These are the music festivals in Europe to add to your calendar right now

Many festivals in Europe celebrate the soulful rhythms and improvisational flair of jazz music. These events not only showcase world-renowned artists but also provide a platform for emerging talents, fostering a sense of community among jazz enthusiasts from across the globe. If you are drawn to the melodies of saxophones, trumpets, and pianos, we have a selection of the best festivals in Europe that all jazz fans will enjoy. 

If you are looking for summer festivals in Europe, the annual Malta Jazz Festival in July is a top choice. Held on the Valletta waterfront, this live music event pulls in crowds with performances from top international names as well as local favourites. Previous editions have seen names such as John Scofield, Al Di Meola, Chick Corea, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Cubanismo, Petrucciani, Betty Carter and Joe Zawinul performing under a star-lit sky. If this three-day-long festival interests you, start planning your Malta getaway and enjoy an island summer. With so much to explore during the day you will be ready to let your hair down and enjoy a night full of music.

Let the balmy Costa de la Luz nights become the backdrop to your musical holiday as you soak up the creative atmosphere at the Royal Hideaway Sessions. Held in the impressive auditorium of the Royal Hideaway Sancti Petri Hotel, surrounded by 35,000 square metres of tropical gardens, this intimate event forms part of the larger international festival Jazz Vejer. Attendees can expect a select line-up of talented artists who normally don’t perform outside of large cities. It is a rare chance to get up close to your favourite artists and enjoy a musical performance in luxurious surroundings. Why not create an experience out of it and book a room in the hotel too? 

What’s better than a city break to Barcelona? Attending the Barcelona International Jazz Festival during your stay, of course. Each year crowds gather in key settings across the city to enjoy the live music performances that form part of the festival, one of the biggest festivals in Europe for jazz music. 

This free event is a must-see if you are looking for things to do in Barcelona. Book into one of the city’s hotels and get ready to enjoy not only jazz concerts but also the masterclasses, talks and workshops that form the cultural calendar for this festival. It runs from July to November so there is plenty of time to organise a quick city break to see your favourite artists perform live.

If the erratic tune of Jazz is not to your liking, perhaps a relaxing festival of classical music will soothe the soul. Yet, instead of jet-setting off to the typical places to enjoy classical music festivals in Europe, why not try something new? Here we share our favourite destinations for a classical music mini-break.

Gran Canaria may be famous for its stunning shorelines and Michelin-star dining scene. Yet, it is quickly becoming a favourite holiday destination among music lovers thanks to an event known as Santa Catalina Classics. When it comes to choosing a classical music festival, Europe has many to choose from but none quite like this one. Hosted by Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, the festival takes place over various months in strategic settings throughout the hotel promoting both established and emerging musical talent.

Previous editions have seen performances from distinguished talent such as conductor Gustavo Dudamel, who, together with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, thrilled the audience with a programme that included Ludwig van Beethoven's famous Symphony No. 3 "Eroica". Book a room at this hotel and immerse yourself in the musical culture of this emblematic venue. 

If you want to enjoy an enriching programme of classical music performances, the Prague Spring Festival is a prestigious event that has become one of the most popular classical music festivals in Europe. Crowds from across the globe flock to the Czech Republic to witness world-class performances in breathtaking venues, steeped in history. Book your Prague hotel early to ensure you get a room close to all the things to see in Prague.

The festival opens in May with renowned orchestras, virtuoso soloists, and emerging talents gracing the stage to interpret timeless classics alongside contemporary compositions with unparalleled skill and passion. The melodies of Mozart, Beethoven, and Dvořák, float on the city’s fresh spring breeze as the Prague Spring Festival takes place, offering an immersive cultural experience that celebrates the enduring beauty and universal language of music.

From cutting-edge indie to underground artists these alternative festivals in Europe promise an immersive experience for music fans seeking innovation and exploration while on their holidays.

Quite possibly one of the biggest festivals in Europe, Mad Cool is a pop, rock and indie festival held annually in Madrid. If you are keen to combine a few days of sightseeing with a world-class music event, a city break in Madrid is definitely for you. Held over three days in July, expect to see names like Smashing Pumpkins, The Kooks and Depresión Sonora sharing the stage to bring crowds electric performances full of emotion and creativity. If you are an indie music fan, this is an event not to be missed. 

