As the scramble for Glastonbury tickets intensifies each year, so does the debate over whether enduring the stress and hassle is truly worth it. While the resounding answer remains a probable yes – given its status as the world’s sixth-largest music festival, boasting 200,000 attendees and nearly 3,000 named performances – there are alternatives for those who failed to get a ticket or were weary of capricious weather and pricey libations.
There are still plenty more summer festivals to suit, especially all across Europe. Offering not only the promise of sunshine that’s been yearning for but breathtaking landscapes that beautifully frame each stage. It’s not just the sun that’s heating up; line-ups scorch hotter than ever before, and the choice between a traditional summer holiday and a festival experience becomes increasingly obsolete.
Let’s delve into some of the highlights of the international summer festival circuit in 2024.
Bilbao BBK Live:
Kicking off this tour is the pulsating heart of the Spanish music scene. Bilbao BBK Live returns to the picturesque Kobetamendi in Bilbao, cementing its status as one of Europe’s flagship festivals. Since its inception in 2006, this iconic event has played host to an eclectic mix of homegrown talents and international superstars, drawing in over a million attendees.
Nestled amidst the stunning natural landscapes of the Basque Country, Bilbao BBK Live offers an unparalleled setting across seven distinct stages. From July 11th to 13th, 2024, a diverse crowd of up to 120,000 music lovers will gather to soak up its natural beauty.
Featuring an eclectic array of renowned artists spanning various genres, including The Prodigy, Massive Attack, Jungle, Overmono, Ezra Collective, Floating Points Live, Underworld, Noname, JPEGMAFIA, Jordan Rakei, Death From Above 1979, and Parcels, there is still more to be announced.
Get your tickets for Bilbao BBK Live 2024! For a 3-day pass, tickets are just €150, with the inclusion of 4 nights camping at just €175.
Where? Kobetamendi, Bilbao, Spain
When? 11th–13th July 2024
Who? Arcade Fire, Jungle, Massive Attack, The Prodigy, Underworld, Los Bitchos, Parcels, Khruangbin, Ezra Collective, Folamour
Tickets: https://bilbaobbklive.com/en/tickets/
Sziget:
For those craving chart-topping hits this summer, then Budapest’s Sziget festival is the ultimate destination. With an impressive lineup boasting heavyweights like Stormzy, Sam Smith, Fred Again.., Martin Garrix, Becky Hill, and Louis Tomlinson, it really isn’t one to be missed. There are also plenty of alternative acts, including the likes of Fontaines D.C., Big Thief, Yard Act, Blondshell, Nova Twins, and Wednesday, for those wanting something a bit more leftfield.
Spanning six unforgettable days, Sziget transforms Budapest’s Óbuda Island into ‘The Island of Freedom’, a sprawling 1km² playground where every corner holds a new adventure. From music to theatre, cabaret to comedy, and art to activism, the festival boasts over 50 diverse entertainment areas, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
As a global celebration of creativity and unity, Sziget has earned its place among the world’s premier music festivals. Reflecting on the festival’s evolution and the anticipation for its 2024 edition, CEO Tamás Kádár remarks, “We have already received a lot of positive feedback during this year’s Sziget about how much the festival has improved in almost all areas compared to the 2022 Sziget, and from the early bird ticket sales so far, we can observe that there is a huge interest in the 2024 festival.” He continues, “This announcement, which is only the first ‘package’ for now, shows that next year Sziget will also feature big world stars, current artists, and newly discovered musical specialties, so that everyone will be offered a strong and exciting selection of music, regardless of genre.”
Don’t miss your chance to join the global gathering at Sziget 2024. Full six-day festival passes are priced at just €289, with special rates of €229 available for attendees aged 21 and under. For those seeking the ultimate VIP treatment, upgrade options are also available for €509.
Where? Óbudai-sziget, Budapest, Hungary
When? 7th–12th August 2024
Who? Stormzy, Sam Smith, Fred Again.., Martin Garrix, Becky Hill, Louis Tomlinson, Honey Dijon, Anotr, Nia Archives, Nova Twins, Dom Dolla
Tickets: https://szigetfestival.com/en/tickets/list/
MEO Kalorama:
In the beautiful city of Lisbon, the beloved MEO Kalorama festival is gearing up to paint the cityscape with vibrant hues of music and art. Departing from the traditional festival scene of muddy fields and raucous crowds, MEO Kalorama stands out for its emphasis on music, art, and sustainability.
Returning for its third edition at the picturesque Parque da Bela Vista on August 29th, 30th, and 31st, MEO Kalorama offers attendees a refreshing blend of musical discovery and cultural immersion. Positioned as the ultimate choice for adventurous souls and sun-drenched music enthusiasts, this end-of-summer festival promises an unforgettable experience.
The festival’s initial lineup is a testament to diversity, inclusion, and artistic innovation, featuring a dynamic mix of established icons, emerging talents, and highly-anticipated comebacks. MEO Kalorama welcomes Massive Attack, LCD Soundsystem, Sam Smith, Jungle, The Smile, The Kills, Ana Moura, The Postal Service + Death Cab For Cutie, Overmono, Yard Act, Ana Lua Caiano, English Teacher, Ezra Collective, Glockenwise, Nation of Language, and Vagabon.
