Ultimate Guide to The Best Summer Festivals in Europe in 2025
If your summer 2025 dreams involve stunning coastlines, vibrant cities, and unforgettable music, food, and cultural experiences, then Europe has you covered. Combine these adventures with a MedSailors sailing holiday across the azure waters of Croatia, Greece, or Turkey for a summer packed with awesomeness. Here’s a guide to 18 of Europe’s best summer festivals that you can plan around your MedSailors trip for the ultimate summer experience.
Why Pair Festivals with a MedSailors Sailing Holiday?
With MedSailors, you can explore Europe’s coastal gems while soaking up the sun, sailing to hidden bays, and mingling with fellow travellers. Pair this with Europe’s summer festivals whether it's music, cultural, or culinary events, for an unbeatable travel experience. Sail by day, dance or celebrate by night, and make memories that will last a lifetime—all the while lining up Europe’s best festivals before or after your sail week. Let the good vibes begin. Here’s our list of festivals you should pair with one of our !
What are the best 2025 summer festivals in Europe?
1. Ultra Europe (Croatia)
Dates: 11th - 13th July 2025
Why You Should Go: has established itself as one of the world’s premier electronic dance music festivals. Held in the stunning city of Split, this festival draws thousands of partygoers from across the globe. Its main event takes place in Split’s Poljud Stadium, but what makes Ultra Europe truly unique are the additional parties scattered across Croatia’s idyllic islands, such as the legendary “Ultra Beach” on Hvar Island.
Unique Experience: The “Ultra Beach” party on Hvar Island is a highlight, with sun-soaked dance floors and the Adriatic Sea as your backdrop. The festival also features the famous boat parties, where you can dance on deck as you sail around the Dalmatian coast.
MedSailors Tip: Combine your festival experience with a week-long . Before heading to Split for Ultra Europe, explore islands like Hvar, Vis, and Brač, relaxing in hidden coves and pristine waters.
2. Athens Epidaurus Festival (Greece)
Dates: Throughout June - August 2025
Why You Should Go: One of the most prestigious cultural festivals in Greece, the spans several weeks, offering theatre, music, dance, and opera performances. This festival is hosted at several iconic venues, such as the Odeon of Herodes Atticus on the slopes of the Acropolis and the ancient Epidaurus Theatre, dating back to the 4th century BC. The festival is a modern continuation of Greece’s ancient cultural traditions, with performances ranging from ancient Greek tragedies to contemporary theatrical productions. There’s nothing quite like sitting under the stars in an ancient theatre, listening to a symphony or watching a classical play unfold.
Unique Experience: Watching a performance at the ancient Epidaurus Theatre is a must. Known for its perfect acoustics, this theatre allows every sound to be heard clearly by its 14,000-strong audience, creating a unique and deeply atmospheric experience. And it’s a spot you can visit on route!
MedSailors Tip: Before immersing yourself in this festival, sail through Greece’s Saronic islands with MedSailors. The blend of historical culture with modern sailing adventures makes for a perfect Greek summer.
3. INmusic Festival (Croatia)
Dates: 23rd - 25th June 2025
Why You Should Go: Located on the beautiful Lake Jarun in Zagreb, is Croatia’s largest open-air music festival. It has gained a reputation for bringing an eclectic mix of rock, indie, alternative, and electronic acts. Past lineups have included names like The Cure, Arctic Monkeys, Queens of the Stone Age, and Florence + the Machine. Beyond the music, the festival creates a vibrant atmosphere with its scenic lakeside setting, allowing festival-goers to swim, camp, and enjoy the sun during the day. The festival’s village-like vibe, complete with food stalls, hammocks, and beach bars, adds to the overall relaxed yet electric ambiance.
Unique Experience: The festival’s “Lake Village” camping area offers a unique experience with glamping options, floating stages, and an on-site beach where you can take a refreshing dip between sets.
MedSailors Tip: Start your MedSailors adventure along the Dalmatian Coast on our , then make your way inland to Zagreb for this unforgettable lakeside festival.
