18 of the best Europe summer festivals in July 2021

1. Tomorrowland Belgium | 17-19 July and 24-26 July 2020

Taking place in Boom, Belgium, Tomorrowland is a notable global music event and one of the biggest electronic music festivals in the world. EDM (electronic dance music) fans flock from all over the world to be part of the carnival-like atmosphere and elaborate stage setups.

Festival goers can opt to camp at Dreamville – with a dedicated Marketplace, showers and beauty salons. This year’s headliners include Amelie Lens, Black Coffee, The Chainsmokers, Dax J and Martin Garrix.

2. Bilbao BBK Live | 10-12 July 2020

Bilbao BBK is an annual pop and rock music festival in Spain that’s sponsored by BBK, a local savings bank. The festival is held in the beautiful countryside, atop the Kobetamendi Hill.

The laidback vibe, vacation-like atmosphere and highly energetic live performances have attracted festival goers from all over the world since 2006. The Bilbao city centre and airport is a short bus ride away, with a free shuttle provided.

This year’s headline acts include Liam Gallagher, The Voidz, The Strokes, Weezer and Vince Staples.

3. Wish Outdoor | 3-5 July 2020

Wish Outdoor is a three-day electronic music festival held in the Netherlands.

It’s hailed as one of the best music events in the country with festival lovers raving about the lineup each year. It’s also known for its quirky campsite located next to the festival – think colourful tents and your very own swimming pool.

This year’s headline acts include Blof, Brennan Heart, Lucas and Steve, Warface and Cascada.

4. Fresh Island Festival | 4-9 July 2020

Party it up in this coastal Croatian paradise, where the finest acts in hip hop, rap and R&B come together for one of Europe’s best urban beach festivals.

Choose from crazy boat parties, poolside dancing or have a VIP experience on Croatia’s stunning coastal strip. This year’s lineup includes Tory Lanez, Lil Uzi Vert, Hardy Caprio, B Young and Tim Westwood.

5. Electric Castle | 15-19 July 2020

Electric Castle takes the cake for unique locations, as this annual music festival takes place at the Transylvanian Bánffy Castle in Romania.

The five-day event sees the 16th century castle light up and thump with electronic, reggae and other sub-culture genres of music.

Check out Florence + The Machine, Limp Bizkit, Zomboy, The Black Madonna and Bring Me The Horizon this year.

6. Latitude | 16-19 July 2020

Music, poetry, comedy and all things creative is what you get at the Latitude festival in the UK.

The festival’s huge and diverse offerings are family-friendly and inclusive, making it a popular summer festival choice. Festival goers particularly enjoy swimming in the lake at Henham Park, where the festival takes place.

This year’s lineup includes George Ezra, Snow Patrol, Lana Del Rey, Russell Kane, Michelle Wolf and Jason Manford.

7. Ultra Europe | 11-12 July 2020

The biggest EDM and house music festival in the world needs no introduction.

With some of the industry’s biggest names playing every year, elaborate stages and legendary after parties, fans from all around the world come together for an unforgettable Ultra week in Split, Croatia.

This year’s lineup includes Above and Beyond, Adam Beyer, Alesso, David Gueta, DJ Snake, Jamie Jones and Richie Hawtin.

8. WOMAD | 23-28 July 2020

WOMAD is a UK-based festival that allows you to travel the world in four days, with a lineup of artists from around the globe.

Take the opportunity to explore new genres of music and art at this family-friendly event. Try out the glamping option to make your WOMAD experience one of a kind.

The WOMAD lineup is specially curated and you never know if you’ll find a new favourite artist at the festival.

9. Benicassim | 16-19 July 2020

FIB is an annual music festival that takes place in the town of Benicassim, Spain.

Due to its close proximity to the beach, it draws in the coast-loving, younger crowd. The festival showcases a diverse lineup of indie, electronic, alternative and rock acts, featuring rising stars and established ones.

The headliners for this year include Kings of Leon, Lana Del Rey, Fatboy Slim and Vetusta Morla.

