Best summer festivals in Europe 2025: Where music meets travel

Looking for information about the best summer festivals in Europe 2025? Get ready to pack your bags and your dancing shoes. This summer is shaping up to be a record-breaking year for music tourism in Europe. With major festivals driving spikes in international flight searches and bookings, summer is no longer just about beach getaways, but full-blown festival adventures across the continent. From the electrifying BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in May to legendary staples like Glastonbury, British stages are calling fans from Spain, Germany, Ireland, and beyond.

But the rhythm doesn’t stop at the UK’s borders. Europe is buzzing with must-see events. Primavera Sound in Barcelona brings global stars like Charli XCX and Sabrina Carpenter under the Mediterranean sun. Also, Lollapalooza Stockholm is attracting festival-goers from Finland, Poland, and the UK in growing numbers. This guide to the best summer festivals in Europe 2025 will help you plan your ultimate gig-tripping escape.

Check the best summer festivals in UK

BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend

Kicking off the summer festival season in style, BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend is set to return from 23rd to 25th May 2025, promising a packed lineup of international stars and rising talents. This event is not only a favorite among UK locals but also draws a massive international crowd.

In fact, travel searches for the Big Weekend have surged by an impressive +228% compared to last year. The Irish lead the way with 15% of searches, followed by Brits (13%) and Spanish fans (9%). Particularly remarkable is the increase in searches from Poland (+753%), Italy (+580%), and Germany (+332%), highlighting just how much Big Weekend fever is spreading across Europe. With a tradition of bringing the biggest names in pop and dance to unexpected locations, BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend is the perfect starting point for your festival summer in Europe 2025.

• Location: United Kingdom (host city to be confirmed)

• Dates: 23rd to 25th May 2025

• Headline artists: To be announced (past lineups have included Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, Coldplay, and Calvin Harris)

• Tickets: Free, with prior registration and ticket lottery

• Vibe: Energetic, youthful, pop-centered crowd

• How to get there: Depends on the host city (typically well-connected by train and low-cost flights)

• Style: Casual festival chic — sneakers, bucket hats, and colorful outfits

• Tips: Register early for the ticket lottery and check access requirements, as capacity is limited

• Highlight: A record surge in international interest promises an even bigger, more diverse crowd than ever before

 

Glastonbury Festival 2025: The ultimate pilgrimage for music lovers

There’s simply nothing like Glastonbury. Taking place from 28th to 30th June 2025, the world’s most iconic music festival is once again drawing massive attention from both UK and international fans. Flight bookings to London, Bristol, and Southampton airports during the Glasto dates have soared by +44% compared to the previous weeks.

Meanwhile, the UK home crowd is set to turn out in full force, with bookings from Belfast, Aberdeen, and Glasgow airports up by a massive +168% compared to last year. With its legendary Pyramid Stage, eclectic lineup, and once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere, Glastonbury 2025 is already shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration of music, culture, and freedom.

• Location: Worthy Farm, Somerset, United Kingdom

• Dates: 28th to 30th June 2025

• Headline artists: To be announced (previous headliners include Elton John, Arctic Monkeys, Billie Eilish, and Paul McCartney)

• Tickets: Sold out via pre-registration (resale opportunities may be available in April)

• Vibe: Epic, legendary, vibrant, and eclectic

• How to get there: Trains to Castle Cary, direct shuttles from Bristol, London, and Southampton airports

• Style: Boho festival — wellies, fringe jackets, glitter, and flower crowns

• Tips: Pack for all weathers (yes, rain is likely) and prepare for long walks across the sprawling fields

• Highlight : A surge in international attendance, making this year’s crowd one of the most diverse and energetic in Glasto history

 

Reading Festival: Where Rock, Indie and icons meet

One of the UK’s longest-running and most iconic music festivals, Reading Festival is back from 21st to 24th August 2025, and it’s drawing bigger international crowds than ever. The overall number of travel bookings has risen by +58% compared to last year, showing just how magnetic this event has become. Spanish and German travelers are leading the way, each making up 24% of total bookings — with an impressive +151% year-on-year increase in interest from Spain alone. Famous for its legendary headline sets, raucous mosh pits, and unforgettable late-summer atmosphere. Reading is a must for anyone looking to close out their European festival season on a high.

