Tired of the same rooftop bars, overpriced gelato, and Instagram traps? This summer, Europe’s festival circuit in 2025 is serving up everything from open-air opera and political theatre to surreal art and wild street parties where locals actually show up.
Whether you’re into avant-garde installations in Venice, centuries-old drama in southern France, or just fancy launching tomatoes at strangers in Spain — there’s a festival that’ll hit the spot. Here are the best European festivals for music, arts and (drinking) culture.
The best European festivals – Music
British Summer Time (BST) Hyde Park, UK
Dates: 27 June – 13 July 2025
Tickets: Starting from £75 per day
Book: bst-hydepark.com
Glastonbury is fully booked for this year, but BST Hyde Park isn’t a bad second option. London’s premier summer music festival will run from June 27 to July 13, hosting an impressive lineup including Olivia Rodrigo, Zach Bryan, Neil Young, and Stevie Wonder. Set in the iconic green space of Hyde Park, the festival combines big-name concerts with a relaxed city vibe—no camping required. Between the main weekends, the free Open House event offers live music, theatre, and family-friendly activities.
Travel tips for non-Londoners:
Stay central or in nearby neighborhoods like Kensington or Notting Hill for easy access. Hyde Park is well-served by public transport — the Lancaster Gate and Hyde Park Corner tube stations are a short walk away. After the shows, London’s extensive nightlife options are right on your doorstep.
NOS Alive festival – Portugal
Dates: 10–12 July 2025
Tickets: Starting from €180
Book: nosalive.com
NOS Alive 2025 returns to Lisbon’s stunning riverside venue, Passeio Marítimo de Algés, from 10 to 12 July — and this year’s edition is shaping up to be one of the best yet. With headline sets from Muse, Olivia Rodrigo, and Sam Fender, plus acts like Justice, St. Vincent, Girl in Red, and Glass Animals, the festival offers a powerful mix of rock, pop, and electronic across multiple stages. The setting just outside Lisbon makes it easy to combine the festival with sightseeing, and the atmosphere is famously friendly and well-organised.
Travel tips:
Accommodation options abound in Lisbon, from boutique hotels in the historic Alfama district to budget hostels in Bairro Alto. The festival site is accessible by shuttle buses from central Lisbon and easy to reach by taxi or rideshare. Plan to explore Lisbon’s beautiful waterfront and vibrant nightlife when you’re not at the festival.
Sziget Festival – Hungary
Dates: 6–11 August 2025
Tickets: Starting from €85
Book: szigetfestival.com
Held on Budapest’s beautiful Óbuda Island, Sziget is a melting pot of global music, arts, and culture. It offers a rich mix of indie, world music, jazz, and electronic sounds alongside cultural workshops and sustainability talks. The festival prides itself on inclusivity and thoughtful engagement alongside top-tier performances.
Travel tips:
Book accommodation in central Budapest for easy access to the festival’s public transport connections. The city’s excellent metro and tram network can get you to Óbuda Island quickly. Alternatively, consider staying in the Óbuda district itself for a more local vibe. Festival-goers should prepare for hot weather by staying hydrated and bringing comfortable shoes for walking.
Melt! Festival – Germany
Dates: 12–14 July 2025
Tickets: Starting from €59,95
Book: meltfestival.de
Set amid industrial sculptures near Ferropolis, known as the “City of Iron,” Melt! blends electronic music with indie rock and innovative art installations. The festival is a mindful celebration of music and landscape — ideal for those wanting something both offbeat and electrifying.
Travel tips:
Melt! takes place near Gräfenhainichen, which has limited accommodation. Booking campsites early is essential, but for a more comfortable stay, consider hotels in Dessau or Leipzig, connected by shuttle services and trains. Renting a bike to explore the festival’s unique industrial setting is a great way to make the most of the experience.
The best European festivals – Culture
Venice Biennale – Italy
Dates: 10 April – 23 November 2025
Tickets: From €25.50
Book: labiennale.org
The Venice Biennale is the heavyweight champion of contemporary art festivals. Spanning grand historic pavilions and hidden corners of Venice, it showcases boundary-pushing works from global artists. It’s part exhibition, part conversation, and completely immersive — with Venice itself adding an unforgettable backdrop.
Travel tips:
Venice can be busy in summer, so staying in quieter neighbourhoods like Cannaregio or Dorsoduro offers peaceful retreats after long festival days. Book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues. Consider arriving early or late in the day for a more relaxed visit. Public transport by vaporetto (water bus) is the best way to get around.
Festival d’Avignon – France
Dates: 5–26 July 2025
Tickets: Prices vary by show
Book: festival-avignon.com
This historic theatre festival is a pilgrimage for lovers of performance art. Venues range from medieval courtyards to contemporary theatres, offering everything from classic drama to experimental pieces. Creativity fills the air, making it a hotspot for culture vultures.
Travel tips:
Avignon’s city centre is compact, so staying near the old town puts you close to most venues. Book accommodation early as the festival fills hotels fast. For an authentic experience, try local guesthouses or charming B&Bs. The city’s cafés and restaurants provide excellent spots to soak up festival atmosphere between shows.
The best European festivals – Unique experiences
La Tomatina – Spain
Date: 27 August 2025
Tickets: Start at €169,95
Book: latomatina.org
La Tomatina is a one-of-a-kind festival where the streets of Buñol turn into a giant tomato fight. It’s messy, loud, and wildly fun, but also steeped in local tradition with parades and music. More than just a party, it’s a celebration of community and Spanish joie de vivre.
Travel tips:
Buñol is a small town, so book accommodation early or stay in nearby Valencia, just 40 minutes away by train. Dress in clothes you don’t mind ruining, and bring goggles for eye protection during the tomato fight. Public transport is the easiest way to get to Buñol on festival day, as parking is limited.
Oktoberfest – Germany
Dates: 20 September – 5 October 2025
Tickets: Free entry; food and drink pay-as-you-go
Website: oktoberfest.de
Though technically starting in late September, Oktoberfest’s early days fall within the summer festival buzz. It’s more than beer — this Bavarian celebration includes traditional music, hearty food, costumes, and family-friendly activities. It’s a cultural deep dive and social highlight rolled into one.
Travel tips:
Munich hotels fill quickly; consider staying in nearby towns like Freising or Augsburg with easy train access. Arrive early on weekdays to avoid crowds, and try the family tents for a more relaxed vibe. Booking a reservation at a beer tent is advisable for larger groups.
European festivals survival tips for 2025
- Book early – Many popular festivals sell out fast, so secure your tickets and accommodation ASAP. Look for official resales to avoid scams.
- Local stays – Choose accommodation within easy reach but outside the main festival zone for better rates and quieter nights. Use public transport or festival shuttles.
- Pack smart – Weather can vary, so layers, waterproofs, and comfortable shoes are a must. Bring portable chargers and refillable water bottles.
- Get festival apps – Many festivals have official apps with maps, schedules, and emergency info — download these before you go.
- Plan down time – Festivals can be intense. Schedule breaks and explore nearby towns for a breather.
If festivals aren’t your scene, relaxing by the pool with a good summer book never grows out of style. Just make sure you wear your sunscreen – you don’t want to be looking like you’ve attend the full 3-day La Tomatina event after your seven days in Marbella.