The best music festivals in Europe to book for 2026

Over the past two decades, no festival has consolidated its place amongst Europe’s very best quite like the Barcelona edition of Primavera Sound. Renowned for a marvellously broad line-up that features as many hot-shot newcomers as proper, established legends, it’s all impeccably well-organised. And it’s in a remarkable waterfront location, the Parc del Forum, which is both inside Barcelona itself and a place that seems purpose-built for a continent-leading music festival. Be sure to check out the Primavera in Porto, too.

Last year’s big names: Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan 

Where: Parc del Forum, Barcelona, Spain

When: June 4 - 6, 2026

The Montreux Jazz Festival has been drawing legends of jazz (and jazz-adjacent music) to the shores of Lake Geneva since all the way back in 1967. Over the past half-century everyone from Miles Davis and Bill Evans to Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone and Frank Zappa has graced the fest – and these days the line-up is more star-studded and varied than ever. Classic rock, modern soul and fiery hip-hop often feature – as well as, obviously, plenty of jazz.

Last year’s big names: Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, RAYE, Chaka Khan.

Where: Lake Geneva, Switzerland

When: TBC for 2026

As if being out on São Miguel island in the Azores – i.e. out in the middle of the Atlantic, about 1,400 kilometres off the coast of mainland Portugal – wasn’t adventurous enough, Tremor turns the entire music festival experience into a sort of quest. Performances are at secret locations dotted throughout the island, some reached by raft and/or jungle trek. The music leans towards all things experimental, from folk and punk to electronics, while the limited number of tickets ensures it all remains shrouded in tantalising mystery.

Last year’s big names: DJ Giovanna, The Zenmenn, Keeley Forsyth

Where: São Miguel, Azores

When: March 24-28, 2026

Way Out West festival is back this August in Gothenburg, and the line-up is one of the best this summer. Never been to Gothenburg? Think of it as Stockholm’s cool, younger sibling (and one of our most underrated destinations to visit in Europe, don’t you know). As well as some huge artists, you’ll find talks, film screenings and more – all in Gothenburg’s very central Slottsskogen Park. 

Last year’s big names: Charli XCX, Chappell Roan, Pet Shop Boys, Iggy Pop, Little Simz, Fontaines D.C., Yung Lean

Where: Gothenburg, Sweden

When: August 13-15, 2026

Arguably the coolest festival in Barcelona’s summer calendar, Sónar celebrates the intersection of art, music and technology. It's back for its 32rd year with an ecletic lineup of global artists that transcends sonic borders. Sónar Week runs for a full six days, from June 10-15, transforming the city into an international hub of electronic music and culture, through collaborations and co-productions with the city’s leading promoters and institutions. This includes partnerships with +RAIN Film Festival, OFFSónar and the main event, Sónar 2025. 

Last year’s big names: Arca, BICEP present CHROMA AV/DJ set, Honey Dijon, Four Tet, MOCHAKK, Skrillex b2b Blawan, Overmono, Pa Salieu, Peggy Gou.

Where: Barcelona, Spain

When: June 18-20, 2026

How much music can you squeeze into one island in the middle of the Danube? A heck of a lot, it turns out. Sziget, which is on leafy Óbudai-sziget island in Budapest, crams literally thousands of performances (and 60 stages) into its programme and consistently churns out some of the biggest names in world pop music. Each year Sziget somehow manages to get bigger and better, adding party boats, amusement parks and even immersive chill-out domes.  

Last year’s big names: Post Malone, ASAP Rocky, Chappell Roan, Charli XCX, Shawn Mendes

Where: Óbudai-sziget, Budapest, Hungary

When: August 5-10, 2026 (subject to change)

Legendary electronic fest Dekmantel is all about pushing beyond the limits of electronic music, offering everything from pounding techno and house beats to ambient space-outs and cosmic jazz. Held riverside on the IJ in the leafy southern Amsterdam suburb of Amstelveen, Dekmantel is as apt for interrogating the potential of electronica as it is for a mad dance sesh.

Last year’s big names: Avalon Emerson, British Murder Boys, Yaeji, and Honey Dijon

Where: Amstelveen, Amsterdam, Netherlands

When: TBC for 2026

Croatia (and much of the Adriatic coast in general, for that matter) has become a dance music hotspot in recent years. As ideal for boogieing ‘til sunrise (and long after) and blissing out in the daytime as it is for secret island parties, festivals from Dimensions to Defected have shown just how to make the most of this spectacular setting. Our pick of the bunch is Love International, which consistently boasts the best line-ups of any of ‘em. 

Last year’s big names: Ellie Stokes, Objekt, Mad Professor 

Where: The Garden Tisno, Croatia

When: July 8-14, 2026

Considering it has just two stages, Paredes de Coura boasts a lot of quality into its small-ish line-up. Taking place in a valley outside Porto, PdC has been running for nearly three decades and is a rite of passage for Portuguese teenagers. And it’s hard to disagree that this place simply has to be experienced. Not only does the natural amphitheatre provide a spectacular setting, but if you’re flagging you can get yourself a raft and doze off as you float down the river at the valley bottom.

Last year’s big names: Franz Ferdinand, Jersey, Ana Frango Elétrico

Where: Paredes de Coura, Portugal

When: August 12-15, 2026

Designed to be a blend of beach holiday and music festival, Kala promises to be a dreamy affair. It’s been praised as a bit of a hidden gem on the festival circuit, full of exclusive parties and open air beach stages. By day, you can swim in the crystal clear sea, take a hike, go on a boat trip, or even get some spa treatments. At night, vibe out to any one of dozens of banging DJ sets, then sleep everything off at a hotel included in your ticket price. 

Last year’s big names: Ezra Collective, Kelly Lee Owens, Myd, Theo Parrish, Nicolas Lutz

Where: Dhërmi, on the Albanian Riviera

When: June 3-10, 2026