Attention all festival-goers! Are you ready to take your love for music to the next level? If the answer is a resounding YES, then buckle up and grab your passports, because I’m taking you on a journey to the best music festivals in Europe in 2023! Whether you’re a techno aficionado, a rock and roll fanatic, or a hip-hop head, we’ve got you covered. So, dust off your dancing shoes, and prepare for a lifetime adventure! Because, let’s face it, who needs a boring vacation when you can have a music adventure? So, without further ado, let’s explore the best music festivals to attend in 2023 in Europe!
As you scroll through this guide, you might find that your dream music festival is sold out. Don’t panic! TicketSwap is your solution, a secure ticket reselling platform. Sign up now and stay in the loop about sold-out tickets going on sale!
1. Tomorrowland
Boom, Belgium
July 21-23 and July 28-30, 2023
www.tomorrowland.com
With a record-breaking international attendance of 185,000 people from over 75 countries, Tomorrowland is undoubtedly one of the best music festivals in the world, and a global phenomenon that requires no introduction. It’s an essential destination for every music festival enthusiast, and experiencing its exceptional atmosphere should be on every bucket list. The festival creates unique vibes that foster meaningful connections, enabling attendees to make countless new friends from almost every corner of the world.
2. Sonus Festival
Pag Island, Croatia
August 20-24, 2023
www.sonus-festival.com
Taking place on the picturesque Zrce Beach, Sonus Festival has been voted the ‘Best Croatian Festival’ for three consecutive years by the Ambassador Awards. The event takes place over five days and nights in three outdoor clubs, providing an unbeatable program of world-class artists in the warm sun. Sonus Festival is a paradise techno adventure that is a must-attend destination festival, offering an unforgettable experience.
3. Meadow in the Mountains
Bulgaria
June 9-12, 2023
www.meadowsinthemountains.com
Meadows in the Mountains, held in the Rhodope Mountains of Bulgaria, has emerged as one of the world’s most distinctive music festivals. It’s a truly inspirational music and arts adventure, designed to help festival-goers break free from the constraints of urban life and immerse themselves in the wilderness and tranquility of the local Bulgarian community, with whom they mostly stay. The festival lineup is deliberately offbeat and free-spirited, and focuses on artists who share their values of social harmony and self-expression. For those fortunate enough to make the trip up into the mountains, Meadows in the Mountains provides an ideal festival experience of discovery and exploration.
4. DGTL Amsterdam
Amsterdam
April 15-16, 2023
www.dgtl.nl
Since 2013, DGTL Amsterdam, an electronic music festival located in the Dutch capital, has been assembling innovative lineups that stay on the cutting edge of the music scene. With festivals organised globally, the Amsterdam edition is without a doubt the brand’s flagship event, giving a voice to prominent figures and emerging talent alike. The festival is held over the Easter weekend and finds its home in the NDSM Docklands, a versatile cultural centre for the city, located in an industrial area.
5. Primavera Sound
Barcelona, Spain
June 1-4, 2023
www.primaverasound.com
Each year, Primavera Sound, held in the city of Barcelona as spring turns to summer, delivers a standout experience that has earned it a place among the world’s most famous and cherished music festivals. The festival offers an incomparable lineup that covers various musical genres, featuring the best alternative and underground talent from around the world. From indie rock legends and hip-hop icons on the main stages of Parc del Fòrum to rising stars and some of the most influential figures in electronic music, there’s something for every music fan, even the most discriminating ones, on numerous smaller stages throughout the event.
6. Mad Cool
Madrid, Spain
July 6-8, 2023
www.madcoolfestival.es
In recent years, the three-day Mad Cool festival has enjoyed increasing success, with daily crowds of up to 80,000 fans. The festival’s primary drawcard is, undoubtedly, the colossal lineup it presents each year, showcasing performers from around the world. However, the event’s investment in sound quality, the near-constant summer sun, and the opportunity to explore Madrid due to the late start of each day’s music, make it an exceptional experience, with more going for it than merely the artists on the bill.
