Top European Summer Festivals to Attend in 2025

This year’s line-up includes everything from floating operas to massive dance parties and vineyard dinners

Mon Jun 30 2025
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ISLAMABAD: Looking for unique summer plans in Europe? This year’s lineup includes everything from floating operas to massive dance parties and vineyard dinners. Here are some standout events for 2025, as ranked by European Best Destinations:

Bregenz Festival, Austria (July 16–August 17)

Set on a stage floating in Lake Constance, this opera and music festival is famous for its dramatic sets and open-air performances. Expect world-class productions, orchestras, and an unforgettable lakeside atmosphere.

Europe
Located in an enchanting landscape in the westernmost Austrian province of Vorarlberg, the Bregenz Festival presents top-class operas in the open air every summer. (Photo by Bregenz Festival)

St Dominic’s Fair, Gdańsk, Poland (July 26–August 17)

This centuries-old market festival takes over Gdańsk’s Old Town with craft stalls, street shows, live music, and family-friendly fun. It’s one of Europe’s biggest open-air events and blends medieval tradition with modern festivity.

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St Dominic’s Fair in Gdańsk is one of the largest summer city festival in Europe (Photo by inyourpocket.com)

Tomorrowland, Belgium (July 18–20 & 25–27)

One of the world’s top electronic music festivals returns with a new fantasy theme called “Orbyz.” Expect epic stage designs, dazzling visuals, and big-name DJs like Martin Garrix and David Guetta across two weekends.

Europe
Tomorrowland offers epic stage designs, dazzling visuals and big-name DJs. (Photo by Tomorrowland)

Bristol Balloon Fiesta, UK (August 8–10)

Bristol’s skies fill with colorful hot air balloons during this free event. Watch mass balloon launches at sunrise and sunset, plus enjoy night-time light shows set to music.

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Bristol Balloon Fiesta attracts hundreds of thousands to Ashton Court country estate from around the world. (Photo by CNN)

Puppets Occupy Street, Craiova, Romania (August 25–September 1)

This creative street festival features massive puppets, interactive performances, and visual art installations all around the city. It’s free and perfect for families and art lovers alike.

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Puppets Occupy Street Festival is the first art animation festival from Romania which takes place exclusively in unconventional spaces, created for the community. (Photo by Puppets Occupy Street Festival)

Glastonbury Festival, UK (June 25–29)

This legendary music festival returns with a huge lineup including The 1975, Rod Stewart, and Neil Young.

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Bobby Vylan of British duo Bob Vylan crowd surfing while performing on the West Holts Stage on the fourth day of the Glastonbury festival at Worthy Farm in the village of Pilton in Somerset, south-west England, on June 28, 2025. (Photo by AFP)

Beyond the music, Glastonbury offers art, theatre, and a festival experience like no other.

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