POLL: What are the most exciting festivals in Europe, 2019?

Spring is in full bloom and summer is closer and closer. And with summer comes the desire to explore, to learn, to experiment and to grow. Music festivals are great places to achieve those goals. Talk to your friends and plan ahead. Because we like to give you not only information but also value your insights, we created this list of some of the most famous European music events this year followed by a poll for you to vote on.

Which ones do you think are the most exciting? Tell us why in comments.

UPDATE: The first edition of the Un-hidden Street Art in Romania book is here to help you discover independent art in public spaces.

 

AMSTERDAM DANCE EVENT (ADE)

16 – 20 October 2019

The Amsterdam Dance Event has more the 1000 events in almost 200 venues. More impressive numbers? The festival has over 2,500 artists performing in 140 spaces.

 

ANNIE MAC PRESENTS LOST & FOUND FESTIVAL 2019

2-5 May 2019

The Black Madonna, Patrick Topping, Peggy Gou, Octavian, Honey Dijon, Fredo, Denis Sulta, Lady Leshurr and Horse Meat Disco are amongst the first acts confirmed to join Annie Mac for her festival in Malta on 2 – 5 May 2019.

See the schedule here.

AWAKE Festival

15-18 August 2019

Line up: Netsky, JP Cooper, Triggerfinger

Awake Festival brings great music in the middle of Ardeal. The festival is looking to offer an eclectic experience, not just concentrating on music, but also celebrating whimsical, creative, and vibrant forms of art.

 

AWAKENINGS FESTIVAL

29 – 30 July 2019

Line-up: Bart Skills, Pan-POT and Oracy

Awakenings Festival invites you to discover the meaning of epicness in a two-day musical event in Amsterdam. Bart Skills, Pan-POT and Oracy are just a few of the artists that will make you dance.

 

BALATON SOUND

3 – 7 July 2019

Line-up: Sofi Tukker, Tiesto, Valentino Khan, G-Eazy

Bigs names Sofi Tukker, Tiesto, Valentino Khan and G-Eazy will be just some of the attractions brought by Balaton Sound. Four days of parties at the beach.

 

BPM Festival

12-15 September 2019

The BPM Festival returns to Portugal in 2019. This year’s edition will feature a new format for the festival – with parties taking place on the beach each day and night.

 

BRUSSELS ELECTRONIC MARATHON

10 – 13 October 2019

The 4th edition of Brussels Electronic Marathon is unforgettable urban electronic music festivals. Concerts, DJ sets and parties await you in October.

 

Caprices Festival

11 – 14 April 2019

Line-up: Acid Pauli, madnax, Raresh, Bedouin

For the 16th year, Caprices Festival will transform the Swiss Alps in the Capital of dance. With a new additional stage and audiovisuals carefully curated, this edition will be one to remember.

 

Château Perché Festival (France) 2019

25 – 28 July 2019

Château Perché Festival at Arboretum de Balaine is a truly magical event in a paradise-like environment. This edition will bring 250 amazing artists.

 

CREAMFIELDS

22 – 25 August 2019

A festival with a long history, Creamfields is all about music and dance.

 

DANCE VALLEY

10 – 11 August 2019

This an important year as Dance Valley, one of the longest running day time dance festivals in the world will celebrate its 25th-anniversary edition on August 10th, 2019.

 

DEFQON 1 FESTIVAL

28 June – 1 July 2019

Since 2003, Defqn. 1 established itself as one of the largest hard dance festivals in the world. It is a multi-day festival that brings people all around the world together.

 

DEKMANTEL

31 July – 4 August 2019

“2019 marks the 7th edition of our summer centrepiece, and the options available have never felt more exciting. This ‘choose your own adventure’ programming is no accident.”

From mid-afternoon on Wednesday until breakfast time the following Monday, Dekmantel will play host to well over 100 performances. See the 2019 line-up here.

 

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE 

5 – 7 July 2019
Acts Announced: Editors, Underworld, Thom Yorke, Foals, Robyn, Skepta, The Roots, Vampire Weekend, Aurora, Beruit and many more

Down The Rabbit Hole says adventure, confusion, surrealism and psychedelics, which has been an inspiration for (psycho) rockers, DJs, artists, designers and filmmakers ever since the rise of the pop culture in the uncurbed 1960s… Good company, so get ready to tumble! We have all the time in the world; there’s no rush. Take your time to dine in dozens of restaurants from all corners of the earth, go meditate in the forest, lie down in the green pasture, swim for a bit, strum by the campfire, discover hidden discos… Have a ball with brand-new bands or finally see that classic artist in full swing. We’re out, and we’re loose! Build your party and celebrate, enjoy what you do, all with an open mind and in a sustainable way: we’ll keep it green & clean. A trip to Down, The Rabbit Hole, is a perfect summer getaway! Bring your camping gear or rent luxurious accommodations at our Rabbit Resort at Groene Heuvels – Beuningen (near Nijmegen).

