Year after year, music lovers from around the globe travel to Europe to hit some of the most renowned music festivals on the planet.
The continent is home to festivals celebrating genres from rock to reggae, classical to country, hip hop to heavy metal and everything in between.
Here are some of the top music festivals in Europe for 2025 that you won't want to miss.
Top Music Festivals in Europe 2025
Glastonbury Festival, England
When? June 25-29, 2025.
Where? Worthy Farm, Somerset, England.
Known for: Being the king, and grandfather, of Europe's music festivals.
iStock Photo / AmyLaughinghouse
There's only one place to start when it comes to European music festivals - the daddy of them all - Glastonbury Festival.
Possibly the most iconic music festival in Europe and indeed the world, Glasto blends music, arts and culture into a totally unique and unforgettable experience.
The likes of David Bowie, Paul McCartney and Radiohead have all headlined the iconic Pyramid stage in the past.
And Glastonbury 2025 is sure to live up to its usual hype.
iStock Photo / Marcus Clackson
Canadian folk icon Neil Young is already confirmed as a headliner. Crowd-pleaser Rod Stewart is also on the bill, occupying the high-profile legends slot.
For many people, Glastonbury is a once-in-a-lifetime event. But getting a ticket is no easy feat.
In fact, if you don't have one in the bag for this year by now, your next opportunity will be 2027.
And you'll need to get it in your diary early, as they go on sale nine months in advance. Well, as I said, it is the king, after all.
Tomorrowland, Belgium
When? 18th - 20th and 25th - 27th July, 2025.
Where? Boom, Belgium.
Known for: Highly anticipated electronic dance music (EDM) festival with next-level stage designs and production.
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If you're a fan of EDM and dreamlike surroundings, then Tomorrowland is your Christmas day.
Drawing EDM fans from across the globe to its fairy-tale-like grounds in Boom, Belgium, Tomorrowland has seen the likes of Martin Garrix, Tiësto and Charlotte de Witte grace its stage.
2025 will attract an equally popular line-up of world-class DJs.
So, expect energetic performances, mesmerising stage designs and immersive experiences across two action-packed weekends.
Primavera Sound, Spain and Portugal
When and Where? Barcelona, Spain - 4th - 8th June 2025. Porto, Portugal - 12th - 15th June 2025.
Known for: Much-loved indie, rock and pop festival along Spain and Portugal's atmospheric coastlines.
Image property of Primavera Sound
There's nothing quite like listening to some quality music drift through the air as the neon sun slips below the Iberian waves.
This is one of the many joys of jetting off to Primavera Sound, a summer festival set against the backdrop of beautiful coastlines.
Established in 2001, the festival quickly became known for its well-selected lineups and for drawing the indie glitterati with the hottest new bands from both sides of the Atlantic.
It soon established a second instalment in Porto and, selling out most years, has become one of the top festivals in Europe.
Revellers can expect to see a mix of well-established acts and emerging talent in 2025. Expect to see Deftones, Beach House and Kim Deal alongside Michael Kiwanuka and Chappel Roan.
Is there any better excuse to visit Portugal, Spain, or both?
Sziget Festival, Hungary
When? 6th - 11th August, 2025.
Where? Óbuda Island, Budapest, Hungary.
Known for: Big festival vibes on an urban island.
iStock Photo / joyt
Sziget Festival is one of Europe's largest and most diverse music festivals and was established on Óbuda Island, or the Island of Freedom, in Budapest in 1993.
Set up by music fans in their spare time, it was originally an opportunity for musicians to practice and come together after the fall of Hungary's communist government.
It then evolved into a regular event and was re-named Sziget Fesztivál in 2002. Which, somewhat logically, means 'Island festival'.
Today, concertgoers get the double benefit of discovering new music and exploring one of the most intriguing capital cities in Europe.
Past line-ups have featured the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Dua Lipa and Kendrick Lamar.
From chart-topping artists to underground electronic acts, there's something for everyone at Sziget.
Hellfest, France
When? June 21-23, 2025.
Where? Clisson, France.
Known for: Being one of Europe's top heavy metal festivals.
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The beautiful French town of Clisson is known for its Tuscan-style architecture and for being the capital of the Nantes wine-growing region.
And less conventionally, it's also home to Hellfest - one of Europe's largest heavy metal music festivals.
This three-day metal festival is not one to miss if heavy guitar riffs, headbanging and crowdsurfing are your jam.
Imagine the likes of Judas Priest and Korn echoing through the peaceful valleys of Western France at full volume.
With some of the biggest rock, metal and punk bands on the planet in attendance, think of Hellfest as Glastonbury's cooler, gothier, younger cousin.
Plus, where else can you headbang to Dream Theater while sipping on a lovely Muscadet?
