A Soulful Guide to the Best Music Festivals Across Europe (Summer Edition)

Plato once said that music powers the soul of the universe, and he couldn’t be more right in that account. There is something about the symphony of notes, which elevates the mind and gives wings to the imagination. That is why people all over the world indulge in this art to break the chains of stress and free their spirits from time to time. If you’re looking for one such cathartic event to rejuvenate your soul, then I’ve got a whole list of festivals that are solely dedicated to the celebration of music as a whole. More importantly, these take place in Europe essentially, so you’ll get a holiday out of it as well. Check out the best music festivals occurring in Europe this summer below.

Chambord x Cercle Festival, France

May 11, 2019

Cercle is a livestream music festival, which jams together spectacular DJ acts with historical locations of significant value. It is known to orchestrate high-end raves at the gorgeous sites like the Palais des Beaux-Arts and the iconic Eiffel Tower, which you might’ve seen in movies, courtesy of your amazing Cable TV Packages.

This year, Cercle is going for a beautiful Renaissance x Medieval blend by making Château de Chambord as its backdrop. Imagine being transported to the chivalric times of King Francis I, as a part of his ecstatic troupe. Join thousands of people as they celebrate and cavort in front of the castle grounds on the progressive variations of Stephen Bodzin, Polo & Pan and Solomum, who are expected to lead it. Get your tickets now, here.

Meadows in the Mountains, Bulgaria

June 6 – 9, 2019

The Rhodope mountain ranges stand between the borders of Bulgaria and Greece and form an atmospheric-setting for the idyllic Meadows festival. This year’s musical offerings are thematically spread across four stages and include a diversity of artists from multiple genres, such as electronic underground and balladist acoustic, etc.

You can enjoy the music of your choice, and at the same time, participate in the next-level wellness activities, carried out at the center of this festival. There are scheduled yoga classes, workshops on spiritual healing (Ayurveda, plant-based medicine and even tarot), evening celebrations (cacao chanting and bonfire singing), zip-lining opportunities and the chance to relax in the forest by lying in your own hammock.

Meadows in the Mountains respects the host-village of Polkovnik and makes the local choir, dressed in traditional attire, a part of the program. Such a Pantheist celebration of music and nature is hard to come by, so book your spot now and be a part of this wonderful festival.

Body&Soul Festival, Ireland

June 21 – 23, 2019

Meath’s Ballinlough Castle in County Westmeath, overlooking two gorgeous lakes, is the hilly location for this mischievous Irish festival, which takes the crowd back to its Dionysian roots. Its fiery musical lineup for 2019 consists of German electronic veterans ‘Modeselektor’, the bright and breezy ‘Santigold’, Paris-based music-film experimenters ‘The Blaze’ and Austrian remix masters ‘Kruder & Dorfmeister’, etc.

10 year anniversary announcement from Body&Soul Festival on Vimeo.

Besides the raging music in the Castle woodlands, Body&Soul promises immersive theatrical performances, hidden art illustrations, impromptu spoken word sessions, wood-fired hot baths, sound healing workshops, seaweed baths and Balinese steam treatments to the festival attendees. Get your tickets for this wonderful natural retreat here.

Love International, Croatia

July 3 – 10, 2019

Adventure on the Adriatic begins yet again for music-lovers and dance-maniacs with ‘Love International’. As the name suggests, this festival is all about epicurean escapism from a dismal metropolitan reality. After reaching the quaint municipality of Tisno, you take a pleasant voyage to the beautiful Garden Resort, where you spend seven days and seven nights in a pleasant revelry—dancing on the waterfront, partaking in late night boat parties, enjoying the sublime Sunrise Sessions, exploring the Olive Grove and the Instagram-perfect village of Tisno, etc.

Moreover, this year, the festival organizers have acquired a powerful lineup of DJs and other music acts, including Prosumer, Andrew Weatherall, DMX Krew (live), Ben UFO, Joy Orbison, Roman Flügel, and Horse Meat Disco to name a few. Get your tickets here.

Awake Festival, Romania

August 15 – 18, 2019

Where do all the unconventional, free-spirited, artistic-minded, adventure-lusting and dreaming souls gather? In the mystical grounds of Teleki Castle, Gornești, Romania. This 18th-century Baroque estate with gardens running beside River Mureș is the location for this year’s AWAKE. Follow the festival theme of #BohemianBlast, dance to the musical acts (JP Cooper, Netsky, Pussy Riot, De Staat, Triggerfinger etc.) in the heart of Transylvania, check out the forest library, behold the interactive theatre orchestrated under the bridge, become a part of the ‘Feed your Mind’ wellness programs and the ‘Artdoor’ sessions. Purchase your passes here.

Although, this is not the end of the line. There are many other small-scale festivals which take place under the radar across Europe. But, for now, the aforementioned major entries will do well in satiating your need for a summer revelry.