 

EARTH GARDEN FESTIVAL

30 May – 2 June 2019

Earth Garden is Malta’s largest Alternative Music Festival held annually since 2007 at the National Park in Ta’ Qali. With four music stages, the festival will bring his A game.

 

Electric Castle

17 – 22 July 2019

Line-up: Florence and the Machine, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Bring me the Horizon

Without a doubt one of the most famous festivals in Romania, Electric Castle transformed the Romanian musical landscape. No matter how rainy it gets, the music will always bring life to the Bonțida castle.

 

ELROW TOWN

30 May – 2 June 2019

Elrow Town is a completely insane festival that will blow your mind. This year’s edition will bring more chaos and more craziness.

 

 

EXIT FESTIVAL

4th – 7th July 2019

 

EXTREMA OUTDOOR

7 – 9 June 2019 2019

Line-up: Claptone, Damian Lazarus, Deaf Pillow, Tiga, Tom Hades, Weval, Yotto

Extrema Outdoor Belgium is an electronic music festival located in Belgium, but it originates from the Netherlands where it was born in 1992.

 

FESTIVAL IN THE NATURE

19 – 22 July 2019

The fifth magical journey. Early Bird tickets are available for the next episode at resident advisor.

Festival in the Nature 2018 

 

Festival Internacional de Benicassim 2019

18 – 21 July 2019

Line-up: King of Leon, Lana del Rey, Fatboy Slim, The 1975

Festival Internacional de Benicassim is an important event for every indie and alternative music lover. In July you should check this Spanish festival.

 

GLASTONBURY MUSIC FESTIVAL

26 – 30 June 2019

One of the most famous festivals in the world Glastonbury festival is ready for another edition. Get ready for that unique vibe that makes this an unforgettable experience.

 

HIDEOUT FESTIVAL

1 – 5 July 2019

Line-up: Holy Goof, Mall Grab, Redlight, MistaJam, Hannah Wants

Hideout is returning home with great artists and events. This year put Croatia on the destinations list.

 

I LOVE TECHNO

14 December 2019

If you love techno, this is the festival for you. It’s in the name; it’s in the stars.

 

Laundry Day 2018 photo © Article 17

Laundry Day

24 August 2019

After more than 20 years of being part of Antwerp history, Laundry Day decided it is time for the future. What started as a free event in the shopping area Kammenstraat, grew into the biggest multi-genre music festival of Antwerp. It is with great joy that Laundry Day presents Fire is Gold, an urban gathering that aspires to connect in music, fashion, sports and talks.

 

LOLLAPALOOZA BERLIN

7 – 8 September 2019

Line-up: Kings of Leon, Swedish House Mafia, TWENTY ØNE PILØTS, Kraftklub

Lollapalooza Berlin is the biggest open air in Germany. Each year the capital city of Germany turns in the capital city of music.

 

LOWLANDS

 16-18 August 2019

A Campingflight to Lowlands Paradise is the Netherlands’ most prestigious music festival that’s been a rite of passage for the Dutch since 1993. It takes place in rural Biddinghuizen – only an hour away from Amsterdam, so there’s even a chance to add in a city break either side. It’s true music, arts and culture weekender, featuring the world’s biggest headliners on the circuit, as well as installations, theatre, comedy, film, debates and even science workshops.

 

MELT FESTIVAL

19 – 22 July 2019

Line-up: Bon Iver, A$AP Rocky, Jorja Smith, Skepta, Solomun

From 19 to 21 July Melt Festival will bring Bon Iver, A$AP Rocky, Jorja Smith, Skepta and Solomun in Germany.

 

MYSTERYLAND

23 – 25 August 2019

Line-up: Martin Garrix, Diplo, Dimitri Vegas

A festival for all the party animals out there on the great festival is Mysteryland. Martin Garrix, Diplo, Dimitri Vegas will make you log after sunrise.

Neversea

4 – 7 July 2019

Line-up: AfroJACK, G-Eazy, Jessie J, Steve Aoki

Year after year, Neversea attracts a diverse crowd of music fans. All you need is a passion for music, a willingness to dance and the desire to have fun.

 

Off Week Festival – Barcelona – June 2019

12 – 17 Jun 2019

Afterlife: Tale Of Us, Maceo Plex, Stephan Bodzin (Live), Recondite (Live), Mind Against, Mathame // Ben Klock, Chris Liebing, Kobosil, Woo York (Live), Antigone, ADIEL // Etapp Kyle, Agents Of Time (Live), Kevin de Vries, Tijana T, Fideles, Ae:ther

[a:rpia:r] Showcase: Rhadoo, Petre Inspirescu, Raresh, Tulbure, Emi, Dreamrec

Diynamic Outdoor: Solomun, Adriatique, ELAX aka Boys Noize, KOLLEKTIV TURMSTRASSE, Adam Port, &ME, Rampa, Konstantin Sibold, Magdalena, Johannes Brecht live, Adana Twins, Lehar, Musumeci, Magit Cacoon, Moscoman