Ultra Europe, Croatia
When? 11th - 13th July, 2025.
Where? Split, Croatia.
Known for: World-class EDM.
Image owned by and used with permission of Ultra Europe Festival
For those who prefer glowsticks to guitars, Ultra Europe has you well and truly covered.
Held in the scenic city of Split, Croatia, this electronic dance music festival is a raver's paradise.
Pulsating dance beats and stunning light shows attract an energetic crowd of music lovers who are there for one reason and one reason only - to party hard.
Ultra's main stage is nothing short of a spectacle.
Pyrotechnics, lasers and a bass drop that could probably trigger a minor seismic event make it the ultra dance music festival in Europe - the clue is in the name.
And if you need a break from the music, you're just a stone's throw from crystal-clear waters and Insta-worthy beaches. Think Mamma Mia, but with strobe lighting and all-night raves.
Roskilde Festival, Denmark
When? 28th June - 5th July 2025.
Where? Roskilde, Denmark.
Known for: One of Europe's biggest and oldest music festivals with a unique mix of music, activism and community spirit.
Image by Mike Wall from Pixabay
As well as being one of the longest-standing and anticipated annual music events in Europe, Roskilde is more than a festival.
It's something that many attendees think of as a week-long immersive experience and an opportunity to connect, discuss issues that matter and contribute positively to environmental and social change.
Roskilde is famous for its lively camping culture and community spirit and is run as a non-profit, donating all its proceeds to worthy causes.
Back to the music - Roskilde always delivers a varied line-up of pop, rock, grime, indie and electronic artists.
This year's bill features Olivia Rodrigo, Stormzy, Anoushka Shankar, Nine Inch Nails and Fontaines D.C, among many others.
Definitely one to get on your festival radar.
Bilbao BBK Live, Spain
When? 10th - 12th July, 2025
Where? Bilbao, Spain
Known for: Top-tier indie, rock and electronic acts in a stunning mountainside setting.
Set on top of the scenic Kobetamendi Hill, Bilbao BBK Live offers breathtaking views of the city below.
It provides a unique backdrop for an eclectic mix of indie, pop and electronic music performances.
Known for its stellar line-ups, past editions have featured the likes of Florence + The Machine, Gorillaz and The Strokes.
The 2025 edition promises to be bigger than ever, with a star-studded line-up featuring pint-sized legend Kylie Minogue, Sheffield's finest export Pulp and Grammy-nominee Raye.
Electric Picnic, Ireland
When? 29th - 31st August 2025.
Where? Stradbally Hall, Ireland.
Known for: Internationally renowned event with a local heart in a lush countryside setting.
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Ireland. Famous for its landscapes, literature and, of course, for birthing Guinness.
But it can add something else to its long list of draws - epic music festivals.
Set in the idyllic grounds of Stradbally Hall, Electric Picnic is the jewel in Ireland's festival crown.
Known for much more than just its incredible musical headliners, Electric Picnic is also renowned for its comedy tents and spoken word performances.
Wander into the woods after dark and you'll also stumble on a manmade city constructed from scrap and recycled materials.
This tucked-away location hosts raves that go on through the night for those too excited to sleep.
And because it's Ireland, expect a shedload of craic and all four seasons of weather in a short space of time.
Bring wellies, sunglasses and maybe a canoe.
Rock en Seine, France
When? 20th - 24th August 2025.
Where? Paris, France.
Known for: A premier urban festival with a top rock and indie lineup.
Wikimedia Commons / Lara Janssen
Held just outside of Paris, Rock en Seine is a hot event on the festival calendar, which routinely bags the biggest headliners in rock, indie and electronic music.
With past performances by the likes of The Cure and Tame Impala, it's a favourite for those craving an urban festival experience.
And once you're partied out, nearby Paris will be sure to pull you into its irresistable orbit.
Although the full line-up for 2025 has yet to drop, organisers have teased a few artists, including Chappell Roan, London Grammar, Suki Waterhouse and Luvcat.
Open Budludzha, Bulgaria
When? TBC 2025
Where? Buzludzha Monument, Bulgaria
Known for: Innovative, bold, mind-blowing surroundings.
Held around an abandoned Brutalist relic of Communist Bulgaria on top of a hill, Open Buzludzha festival is one of Europe's most atmospheric events.
With its one-of-a-kind location and stunning mountain surroundings, it's a mecca for lovers of electronic, ambient and experimental music.
And to add to its intrigue, the line-up, or even firm dates, of 2025's edition show no signs of appearing yet. Keep your eyes peeled.
Budludzha is truly one to watch as an emerging festival that's rapidly gaining attention for its unique fusion of music, art and history.
Iceland Airwaves, Iceland
When? 6th - 8th November, 2025.
Where? Reykjavik, Iceland.
