The Best Summer Festivals Europe’s Hosting in 2025
Unmissable European music festivals, cultural events, food and flora
Split from the air, Croatia. Image source: Adobe Stock
There’s something special about visiting a European destination when it’s buzzing with festival energy. Whether you're celebrating Midsummer in Sweden or enjoying the Salzburg Festival's dramatic performances, events like these can help turn your ordinary trip into an extraordinary experience.
But why limit yourself to just attending the festival? Build an unforgettable European summer holiday around it and immerse yourself in European culture, try different cuisines and visit local attractions while you spend quality time with loved ones.
Here's a roundup of the best summer festivals and attractions in Europe by region:
Throwing tomatoes at La Tomatina Festival, Buñol, Spain. Image source: Adobe Stock
Events in the Mediterranean
Athens and Epidaurus Festival, Greece
Date: 15 June-30 August 2025
Enjoy open-air theatre, opera, classical music and dance in historic venues like the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens and the ancient Epidaurus Theatre.
Athens and Epidaurus beyond the festival
Hike up Lycabettus Hill for panoramic views, shop Glyfada’s high-end boutiques and refuel with traditional souvlaki and a Greek salad. For a change of pace, take a day trip to Epidaurus from Athens and laze on a secluded beach surrounded by pine forests.
Rock in Roma, Italy
Date: 18 June-19 July 2025
This killer lineup of international and local artists rocks iconic venues, like Capannelle and Auditorium Parco della Musica, for four mesmerising weeks!
Rome beyond the festival
Go picnicking at the Park of the Appia Antica, cool off with scoops of gelato or cycle through manicured gardens at the Borghese Gallery. Feast on pasta alla carbonara, a signature Roman dish, then walk it off on a moonlight tour of Rome.
La Tomatina near Valencia, Spain
Date: 27 August 2025
Visit Europe in August for the world's biggest food fight! Thousands gather to hurl overripe tomatoes during the La Tomatina festival in Buñol, near Valencia.
Valencia beyond the festival
Marvel at the Turche Cave’s waterfall and turquoise waters in Buñol and sunbathe on Valencia's beaches. Climb the Miguelete, a Gothic-style bell tower in the old centre—perfect to work up an appetite before indulging in an authentic paella.
Bastille Day fireworks at the Eiffel Tower, Paris, France. Image source: iStock
Events in Western Europe
Holland Festival in Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Date: 11-29 June 2025
Enjoy orchestra, theatre, film, dance and music, including classical and contemporary works, at the 78th Holland Festival, one of Europe’s oldest performing arts events.
Amsterdam beyond the festival
Check out the Rijksmuseum and the Hortus Botanicus zoological gardens, take a sunset canal cruise and indulge in local treats like herring and stroopwafels. Discover the capital’s 67 breweries, many of which are inside restored traditional windmills.
Bastille Day in Paris, France
Date: 14 July 2025
Celebrations begin with a military parade on the Champs-Élysées. Spectators gather on the Champ de Mars for picnics and free concerts, ending with fireworks at the Eiffel Tower.
Paris beyond the festival
Cycle through the city, shop at charming local markets and cruise along the Seine River. Sample French liqueurs and traditional Parisian dishes such as escargots (snails), beef bourguignon and sweet or savoury crepes.
Tomorrowland in Boom, near Antwerp, Belgium
Date: 18–20 July and 25–27 July 2025
Celebrate electronic music at one of the most exhilarating European music festivals featuring top-tier DJs, breathtaking stage decor and spectacular, atmospheric light shows.
Antwerp beyond the festival
Explore the Rupel River in Boom and Noordelijk Eiland's heather-filled ponds. Head to Antwerp for a refreshing dip in Europe's largest ecological pool, Boekenberg. Discover ancient canals, museums in Het Zuid and taste Flemish beef stew, mussels with fries and sweet raspberry treats.
Views over Salzburg’s baroque-style buildings, Austria. Image source: Adobe Stock
Events in Central Europe
Karlovy Vary Film Festival, Czechia
Date: 4-12 July 2025
A dream for movie buffs and enthusiasts, this festival showcases over 200 films, including some premieres. It also features concerts, parties, the Crystal Globe competition and various kid-friendly activities.
Karlovy Vary beyond the festival
The colonnades in this spa town contain natural springs—ideal for reinvigorating after a busy week. Learn about Becherovka, a local herbal liqueur, at the Jan Becher Museum. Ride a funicular to the Diana Tower, cycle scenic valley routes and snack on sweet Karlovy Vary wafers.
Ultra Europe in Split, Croatia
Date: 11-13 July 2025
Kick back at Ultra with performances by over 150 artists. The festival’s opening party is followed by the main event at Park Mladeži stadium, a Yacht Regatta to Zlatni Rat Beach and end with a party at Ultra Beach.