FRRC ♥ 20 years of fabric: Ricardo Villalobos, Craig Richards, Jane Fitz, Mathew Jonson live, Nicolas Lutz, Sonja Moonear, Vera

Paradise by Jamie Jones: Loco Dice, Nicole Moudaber, Guti (live), Andres Campo, David Berrie

Maceo Plex presents Ellum & Lone Romantic: Len Faki, Ellen Allien, Ben UFO, Brame & Hamo, Madben, Jensen Interceptor, Alinka, Mars Levi

Fuse10: Enzo Siragusa, Archie Hamilton, Rossko, Special Guests, Apollonia (Dan Ghenacia / Dyed Soundorom / Shonky), tINI

 

Off Week Festival arrives at Parc del Fòrum next June 14, 15 and 16 to enjoy three days where the main labels and electronic music collectives will offer showcases with their most recognized artists. Three days to enjoy a true day and night outdoor experience that is back as every year.

 

OFF FESTIVAL – Poland

2-4 August 2019
Acts Announced: Daughters, The Gaslamp Killer, Perfect Son, Lebanon Hannover, Boogarins, The Comet is Coming, Bamba Pana & Makaveli

OFF is a unique boutique festival that values experimentation and diversity above everything else – with founder and organiser Artur Rojek’s hands-on vision an inspiration to ambitious promoters and dreamers worldwide. OFF takes place in ‘Valley of Three Ponds’, Katowice – a beautiful green hideaway in the industrial Silesia region, with a huge choice of bars, restaurants and cultural centres to explore in the city close by.

 

FESTIVAL PARADISE CITY

5 – 7 July 2019

Line-up: CARISTA, Edward, Egyptian Lover, Eris Drew

A journey that explores what a great future can look like, Paradise City is a wonderful festival. 2019 marks the 5th edition of this event.

 

PRIMAVERA SOUND

30 – 31 May 2019

Primavera Sound is a festival that is all about equality, eclecticism, and audacity. This year event is all about new generations and good vibes.

 

ROSKILDE FESTIVAL

29 June – 6 July 2019

The 2019 Roskilde Festival edition consists if 8 days of music, art, food, camp life and freedom.

 

SEA STAR FESTIVAL

24-25 May 2019 
Acts Announced: Sven Vath, Nina Kraviz, Illario Alicante

Sea Star is another coastal dance extravaganza hatched by the experts behind EXIT, so it’s no surprise that it’s been nominated in the Best Medium Sized Festival category in this year’s European Festival Awards – less than two years after its first edition (it was also nominated for Best New Festival last year). Sea Star will return this year to the idyllic Stella Maris lagoon in Umag, Croatia on May 24 and 25, with special opening and closing parties on the 23rd and 26th. With over 70 artists on six stages, from local Balkan heroes to international superstars, Sea Star is an event with high production values in a stunning Mediterranean paradise.

 

SECRET SOLSTICE FESTIVAL

21 – 24 June 2019

Line-up: Black Eyed Peas, Patti Smith and band, Foreign Beggars

At midnight sun you should be in Reykjavik, Iceland at the Secret Solstice 2019 festival. Black Eyed Peas, Patti Smith and band or Foreign Beggars and many more will be there as well.

 

SONAR FESTIVAL

18 – 20 July 2019

Line-up: a$ap rocky, acid arab live, bill kouligas

Started in 1994, Sónar is renowned for its unique format and musical program that showcases the latest trends in dance and electronica as well as those artists pushing the limits of musical expression.

 

SONUS FESTIVAL

18 – 22 August 2019

Line-up: Apollonia, Ben Klock, Ricardo Villalobos

Sonus Festival returns to Zrcé to celebrate the love for electronic music! Expect a high-quality line-up, 5 days and 5 nights of party.

 

Sunwaves Festival: SW25

25 April – 1 May 2019

At its 25th edition, Sunwaves sure is a festival worth a trip. At a rather short distance from the Capital, Sunwaves brings great artists and an upbeat atmosphere in Mamaia.

 

SZIGET FESTIVAL

7 – 13 August 2019

Sziget Festival is quite a name for every festival lover. The 2019 edition will continue the legacy and create a magical experience.

 

TOMORROWLAND

19 – 21 July 2019

TOMORROWLAND needs no description. An already legendary party, Tomorrowland is ready for you.

 

TRANSMISSION FESTIVAL

12 – 13 October 2019

On Saturday the 12th of October Transmission Festival will bring together dance music lovers from all over the world.

 

UNUM Festival

31 May – 3 June 2019

Line-up: Joseph Capriati, Luciano, Ricardo Villalobos

UNUM FESTIVAL is characterised by five simple elements of life; music, sand, pines, the sea, and the mountains.

 

ULTRA EUROPE

12 – 15 July 2019

Being held in Croatia in the amazing city of Split, for the past 6 years, Ultra Europe has brought the best from the world of electronic music. 3 days filled with EDM, techno, house and trance beats by the worlds most famous DJs.