Did you know that festivals don’t have to mean getting washed out and traipsing through mud to see your favourite artists? It can also mean chilling on pristine sands, swimming or surfing in clear blue waters, and soaking up rays while listening to top, top names. Here's our selection of the top 20 beach-side events.
- Top 20 Music Festivals in Europe
- Summer 2016: Start Planning Your Croatian Electronic Escape Now
- TOP 10: Electronic Music Festivals in the UK
Sonus Festival, Croatia: 20–24 August 2017
With a passion for underground electronic music, Sonus is tucked away on a little slice of paradise: Croatia’s Island of Pag. Once the suitcases hit the hotel floor, it’s five days and four nights of partying, which means beachside sets, boat fiestas and plenty of pool action – whether that’s relaxing or raving.
Festicket Guide / Tickets & Packages
Boardmasters, UK: 9–13 August 2017
Spanning the UK's Cornish coastline, Boardmasters is a festival dedicated to surfing, skating and live music even hosting its own pro competitions, and in the past has been soundtracked by the likes of Snoop Dogg and Chase and Status. Two Door Cinema Club, alt-J and Andy C are on the lineup for 2017.
Ultra Europe, Croatia: 14–16 July 2017
Born in Miami, Ultra Music festival has since taken its huge L.E.D. screens and colossal sound systems around the world, leaving its beloved EDM mark on Ibiza, Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Santiago and Seoul, now taking up residency in Croatia. Aside from the main stadium event there is also outstanding beach parties and a fun boat party that anyone in their right mind would not miss.
Festicket Guide / Tickets & Packages
Hangout Festival, USA: 19–21 May 2017
Boasting a status as the only music festival located literally on a beach in the US, Hangout brings all the elements of a grand-scale music festival to the sandy shores of Alabama, meaning you can stroll out of your beachfront condo and catch sets from top names. Mumford & Sons, Twenty One Pilots, Frank Ocean, Chance The Rapperand Major Lazer are set for 2017's edition.
Annie Mac Presents: Lost & Found Festival, Malta: 13–16 April 2017
Now in its third year, Annie Mac's Maltese adventure has become Europe's most explosive start to the summer. Lost & Found festival takes a distinctly UK-flavoured lineup to the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, with pool-parties, boat-parties and even a castle rave making it a unique and high-energy festival.
Festicket Guide / Tickets & Packages
Electrobeach Music Festival, France: 13–15 July 2017
Right down near France's border with Spain, EMF brings the very biggest names in dance music to the coast at Le Barcarès. Three days of full-throttle partying to the likes of David Guetta, Martin Garrix, Calvin Harris and deadmau5 – it's any EDM fan's dream, and one of the best beach spots around.
Festicket Guide / Tickets & Packages
Gnaoua Festival, Morocco: 29 June – 2 July 2017
This magical world music festival on the north-eastern coast of Morocco has built its reputation on a laidback, bohemian atmosphere blessed with wonderful Riad guesthouses and meandering bronze beaches. Focusing on the traditional Gnaoua (pronounced "Now-ah") music which originated from sub-Saharan Africa, the festival takes in ritual poetry, soulful African beats, jazz reggae, rhythmic drum sets and acrobatic dancing, alongside more contemporary world music by musicians from all over the globe.
Dimensions / Outlook Festivals, Croatia: 30 Aug – 3 Sep 2017 / 6–10 Sep 2017
Dimensions and Outlook bring a distinctive bass and urban sound to Pula, Croatia, with MCs and DJs reverberating round one of Europe's most scenic surroundings. Venues range from an idyllic Roman Amphitheatre to an old fort, where both the underground elite and firm favourites play out against the stunning backdrop of the Adriatic coast.
Dimensions Guide / Outlook Guide / Dimensions Tickets & Packages / Outlook Tickets & Packages
Barcelona Beach Festival, Spain: 15–16 July 2017
Immersed within the coastal city of Barcelona, BBF is a mecca for all electronic and dance music lovers. Barcelona's Platja del Forùm sets the scene, with the Mediterranean as a beautiful backdrop to some of the biggest DJs and producers in the world.
Festicket Guide / Tickets & Packages
Soul Beach Music Festival, Aruba: 24–29 May 2017
A cornerstone of Caribbean musical culture, Soul Beach is a full five day long groove on the sexy, smouldering beaches of Aruba that swings both day and night, only pausing for a touch of some delicious food.
