Music Festivals

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Best EDM (Electronic Dance Music) Festivals in Europe

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Growing bored of doing your rounds at the same few music festivals and want a change of scenery? Give these EDM festivals in Europe a go. Check these destinations off your rave and travel bucket lists at the same time; now that’s what I call a win-win situation!

Tomorrowland  (Boom, Belgium) – July

Yes, there’s more than just delicious chocolate to seduce you over to Belgium! Held in Belgium’s Boom, and crowned ‘The World’s #1 Festival’ back in 2015, Tomorrowland is arguably the continent’s most well-known and well-loved EDM festival. With hundreds of artists from around the world vying for a coveted spot on its fancy, futuristic floating stages, Tomorrowland promises to rather ironically have you wishing that the day never ends and tomorrow never comes so you can just keep dancing your heart out whilst basking in this high-quality music. From The Chainsmokers to Martin Garrix, you’ll be sure to spot your favorite EDM idols here. I mean David Guetta’s been performing here every year and if he doesn’t grow tired of it, I’m sure you won’t either.

Barcelona Beach Festival  (Barcelona, Spain) – July 

Not that you needed another reason to add Barcelona to your travel bucket list, but Barcelona Beach Festival has earned its name as one of the wildest dance music festivals in Spain. Polish up your Espanyol because the likes of EDM powerhouses like Don Diablo, Armin van Buuren and Alan Walker are about to set the Mediterranean coast on fire and it’d be a crime to miss it. So round up your BFFs, and head over to BBF this July for a summer to remember!

Mysteryland (Haarlemmermeer, Netherlands) – August

Netherland’s oldest and largest dance music festival, Mysteryland has been around since ’93 and leveled up each year to earn the title of the longest running dance festival in the whole world. Watch out for the star-studded line-up which boasts big names like Swedish House Mafia, Yellow Claw and Afrojack! Its elaborate sets, creative lighting and stellar camping facilities are sure to win you over as soon as you set foot on its grounds in Haarlemmermeer. And with attendees from over 100 different countries, it’s no mystery that Mysteryland is a true fan-favorite amongst EDM lovers!

Airbeat One (Neustadt-Glewe, Germany) – July

Looking to party the German way? Well luckily you don’t have to go much further than the airport (at Neustadt-Glewe)! Sporting an enticing line-up of some of the biggest EDM who’s who such as Salvatore Ganacci, Charlotte De Witte and NERVO, this dance festival will leave you with some major withdrawal symptoms once the four days of non-stop insanity are up. If dazzling visuals and ornate sets are what you crave, then head over to Airbeat One this July! And yes, the abundance of German craft beer doesn’t hurt either.

Ultra Europe (Split, Croatia) – July

Unfolding in the beautiful city of Split in the heart of Croatia, this multi-venue music festival promises to take your breath away with elaborate firework displays and the best beach parties to cool off in between performances. Set aside a week to soak in the festivities and make the most of your time here because Ultra Europe is guaranteed to be the largest international dance party you’ll ever find yourself invited to. Dance it out to sick tunes courtesy of Marshmello, Steve Aoki, Alesso, and every other household name in EDM because Ultra Europe is undeniably ultra cool.

Balaton Sound (Zamardi, Hungary) – July

Hung(a)ry for a rave experience you’ll never forget? Then head over to Zamardi, Hungary because Balaton Sound will certainly deliver! Although slightly smaller than some of the other names on this list, Balaton Sound earns its name as one of the best EDM music festivals in Europe for offering up breath-taking views and truly diverse line-up. Plus, Hungary’s a lot gentler on the wallet too, so don’t miss out on making a whole trip of it.Build up a luscious summer tan in this beachy wonderland sitting pretty on Europe’s largest lake whilst listening to the likes of DJ Snake, Moksi and Jonas Blue.

Creamfields (Cheshire, UK) – August

I bet you don’t think of Britain when you think of EDM, but Creamfields is about to change your mind. Held in Daresbury, Cheshire, Creamfields has effortlessly tripled in size since its birth in 1998 and reminds us why it continues to be the UK’s most renowned EDM festival since with legends like Avicii and Tiesto gracing its stage yearly. Savour every moment of this musical bonanza from the belly of the Steel Yard – one of the largest superstructures in the world, crafted solely to enhance the experience of festival attendees – and party to your heart’s content. The annual DJ Awards named Creamfields the ‘Best International Dance Music Festival’ back in 2014 because even a spell of the notoriously unpredictable English showers won’t be able to dampen your spirits here.