Split beyond the festival
Visit Diocletian's Palace—especially thrilling for Game of Thrones fans—before hiking Marjan Hill, then dining on freshly grilled seafood with local wine along the Riva promenade. Enjoy regional natural attractions on a day trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park or the Blue Cave.
Salzburg Festival, Austria
Date: 18 July-31 August 2025
Opera, music, drama, youth workshops and Mozart are highlights of this premier event set against the city's Baroque backdrop.
Salzburg beyond the festival
Combine your love of art with a holiday in one of the best places to visit in Austria in summer—Salzburg. Explore Austria's Lake District, pamper yourself at Bad Ischl’s spas and ride the cable car up Mount Katrin. Sample regional specialities like meringue dumplings, wiener schnitzel and apple strudel.
Sunset over Budapest, Hungary. Image source: Adobe Stock
Events in Eastern Europe
Pohoda Festival in Trencin, Slovakia
Date: 10-12 July 2025
For three days straight at Pohoda, alternative, indie, electronica and punk meet classical sounds alongside a variety of literature, dance, visual arts, film and theatre events—all ages welcome!
Trencin beyond the festival
Visit Trencin's iconic castle and synagogue, followed by a bike ride along the Vah River and a picnic at Brezina Forest Park. Soak up the vibe at Mierové Square and pair a Slovak beer with sauerkraut soup, potato pancakes with garlic or steamed dumplings with jam.
George Enescu Festival in Bucharest, Romania
Date: 24 August-21 September 2025
This festival features over 95 concerts, including Enescu's opera Oedipe, and creatively combines music and visual arts while celebrating composers such as Shostakovich, Boulez and Ravel.
Bucharest beyond the festival
See famous parks like Herastrau, Cismigiu or Tineretului, then unwind at Therme Bucharest wellness centre. Admire Unirii Square's fountains, one of Europe's largest choreographed musical displays, before trying traditional treats like stuffed cabbage rolls and grilled sausage.
Budapest Wine Festival, Hungary
Date: 11-14 September 2025
Perfect for wine enthusiasts, the Budapest Wine Festival showcases award-winning wines, local delicacies, concerts and cultural programs galore!
Budapest beyond the festival
Spend the day at the Palatinus Bath, ride the Erzsebet Square Ferris wheel and watch a Hungarian folk dance at the Danube Palace. Taste creamy chicken paprikash and flatbread before a cruise past Castle Hill, Gellért Hill and the Danube bridges.
Midsummer celebrations in Sweden. Image source: Adobe Stock
Events in Scandinavia and Northern Europe
Midsummer festival in Stockholm, Sweden
Date: 19-25 June 2025
Celebrate Midsummer in Sweden—make floral crowns, dance to folk tunes, raise a maypole and play seasonal games while observing centuries-old Swedish customs.
Stockholm beyond the festival
Explore the capital’s archipelago—begin at Vaxholm’s historic fortress, then visit the idyllic coves and forests of Grinda and Sandhamn. Swedish cuisine highlights include tangy pickled herring, gravlax and meatballs with lingonberry sauce.
Flow Festival in Helsinki, Finland
Date: 8-10 August 2025
For three jam-packed days, experience music and arts with local and international headliners at Suvilahti, a former power plant site. The party continues across bars and clubs in Kallio.
Helsinki beyond the festival
Catch stunning cityscapes on a boat ride along the Vantaa River or take a walking tour to see the capital’s landmarks before savouring salmon soup, Karelian pie and Korvapuusti—traditional cinnamon rolls. Relax on Pihlajasaari Island’s picturesque beaches, a short ferry trip from Helsinki.
Oslo Jazz Festival, Norway
Date: 11-16 August 2025
Jazz lovers worldwide unite for a week of over 70 concerts, workshops and extra programs for a more insightful experience.
Oslo beyond the festival
Discover outdoor art, including the iconic Central Station’s tiger statue. Paddle through Oslo Fjord and end your adventure in the forest for an overnight escape. Indulge in traditional dishes like mutton stew and traditionally prepared dried fish.
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Bright lights of the Gardens by the Bay, Singapore. Image source: iStock
Fly direct from Perth Airport to the best European festivals
Fly Qantas direct to London, Paris or Rome to maximise your European adventures if time is limited. Got a few extra days? Make the most of two holidays in one with a stopover along the way! Take a long weekend break in Singapore and fly with Singapore Airlines, experience Doha's fine dining via Qatar Airways or treat yourself to a luxurious shopping spree in Dubai flying Emirates.
Whichever option you take, enjoy a leisurely start to your trip in the Aspire Lounge at T1 or indulge in some duty free shopping before takeoff from Perth Airport.
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