The best European festivals in 2020
The biggest, best and boutique-est European music festivals this summer
European festivals offer the best of both worlds: international DJs and live acts, plus you get a holiday out of it too. You just need to make the right choice for your summer rave-cation. From sizzling boat parties in Croatia to live music in historical cities and ancient coastal towns, the options are properly overwhelming. To help you out, we’ve shortlisted some of the best summer events taking place in Europe this summer, breaking them down by country. Get booking and you could soon find yourself a long way from the usual muddy British fields.
RECOMMENDED: The best UK music festivals
BEST FESTIVALS IN CROATIA
Love International
A Croatian banger in the dance fest calendar
Before SuncéBeat sets up at Tisno’s beautiful Garden Resort a the end of July, Love International gets a look-in. They’ve got a powerful line-up of house, disco and techno planned, with the finest selectors playing on boats and open-air stages all week long.
Line-up includes Andrew Weatherall, Artwork, Ross From Friends, Elena Colombi, Horse Meat Disco, Prosumer, Roman Flügel, Crazy P Soundsystem, DJ Tennis.
Tisno, Murter Island, Croatia. Jul 15-22. €155 (all week).
BEST FESTIVALS IN ICELAND
Iceland Airwaves
nner-city celebrations for the summer solstice
The world’s northernmost festival is also its latest in the year, taking place in early November. It’s a cool and classy affair where a host of alt-leaning local and international acts perform at various venues in central Reykjavik including churches, art galleries and concert halls. A real breath of fresh air, tbh.
Line-up includes Metronomy, Courtney Barnett, Dorian Electra, Dry Cleaning, Erika De Casier, Lynks Afrikka, Squid, Tami T, The Murder Capital, Black Pumas, CHLOBOCOP.
Downtown Reykjavik, Iceland. Nov 4-7. £167.38 (full weekend).
BEST FESTIVALS IN NORWAY
Øya Festival
An environmentally friendly romp in a city park
Join the 18,000-strong crowd gathering near Oslo’s city centre for Øya’s stellar rock, hip hop and pop line-up. The long-running festival is held in the massive Tøyen Park (think east London’s Vicky Park vibes), which is as green as the promoters’ dedication to helping the environment.
Line-up includes Stormzy, FKA Twigs, Aurora, Dave, Michael Kiwanuka, Suede, Bon Iver, Bikini Kill, Floating Points (live).
Tøyenparken, Oslo, Norway. Aug 11-15.
Check out our full festival calendar
Music festivals calendar
Live music, warm cider and anxious weather-watching: the summer music festival season has become a British tradition. To help you plan a fab summer we’ve rounded up this year’s biggest and best UK and London festivals in one handy calendar.