4. Dubrovnik Summer Festival (Croatia)
Dates: 10th July - 25th August 2025
Why You Should Go: Dubrovnik’s historical ambiance sets the stage for this month-long celebration of the arts. The offers a mix of theatre, music, dance, and film screenings performed in breathtaking open-air venues, including fortresses, palaces, and squares within Dubrovnik’s medieval city walls. You’ll find a rich program featuring everything from Shakespearean plays and classical concerts to contemporary dance and film screenings. The entire city comes alive with artistic expression, making it a paradise for culture lovers.
Unique Experience: Catching a theatre performance at Fort Lovrijenac, known as “Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar,” offers an enchanting blend of history and art. The fort, perched on a cliff overlooking the Adriatic Sea, provides a stunning backdrop to any performance.
MedSailors Tip: Sail the turquoise waters of Croatia’s coastline, visiting hidden bays and charming islands before delving into Dubrovnik’s artistic scene. Our is the perfect way to link this in!
5. Sziget Festival (Hungary)
Dates: 6th - 12th August 2025
Why You Should Go: , often called “Europe’s Burning Man,” is held on Obuda Island in the middle of the Danube River in Budapest. This week-long extravaganza is one of Europe's largest music and cultural festivals, featuring an incredibly diverse lineup spanning rock, pop, indie, electronic, and world music. But Sziget is about much more than just music; it’s a full cultural immersion with art installations, theatre performances, circus acts, and creative workshops. The festival’s vibe is all about freedom, creativity, and diversity, attracting visitors from all corners of the globe.
Unique Experience: The “Art of Freedom” zone is a must-visit, featuring massive, interactive art installations and creative exhibits. The festival’s “Magic Mirror” tent is another highlight, hosting cabaret and drag shows that showcase LGBTQ+ culture.
MedSailors Tip: After a week of sailing around Greece or Croatia’s islands, head inland to Budapest for a week of non-stop music, culture, and freedom at Sziget. This festival has plenty of flights from Athens, Split, or Dubrovnik.
6. OuzoFest (Greece)
Dates: 1st - 2nd July 2025
Why You Should Go: YAMAS! Located on the island of Lesvos, is a vibrant celebration of Greece’s iconic anise-flavoured spirit, ouzo. The festival offers a unique opportunity to experience Greek island culture through tastings of locally produced ouzo varieties, traditional Greek music performances, and dancing. The local distilleries open their doors, allowing festival-goers to sample a range of ouzos, each with its distinct flavour and history. Paired with authentic Greek mezzes, this festival is a feast for the senses and a must for those looking to explore Greek culinary traditions.
Unique Experience: Dancing to live folk music with locals while savouring the flavour of freshly distilled ouzo is an authentic Greek experience that’s both joyous and culturally rich.
MedSailors Tip: Combine your trip to OuzoFest before or after MedSailors Athens Voyager or for an unforgettable blend of culinary, cultural, and seaside fun.
7. Calvi On The Rocks (France)
Dates: 5th - 10th July 2025
Why You Should Go: Held on the stunning beaches of Corsica, is a unique blend of electronic, indie, and pop music set against the island’s rugged coastline and clear blue sea. By day, festival-goers relax on the beach, swim in the sea, and enjoy DJ sets at beach bars. By night, the festival turns into an electrifying party scene with stages set amidst rocky cliffs and pine forests, illuminated by colourful lights. Calvi On The Rocks is not just about the music; it’s also about the laid-back, bohemian atmosphere that encourages dancing barefoot in the sand.
Unique Experience: The sunset sessions are legendary, with DJs spinning chilled-out tracks as the sun dips into the Mediterranean, creating a magical, carefree atmosphere that embodies the essence of summer.
MedSailors Tip: Sail through Greece’s islands or the Turkish Riviera on a MedSailors trip, then make your way to Corsica to experience beachside music at its finest.
8. Exit Festival (Serbia)
Dates: 10th - 13th July 2025
Why You Should Go: Held in the Petrovaradin Fortress overlooking the Danube River in Novi Sad, is not just a music festival—it’s a fusion of music, history, and culture. With stages spread across the fortress’s courtyards, tunnels, and walls, the festival offers an eclectic lineup ranging from rock, pop, metal, and hip-hop to electronic and world music. Exit is renowned for its incredible Dance Arena, set within the fortress moat, which becomes an electrifying open-air club with stunning light shows and DJ sets that last until sunrise.