Known for: The darling of Europe's indie music festivals.
Image by Aline Dassel from Pixabay
If Reykjavik is the cool hipster kid of Europe, then Iceland Airwaves might just be the McDaddy of the continent's indie music festivals.
Taking over Reykjavik's best music venues, including its legendary Harpa Concert Hall, Iceland Airwaves is always sure to be a cutting-edge event.
Stages range from charming churches to buzzing nightclub settings, spotlighting emerging Icelandic talent alongside global indie and experimental acts.
Set against Iceland's ethereal landscapes, Iceland Airwaves stands out as a truly unique musical and cultural experience.
WOMAD, England
When? 25th - 28th July, 2025.
Where? Charlton Park, England.
Known for: Traditional and contemporary world music, dance and arts.
The World of Music, Arts and Dance festival, more commonly known as WOMAD, was founded in 1980 by legendary rock musician and Genesis frontman Peter Gabriel.
With a rich history and a mission to promote cross-cultural understanding by bringing together artists from around the world, WOMAD celebrates global sounds and showcases outstanding talent from diverse cultures.
The festival also features workshops, food markets and family-friendly activities.
On top of the music, it's a festival big on wellbeing.
Attendees can pop off for a quick session in the hot tub, hit the yoga mat or even enjoy a sauna or a massage.
Lollapalooza Berlin, Germany
When? 12th and 13th July, 2025.
Where? Berlin, Germany.
Known for: Bringing big American festival vibes to the European continent.
Image credit Julius Hatt Lollapalooza
Lollapalooza is music festival royalty and a globally renowned name that attracts crowds without even trying.
Founded in Chicago in 1991 by Jane's Addiction lead singer Perry Farrell as a touring lineup of artists, Lollapalooza now delivers big-name acts every year across pop, rock and electronic genres.
Expanding on its original touring concept, the festival now has several editions in cities such as Santiago, Chile and, of course, Berlin.
The festival's central location at Berlin's Olympiastadion adds to its urban vibes and attracts festival lovers from around the world.
Beyond the music, it keeps attendees happy with impressive art installations, food markets and Kidzapalooza - a zone designed especially for little humans with a love of all things creative.
Download Festival, England
When? June 13-16, 2025
Where? Donington Park, England
A cornerstone for metal fans around the globe, Download is the go-to festival if you’re looking to find heavy rock and metal music this summer. Held in Donington Park – a stone’s throw from where legendary metal band Black Sabbath was born – this iconic festival features the largest and loudest bands, attracting rock royalty and heavy metal heavyweights every year. 2025 is no exception, with the three confirmed headliners being Green Day, Sleep Token and Korn. With its loyal community of fans and energetic atmosphere, Download Festival remains a bucket-list event for metalheads across the world.
Rock Werchter, Belgium
When? 3rd - 6th July 2025.
Where? Werchter, Belgium.
Known for: Consistently world-class lineup of rock and alternative acts.
Image by Igor Saveliev from Pixabay
Rock Werchter is a multi-award-winning festival known for consistently delivering top-tier line-ups of legendary rock and alternative artists.
Celebrating an incredible 50 years on the circuit in 2025, those lucky enough to be heading to the event will be rocking out to the likes of Linkin Park and Green Day.
Set in the idyllic Belgian countryside, Rock Werchter can be relied on to serve a chilled-out atmosphere alongside extraordinary productions.
NOS Alive, Portugal
When? 10th - 12th July 2025.
Where? Lisbon, Portugal.
Known for: Big-name lineups by the glittering Tagus River.
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Last but definitely not least, let's talk about NOS Alive.
Held just outside of the sun-soaked Portuguese capital of Lisbon, this festival is a dream for indie and alternative music fans.
It's intimate, laid-back and perfect for those who like their live music served with a side of stunning sunsets over the Tagus River.
The line-up is always top-notch. Where else might you see St Vincent next to Nine Inch Nails and Amyl and the Sniffers?
Expect a mix of legendary acts and rising stars, with a vibe somewhere between a rooftop party and a beach bonfire.
And the food? Oh, the food…when it comes to Lisbon, forget soggy burgers and your usual, basic festival scran.
We're talking pasteis de nata and seafood so fresh it practically swam onto your plate.
Only one of many reasons to make this festival a feature on your calendar for summer 2025.
Plan Your 2025 Festival Journey
So, that's it - you've got a healthy list of top music festivals in Europe for 2025 to choose from.
But don't forget - you'll need to share your festival best bits with family and friends as you go.
For travel in Europe, a regional eSIM from Airalo will be music to your ears and leave you with no shock roaming fees and more money for merch.
Visit the store, choose the best package for your trip, install, activate and go.
Your playlists, maps and social updates will thank you later. Rock on!
