9 European music festivals to attend once in your life

Europe simply can't get enough of music festivals, with more and more names popping up each year to satiate the desires of music fans across the continent. Covering everything from hip-hop and RnB to rock and heavy metal, there's a European music festival to cover everyone's taste. 

These European festivals have got the music

Attending a music festival can make for an unforgettable day out or long weekend experience. If great music, fun crowds and beautiful settings are what you're after, look no further than these: 

1. Tomorrowland, Belgium

Tomorrowland is widely considered one of the best festivals for electronic music on the entire planet and so if you love your electric beats, you need to get on your dancing shoes and head to Flanders in Belgium this July! The festival is famous for its insane lineups, incredible show stagings and fabulous crowd. 

Video: YouTube / Tomorrowland

2. Glastonbury, UK

The world's most famous performing arts festival, Glastonbury is so exclusive even the artists are competing to get a slot on the lineup! It doesn't cater to any one specific music genre or taste, and so 200.000 people from all walks of life head to Somerset in England each year for a one-of-a-kind experience. Your only challenge will be getting a ticket. 

Video: YouTube / BBC Music

3. AMF, the Netherlands

Considered one of EDM's main events, AMF, also known as Amsterdam Music Festival, is an unforgettable night in Amsterdam each October that sees some of the biggest names in music perform on the same stage. It has been taking place in the Jogan Cruijiff Arena, the biggest stadium in Amsterdam, since 2014. The lineup consists of the hottest DJs, speakers turned up to the max, magnificent stage production, and over 70.000 fans.

Video: YouTube / AMF

4. Rolling Loud, Portugal

Rolling Loud, one of world's most famous hip-hop festivals, started in cities like Miami, New York and Los Angeles in the US, but is now making inroads in Europe with its blend of stunning locations and knock-out lineups. Rolling Loud Portugal takes place on a stunning beach in the Algarve and promises a fabulous weekend away. 

Video: YouTube / Rolling Loud

5. Time Warp, Germany

Time Warp has been a legend of EDM entertainment since the mid-1990s and is still going strong in the 2020s. This annual electronic music festival will make a welcome comeback in 2023 after being cancelled in 2022 due to COVID-19. Expect strong techno beats from all around the world.

Video: YouTube / Time Warp

6. Openair Frauenfeld, Switzerland

Having taken place in the Swiss city almost every year since 1985, Openair Frauenfeld is a legend on the hip-hop festival scene. With over 100.000 attendees annually, it is the largest open-air festival in Switzerland and features top hip-hop artists in an amazing venue. The festival grounds are located on a protected nature reserve with camping and day ticket options. 

Video: YouTube / Openair Frauenfeld

7. Rock en Seine, France

One of the most famous festivals in all of France is Rock en Seine, a three-day rock music festival that takes place at the Domaine National de Saint-Cloud, just west of Paris. It is perfect for lovers of all types of music, with over 40.000 people attending annually. The festival is back in 2023, after a hiatus due to COVID-19. 

Video: YouTube / Rock en Seine

8. Exit Festival, Serbia

Catering to all fans of rock, techno, EDM, metal, hip-hop, reggae and punk, among other genres, Exit Festival is one of the hottest festivals in Europe. It is held at the Petrovaradin Fortress in Serbia for four days in July and is known for its stunning stage setups.

Video: YouTube / Exit Festival

9. Sziget Festival, Hungary

Once a year, the island of Obuda in Budapest is turned into a multi-genre musical heaven as Sziget Festival kicks off at the end of summer. Over 550.000 festival-goers rush to the marvellous Danube to experience pop, rock, and indie music like never before. With over 1.000 performances each year, it is easily one of the largest music and cultural festivals in Europe. 

Video: YouTube / Sziget Festival

Get yourself to a European music festival!

Tickets for these popular festivals sell out early, so you need to be on the ball to secure your place. If you do miss out, there are thousands of other music festivals taking place across the continent each year, so you're sure to find something to suit your tastes. Got any top tips for music festivals? Let us know in the comments below!

This article originally appeared on IamExpat in Switzerland.