Held from the end of May until the beginning of June at the Parc del Fòrum, Primavera Sound Festival unites the best indie pop music talent from across the globe. Expect to see the likes of Bikini Kill, Pulp, Vampire Weekend and many more famous names alongside other emerging talent. Consider booking a room at the Occidental Diagonal 414, just around the corner from the venue so that you can party all night and flop into bed within minutes. And, while this is one of the best indie festivals in Europe, it can now be found in other global cities such as Montevideo, Buenos Aires and São Paulo. 

The BBK Live Festival in Bilbao is set in the picturesque hills of Kobetamendi. It is known across Europe for its eclectic lineup of indie pop, rock and electronic bands that play on multiple stages overlooking the city. Yet due to its manageable size, wherever you are within the festival, you will be able to catch a glimpse of the musicians ensuring an enjoyable experience for all. If you are planning a trip to Bilbao in July, be sure to grab tickets to this event. Beyond the music, there are endless immersive experiences to enjoy from art installations to gastronomic delights. 

If you are on holiday in Tenerife during August, you won’t want to miss the Phe Festival, held each year in Puerto de la Cruz. During this time, the city comes to life with talks, workshops and a weekend-long festival of indie music. While the line-up is mainly aimed at Spanish listeners, the relaxed and creative atmosphere welcomes visitors from across the globe. From up-and-coming local bands to established international acts, the festival showcases a diverse array of talent, ensuring there's something for every musical palate. If you are looking for indie rock festivals in Europe, the Phe Festival is the perfect excuse to enjoy a beach break in the sun. 

One of the more boutique festivals in Europe, Sonidos Líquidos is a one-day festival held in the wine-making zone of La Geria. This event aims to turn the traditional festival on its head, getting rid of line-ups, and VIP zones to focus purely on the music and the good vibes. If you are on holiday in Lanzarote at the beginning of June, this is a date to add to your diary. Alongside the music, you can find wine tastings, market stalls selling artisan gifts and delicious food stalls to keep energy levels high.  

Electronic music festivals in Europe are a kaleidoscope of sonic innovation and pulsating energy, drawing crowds of music enthusiasts from across the globe. Yet there is more to these events than the music. From dazzling light shows to immersive art installations, these events serve as epicentres of creativity and connection.

A festival dedicated to music, creativity and technology, Sónar Festival has been drawing crowds to Barcelona since 1994. Often regarded as the benchmark for cutting-edge electronic live music, this has become one of the most important electronic music festivals in Europe. Held in June across three days and two nights at the impressive locations, ​​Fira Montjuïc and Fira Gran Via, this event incorporates live shows, DJ sets, talks, art installations and so much more. 

If you are planning a holiday to Budapest, you will want to do so during August so that you can coincide with the Sziget Festival - one of the best EDM festivals in Europe. This seven day event transcends the boundaries of music to embrace art, activism and community. With over 1000 performances across multiple stages, the festival unites international names and underground gems to create a festival full of unforgettable memories. 

No trip to Andalusia is complete without visiting a Flamenco bar to listen to an authentic live performance. Even cities like Madrid are home to famous bars where stars of Flamenco take to the stage to give dazzling performances. Yet, if you are lucky, you may find a festival dedicated to the genre while on your travels. Here are a few of our favourites. 

Head to the home of Flamenco music and book a holiday to Seville. Here you can enjoy the bi-annual festival, Biennial de Flamenco held throughout the month of September. The most emblematic venues across the city welcome the finest flamenco artists of the era. From the Espacio Turina to the historic bullring, as well as the Factoría Cultural and the Port of Seville - each place turns into the backdrop for an unforgettable performance. Since its creation in 1979, this event has become a cornerstone of flamenco culture, captivating audiences with its dazzling displays of passion and talent every two years. It is one of the best autumn music festivals in Europe for lovers of flamenco. 

If you are looking for things to do in Pamplona, don’t miss out on the annual festival Flamenco on Fire. Held towards the end of August, this series of concerts aims to showcase the different aesthetics that coexist inside the genre of Flamenco. It launched in 2014 as a way to commemorate the life and work of Agustín Castellón Campos “Sabicas” and the event has continued to grow year after year. Book a stay at the Occidental Pamplona to be close to the action and enjoy a truly Spanish weekend city break.