No matter your taste in music, there’s a European rock festival for you. From the sun-drenched beaches of Spain to the picturesque mountains of Switzerland, these festivals offer something for everyone. And with so many different festivals, you’re sure to find one that fits your style. So whether you’re looking for a relaxed atmosphere or an all-out party, check out our list of can’t-miss European rock festivals. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed!
The best rock festivals in Europe you need to check out
If you love rock music, then there’s no better place to be than Europe. The continent is home to some of the most iconic rock festivals in the world, and each one has its own unique atmosphere. From the legendary Glastonbury Festival in England to the more intimate Primavera Sound in Spain, there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for a massive festival with hundreds of thousands of people or something a little more low-key, here are 10 can’t-miss European rock festivals you need to experience in your lifetime.
- Glastonbury Festival (England)
Glastonbury is one of the world’s most famous and well-loved music festivals, and it’s easy to see why. The festival takes place on a sprawling farm in Somerset, England, and it attracts some of the biggest names in music. With over 170,000 attendees, it’s one of the largest festivals in Europe.
- Primavera Sound (Spain)
Primavera Sound is perfect for you if you’re looking for an intimate and well-curated festival experience. The festival takes place in Barcelona, Spain, and it features a diverse lineup of indie, rock, and electronic music. With a capacity of just 60,000 people, it’s one of the smaller festivals on this list.
- Rock am Ring/Rock im Park (Germany)
These two sister festivals occur simultaneously in Germany, with Rock am Ring happening in Nuremberg and Rock im Park in Munich. Both festivals feature the same lineup of bands, so you can choose which one you want to attend based on your location. With a combined attendance of over 200,000 people, these are two of the biggest rock festivals in Europe.
- Roskilde Festival (Denmark)
Roskilde is one of the oldest and most well-established music festivals in Europe, and it’s always been known for its eclectic lineup. The festival occurs just outside Copenhagen, Denmark, and attracts over 130,000 attendees yearly.
- Download Festival (England)
Download Festival is a relative newcomer to the European festival scene, but it’s already made a big impact. The festival takes place at Donington Park in England, one of the world’s biggest metal festivals. With over 110,000 attendees, it’s to be noticed if you’re a fan of metal music.
- Hellfest (France)
Hellfest is another huge metal festival that takes place in France each year. The three-day festival attracts over 100,000 metalheads from all over the world and features an incredible lineup of international bands.
- Exit Festival (Serbia)
Exit Festival is one of the most unique festivals on this list, as it takes place in an abandoned fortress in Serbia. The festival started as a student protest against the Milošević regime in the early 2000s, and it has since grown into one of the biggest and most well-loved European festivals. With over 200,000 attendees, it’s not to be missed.
- Reading/Leeds Festivals (England)
These two sister festivals take place over the August bank holiday weekend in England and feature the same lineup of bands. With a combined attendance of over 100,000 people, they’re two of the biggest festivals in the country.
- Isle of Wight Festival (England)
Isle of Wight is one of the world’s oldest and most well-established music festivals, and it’s still going strong today. The festival takes place on an island off the south coast of England, attracting over 60,000 people each year. With a diverse lineup that includes everything from rock to pop, there’s something for everyone at Isle of Wight.
