As 2014 comes to an end, music lovers reflect on the stunning festivals of the year and anticipate many more to come. If you heard about the Tomorrowland 10th Anniversary double weekend festival or any of the other amazing events from 2014, you know that attending a music festival is the best way to add excitement, thrill, and fun to any European trip. Check out our top picks for 2015 MUST SEE music festivals:
Sónar International Festival (Barcelona, Spain) – June 18-20, 2015
The Sónar Festival melds music, technology, and visual arts in this amazing three-day event. In one of the most captivating cities in the world, the masterminds behind Sónar hope to unite international public and private sectors. There are two main stage locations: Sónar by Day that features concerts, DJs, and new talents and Sónar by Night which features leading names from the international music scene. This year’s lineup of musicians includes: The Chemical Brothers, Kindness, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Sophie, PXXR GVNG, Tourist, Vessel, Niño, and many more!
Secret Solstice Midnight Sun Music Festival (Reykjavík, Iceland) – June 19-21, 2015
Secret Solstice probably chooses the most unique time to have a music festival—the summer solstice. During the three-day festival, the sun never sets and the party never stops. This year’s lineup has over 25 musical acts including: Moodymann, Route 94, Submotion Orchestra, Detroit Swindle, Agzilla, and KSF.
Roskilde Festival (Roskilde, Denmark) – June 27-July 4, 2015
While camping is not required, if you’re game, this is the festival to break out the tent. Roskilde sets up themed camping communities where festivalgoers can have fun at skate parks, participate in street sports, create amazing art, take graffiti workshops, and so much more! This year’s lineup has over 30 musical groups including: Mew, Muse, Pharrell Williams, The Tallest Man on Earth, Av Av Av, Batida, Dixon, Goat, and Suspekt.
Colours of Ostrava (Ostrava, Czech Republic) – July 16-19, 2015
This festival is located in Ostrava, Czech Republic at the site of former blast furnaces, mines, and ironworks. In addition to the cool setting, you will find a wide variety of music including jazz, world music, rock, pop, and alternative. While music is the main theme, there are also workshops, theatres, and films that cater to the diversity of the people who attend the festival. This year’s lineup includes: Mika, Caravan Palace, Choir of Young Believers, Black Strobe, and Bazzookas.
Melt! Festival(Gräfenhainichen, Germany) – July 17-19, 2015
The Melt! Festival is located in the Ferropolis, an open-air museum of old industrial machines, and duly called “The City of Steel.” Over 40 acts of electronic and rock music perform each year. Melt! is also close to Lake Gremmin, a great place to go to the beach and hang out in between acts. This year’s lineup has yet to be released, but last year included musicians such as Alle Farben, Chromeo, Darkside, Monika Kruse, Who Made Who, and many more.
Tomorrowland (Boom, Belgium) – July 24-26, 2015
One of the most famous music festivals in the world, Tomorrowland is an experience that you do not want to miss. 2014’s festival marked 10 years of stellar performances and drew over 400,000 people. Tomorrowland has won ‘Best Music Event’ at the International Dance Music Awards for 2012, 2013, and 2014. This year’s lineup has yet to be released, but last year included acts such as Above and Beyond, Carl Cox, Loco Dice, Nicky Romero, Vitalic, and more.
Yafestivalen (Oslo, Norway) – August 11-15, 2015
The night before this unforgettable festival begins, many of the headlining bands head to Oslo’s local clubs to play to smaller crowds. However, don’t let that persuade you to skip the actual festival. Øya draws about 60,000 people every year to check out both well known and up and coming bands. This year’s lineup includes: Florence + The Machine, Caribou, Future Islands, Foxygen, Run the Jewels, and many more!
Electric Picnic Music and Arts Festival (County Laois, Ireland) – September 4-6, 2015
A uniquely Irish festival, Electric Picnic combines culture, music, and art in a flawless three-day event. The event takes place on a 600 acre estate in County Laois, Ireland which has the thousands of festivalgoers swept away by its magic. This year’s lineup includes: George Ezra, Belle & Sebastian, John Hopkins, Róisín Murphy, and many more!
Bestival (Isle of Wight, UK) – September 10-13, 2015
Bestival is a boutique music festival located near Newport on the Isle of Wight. Created by Rob da Bank and his wife Josie, this festival has music at its very heart. The festival includes a boutique campsite, Bollywood Cocktail Bar, and a Wishing Tree Stage. This year’s line up has yet to be released but last year included acts from: Outkast, La Roux, Glass Animals, Pachango, and more!