3) Glastonbury festival in Somerset, England
Glastonbury is one of the largest and most famous festivals in the UK and Europe. It attracts some of the biggest names in music and also narcotics. It usually takes place for four days at the end of June. Tickets cost around 150£ and generally sell out as soon as they are released. Unfortunately, due to the London Olympics, Glastonbury won’t be held again until 2013. Tickets will go on sale in Oct 2012 though, so if you’re interested be sure to check their website. Also, since South Western England can be rainy and muddy be sure to bring ample warm clothes, rain gear, and a very waterproof tent.
2) Sziget festival in Budapest, Hungary
Sziget takes place on an island on the Danube in the middle of Budapest. Everyday for seven days, the island surges with over 50,000 kids from all over Europe. There are three concert stages, one silent dance disco, an outdoor theatre, countless bars and even karaoke. From US rap stars to Boban Markovich, there is music for everyone and never a shortage of things to do. The price for the week with camping included is 200 Euro. You can also get tickets by the day for 45 Euro. Though the ticket cost is high, beer and food is Eastern European cheap. More, Sziget offers a recycling scheme that can seriously save you some green; 1 free beer for every 20 red cups returned. The festival usually takes place in the second week of August, so if you’re in or around Hungry at that time, be sure not to miss it.
1) Exit festival in Novi Sad, Serbia
As the name implies, Exit festival is the way out from the bonds of society and this world. The days are characterized by hanging out at the campsite, drinking, socializing and swimming in the Danube, while the night is an orgy of youth, drugs, and music. The main party occurs in the historic and impressive Petrovaradin fortress, where some of the biggest names in music perform every year. The tickets are 124 Euro for the week and since beer and food is extremely cheap, this festival is not only the most intense but the most ideal for the budget backpacker.
Conclusion:
If you’re going backpacking in Europe this summer or just want to experience a party of a lifetime, the European summer music festival is where it’s at. Although it is expensive, it is an incredible value, and if you’re crafty, you can significantly reduce your beer and food costs. So, if you are able to scrap a few hundred Euros together, and find a cheap flight to Europe, definitely see for your self, you won’t regret it.
(This post is dedicated to Angie and Emily)
What’s your favorite European festival?
Yeah great site mate., Looking forward to my first Euro festival. Outlook…. Bring it on
Thanks Tony! Sweet, you won’t regret it. There’s no party like it. :)
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I have wanted to go to all of these! My friend and I backpacked this summer and swung by Pag Island in Croatia for The Hideout Festival which was by far the coolest fest I’ve ever been to! If you like Techno on the beach then check it out.
Hideout Festival, sweet, I will check it out.
Hey :) I’ve only first fount your site today but really like it. I once had a period where all I could think and read about, were stories and articles, like the ones on your site. Anyway, I thought I could suggest another European festival, ROSKILDE! It goes on in Denmark and is pretty wild and a lot of fun :)
Hey Marcus, thanks for the compliments!
Yea, I have heard of Roskilde, but I have yet to make it there. Seems awesome.
Thanks,
Leif
you’re in Europe now?
Hey, no, heading to Ethiopia soon. I was just feeling nostalgic about Europe and their festivals and I figured that since now is a good time to buy tickets, I ought to let people know about them.