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Europe’s top 10 Summer Music Festivals on a budget
Seneste opdateret den Mandag, 27/05/2024
Are you planning to travel around Europe this summer and want to explore the music scene without breaking the bank? Here are some suggestions that your wallet will thank you for.
In Europe, the possibilities are endless! With so many fantastic offers on the table, the hardest part is deciding where to begin. That is why, to help you narrow down your options, we have created a list of the top 10 Summer music festivals that will let you stay on a budget with your travels. A vibrant calendar filled with experiences that entertain, inspire, and challenge young people - from enjoying concerts with a seaside view to exploring new cultures through music.
Fête de la Musique, France
When: 21 June 2024
Where: All over France
Price: Free
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Every 21 June the Fête de la musique takes place all over France. This free popular event is open to all music lovers and musicians, from amateurs of all levels to professionals.
On this day, music is celebrated in all its shapes and forms, and many styles are represented in an inclusive programme, including rap, classical and world music. You can find plenty of entertainment across the country if you happen to be there, but many of the events are also broadcasted and widely reported by the media!
Although it was originally created by the French, many other countries have joined this initiative and now have their own events. For instance, Belgium has its own version that takes place in Brussels between 20-23 June. Make sure to check out everything that this day offers and incorporate it into your travel plans!
La Mar de Músicas, Spain
When: 19 - 27 July 2024
Where: Cartagena
Price: From 15 EUR
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Not a fan of big festival crowds but you still want to enjoy the joys of a summer festival? Then La Mar de Músicas is the right place for you. This festival takes place in the South East of Spain and is a landmark event in the World Music scene. Groups and solo artists perform on the different stages prepared for the occasion, from a castle to venues that overlook the Mediterranean - catch some free concerts with a killer waterfront view!
Beyond the performances, get ready to dive into a global celebration! Each year, the festival picks a new country to explore. Think of it like a giant mashup of different art forms – talks, exhibits, and a ton of other activities that let you experience that culture in a whole new way. It's your chance to level up your knowledge of the world and celebrate all the amazing things that make us different!
CoolJazz, Portugal
When: 9 - 31 July 2024
Where: Cascais
Price: From 20 EUR
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The town of Cascais, only 30 minutes away from Lisbon, hosts the CoolJazz festival every year. With its privileged location, Cascais is known for being a hidden gem in the Atlantic.
Throughout July, the coastal town becomes a hub for music lovers. You could enjoy a wide variety of artists in stunning locations such as the Marechal Carmona park or the Hipódromo Manuel Possolo.
CoolJazz is also committed to sustainability! They have a zero-waste programme, which in 2023 recovered and distributed 400 meals, and they also compensated for all its carbon emissions, including the artists' travel!
Poland Rock Festival, Poland
When: 1- 3 August 2024
Where: Czaplinek
Price: Free
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Woodstock in Poland is considered to be one of the best free festivals in Europe. Every year international well known artists, as well as promising Polish bands perform their music live on the two festival stages – the big and the small (folk) one.
You can expect to find a passionate community of people that love music, and who are in it for the thrill of the ride. The line-up for 2024 includes Celklit, Clawfinger, Electric Callboy, Enej & Modestep.
The Donauinselfest, Austria
When: 21 - 23 June 2024
Where: Vienna
Price: Free
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One of the largest free open-air festivals in Europe takes place on a small island in Vienna. Along the Danube river you can enjoy a weekend filled with music and lots of fun.
Boasting over 1,000 artists performing across 13 stages, the Donauinselfest draws a massive crowd – over 2.5 million people attended it in 2023!
The festival covers a massive range of music, from rock and pop to hip-hop, folk, electronic music, and everything in between.
Rotterdam Summer Carnival, Netherlands
When: 23 - 27 July 2024
Where: Rotterdam
Price: Free
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Rotterdam Unlimited is one of the biggest free street festivals in Europe. Its main highlight is a colourful parade with live music and a lot of dancing.
Young music fans can enjoy everything from energetic live electronics, soca, hip-hop, soul, R&B and drum‘n bass beats.
Besides the stage programmes, you can also check the battle of drums, a huge market with food from all over the world and of course, the spectacular street parade itself.
I-Days Milano, Italy
When: 29 May - 9 July 2024
Where: Milan
Price: From 40 EUR
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I-Days Milano has become a not to be missed festival in the European and International scene. With more than 20 years of history, it is considered a highlight of Italian summer music events with a wide variety of international artists.
You can’t make it one weekend? Don’t worry! During the summer season you will be able to attend different dates of this festival. Taking place in the SNAI racecourses, outside of Milan, the festival gathers 40,000 people and this year’s headline includes artists such as Metallica, Lana del Rey, Green Day, Doja Cat or Avril Lavigne.
With this incredible setting an amazing time is assured - so gather your friends and get ready to embark on an adventure!
Audra Festival, Lithuania
When: 5 - 9 June 2024
Where: Kaunas
Price: From 37 EUR
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If what you're after is electronic music then Audra Festival is for you. During this four-day festival you can expect to find a mixture of urban music and art. The city will be flooded with concerts, art installations and dancing performances!
The diverse lineup for the event includes performers from multiple countries which will offer an immersive experience to the festival-goers. This is your chance to explore the exciting Baltic States!
Stella Polaris, Denmark
When: 4 August 2024
Where: Aarhus
Price: Free
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If you are heading to Scandinavian Countries make sure to not skip Denmark, a country filled with many music festivals! Stella Polaris is a one-day festival taking place in Aarhus, the second-largest city in Denmark.
The Vennelystparken Park hosts the event which is all about electronic music. This year's lineup includes established as well as new names in this genre. The best way to enjoy a Scandinavian Summer and mix with the locals!
Valley of Arts, Hungary
When: 19 - 28 July 2024
Where: Kapolcs, Vigántpetend and Taliándörögd
Price: From 26 000 Ft (66 EUR)
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Hungary’s biggest and oldest art festival, the Valley of Arts, will take place in July in three villages of Lake Balaton Uplands: Kapolcs, Vigántpetend, and Taliándörögd.
Over the past decades, the festival has become a brand of tradition, innovation, and quality.
The organisers say that everyone is in for a treat and bound to find their own interests, from pop, jazz or classical music, theatre, Cirque nouveau or folk. There are 27 large and 40 smaller venues and yards with hundreds of artists and performances.
If you are looking for other vibes, you can check the Festival Finder for more options. Happy travels and don’t forget to tag us in your adventures using the tag @eurodesk on Instagram.
Written by Eurodesk Brussels Link