16–18 June

Celebrating the very best in art, culture and sustainability, spend summer solstice weekend in the wooded grounds of Ballinlough Castle for Body & Soul festival. Not just a music event (although there are some great artists, including Moderat, Gilles Peterson and The Blessed Madonna), it’s your chance to discover new communities with mesmerising art installations, workshops and wellbeing events, including midnight hot tub soaks and sunrise yoga sessions.

6-8 July

Mad Cool’s enviable line-up makes it one of the most popular and inclusive music festivals, with over 50 artists across pop, rock and indie music headlining its stages. Quite fitting then that it’s moving to the fashionable Villaverde district for this year’s event, with a renewed focus on sustainability. Expect household names Lizzo, Robbie Williams, Lil Nas X and The Red Hot Chilli Peppers for an unmissable 40th anniversary performance on the main stage.

Various dates, 22 June–15 July

From its heritage punk-themed roots to becoming one of the country’s biggest music events, I-Days Festival (also known as Independence Days) is the place to be seen for its legendary headline acts. Taking place throughout June and July at Milan’s SNAI Racecourses, there’s plenty of opportunity to catch your favourite performers from this year’s line-up, including Travis Scott, Paolo Nutini, Arctic Monkeys, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Rosalía and many more.

5–8 July

You know summer in the city is in full force when CruÏlla Barcelona arrives. Taking over the Parc del Forum (the same home to the city’s kick-off festival, Primavera Sound), for a weekend of music arts and comedy. Though it’s the festival’s mural paintings, street art displays and live illustrations that draw in the arty crowds, there’s still a great comedy and music line-up, with artists such as Placebo and Alt-J taking to the stage this year.

21-23 and 28–30 July

Each year, a small town between Antwerp and Brussels becomes the focus for millions of streamers as the famous Tomorrowland festival returns to its streets. Once the brainchild of two brothers, today it’s one of the largest electronic dance events, with its own purpose-built village for attendees. Eric Prydz, Kölsch and Agents of Time are just some of this year’s headliners, though there are several stages with different acts to dance your way around.

27–30 July

For more than fifty years, Germany’s biggest hippy festival, Herzberg has been drawing in fans of folk, rock and the blues to its famous camper village, Freak City. And with its lively subculture and the likes of Beth Hart and Manfred Mann’s Earth Band headlining, it’s easy to see why. With everything from networking events to shiatsu massages, batik workshops and yoga sessions to relax and rejuvenate, there’s plenty to explore in this friendly village event.

3–6 August

Come August, adventure into Oxfordshire’s sprawling Cornbury Park for four days of non-stop entertainment at Wilderness Festival. Alive with community, inspiration and plenty of glitter, this boutique event showcases art, comedy, workshops and artisan food alongside hero acts; The Chemical Brothers, Christine and The Queens, Fatboy Slim and Sugababes. For families, there’s an entertainment field to keep the little ones occupied. Plus, two outdoor swimming lakes for the brave among you.

23 and 25–27 August

The last week in August will see one of France’s largest festivals, Rock en Seine, return to the scenic Domaine de Saint-Cloud. True to its roots, there are five stages showcasing the best in rock music, though mainstream headliners and ‘Mini Rock en Seine’ means there’s something for everyone. Billie Eilish, The Chemical Brothers and The Strokes are just a few set to rock the main stage, but make time to scout out the newcomer areas too – you won’t be disappointed.

2–3 September

Round off festival season with Munich’s Superbloom, set in the breathtaking Olympic Park. Engage the senses with this fusion of music, art, culture and lifestyle, which, as the name suggests, creates a space where ideas bloom and creatives gather to make the world a better place. Of course, there’s an honourable line-up of music acts including Ellie Goulding, Imagine Dragons and Martin Garrix, but it’s the inspiring speakers, artists and performances that will have you hooked.