Secure your spot at MEO Kalorama 2024 now! Three-day passes are available for just €145, offering access to a world of music, culture, and unforgettable moments.
Where? Bela Vista Park, Lisbon, Portugal
When? 29th–31st August 2024
Who? LCD Soundsystem, Massive Attack, Sam Smith, Jungle, Peggy Gou, The Postal Service + Death Cab for Cutie, The Smile, Ezra Collective, Ana Moura, The Kills
Tickets: https://meokalorama.pt/en/tickets
MEO Kalorama Madrid
The 2024 lineup features a harmonious blend of established and emerging artists with cutting-edge electronic sounds including the pioneers of the trip-hop genre Massive Attack who will immerse the audience in their legendary tracks soaked with emotion. The Smile (including Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood from Radiohead), will offer an experimental and genre-defying performance set to push the boundaries of musical exploration. The legendary band LCD Soundsystem will join the main stage, promising to get the audience dancing to their much-loved beats. Also coming from the UK, Sam Smith will bring their characteristic, energetic pop and soulful sound.
The Postal Service joins the lineup to present their acclaimed 2003 album, ‘Give Up’. Elsewhere, the indie powerhouse The Kills known for their electrifying guitar riffs and charismatic stage presence will deliver an exhilarating performance at MEO Kalorama. Known for their California-inspired and danceable tunes, Jungle is set to ignite the crowd with their infectious grooves and warm stage presence.
The festival will also welcome the London quintet and recent Mercury Prize winners, Ezra Collective and their distinctive jazz sounds. For electronic music lovers, the queen of the dance floors Peggy Gou is set to make everyone dance to the rhythm of her uplifting sets and viral hits like (It Goes Like) Nanana and Starry Night.
Prepare for a mesmerising experience as Fever Ray, known for their avant-garde electronic pop, will bring their unique and enchanting vocal distortions to the stage. Unleashing unbridled guitars and a critical portrait of Britain, Yard Act promises a raw and relentless performance, followed by the triumphant return (after 12 years) of Gossip and their powerful pop energy. Other stellar line-up additions include the Americans Nation of Language and their synth-pop mastery, the rising star Olivia Dean with her dreamy soulful vocals and English Teacher’s vibrant and thought-provoking performance promises to captivate festival-goers, combining intellect with infectious beats.
Where? Madrid, Spain
When? 20th – 31st August 2024
Who? LCD Soundsystem, Jungle, Massive Attack , Peggy Got, Sam Smith, Ezra Collective, Olivia Dean, English Teacher
Tickets: https://kaloramamadrid.com/en/tickets/
Some more honourable mentions:
BEONIX:
Where? Limassol, Cyprus
When? 20th–22nd September 2024
Who? Fatboy Slim, Claptone, Estella Boersma, TBA
Tickets: https://beonix.art/tickets
MAD COOL:
Where? Madrid, Spain
When? 10th-13th July 2024
Who? Dua Lipa, The Smashing Pumpkins, Pearl Jam, The Killers, Janelle Monae, Måneskin, Sum 41, Bring Me The Horrizon, Avril Lavigne, The Kooks, Keane, and Arlo Parks
Tickets: https://madcoolfestival.es/tickets
MELT:
Where? Ferropolis, Gräfenhainichen, Germany
When? 11th–13th July 2024
Who? James Blake, Takeover: La Noche, Bonobo, Takeover: Teenage Dreams, Honey Dijon, Nick León, Vtss, Dj Koze, Sugababes, and Obongjayar Paula Hartmann
Tickets: https://www.meltfestival.de/en/tickets
OPEN’ER:
Where? Gdynia, Poland
When? 3rd–6th July 2024
Who? Foo Fighters, Dua Lipa, Doja Cat, 21 Savage, Air, Ice Spice, Kim Gordon, Masego, Slowdive, Skillex, Modselektor, Sampha, and Måneskin
Tickets: https://opener.pl/en/tickets
ROCK WERCHTER:
Where? Festivalpark, Werchter, Belgium
When? 4th–7th July 2024
Who? Foo Fighters, Arlo Parks, Lenny Kravitz, Måneskin, Dua Lipa, Avril Lavigne, Jane’s Addiction, PJ Harvey, The Hives, Black Pumas, Royal Blood, Sum 41, and Tom Odell
Tickets: https://www.rockwerchter.be/en/info/tickets
ROSKILDE:
Where? Roskilde, Denmark
When? 3rd–6th July 2024
Who? Doja Cat, Jungle, Skrillex, Ice Spice, Foo Fighters, Aurora, SZA, J Hus, PJ Harvey, Jane’s Addiction, Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes, Kali Uchis, and Kim Gordon
Tickets: https://www.roskilde-festival.dk/en/tickets/#menu
Words: Will Macnab