10. Exit Festival | 9-12 July 2020

Originally started in 2000 as a student protest against the government, Exit Festival has grown into a behemoth of a festival in Serbia’s Novi Sad. You’ll find it within the walls of a 17th-century fortress perched high on a cliff overlooking the River Danube.

You can expect a truly diverse music program that covers everything from rock to punk, death metal, hip-hop, reggae and electronic music.

This year’s headliners are The Cure, Skepta, Carl Cox, DJ Snake, Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike, Greta Van Fleet and so much more.

11. Down The Rabbit Hole | 3-5 July 2020

Down The Rabbit Hole is all about adventure, confusion and surrealism and its Ewijk location in the Netherlands provides the ideal background for a classic outdoor weekender.

Go with an open mind as you’ve got three days to meditate in the forest, take a swim, have a strum by the campfire and discover hidden discos.

Drawing on rock, pop, hip-hop, electronic, jazz, and beyond, this year’s headliners include Editors, Janelle Monae, Underworld, Thom Yorke – Tomorrow’s Modern Boxes, Foals and Vampire Weekend.

1. Running of the Bulls | 5-16 July 2020

This centuries-old tradition dates back to 1591, when the fiesta was celebrated to honour San Fermin, patron saint of Navarra.

The annual event now draws in over a million revellers with its energetic parties and the anticipated bull run that typically lasts between three to four minutes.

The bull shepherds, or runners, lead the bulls through the streets and into the bullring as part of the festivities.

Due to the risks involved, only those with a good level of physical fitness can be a runner – so you’re sure to see some fit Spaniards running around.

2. Bastille Day | 14 July 2020

July 14 marks this French national holiday, which is celebrated in a grand fashion in Paris.

From morning to night, the city comes alive with programs and festivities. Highlights include a traditional military parade, dancing at the fire department balls, and a free music concert at the Champs-de-Mars followed by a spectacular fireworks display over the iconic Eiffel Tower.

If you’re looking to splurge a little, consider booking a private yacht dinner so you can enjoy the fireworks from the water.

3. Tour de France | 27 June – 19 July 2020

This annual cycling race has been held since 1903 and brings in riders and spectators from all over the world. It’s primarily located in France, but the route does extend to various other places around the globe.

Wherever you see it, the Tour is an iconic event in Europe, with millions of fans camping along the route for the best views of their favourite riders.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the sport or merely here for the atmosphere, it’s an event not to be missed.

4. Siena Il Palio | 2 July 2020

The epic horse race of Palio is one of the most important events held yearly in Siena, Italy. This sporting event has deep religious roots and dates back to the Medieval Ages.

A grand parade marks the beginning of the festivities before the main, 90-second race. The first horse across the finish line (with or without its jockey) is declared the winner.

At the end of the race, everyone parties well into the night with drinking, dancing and a special dinner that’s held out in the open air on long, communal tables.

5. Festival Pucciniano | 17 July – 23 August 2020

The Festival Puccini is an annual summer opera festival in Italy that’s fully dedicated to the composer, Giacomo Puccini.

The prestigious event allows attendees to appreciate the great stars of opera at the grand Great Open Air Theatre.

The venue is the very same place that inspired Puccini, so you can admire his works and the picturesque scene at this one-of-a-kind festival.

Image: Albert Baruch-Su

6. World Bodypainting Festival | 9-11 July 2020

Dubbed as the “world’s most colourful event”, the World Bodypainting Festival is an annual showcase and competition held in Austria.

Artists from all over the world go head-to-head during this three-day festival, which also features educational programs and workshops. Make sure you stay till the end for the massive after party, featuring 50 bands and DJs.

7. Montreux Jazz Festival | 3-18 July 2020

This annual music festival in Switzerland is the second largest jazz festival in the world, taking place on the shores of Lake Geneva.

More than 250,000 people attend every year to enjoy the best of this two-week multicultural event. Groove to jazz, bebop, soul and even the blues, with the lake and mountains as your backdrop.

If you love good music and good vibes, you will love Montreux.