Festivals in Europe are a gateway to experiencing the continent’s diverse cultures and traditions. From the electrifying beats of Tomorrowland in Belgium to the stunning Tulip Festival in Holland, Europe offers something for every traveler. Explore the grand Venice Carnival in Italy, the chaotic fun of La Tomatina in Spain, or the historical significance of Oktoberfest in Germany.
Let's look at some of the best festivals in Europe, offering essential details to help you experience these iconic events to the fullest.
1. Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland is one of the largest and most famous music festivals in Europe, drawing fans from around the world for a spectacular three-day experience. It is known for its elaborate stage designs, cutting-edge light shows, and top-tier electronic dance music performances. Tickets sell out extremely fast. You can buy General Admission and VIP tickets. It also offers camping facility for a price. It is extremely crowded, with up to 400,000 attendees, so be prepared for long queues, especially at entrances and food stands. Also, weather can be unpredictable, so pack accordingly.
When: July 18–20, 2025
Where: Boom, Belgium
2. Tulip Festival in Holland
The Tulip Festival in Holland is a breathtaking celebration of one of the Netherlands' most famous exports—tulips. Visitors can tour the Keukenhof Gardens and nearby flower fields, participate in flower-themed events, and enjoy a flower parade through the streets. Entrance to Keukenhof Gardens requires a ticket, which can be purchased online in advance. The flower parade is usually free to attend. It is crowded especially on weekends and during the peak bloom (mid-April).
When: April 2025 (Exact dates vary depending on bloom)
Where: Keukenhof Gardens, Lisse, and surrounding areas in Holland
3. La Tomatina
The world’s largest food fight, La Tomatina is where participants throw overripe tomatoes at each other in a friendly but messy celebration. It now requires a ticket to attend. The official ticket usually includes access to the event and transport to and from the venue from nearby cities. Wear old clothes and closed-toe shoes to avoid injuries and ensure comfort, due to tight spaces, loud crowds, and a lot of mess.
When: August 26, 2025
Where: Buñol, Spain
4. Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is the largest beer festival in the world, where visitors enjoy traditional German food, music, and, of course, beer served in large steins. It is hosted in massive tents that serve food and beer, with traditional Bavarian music playing along with several parades, folk dancing, and carnival rides. Entrance to the festival grounds is free, but reservations for tables in the beer tents are strongly recommended, especially for larger groups.
When: September 20–October 5, 2025
Where: Munich, Germany
5. Venice Carnival
Venice Carnival is a centuries-old festival that combines masquerade balls, performances, and street parties throughout the city. Some events, like masquerade balls, require tickets, which can be expensive. Public events are free, but expect crowds at major squares and attractions. If attending a ball, ensure you book tickets in advance, as they sell out quickly. Masks are a tradition, so don’t miss the chance to purchase an authentic Venetian mask.
When: February 7–25, 2025
Where: Venice, Italy
6. Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world’s largest arts festival, featuring thousands of performances across a variety of genres, including comedy, theater, music, and dance, in various venues around the city. Tickets can be purchased for individual performances. Some free events and street performances are available throughout the city. The weather in August can be unpredictable, so bring layers.
When: August 1–25, 2025
Where: Edinburgh, Scotland
7. Running of the Bulls
Running of the Bulls in Spain is a thrilling and intense tradition where participants run in front of bulls through narrow streets. There is no charge to participate in the run, but there are costs for attending events like the bullfights.Only experienced participants should attempt the run, as it can be dangerous. Don’t forget to wear the proper attire—comfortable running shoes and a red scarf.
When: July 6–14, 2025
Where: Pamplona, Spain
8. Sziget Festival
Sziget Festival in Budapest is one of Europe’s largest music festivals, featuring performances from major international artists across various genres. It offers concerts, art exhibitions, cultural events, and activities in a vibrant and diverse setting. Attendees can camp onsite or stay in the city. Be prepared for hot weather during the summer months, and bring water, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes for walking around the festival grounds.
When: August 2025
Where: Budapest, Hungary
9. Fête de la Musique
Fête de la Musique is a free music festival celebrated across France to mark the summer solstice. Musicians perform in public spaces throughout the country in streets, parks, and plazas. Events happen throughout Paris and other cities, so check local listings for specific performances you want to see. It’s a fun, laid-back experience, but make sure to bring comfortable shoes.
When: June 21, 2025
Where: Paris and across France
10. Cannes Film Festival
Cannes Film Festival is one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals, where filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals gather to showcase the best in international cinema. Celebrities walk the red carpet, and films are screened for competition. Tickets for public screenings are limited, and the red carpet events are by invitation only. However, many screenings are open to the public for a fee. Cannes gets very busy, and accommodations can be expensive during the festival. It’s best to buy tickets for public screenings in advance. Cannes is a glamorous event, so expect to see high-profile celebrities and media coverage.
When: May 13–24, 2025
Where: Cannes, France
11. Glastonbury Festival
The Glastonbury Festival is one of the world's most renowned performing arts festivals, celebrated for its diverse musical acts, theatrical performances, comedy shows, and vibrant atmosphere. Over five days, the festival features performances from leading artists across multiple stages, including the iconic Pyramid Stage. Beyond music, attendees can enjoy theatre, dance, circus acts, and a variety of food and craft stalls. Tickets sell out rapidly, with general admission priced at £373.50. A resale of tickets is scheduled for April 2025. The site is expansive, so comfortable footwear is recommended. Be prepared for variable weather conditions, as the festival occurs during the UK's summer season.
When: June 25–29, 2025
Where: Worthy Farm, Pilton, Somerset, England
12. Santa Claus Parade
Santa arrives with a grand procession that includes floats, festive music, and a joyful parade through Rovaniemi. Visitors can enjoy holiday-themed activities such as reindeer rides, visiting Santa Claus Village, and exploring the Christmas-themed attractions in Santa Park. The parade is free to attend, but some activities, such as reindeer rides or visiting Santa Claus Village and Santa Park, require purchasing tickets. Since it’s a winter event, be prepared for cold temperatures, often dipping below 0°C. Rovaniemi gets quite busy and expensive during this period
When: December 2025
Where: Rovaniemi, Finland