, exhibitions, workshops and concerts. What more could you ask for?
from:
33€
website
Las Fogueres de Sant Joan
Tradition
Las Fogueres de Sant Joan
20/06
24/06
2015
Alicante
Spain
The Bonfires of Saint John (Fogueres de Sant Joan) is the festival of fireworks and bonfires. This event is celebrated throughout Spain, especially in Catalonia and Valencia.
free
website
San Fermines
Tradition
San Fermines
6/07
2015
Pamplona
Spain
Running with the bulls for Sant Fermin is probably the most famous festival in Spain. If you’ve never been before, go to Pamplona this summer and throw yourself in the middle of the fun and madness!
free
website
La Tomatina
Tradition
La Tomatina
28/08
2015
Buñol
Spain
The Tomatina…some say it’s the world’s biggest food fight! If you´ve never been to Buñol in Valencia, don’t pass up this opportunity to throw over-ripe tomatoes around. Aside from this, there are also plenty of concerts, parades, cooking contests, and fireworks!
free
website
Carrera de caballos de San Lúcar
Tradition
Carrera de caballos de San Lúcar
12/08
28/08
2015
Cádiz
Spain
An equestrian competition celebrated annually on the beach of Sanlucar, in Andalusia.
free
website
Feria de Málaga
Tradition
Feria de Málaga
11/08
19/08
2015
Málaga
Spain
Parades, bullfights, shows, gastronomy ... the entire city of Malaga comes to life in August!
free
website
Les Vielles Charrues
Music
Les Vielles Charrues
16/07
19/07
2015
Carhaix
France
Every year, more than 200,000 spectators gather in Carhaix, France to attend this festival.
from:
41€ </spa