Unique Experience: The fortress setting adds a historical dimension to the festival, making every performance feel like an epic, once-in-a-lifetime experience. The fortress’s tunnels and hidden corners provide intimate spaces for smaller acts and immersive art installations.
MedSailors Tip: There are ample flights to Belgrade in Croatia and Greece. Sail Croatia’s coast, then take a road trip to Serbia for Exit Festival. The combination of historic venues and top-tier music acts makes this a must-do summer adventure. Pair this with MedSailors Croatia or routes.
9. Turkish Coffee Festival (Turkey)
Dates: July 2025 (exact dates TBA)
Why You Should Go: Coffee lovers unite! This Istanbul-based festival is a celebration of Turkey’s rich coffee culture. It’s more than just a tasting event; it’s an exploration of the traditions and rituals surrounding Turkish coffee. The festival features coffee tastings from different regions of Turkey, workshops on traditional brewing methods, and the fascinating practice of fortune-telling with coffee grounds. Local artisans, food vendors, and live music add to the sensory feast.
Unique Experience: Learning to brew Turkish coffee in a traditional copper cezve (pot) and then participating in the age-old custom of reading fortunes from coffee grounds is a delightful cultural experience.
MedSailors Tip: After exploring the breathtaking Turquoise Coast on MedSailors Turkey route, head to Istanbul for this aromatic and immersive festival.
10. Hideout Festival (Croatia)
Dates: 1st - 5th July 2025
Why You Should Go: Hideout Festival is an electronic music haven set on Zrce Beach on the island of Pag. With five days of non-stop partying, the festival boasts a lineup of top DJs and producers across genres like house, techno, drum and bass, and garage. Beach, pool, and boat parties are scattered throughout the event, offering festival-goers the chance to party in various stunning settings, from beachside stages to yachts cruising along the coast.
Unique Experience: The boat parties are legendary, allowing you to dance on the Adriatic Sea while watching the sun set over Croatia’s stunning coastline.
MedSailors Tip: Sail along the Dalmatian Coast with MedSailors, then hop over to Pag Island to experience Hideout’s wild beachside parties.
11. Primavera Sound (Spain)
Dates: 30th May - 1st June 2025
Why You Should Go: Taking place in the vibrant city of Barcelona, is one of Europe’s most prestigious music festivals, known for its diverse lineup that spans rock, pop, hip-hop, electronic, and experimental music. Held at the Parc del Fòrum, a unique waterfront venue with multiple stages, the festival attracts music lovers who appreciate both mainstream and underground acts. The festival is also praised for its inclusive and gender-balanced lineup, showcasing both legendary performers and up-and-coming talent.
Unique Experience: The festival’s seaside location offers stunning views of the Mediterranean, especially during sunset performances. Barcelona’s cosmopolitan vibe adds to the festival’s appeal, with the city’s nightlife, art, and culinary scene providing endless entertainment options outside festival hours.
MedSailors Tip: Combine your festival experience with a MedSailors sailing holiday in Greece. After a week of island-hopping, make your way to Barcelona for a music-filled weekend.
12. Roskilde Festival (Denmark)
Dates: 28th June - 6th July 2025
Why You Should Go: One of Europe’s largest and oldest music festivals, offers an extensive lineup across genres, including rock, pop, electronic, hip-hop, and world music. Beyond the music, Roskilde is known for its dedication to art, activism, and sustainability. Attendees can explore art installations, participate in workshops, and engage with thought-provoking exhibitions on global issues. The camping scene is a huge part of the Roskilde experience, with thousands setting up colourful tents and creating a vibrant festival community.
Unique Experience: It’s a non-profit festival! The festival’s iconic Orange Stage is legendary, hosting performances by some of the biggest names in music. The naked run, a quirky tradition where festival-goers race around the camping grounds au naturel, adds a fun and liberating touch to the event.
