While last year only a handful of big festivals returned with varying degrees of success, in 2022 we’ll finally have our pick of the biggest events again. Most of Europe doesn’t kick off until July, so after the US, let’s check out the most promising events on the old continent!
It’s probably no exaggeration to say that Glastonbury in Brighton is perhaps the most famous music festival in the world. From rock and pop, to minimal house, techno and full-throttle drum ‘n’ bass, you’ll find every genre you could possibly want. Of course, if you’re lucky enough to get a ticket… Over the decades, greats such as New Order, Portishead, Jay-Z and Beyoncé, Dolly Parton, and Radiohead have all played unforgettable shows here. This year’s event is not short on world stars: there will be classics like Diana Ross and Paul McCartney, but also the most important and topical artists of today, like Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish, and Doja Cat… from 22 to 26 June.
Unlike Glastonbury, Madrid’s Mad Cool is only a few years old, but it’s already one of Europe’s most spectacular and best-loved festivals. It may not have the pedigree and reputation of its Barcelona rival, Primavera Sound (with headliners such as Megan Thee Stallion, Tyler, the Creator, and Dua Lipa), but Mad Cool gives Spain a festival that this year will feature such greats as Metallica, Faith No More, and Kings of Leon. The event will take place from 6-9 July.
The historic 18th century Petrovaradin Fortress in Serbia is an exceptional venue for the EXIT festival every summer from 7-10 July. The event, which started as a student movement more than 20 years ago, will feature Iggy Azalea, Calvin Harris, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, and Afrojack.
This week also sees one of Portugal’s biggest and most popular festivals, NOS Alive, which has been running since 2007 and mixes the biggest artists of all time with new talent in Lisbon, one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. Metallica and Faith No More will perform here, but St. Vincent and Phoebe Bridgers will also be here.
Sziget is a gigantic and unique music event in the heart of Budapest. It is a multi-genre musical paradise that attracts over 550,000 festival-goers to the Danube every year. One of Europe’s most beloved music events started nearly three decades ago and over the decades it has attracted some of the most important musicians of our time. This year, Justin Bieber, Dua Lipa, Slowthai, and Princess Nokia will perform at the festival in early August.