Untold Festival (Cluj-Napoca, Romania) – July

End July on a high note with a tonne of unspeakable fun – ya know, ’cause it’s untold? – in the heart of Romania. Yes, Untold Festival provides the perfect opportunity for you to explore the picturesque city of Cluj-Napoca as you indulge in a generous buffet of EDM perfection, ranging from Stormzy to David Guetta and every musical legend in between. Crowned ‘Best Major Festival’ thrice in a row at the esteemed European Festival Awards, Untold has established itself as a frontrunner in the scene.

Electric Love Festival (Salzburgring, Austria) – July

Follow the sound of music over to Austria’s Salzburgring, to be (von-)trap-ped by the enchanting combination of breathtakingly beautiful European countryside and groovy EDM music of every possible sub-genre over at Electric Love Festival. Annually unfolding in July, this gram-worthy EDM fest is known for putting Austria on the rave map with riveting performances from internationally-acclaimed artists like Axwell, Sebastian Ingrosso and Timmy Trumpet.

Sonar Barcelona (Barcelona, Spain) – June

Sónar is the 3 days and 2 nights International Festival of Advanced Music and New Media Art that takes place at various venues in Barcelona (Spain) in the third week of June since 1994. It’s first class reputation as a leading reference for international festivals is by virtue of a carefully balanced cultural offering, combining a playful nature, the avant-garde, and experimentation with electronic dance music’s newest trends. Sónar activities are divided into two main locations: the recently premiered Sónar by Day, located from 2013 in Fira Montjuïc, with concerts and dj’s, showcases as well as the new Sónar+D, the professional activities areas; and the larger shows at Sónar by Night, in Fira Gran Via de L’Hospitalet, where the leading names in the current international music scene are staged.

Amsterdam Music Festival (Amsterdam, Netherlands) – October

Amsterdam is basically the Mecca of EDM, so it’s only fitting that Amsterdam Music Festival sees fans pouring in from every corner of the world. Taking place every October in Johan Crujiff Arena, the largest indoor stadium Netherlands has to offer, AMF boasts a legendary line-up featuring the likes of Coone, Lost Frequencies and  Jonas Blue. It also holds the honour of announcing the annual list of Top 100 DJs as ranked by DJ Mag, thereby setting the tone for the rest of the year and playing a pivotal role in catapulting EDM artists to fame. Basically, this festival is a must-attend for every avid raver, and it’s sure to have you saying Amster-dayumm.

11 magnificent destinations, 11 unforgettable music festivals, but only one stop to book your tickets!

10 Essentials to Bring to a Music Festival

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Lo and behold, rave season is here! Are you ready to do your yearly round-up of all your favourite music festivals? I bet you are, and that you’ve been planning your outfits out for weeks, but have you given your packing list a second thought? Yes, travelling light is a priority but you’ve got to bring these 10 essentials to a music festival if you want to make the most of your time there. Refer to this handy little rave checklist and never worry about struggling to pack your bag at short notice again!

Quench Your Thirst with a Hydration Pack

Look, I know you don’t want to be lugging around a water bottle but staying hydrated is key to having a good rave experience; no one wants to find themselves fainting in the middle of a crowd and potentially trampled over by a bunch of high-energy ravers. Not only are hydration packs a super convenient substitute to regular bottled water, they also have a much larger capacity. And you don’t have to compromise on style either – opt for a funky hydration pack that complements your outfit and doubles as a fun accessory! So do yourself a favour and get a trusty hydration pack you can count on to keep you rejuvenated and always ready to break out your killer moves without feeling light-headed.

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Power Through with a Power Bank

Yes you’re pumped to live it up, but make sure your phone’s energy matches yours. You don’t want to get stranded alone in the middle of nowhere the morning after with a dead phone, right? Sure, you could totally ask to borrow a friendly stranger’s cellphone, but you’d be lying to yourself if you said you actually knew any of your friends’ phone numbers. Save yourself a couple breakdowns by bringing along a pocket-sized power bank that’ll keep your phone-juice flowin’. Now you can take an obscene amount of photos and record your favourite performances without worrying about conserving battery power. Big win!