MedSailors Tip: A trip on MedSailors Croatia or Athens Voyager is a breeze to combine with this. Fly to Denmark after an epic week of sailing to experience Roskilde’s unique blend of music, art, and activism.
13. La Tomatina (Spain)
Dates: 27th August 2025
Why You Should Go: La Tomatina is the world’s largest food fight, held annually in the town of Buñol. The festival draws thousands of people who gather to hurl overripe tomatoes at each other in the streets, turning the town into a sea of red. The event is a thrilling, chaotic, and joyous spectacle that celebrates fun and community in an incredibly unique way. The fight lasts an hour, after which the streets (and participants) are hosed down, and the town continues the celebrations with music, food, and dancing.
Unique Experience: There’s nothing quite like being covered head-to-toe in tomato pulp while laughing and dancing with strangers. The whole event has a wild, joyous energy that must be experienced to be believed.
MedSailors Tip: Explore the islands of Greece or Turkey on a MedSailors holiday, then head to Spain for a messy, fun-filled day at La Tomatina.
14. Boom Festival (Portugal)
Dates: 17th-24th July 2025
Why You Should Go: Held every two years on the banks of a stunning lake in Idanha-a-Nova, is an iconic celebration of psychedelic culture, electronic music, and creative expression. It’s more than just a music festival; it’s a transformational experience focused on art, sustainability, spirituality, and personal growth. From its epic psytrance stages to healing spaces, art installations, and workshops on topics ranging from permaculture to yoga, Boom provides an environment of freedom and self-expression.
Unique Experience: The “Sacred Fire” area offers an immersive space for learning about indigenous cultures, while the “Liminal Village” hosts talks and workshops on topics like consciousness and sustainability, creating a holistic festival experience.
MedSailors Tip: Sail through the crystal waters of Croatia or Turkey, then easily hop over to Portugal to experience the unique vibes of Boom Festival.
15. Notting Hill Carnival (United Kingdom)
Dates: 23rd - 25th August 2025
Why You Should Go: is Europe’s biggest street festival, celebrating Caribbean culture with two days of vibrant parades, live music, dancing, and an explosion of colour in the streets of London. Originating in the 1960s, the carnival is a joyful display of community spirit, featuring steel bands, soca music, reggae, calypso, and a host of Caribbean food stalls offering jerk chicken, curried goat, and other traditional dishes. The carnival’s parade is the highlight, with elaborately costumed dancers and floats moving rhythmically to the beats of reggae, dancehall, and steelpan music.
Unique Experience: The energy on the streets is infectious, with music booming from every corner, dancers in extravagant costumes, and the tantalising scent of Caribbean street food filling the air.
MedSailors Tip: There are a plethora of direct flights from Croatia and Greece. Hop on MedSailors Corfu Discovery or Croatia Voyager routes to soak up the Mediterranean summer, then head to London to experience this vibrant cultural extravaganza.
16. Edinburgh Festival Fringe (Scotland)
Dates: 2nd - 26th August 2025
Why You Should Go: The is the world’s largest arts festival, offering a diverse program of comedy, theatre, dance, circus, cabaret, and spoken word. The entire city of Edinburgh transforms into an arts hub, with performances held in every imaginable venue, from theatres and pubs to basements and streets. The festival is known for its experimental and groundbreaking performances, showcasing both emerging and established talent. Attendees can expect anything from Shakespearean adaptations to one-person comedy shows.
Unique Experience: Wandering the cobbled streets of Edinburgh’s historic old town while stumbling upon impromptu performances and street acts is an integral part of the festival experience.
MedSailors Tip: Sail through Greece’s islands on the Athens Voyager or Corfu Discovery, then pop over to the UK on cheap direct flights for a dose of comedy, theatre, and culture.
17. Galway International Arts Festival (Ireland)
Dates: 14th - 27th July 2025
Why You Should Go: The is one of Ireland’s most vibrant cultural events, featuring an array of theatre, music, visual arts, dance, literature, and comedy. The festival transforms Galway into a buzzing hive of artistic expression, with street performances, art installations, and concerts spread across the city. It attracts internationally renowned artists and performers while also showcasing local talent.
