The onset of winter - and the inevitable terrible weather that comes with it - has got us dreaming about sunnier times and the plethora of incredible summer music festivals Europe has to offer. From hard techno, to more mainstream pop and electronic, to indie and alternative, there’s something on offer for every music taste.
8 Top Music Festivals in Europe
If you’re already asking yourself ‘what music festival should I attend in 2025?’ fear not, our comprehensive guide to unmissable European festivals to attend is back again for 2025. Get those glow sticks and laminated timetables at the ready.
1. Glastonbury Festival – Somerset, UK
When: June 25–29, 2025
2025 Line-up: Neil Young, Rod Stewart...
For over five decades, Glastonbury has remained a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences whether they’re immersed in the wonders of the Shangri-La, getting lost looking for hidden stages within the thousand acres, or watching on in envy from the comfort of their living rooms. In 2025, the festival continues its reign as the Top Dog of British summer events. While it may be pricier than many European festivals (and harder to source a ticket), its unmatched atmosphere extends far beyond Somerset, bringing music enthusiasts from all walks of life together.
Past Performance: Beyonce, David Bowie, Dolly Parton
Going to Glastonbury? Buy an eSIM for the UK to stay connected.
2. Primavera Sound – Barcelona, Spain
When: June 4-8, 2025
2025 Line-up: Chappel Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, CMAT...
The big daddy of European festivals for alternative and indie music nerds of the Pitchfork generation, Prima Barcelona always has a stacked lineup of the creme de la creme from the indie scene. If you timetable accordingly and have your wits about you, you can get real bang for your buck in terms of live acts to see. After a double edition in 2023, with one weekend in Barcelona and another in Madrid, Primavera Sound has since returned to its usual format, and tickets are like gold dust these days. As well as a full weekend of the best live acts around at Parc del Forum, there’s also plenty of secret gigs and events happening in Barca during the week leading up to it, so our advice is book yourself a nice AirBnb in the Gothic quarter for the week and ease yourself into this music lovers dream.
Past Performances: Radiohead, Shellac, The Avalanches
Going to Primavera? Buy an eSIM for Spain to stay connected.
3. NOS Alive – Lisbon, Portugal
When: July 6-8, 2025
2025 Line-up: Olivia Rodrigo, Kings of Leon, Future Islands...
NOS Alive has cemented its reputation as one of Europe’s premier music festivals, earning widespread acclaim amongst indieheads since its inception in 2007. Set along the stunning banks of the River Tagus, this three-day event is perfect for those looking to pair world-class music with the relaxed and vibrant charm of Lisbon, one of Europe’s most picturesque and welcoming cities. NOS Alive delivers a dynamic mix of global headliners and emerging talent, with a special spotlight on up-and-coming artists. It’s this celebration of diverse sounds that sets it apart, as well as the opportunity to enjoy the sights (and caipirinhas) of Lisbon during your downtime.
Past Performance: Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Black Keys, Dua Lipa
Going to NOS? Buy a Lisbon eSIM to stay connected.
4. Benicàssim International Festival – Castellon, Spain
When: July 15-17, 2025
2025 Line-up: 30 Seconds to Mars, Residente...
Take to the Valencian coast to experience one of Spain’s hottest festivals. Literally. If you’re camping at Beni, prepare for some sweltering hot mornings as you awake in your tent! Set in the seaside town of Benicàssim, FIB (Festival Internacional de Benicàssim) is back for 2024 with an impressive lineup, featuring indie superstars like The Black Keys and Bloc Party. All for as little as €170. Hard to beat that for value these days. It's the ultimate festival for those craving good music with some Latin flavour and a beachside twist. And while you’re there, why not make a trip to Valencia to keep the coastal vibes going? Grab a bike and get some respite from the festival madness with a cycle tour around this completely flat city.
Past Performance: Amy Winehouse, Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian
Going to Benicàssim? Buy a local eSIM for Spain to stay connected.
5. Sziget – Budapest, Hungary
When: August 6-11, 2025
2025 Line-up: Kneecap, Charli XCX, Nelly Furtado...
What could be better than camping wherever you like on a paradise island with glorious weather for a full week? Budapest’s Sziget Festival returns to the Island of Freedom for six electrifying days of music and celebration. Now in its 31st year, Sziget has grown into one of Europe’s most iconic music festivals, with an eclectic lineup and strong focus on world music. Set on the secluded Óbuda Island, it’s a place where fans leave their daily lives behind to fully embrace the madness of it all. For 2025, the festival promises to outdo itself, building on the incredible success of previous years. We highly recommend taking an excursion to Szechenyi Thermal Baths in Budapest during your stay to ease the festival hangover…
Past Performances: Prince, Kylie Minogue, Fred Again, Raye, Sam Smith, Billie Eilish
Going to Sziget? Buy an eSIM for Hungary to stay connected.
6. Tomorrowland Festival – Boom, Belgium
When: July 18-20 / July 25-27, 2025
2025 Line-up: TBA
More than a decade on, Tomorrowland still wows electronic dance music fans worldwide. Whether you’re bopping beneath its breathtaking lights or tuning into the insane visual and lightshows from afar. Now taking place over two different weekends, so you have more of a chance to get those hard to nab tickets, in 2025, the festival promises to remain the ultimate celebration of EDM. Known for its enchanting themes and spectacular stage designs, Tomorrowland delivers an unforgettable experience worth every penny. We’ll see you in the Slam Tent…
Past Performances: Armin van Buuren, David Guetta
Going to Tomorrowland? Buy an eSIM for Belgium to stay connected.
7. All Together Now – Waterford, Ireland
When: July 31 - August 3, 2025
2025 Line-up: Fontaines DC, Bicep, John Grant...
If you’re after a more boutique music festival offering that’s smaller in size, look no further than ATN. More focused on the ‘vibe’ than having a big lineup, All Together Now boasts 18 stages of music, spoken word, comedy, workshops, wellness activities and hippy dippy hi jinks. But, having said that, the lineup is no slouch either, with new talent like Fontaines DC and legends like Leftfield in the mix for 2025. If you’re after an older crowd and a more cultured experience, where you don’t have to walk miles in the mud to get to the stage area and can even bring your own booze into the gigs, this is the one for you. In its fifth edition, the famous temperamental Irish weather has held out for All Together Now in the past… Join us as we pray for (no) rain.
Past Performances: Underworld, The National, Roisin Murphy
Going to ATN? Buy an eSIM for Ireland to stay connected.
8. Hideout Festival – Pag Island, Croatia
When: June 30 - July 4, 2025
2025 Line-up: Alan Fitzpatrick, Azyr, Benga...
Set against the stunning backdrop of Croatia’s Zrće Beach, Hideout Festival 2025 promises five days and nights of pure, sun-soaked bliss. Known for its unbeatable mix of beachside stages, boat parties, and after-dark club takeovers, it’s a haven for electronic music lovers. With a lineup featuring top-tier DJs and rising stars from around the world, Hideout delivers an electric atmosphere that keeps fans coming back year after year. If dancing under the stars along the Adriatic sounds like your vibe, Hideout might just be the perfect summer escape.
Past Performances: Annie Mac, Skrillex, Four Tet
Going to Hideout Festival? Buy an eSIM for Croatia to stay connected.
Stay Connected in Festival Crowds
No matter what festival you choose this year, one must-have for your checklist is a local eSIM. Sim Local is a global leader in travel SIM cards and eSIMs. We work with the most reliable, local mobile networks in each country to deliver the best available coverage for people who travel—at affordable prices! Grab your prepaid eSIM plan online and activate it when you land to stay connected with friends and share moments as they happen, all while avoiding crazy roaming charges.
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