Guide to Europe Summer Festivals
Planning a trip to Europe for one of its iconic summer festivals, but unsure which event to attend? Here's your guide to Europe summer festivals.
Planning a trip to Europe for one of its iconic summer festivals, but unsure which event to attend? Here's your guide to Europe summer festivals.
Europe summer festivals are the perfect excuse to pack your bags and make epic memories across the continent. Whether you're into high-energy concerts or laid-back cultural vibes, there's a festival with your name on it.
Don’t know which one to hit this year? To help you decide, we’ve rounded up the best festivals to help you plan the ultimate European summer adventure.
Top Summer Festivals in Europe
From Glastonbury’s eclectic energy to world-class DJ sets at Tomorrowland and even the wild tomato-throwing chaos of La Tomatina, these are some of the most epic Europe summer festivals you won’t want to miss:
Glastonbury – UK (June 26–30, 2025)
If there’s one festival that lives in every music lover’s mind, it’s Glastonbury. Held on a massive farm in Somerset, England, this iconic five-day event isn’t just a music festival. It’s also a full-blown cultural experience! Beyond the legendary headliners like Beyoncé, Arctic Monkeys, and Elton John, Glastonbury is known for its jaw-dropping stage setups and a vibe that’s honestly hard to put into words.
While music takes center stage, there’s so much more going on here. There are secret sets, circus acts, pop-up raves, and everything in between. One moment you’re singing your heart out at the Pyramid Stage, the next you’re sipping chai tea while listening to a spoken word poet under a tent. It’s wild, it’s unpredictable, and it’s 100% worth the hype!
Roskilde Festival – Denmark (June 29–July 6, 2025)
Roskilde is an eight-day extravaganza held just outside Copenhagen and is one of the largest and longest-running music festivals in Europe. And here’s the cool part - it’s entirely non-profit! The vibe is all about community, creativity, and letting loose.
Like many other Europe summer festivals, you’ll catch an epic mix of performances from some of the biggest names in music (think Kendrick Lamar, Dua Lipa, or Foo Fighters), plus rising stars from around the globe. The stages are spread across a massive open space, and the camping scene is a full-on party in itself!
San Fermín – Spain (July 6–14, 2025)
Looking for a summer festival that’s completely out of the ordinary? San Fermín in Pamplona, Spain, might be just the thing. It brings a surge of adrenaline-pumping energy you won’t find at your typical music fest.
Best known for the legendary Running of the Bulls, this week-long celebration kicks off every July with fireworks, traditional parades, street dancing, and thousands of people dressed in white with red scarves.
What sets San Fermín apart from other summer festivals is its deep cultural and historical roots. While you’ll still find concerts and parties, the heart of the experience lies in local traditions—from centuries-old rituals to bull runs weaving through the old town and a palpable sense of community pride.
Festival d’Avignon – France (July 1–21, 2025)
If you’re more into theatre, art, and culture, the Festival d’Avignon in the south of France might just be your dream summer festival. Held every July in the historic town of Avignon, this iconic event transforms ancient chapels, charming courtyards, and even the stunning Palais des Papes into open-air stages. Expect bold performances, thought-provoking plays, and global artists bringing classical pieces to life.
Planning to stop by Paris before heading south? Don’t miss our Paris itinerary guide, packed with tips to help you make the most of your time in the French capital. After soaking up the magic of the City of Light, hop on a train to Avignon for a totally different but equally magical vibe.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe – Scotland (August 1–25, 2025)
If you’re the kind of traveler who loves comedy, theatre, and discovering offbeat talent, then the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is a must-see festival for you. Taking over the Scottish capital every August, this is the world’s largest arts festival, and it’s as wild and wonderful as it sounds.
You’ll find everything from stand-up comedy and improv to experimental theatre, dance, live music, and street performances in pubs, pop-up venues, basements, and even on the cobbled streets.
What makes Fringe so special is its open-access vibe. Anyone can perform, which means you get a mix of total newbies, underground gems, and future stars (seriously, a lot of big names got their start here!).
Tomorrowland – Belgium (July 18–20 & July 25–27, 2025)
If you’re all about electronic beats, mind-blowing visuals, and non-stop dancing, Tomorrowland is the place to be. Held every July in the small town of Boom, this festival is the holy grail for EDM lovers from around the world.
The production is absolutely next-level - massive fairy tale-style stages, insane light shows, fireworks, and a crowd buzzing with energy 24/7!
With a lineup packed with the world’s top DJs like Martin Garrix, Armin van Buuren, and Tiësto, Tomorrowland is a full-on sensory overload in the best possible way.
La Tomatina – Spain (August 27, 2025)
If you're looking for a summer festival that’s more messy fun than music and mosh pits, La Tomatina is a must. Held every August in the small town of Buñol, Spain, this world-famous event is basically one giant tomato fight, and yes, it’s every bit as chaotic and hilarious as it sounds!
Expect thousands of people packed into narrow streets, armed with overripe tomatoes and absolutely zero intention of staying clean. It’s a splash of red, a whole lot of laughter, and definitely one for the bucket list!
Tips for Getting Ready for a Summer Music Festival in Europe
The list above should have you buzzing for your European summer adventure, maybe you’ve even picked out a festival or two already! Before you pack your bags and dive into the fun, here are a few handy tips to keep in mind:
Book Early - summer is a peak season in Europe. Tickets, accommodation, and transport often sell out fast, so make sure you book as early as you can.
Pack Smart - don't forget to pack the essentials. Need help? Check out our Must-Have Essentials for a Europe Trip.
Stay Connected with Jetpac eSIM - Europe is easy to travel around, but roaming charges can sneak up on you fast. That’s where Jetpac eSIM comes in. It keeps you connected without the hassle, perfect for using maps on the go, meeting up with friends, and sharing your festival moments on social media. Plus, you get to take advantage of some Jetpac travel perks!
Stay Safe - festivals can get hectic, with massive crowds and non-stop action. Stay safe by knowing where the medical tents are and keeping an eye on your group, especially in packed areas. A little awareness goes a long way in making sure the fun doesn’t turn stressful.
Know the Rules - do a bit of research before you go to avoid any surprises. Some festivals ban single-use plastics, others operate with cashless wristbands only, and local laws can vary from place to place.
Stay Connected at Europe’s Summer Festivals with a Jetpac eSIM
Whether you’re dancing through Glastonbury, raving at Tomorrowland, or getting splattered at La Tomatina, one thing’s for sure - you’ll want to capture every moment and show it off on Instagram! When it comes to staying connected, Jetpac eSIM is your best bet.
Forget fiddling with SIM cards or stressing over roaming charges. With Jetpac eSIM, just open your phone, activate it, and you’re online in minutes. It’s fast, seamless, and ideal for staying connected as you bounce from one festival to the next!
