11 Best Festivals in Summer Around the World
Here are the best festivals in summer for your annual world festival calendar. Number 6 would be the summer festival of choice for me!
Looking for the best summer festivals to keep you busy June to September? There are literally thousands of festivals in summer around the world for you to choose from.
Summer festivals are the ultimate playgrounds for sun-soaked fun and carefree shenanigans. Think warm breezes, happy crowds, and a rainbow of festival-goers rocking their most outrageous outfits. From dancing barefoot on sandy shores to grooving in sprawling meadows, summer festivals offer a smorgasbord of musical delights. Feel the beats pulsate through your body as you join the synchronised jumping at the main stage or stumble upon hidden gem artists in secret corners.
Embrace the whimsical atmosphere, feast on delectable food truck treats, and soak up the infectious energy that radiates from every direction. Summer festivals: where memories are made and the spirit of adventure reigns supreme!
Here are just a few of the best of the best festivals in summer for you to visit while the sun’s out and you’ve got those festival feels.
Best Festivals in Summer
Here are the best of the summer festivals you need to book your tickets to.
1. Glastonbury Festival
Ah, Glastonbury Festival, the mecca of musical mayhem and magical moments! Picture this: a sprawling green field in the heart of the English countryside, teeming with tents, glitter, and an army of enthusiastic festival-goers.
From legendary headliners to hidden gems, Glastonbury boasts an eclectic lineup that’ll make your eardrums sing with delight. But it’s not just about the music, oh no! You’ll find whimsical art installations, mind-blowing pyrotechnics, and even the odd mystical unicorn roaming about. So, slip on your wellies, embrace the mud, and let the spirit of Glasto transport you to a world where the only rule is to dance like nobody’s watching!
Known for its diverse music lineup and vibrant atmosphere, Glastonbury is one of the world’s most famous music festivals, and one of the biggest festivals too. Those Glasto tickets are hard to get though – I’m lucky enough to have won the Glastonbury lottery three times!
It’s one of the best festivals in June there is.
2. Tomorrowland
Welcome, party animals, to the electrifying world of Tomorrowland!
Prepare to be swept away on a euphoric journey of beats, drops, and pure EDM bliss. Nestled in the heart of Belgium, this mind-boggling festival is a playground for music lovers and dance enthusiasts alike. Immerse yourself in a wonderland of mind-blowing stages and mind-melting visual effects. Feel the bass reverberate through your very soul as you join the sea of smiling faces, hands in the air, and hearts full of joy. Tomorrowland isn’t just a festival; it’s a state of mind where dreams come alive and memories are made. Let the music guide you and dance like there’s no Monday!
Definitely one of the best festivals in July to enjoy!
3. Roskilde Festival
Roskilde Festival, where music, art, and good vibes collide in a delightful Danish concoction! This iconic festival has been rocking the Scandinavian scene since ’71, attracting free-spirited souls from all corners of the globe. Get ready for a whirlwind of eclectic sounds, from head-banging rock to soul-stirring folk, with a dash of experimental beats for good measure.
4. Burning Man
Burning Man is known for its community spirit, art installations, and unique self-expression. This unconventional festival held in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert. It’s one of the most renowned festivals in August to go to.
Prepare to enter a world where imagination runs wild and self-expression knows no bounds. Picture this: a sprawling playa transformed into a bustling temporary city filled with mind-boggling art installations, wacky costumes, and a vibrant community of free spirits. Get ready to embrace the dust storms, dance beneath the fiery sunsets, and lose yourself in the rhythm of drum circles. At Burning Man, you’re not just a spectator; you’re a participant in a surreal experience like no other. So grab your goggles, unleash your creativity, and prepare for a week-long adventure that will leave you with memories to burn!
5. Fuji Rock Festival
Welcome to the rocking slopes of the Fuji Rock Festival, where music and mountains merge in a harmonious extravaganza! Nestled in the breathtaking Naeba Ski Resort, this festival offers a unique blend of epic tunes and stunning alpine views. Imagine shredding the slopes by day, then grooving to the beats of world-class artists by night. With multiple stages scattered amidst the picturesque landscapes, you’ll feel like you’re dancing on cloud nine.
Embrace the local hospitality, indulge in delicious Japanese street food, and join the merry parade of music lovers from around the globe. Fuji Rock Festival: where the melody meets the mountain and the good times never stop shredding!
6. Sziget Festival
Taking place on an island in Budapest, Sziget offers a diverse lineup of music, along with art installations, workshops, and a vibrant international atmosphere.