7. Les Plages Electroniques
Cannes, France
August 10-12, 2023
www.plages-electroniques.com
The highly anticipated Plages Électroniques takes place in the stunning city of Cannes, located in the South of France, every August. This year, the festival has a fresh format with an updated visual style and a revised program featuring the best of French and global talent from the electronic music, rap, and pop genres. It is expected that up to 60,000 people will attend the three-day event.
8. Les Nuits Sonores
Lyon, France
May 23-27, 2023
www.nuits-sonores.com
Since its inception in 2003, Nuits Sonores has established itself as a renowned European gathering for innovative music and creativity. As an electronic and independent music festival, Nuits Sonores maintains a pioneering spirit by presenting a mix of established and emerging artists from France and around the world who represent a diverse range of electronic and independent sounds, including hip hop, indie rock, and pop. As a multidisciplinary event recognised for its exceptional programming, Nuits Sonores is also dedicated to its identity by taking over a large city and utilising 50 unique locations within it, offering both the population and visitors a glimpse of the city.
9. Awakenings Summer Festival
Spaarnwoude, Netherlands
June 24-25, 2023
www.awakenings.com
Awakenings Summer Festival is one of the best music festivals in Europe. Festival-goers flock from all corners of the world for its impressive techno, house, and underground line-up. The festival offers a vibrant atmosphere, world-class music, and unbeatable production that goes above and beyond to create an unforgettable experience.
Want to know more? Check out my review of Awakenings Summer Festival 2022 or start planning your trip with my festival guide now!
10. Love International
Tisno, Croatia
July 12-18, 2023
www.loveinternationalfestival.com
Love International Festival is like a vacation for fans of electronic music, offering a week-long summertime adventure on the stunning Adriatic coast of Croatia, making it one of Europe’s most popular festival destinations. The Garden Tisno, an extraordinary festival location, provides on-site accommodations, restaurants, a private beach, four stage areas, and plenty of space to wander. A select, exciting lineup awaits the 2500 lucky festival-goers who are part of this Adriatic love affair. The festival’s curators thoughtfully program the music, with the appropriate soundtrack for each time of day, delivering uplifting house music during the day and harder techno music in the evenings.
11. Monegros Desert Festival
Fraga, Spain
July 15, 2023
www.monegrosfestival.com
Formerly known as Groove Parade and located in the northeastern desert of Spain, the Monegros Desert Festival has become a popular summer event for dance music fans both in Spain and beyond. The festival presents 24 hours of techno, house, electro, dubstep, and hip-hop music, creating an atmosphere akin to that of Dune during the day and Blade Runner at night. It is a major player in the world of electronic music festivals, and the lineups over the years have featured a diverse range of the most popular and influential figures in the electronic music scene.
12. Glastonbury
Somerset, UK
June 21-25, 2023
www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk
Glastonbury, one of the longest-running and most famous festivals in the U.K., is undoubtedly one of the best music festivals in the world. Even without an introduction, Glastonbury has remained a dream for many festival-goers, including myself. Friends who attend regularly have shared that it exceeds all expectations, despite occasional rainfall. The festival boasts impressive stages, a lively atmosphere, and immersive experiences that continue to surprise visitors year after year.
13. Sziget
Budapest, Hungary
August 9-16, 2023
www.szigetfestival.com
Sziget Festival, located in Budapest, is one of the largest multi-genre music festivals in the world. The festival has been going strong since 1993 and emerged in the aftermath of the Soviet Union’s dissolution. It is undoubtedly a must-attend festival, as Sziget transforms Obuda Island into a fully functional musical utopia featuring a lineup that includes some of the biggest names in music. What sets Sziget apart from other festivals is the range of additional activities available, such as dance stages, a cinema, theatre, contemporary circus shows, sporting events, and even a beach where festival-goers can swim in the Danube.
