Becca Healy

There’s nothing like travelling abroad for a festival. You get to explore somewhere new, see a bunch of cracking artists, as well as maybe – just maybe – enjoy better weather and cheaper beer. Europe is certainly not in short supply of some really brilliant places to party, from tiny, lesser-known spots in the Azores to headliner-packed festivities in France and the Netherlands. This year, all eyes are on the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland as it prepares for its 60th anniversary. Expect an epic line up and some extra jazzy surprises for 2026. The only thing missing from our list this year? That’s everyone’s favourite UK fest, Glastonbury  – which is taking its regular fallow year to make sure the land is looked after. But don’t fear: there are plenty more UK festivals on this list to discover in its absence. And there’s never been a better time to boogie down in lesser known, but equally fantastic festivals before its epic return in 2027. What is the largest festival in Europe? Many think that it's Glastonbury, and though it’s certainly one of the most well known, in terms of numbers, it’s not even the the biggest in the UK! The biggest in Europe is actually Donauinselfest in Vienna, Austria, which sees upwards of two million visitors a year. After that, it’s probably joint between Glasto and Tomorrowland in Belgium. The more you know! RECOMMENDED: 🌃 The most underrated destinations in Europe🌤️ The best European city breaks At Time Out, all of our travel guides are