Primavera Sound, Spain: 31 May – 4 June 2017
Primavera Sound keeps its roots under the wide canopy of rock, with recent headliners including The Black Keys, Arcade Fire and Queens of the Stone Age. But Barcelona's indie giant does also dip its toes into electronic and dance waters, while priding itself on also giving rising artists an international platform. And once the festival is over, you’re perfectly placed to explore one of Europe's most beautiful cities.
Festicket Guide / Tickets & Packages
Sziget, Hungary: 9–16 August 2017
Not strictly at the beach, but definitely close to water, Sziget Festival takes over Obudai Island in the River Danube just off Budapest each August. Alongside high-profile lineups, sky-bars, heated spring baths and theatre sideshows have turned this into one heck of a carnival. With so much colourful non-music activity taking place, Sziget has been described as Europe's Alternative To Burning Man.
Festicket Guide / 2017 Mailing List
Hideout Festival, Croatia: 26 June – 1 July 2017
Another festival taking advantage of the breathtaking scenery on Pag Island is Hideout, continuing to roll out the house, techno and dubstep in a country hardly spoilt for choice. But Hideout shows year after year that it's ahead of the rest, remaining a popular choice for travellers from far and wide looking to get away for an incredible summer party.
Festicket Guide / Tickets & Packages
Cavendish Beach Music Festival, Canada: 7–9 July 2017
If country music is more your kind of thing, then Cavendish Festival will suit you like a dream. The 3-day long bash is held each year on Prince Edward Island, Canada, turning what was once a cow pasture into a 70,000-strong music and dining festival. Names such as Eric Church and Keith Urban compliment the warmest waters north of the Carolinas.
MEO Sudoeste, Spain: 1–5 August 2017
MEO Sudoeste is a Portuguese institution that goes way beyond the music, having grown into a staple of the Portuguese summer calendar. Drawn primarily to its eclectic musical mix, festival fans know that parties take over the campsite just as much as the stages. MEO Sudoeste may only be officially scheduled for five nights, but revellers often end up staying for more like nine in what is essentially an extended summer camp.
Festicket Guide / Tickets & Packages
Spring Break Island, Croatia: 2–5 June 2017
As you’ve probably guessed, the Island of Pag has a fair claim to being Europe's number 1 dance festival destination. Split into two different chunks, Spring Break Island will be cranking it up for a total of 10 days and 12 nights hosting a selection of top international DJs and local favourites to really kick off the Croatian summer.
Festicket Guide / Tickets & Packages
SunSplash, Turkey: not taking place in 2017
Set in the beachfront area of the stylish Su Hotel on the Turkish Riviera, Sunsplash Antalya is a mixture of a luxury getaway and groovy dance music (think: Norman Jay, Jamie Lidell, Mad Professor). Workshops on yoga and healthy eating should align your yin and yang while you're there.
Fresh Island Island, Croatia: 11–13 July 2017
With three beach-side stages, plenty of poolside action and bungee jumping for the more adventurous, New Yorker Fresh Island has it all. Add stunning sands, 24-hour parties and some of the biggest names in hip-hop into the mix and you’re probably already booking your festival trip. The likes of Snoop Dogg and A$AP Rocky have hit it in the past and over 40 live acts and DJs will be carefully selected for the upcoming four day bash.
Festicket Guide / Tickets & Packages
Beyond The Valley, Australia: NYE 2017
Ever been stuck for New Year’s Eve plans and wished you could be at a music festival? Beyond The Valley, a new boutique camping festival in Victoria, lays on an unrivalled lineup of Aussie and international music, complete with food trucks, boutique beer and cocktail bars. Oh, and a hangover spa named the Luxury Pop-Up Hotel.
Zcre Spring Break Europe, Croatia: 2–5 June 2017
Zrće Beach’s very own Spring Break spin-off takes place on what was named the most beautiful and best kept beach on the Adriatic in 2002. Secluded from neighbours by a pine wood, it’s the perfect place to let loose to some of the finest dance, techno and house. Spring Break shows no signs of letting up and continues to ride the crest of public imagination and demand.
Festicket Guide / Tickets & Packages
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