This festival extravaganza is a playground for the wild-hearted and the dance-floor enthusiasts. Get ready to lose yourself in a whirlwind of mind-blowing performances, from chart-topping headliners and DJs that will have you shaking your groove thang until sunrise. But wait, there’s more! Unleash your inner artist with interactive workshops, explore the quirky marketplaces, and soak up the infectious energy of a festival where anything goes. Sziget Festival: where memories are made, dance moves are perfected, and epic adventures await!
You should definitely read my tips on surviving your first time at Sziget Festival, and my Sziget review might be interesting too. If you’re looking for Sziget accommodation, read this, and here are a few of the best things to do at Sziget to keep you busy too.
Check out more of the best festivals in Europe for some trip inspiration.
7. Splendour in the Grass
Get ready to dive headfirst into the luscious green fields of musical bliss at Splendour in the Grass! This festival is the ultimate paradise for both music aficionados and nature lovers alike. Located in the breathtaking Byron Bay, prepare for a sensory explosion that will have you dancing barefoot in the grass while surrounded by stunning coastal views.
With an eclectic lineup that’ll make your heart sing, you’ll be grooving to indie melodies, alternative anthems, and infectious beats. But it’s not just about the music, my friend! Explore the vibrant arts scene, indulge in mouthwatering local delicacies, and let the good vibes of Splendour in the Grass sweep you away on an unforgettable adventure.
8. Primavera Sound
This yearly event in Barcelona is one of the largest festivals in Europe and has been consistently ranked among the best music festivals in the world. Featuring international acts and some of Spain’s hottest up-and-coming artists, Primavera Sound is an unmissable event for fans of all genres from around the globe.
With an eclectic mix of music, art, talks, and films all brought together over 5 days, the festival is not to be missed! There’s something for every taste – from traditional Latin American music to cutting-edge indie rock and roll. So, if you’re looking for a thrilling and unforgettable experience this June, make sure you get yourself a ticket to Primavera Sound in Barcelona.
I went to Primavera in 2018 – had a brilliant time.
9. Electric Daisy Carnival
Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) is a world-renowned electronic dance music festival that takes the concept of a party to mind-blowing heights.
With its origins in the vibrant nightlife of Las Vegas, EDC has expanded to various locations around the globe. It’s a sensory wonderland filled with pulsating beats, larger-than-life stages, and an awe-inspiring array of visual effects. The festival is known for its energetic atmosphere, enthusiastic crowd, and a lineup of top-tier DJs and electronic music artists. From dusk till dawn, EDC creates an immersive experience where attendees can lose themselves in the music and embrace the electric energy of the night.
10. Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Scotland
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is an absolute belter of an affair, a wondrous celebration of the arts that truly deserves its title as the world’s largest arts festival. Taking place every August in the stunning Scottish capital of Edinburgh, this vibrant festival is a cultural behemoth that will leave even the most experienced festival-goers utterly awestruck.
With an eclectic mix of performances spanning theatre, comedy, dance, and music, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is a heady brew of artistic endeavours that caters to every taste imaginable. From the sublime to the ridiculous, from the avant-garde to the classic, this festival has it all and then some.
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is not for the faint of heart, but for those willing to embrace the chaos and the complexity, it is a true feast for the senses. So, grab your tartan and join the throngs of culture vultures flocking to this glorious celebration of all things creative!
While you’re there you should check out the Edinburgh Military Tattoo Festival too. It remains one of the most amazing events I’ve ever experienced!
11. EXIT Festival, Serbia
I went to EXIT Festival in Serbia a few years ago. It’s one of the finest festivals in July that brings together music enthusiasts from all over Europe.
Located in the charming city of Novi Sad, Serbia, this festival is an incredible celebration of diverse musical genres, featuring everything from rock and pop to electronic and hip-hop. But that’s not all – the festival is also renowned for its exciting range of cultural activities, ensuring there’s never a dull moment for attendees. It’s held in a fortress, which automatically makes it cooler than any other festivals in July in my opinion.
Festivals in summer
As summer approaches, festival season ignites a whirlwind of excitement and anticipation. From the legendary Glastonbury Festival to the sun-soaked Primavera, the world becomes a stage for music, art, and unforgettable experiences.
These vibrant gatherings bring together people from all walks of life, united by their love for rhythm, melody, and the joy of celebration. From dancing barefoot in muddy fields to swaying beneath starry skies, summer festivals offer a chance to escape the mundane and immerse oneself in a realm of pure euphoria. With diverse lineups, dazzling visuals, and a vibrant tapestry of cultures, summer festivals are the playgrounds where memories are made, connections are forged, and the spirit of unity and creativity thrives. So, grab your friends, pack your adventurous spirit, and let the magic of summer festivals carry you away.