8 Best Summer Festivals In Europe In 2024

Ah, summer in Europe! The sun kisses ancient streets, and music fills the air. Festivals bring life to every corner. If you’re planning a trip to Europe in 2024, schedule a visit to one of these festivals as they are the heart and soul of the continent.

8 Best Summer Festivals In Europe In 2024

So here’s a selection of the top European festivals that’ll take place this summer. In theory, you could even visit a few of these within one trip, especially if you use a car rental.

1. Glastonbury Festival, England

When: June 26-30, 2024
Where: Somerset, England
Glastonbury is legendary. Picture rolling fields, iconic performances, and a crowd that never stops dancing. The 2024 lineup includes heavyweights like Dua Lipa, Coldplay, SZA, and Shania Twain. Expect over 200,000 music lovers to gather at Worthy Farm. Plus, the festival’s eco-friendly vibe is inspiring. Want to explore more? Use a luxury car rental europe service and drive through the picturesque countryside and find charming villages nearby.

2. Tomorrowland, Belgium

When: July 19-21 & July 26-28, 2024
Where: Boom, Belgium
Tomorrowland is the dream of electronic music fans. The stages are out of this world, and the atmosphere is electric. Two weekends of pure euphoria. So, it’s not strange that over 400,000 people from around the world flock to Europe for a July party. This year’s lineup boasts over 800 artists, including DJ Roop, Armin van Buuren, and David Guetta. And Boom isn’t far from Brussels, so you can explore the capital too.

3. San Fermin (Running of the Bulls), Spain

When: July 6-14, 2024
Where: Pamplona, Spain
Ready for adrenaline? San Fermin is famous for the Running of the Bulls. It’s wild, exciting, and uniquely Spanish. Over 1 million people visit Pamplona for this festival every year. But it’s not just about the run. Enjoy parades, music, and local food. With a car, you can also explore nearby San Sebastian for some beach time and tapas.

4. Sziget Festival, Hungary

When: August 7-12, 2024
Where: Budapest, Hungary
Sziget is on an island in the Danube. A week-long celebration of music, art, and culture. From global stars to indie bands, it’s all here. The 2024 lineup features Halsey, Liam Gallagher, and Martin Garrix. Over half a million people from around the world attend. The festival also offers yoga, theater, and beach parties. After the festival, take a drive through Hungary’s wine regions. It’s a good idea to explore charming towns like Eger and Tokaj.

5. Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Scotland

When: August 2-26, 2024
Where: Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world. Comedy, theater, dance — it’s a real feast. The city itself is likewise magical. Over 50,000 performances across 300 venues. Medieval streets, grand castles. Plus, you can also explore the Scottish Highlands. Discover lochs, mountains, and more.

6. La Tomatina, Spain

When: August 28, 2024
Where: Buñol, Spain
Ever wanted to throw tomatoes at strangers? La Tomatina is your chance. This festival is pure, messy fun. 20,000 people gather to hurl tomatoes in the streets of Buñol, Spain, creating a sea of red. It all started in 1945 when a food fight broke out among local youths during a parade. Now, it’s an annual event held on the last Wednesday of August. Participants must squish the tomatoes before throwing them to prevent injuries. The festivities begin at 11 AM and last for about an hour. Afterward, the streets are cleaned, and the town hosts a massive party with music, dancing, and plenty of paella.

7. Roskilde Festival, Denmark

When: June 29 – July 6, 2024
Where: Roskilde, Denmark
Roskilde is massive, with over 130,000 people attending. The music lineup is diverse, from rock to hip-hop. And the vibe is unmatched. The 2024 lineup includes Alvvays, Otoboke Beaver, and Blondshell. It’s a week of music, art, and community.

8. Oktoberfest, Germany

When: September 21 – October 6, 2024
Where: Munich, Germany
Yes, it’s called Oktoberfest, but it starts in September. It is the ultimate beer festival. Massive tents, traditional music, and, of course, liters of beer. Over 7 million visitors join the fun each year. Don your lederhosen or dirndl and join the fun. Munich is also a great city to explore on foot or by car.