• Location: Reading, United Kingdom

• Dates: 21st to 24th August 2025

• Headline artists: To be announced (previous editions have featured Billie Eilish, Arctic Monkeys, The Killers, and Post Malone)

• Tickets: Available via the official website (options for day tickets and full weekend passes)

• Vibe: High-energy, alternative, rock-fueled party

• How to get there: Direct trains from London Paddington to Reading; shuttle services available from nearby airports

• Style: Rock festival essentials — band tees, ripped denim, combat boots, and bold accessories

• Tips: Camping is a big part of the experience — bring waterproof gear and earplugs!

• Highlight: A record influx of Spanish and German festival-goers, promising an even more international and electric atmosphere.

The Best summer festivals in Europe 2025

Primavera Sound Barcelona: Sun, sea and indie dreams

Barcelona’s iconic Primavera Sound returns from 5th to 7th June 2025, bringing some of the biggest names in the industry to the Mediterranean coast. Artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, and Charli XCX will be lighting up the main stage, attracting festival-goers from across Europe.

UK bookings to Barcelona over the festival dates have soared by +76% compared to last year, and 63% of global travellers plan to stay for 3–4 days — making it the perfect blend of music, sunshine, and seaside city life. Known for its cutting-edge lineups and vibrant atmosphere, Primavera Sound is the ultimate early-summer escape for indie, pop, and electronic music lovers alike.

• Location: Barcelona, Spain

• Dates: 5th to 7th June 2025

• Headline artists: Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, Charli XCX (and many more to be announced)

• Tickets: Available via the official website (day tickets and full passes)

• Vibe: Trendy, indie-chic, relaxed seaside atmosphere

• How to get there: Direct flights to Barcelona El Prat Airport; metro and shuttle services to Parc del Fòrum

• Style: Retro-cool — flowy outfits, bucket hats, sneakers, sunglasses

• Tips: Stay a few extra days to explore Barcelona’s beaches, tapas bars, and vibrant nightlife

• Highlight 2025: A wave of international visitors promises one of the liveliest editions yet

 

Lollapalooza Stockholm: A Northern European festival gem

For a unique festival experience further north, Lollapalooza Stockholm is back from 27th to 29th June 2025. Travel interest is growing, with overall searches for trips to Stockholm during the festival dates increasing by +10% compared to last year. Finnish travelers are leading the surge (+288%), followed by Polish (+162%) and British (+18%) festival-goers.

Set in the beautiful Gärdet Park near the city center, Lollapalooza Stockholm blends global headliners with local Nordic talent, all against the backdrop of Sweden’s summer light and open skies. It’s the perfect choice for those looking to experience a vibrant city festival with a laid-back Scandinavian vibe.

• Location: Gärdet, Stockholm, Sweden

• Dates: 27th to 29th June 2025

• Headline artists: To be announced (past editions featured Imagine Dragons, Pearl Jam, Post Malone)

• Tickets: Available on the official website (day and weekend passes)

• Vibe: Eclectic, modern, Scandinavian cool

• How to get there: Flights to Stockholm Arlanda Airport; easy metro access to Gärdet

• Style: Minimalist chic — neutral tones, stylish sneakers, layered looks

• Tips: Take advantage of the endless daylight for city sightseeing andfestival nights

• Highlight 2025: A growing international crowd adding even more energy to Sweden’s most global festival

 

Book your trip with Opodo 

 

Now that you know all about the best summer festivals in Europe 2025, you are ready to book your trip. Search for the best deals in bundles to reserve your flight and accommodation to your favourite festival, and enjoy your stay with Opodo. Let’s live the summer of your life with the best music for your holidays!