Unique Experience: The festival’s “Big Top” tent hosts world-class musical acts in an intimate setting, while the city’s medieval streets come alive with pop-up performances, creating a magical atmosphere.
MedSailors Tip: There are direct flights to Ireland from Athens and Istanbul. Sail through the Saronic islands of Greece or Ionian region, then make your way to Ireland for a cultural and artistic feast in Galway.
18. Oktoberfest (Germany)
Dates: 20th September - 5th October 2025
Why You Should Go: The world’s most famous beer festival, Oktoberfest, is held annually in Munich, attracting millions of visitors. It’s a celebration of Bavarian culture featuring traditional music, folk dancing, parades, and, of course, plenty of beer. Visitors can explore massive beer tents, each hosted by a different Munich brewery, serving up steins of their finest brews alongside traditional foods like pretzels, sausages, and roast chicken. The festival also features amusement rides, games, and stalls selling a variety of German crafts and souvenirs.
Unique Experience: Donning a traditional dirndl or lederhosen and joining thousands of others in the massive beer tents to sing, dance, and toast with steins of beer is an unforgettable experience.
MedSailors Tip: After a late-summer sail on any of our Croatia routes or Greece routes, head to Munich to experience the Bavarian beer culture at its finest.
BONUS! Turkey Hot Air Balloon Festival (Cappadocia)
Dates: 20th - 25th July 2025
Why You Should Go: The Turkey Hot Air Balloon Festival, set in the magical region of Cappadocia, is a breathtaking blend of natural beauty and aerial adventure. Cappadocia’s landscape, known for its fairy-tale-like rock formations, valleys, and ancient cave dwellings, becomes even more enchanting when filled with hundreds of colourful hot air balloons drifting across the sky. This festival isn’t just for those taking flight; the entire region comes alive with festivities, including local music, traditional dance performances, and food markets showcasing authentic Turkish cuisine. Early risers can watch the balloons lift off at dawn, creating an unforgettable sunrise spectacle.
Unique Experience: The festival includes a series of night glow events where hot air balloons are illuminated from within, creating a glowing sea of colour against the starry Cappadocian sky. For those who take flight, drifting silently over the region’s unique “fairy chimneys” and ancient cave cities provides a surreal, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Many balloons offer breakfast on board, adding a luxurious touch to the adventure.
MedSailors Tip: Spend a week on MedSailor's Athens Voyage bouncing around stunning islands. After, take a quick flight to Istanbul and head inland to Cappadocia for this magical hot-air balloon festival. The contrast between coastal relaxation in Greece and Cappadocia’s mystical landscapes makes for an incredible summer escape combination.
Your Burning Questions About European Summer Festivals Answered
What are the best music festivals in Europe for summer 2025?
For electronic music fans, Ultra Europe in Croatia and Hideout Festival on Pag Island are musts. For a diverse mix of genres, Sziget Festival in Hungary and Primavera Sound in Spain are top choices.
Which country has the best summer festivals?
Croatia shines with its stunning coastal music festivals like Ultra Europe, INmusic, and Hideout, while Greece offers cultural gems like the Athens Epidaurus Festival and OuzoFest. Spain stands out for its vibrant fiestas, such as La Tomatina and Primavera Sound.
When is the best time to visit summer festivals in Europe?
The peak festival season runs from June to August, aligning perfectly with the Mediterranean sailing season. Plan a MedSailors sailing trip in Croatia or Greece and then head to your festival of choice for the ultimate summer experience.
How do I combine a yacht week with Europe’s summer festivals?
MedSailors offers sailing routes that allow you to explore Europe’s coastal gems. By planning your sailing trip around festival dates, you can sail through turquoise waters, discover hidden bays, and then dive into the festival scene before or after with ease.
Plan Your Perfect Summer with MedSailors
Pairing your with one or more of Europe’s iconic summer festivals gives you the best of both worlds: the tranquillity of sailing and the electrifying energy of music, culture, and culinary celebrations. Whether you’re looking to dance on the beaches of Croatia or to immerse yourself in Greek history, we have the perfect sailing route to enhance your festival adventure.
Hit the European festival scene in style this summer; now and let the countdown to the summer of a lifetime begin!