14. Mysteryland
Haarlemmermeer, Netherlands
August 25-27, 2023
www.mysteryland.nl
Mysteryland, the world’s longest-running electronic music festival, has been a pioneer of the dance movement since 1993, shaping and inspiring the festival industry. During a three-day extravaganza, the festival invites 130,000 visitors to embark on a musical journey and explore over 300 artists and live acts on 17 stunning stages. The festival’s on-site camping grounds accommodate over 17,500 party animals from more than 100 different nationalities, offering exclusive pre- and after-parties, as well as a diverse selection of food and entertainment programs.
Want to find out more? Read up on my experience at Mysteryland 2022 now!
15. Sonar Music Festival
Barcelona, Spain
June 15-17, 2023
www.sonar.es
Sónar, a European festival that has gained recognition for its distinct style and music lineup. Renowned for featuring the newest developments in dance and electronic genres, in addition to performers who are expanding the boundaries of musical creativity. The festival offers a unique atmosphere that combines music with art, culture, and technology.
16. Ultra Europe
Split, Croatia
July 7-9, 2023
www.ultraeurope.com
More than two decades ago, ULTRA Music Festival attracted countless fans of electronic music to Miami Beach and has since become a top festival brand worldwide. In 2015, they established their second base in Split, Croatia, where it has blossomed into one of the most exceptional summer music festivals in Europe. The event’s main stage features the most prominent names in EDM, while the Resistance stage boasts an impressive array of underground house and techno performers.
17. Exit Festival
Novi Sad, Serbia
July 6-9, 2023
www.exitfest.org
Each year, the renowned EXIT festival takes place at the vast 18th Century Petrovaradin Fortress, situated in the city of Novi Sad, Serbia. Initially, EXIT originated as a student-led movement, which organized significant protests that helped overthrow the oppressive regime in Serbia. After a long decade of divisions, EXIT became the first large-scale event to bring together people from all over the Balkans.
18. Creamfields
Daresbury, UK
August 24-27, 2023
www.creamfields.com
Creamfields, the largest dance music festival in the UK, is a must-attend event for electronic music enthusiasts held annually on the August bank holiday at Daresbury. It hosts a wide range of artists from the electronic music genre, offering dedicated stages for house, EDM, techno, drum and bass, trance, grime, and more. There’s no surprise that it’s widely considered one of the best music festivals in Europe for dance music fans.
19. Roskilde Festival
Roskilde, Denmark
June 24-July 1, 2023
www.roskilde-festival.dk
Roskilde Festival, which dates back to 1971, is not only one of the oldest music and arts festivals in Northern Europe, but also the largest. The event spans eight days and attracts around 130,000 visitors with an impressive lineup of approximately 170 acts, spectacular art displays, and various events. With an international audience, the festival also boasts delicious food and has been a non-profit event since 1972, with all profits donated to charity. In short, it’s an exceptional experience that needs to be seen to be believed.
20. Lollapalooza Berlin
Berlin, Germany
September 9-10, 2023
www.lollapaloozade.com
Lollapalooza Berlin, the German edition of the iconic Chicago festival, delivers an extensive and diverse lineup of performers to the country’s capital annually. Since its debut in 2014, the festival has quickly become one of the most popular events in the city and one of the best music festivals in Europe. The festival boasts superstar lineups that cater to fans of rock, indie, dance music, and other genres. Once you experience it firsthand, it’s easy to understand why Lollapalooza Berlin will continue to be a centrepiece of the city’s festival scene for years to come.
Scrolled through this guide and noticed that your dream festival is sold out? Don’t panic! TicketSwap is your solution, a secure ticket reselling platform. Sign up now and stay in the loop about sold-out tickets going on sale!
These music festivals offer unique experiences that combine electronic dance music with culture, art, technology, and so much more. From the world-famous Tomorrowland to the intimate Love International, there is a festival for everyone in Europe. The festival industry in Europe is a significant part of the global music scene, creating a culture of celebration and love for electronic dance music.
Want more festival inspo? Check out some of my other festival guides now!
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*Disclaimer: dates and locations for these festivals are subject to change, so make sure you check each festival’s socials or website for the most up-to-date information.