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Kiss Away Boo-Boos with a First-Aid Kit

I’m not suggesting you carry a full-size first-aid kit with you to Coachella, but keeping a couple band-aids on hand is always a good idea. A mini first-aid kit stuffed with essentials like painkillers (stay away from Tylenol if you are going to be drinking alcohol), Nyquil, antiseptic cream and a handful of Q-tips will go a long way in terms of providing protection in an emergency situation. Throw one into your fanny pack so you can tackle random bouts of nausea and those random cuts that pop out of nowhere with sheer confidence.

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Gear Up with a Mask

Even before COVID-19 entered the picture (and even once it leaves), masks were a must at music festivals. Now, I’m not talking surgical masks but just some form of fashionable cloth facial shield. You can easily DIY one out of an old t-shirt or even go for a bandana if you’re looking for something that ties into your outfit a little better. They’ll protect you from the strong hum of air pollution, and keep you from gagging on the horrible stench snaking out from the porta-potties. And the smell of puke ingrained on the super drunk guy next to you on the dancefloor. Basically, when we’re looking at 10 essentials to bring to a music festival, masks definitely make the cut.

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Party Safe with Earplugs

Yes you’re here for the sick tunes but you don’t want to leave deaf now, do you? Grab some earplugs to keep pesky sound-induced headaches at bay so that you can get down when the beat drops without feeling like your head’s about to explode. Ditch the old spongey ones you wore to swimming lessons for a more expensive but effective reusable pair that’s designed to protect you from high-frequency sound. From clear, inconspicuous ones to colourful customizable ones – there’s a wide range of earplugs to choose from, so you’re sure to find one you’ll love. And if you had any qualms about looking uncool with earplugs on, remember that your favourite DJ’s probably sporting a pair on stage too.

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Cozy Up with a Hoodie

Music festival outfits tend to be light and breezy to beat the heat but remember that it can get real cold real fast at night. While your booty shorts and refashioned bikini top offer the chance to rock your summer bod, it might be a good idea to pack a cosy hoodie… unless getting pneumonia is on your bucket list.

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Go crazy with the choice of fabric and style; think of it as a way to wear your personality. In fact, your hoodie may even serve as the perfect way to work in something of an outfit change without having to pack a whole different outfit!

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Beat the Heat with Sunscreen

Yes your strappy outfit looks bomb but I bet it’s going to leave you with some real unfortunate tan lines. Slather on that sunscreen real thick to prevent sunburns and ugly tans alike. If you’re worried about getting that pasty look, opt for a bb cream with SPF protection for your face and spray on some non-greasy lightweight sunscreen for the rest of your body. With just a couple reapplications you can dance the day away without a care!

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Stay Fresh with Deodorant

Let’s be real, it can get pretty hot ‘n’ heavy out there, so don’t be surprised if your teen-hood nemesis B.O decides to put in an appearance. Save yourself the embarrassment and ravers all around you from gagging by packing a stick of deodorant for your next music festival. Trust me, a quick swipe or two goes a long way. And if you’re not a deo fan, then just grab some baby wipes at your local drugstore for the ride because let’s face it – music festivals aren’t exactly known for their showering or bathroom facilities.

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Pack an Oomph with a Fanny Pack

Fanny packs- they were uncool in middle school, but they’ll be your best friend at raves! What better way to keep your valuables safe and within reach at all times than by strappin’ it onto your body? Even when you’re high, drunk or hungover, your darling fanny pack will make sure that your dollar bills aren’t strewn across the dance floor and that your phone hasn’t fallen out of your pocket unnoticed like three hours ago. Customize yours to match your ’fit.

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Night Sorted with a Sleeping Bag

Most music festivals are a lengthy affair, stretching over multiple days of pure musical madness so you should be prepared to camp it out. While packing a full-fledged tent may seem impractical – and sometimes straight up unnecessary – consider carrying a lightweight sleeping bag that you can slip into to catch some z’s. I know sleep’s the last thing on your mind when your favorite artists are killing it just a few meters away from you, but believe me your body will thank you for thinking ahead when you’re exhausted and need a place to crash.

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There you have it – 10 essentials to bring to a music festival, no matter where you’re headed. What’re you waiting for, now that you have your bags packed, go ahead and book your tickets already!