29 May–2 June

Kick-starting Barcelona’s festival season is Primavera Sound which returns to the open–air Parc del Fòrum this year. One of the largest festivals in Europe, it offers an appropriately star-studded line-up, including Charlie XCX, FKA Twigs, Lana Del Rey and SZA on the main stage from 30 May to 1 June. Beyond that, Primavera a la Ciutat will take over Barcelona on the preceding days, with complementary activities across the city to kick off the celebrations.

Various dates, 29 June – 12 July

From its heritage punk-themed roots to its current status as one of Italy’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 Doja Cat, Bring Me The Horizon, Green Day, Sum 41 and many more.

10–13 July

Mad Cool’s enviable line-up makes it one of the most popular and inclusive music festivals, with more than 50 pop, rock and indie artists filling its stages in the fashionable Villaverde district. With a renewed focus on sustainability for 2024, expect household names Dua Lipa, Måneskin and The Killers among this summer’s headliners.

9–21 and 26–28 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 a purpose-built village for attendees. Don Diablo and Wilkinson are just some of this year’s headliners, though there’s several stages with different acts to work your way around.

25–28 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 Pink Floyd’s Nick Mason 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.

1–4 August

Come August, adventure into Oxfordshire’s sprawling Cornbury Park for four days of non-stop entertainment at Wilderness Festival. Alight with community, inspiration and plenty of glitter, this boutique event showcases art, comedy, workshops and artisan food alongside hero headliners including – in recent years – Christine and The Queens, Fatboy Slim and The Chemical Brothers. For families, there’s an entertainment field to keep the little ones occupied. Plus, the bravest amongst you can take a dip in two outdoor swimming lakes.

16–18 August

Firmly established as one of the world’s most unique festivals, Electric Picnic at Stradbally Hall is home to Ireland’s largest annual gathering of music and arts, dubbed the “ultimate rock n’ roll circus”. Serving up everything from music and theatre, to cooking demos and holistic therapies, it’s one of the most delightful ways to round off summer celebrations on the Emerald Isle.

21–25 August

Paris sets the stage again for the return of one of France’s largest festivals, Rock en Seine. True to its roots, there are five stages at the scenic Domaine de Saint-Cloud, showcasing the best in rock music through mainstream headliners as well as a ‘Mini Rock en Seine’ for younger listeners. Fred Again, Lana Del Rey and Massive Attack are a few set to play the main stage, but make time to scout out the newcomer areas too – you won’t be disappointed.

7–8 September

Round off festival season with Munich’s Superbloom, set in the breath-taking Olympic Park. Delight your senses with a fusion of music, art, culture and lifestyle, which, as the name suggests, enables 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 One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson, Sam Smith and The Chainsmokers, but it’s the inspiring speakers, artists and performances that will have you hooked.