Top 12 European summer festivals in September 2021
When it comes to partying, Europe is where it's at. From music fests and carnivals to medieval fairs, find your (next) favourite European summer festival here.
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Update on Europe's festivals in September
Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, most events across Europe will be cancelled, even those a few months in advance.
If an announcement has been made, we'll update this page with any updated dates or note if the 2020 event has been cancelled.
Experience European culture at its best and party your way through the numerous gastronomic feasts, music fests and cultural events for every age and taste.
Want to know which European events and festivals you should be at this September? We have found all the best ones. You know, the one with the major headliners, the quirky one, the cultural one, even one with cows. Yes, COWS.
What's more, we are hooking you up to the best ways to score tickets. Read on for all the fine details.
It's been 28 years this year and Lollapalooza shows no sign of slowing down when it comes to delivering world-class lineups.
The 2019 edition is destination to welcome over 70,000 punters daily. It's moving address to Olympiastadion and Olympiapark in Berlin and will feature Khalid, Billie Eilish, Kings of Leon and Swedish House Mafia to its lineup.
There is also a dedicated art market, kids’ zone and some of the best local eats around.
Lollapalooza is all about spreading the good vibes so the festival connects you with charities and organisations that improve and save lives.
Every year, a former navy fort in Croatia transforms into an open-air arena with festival stages and outdoor dance floors with laser-projected graffiti art. Dubbed as one of Croatia’s biggest summer parties of its kind, revellers soak up their favourite electronic, techno, house, rap and dubstep tunes with artists from the UK, Jamaica and beyond.
For something a little different, book a ticket on the boat parties and take the partying out to open waters. It's the perfect way to get up-close and personal with artists like Andy C, Loyle Garner and Flohio while soaking up the beautiful Croatian sights.
If you are looking to escape the bustle of daily life and lose yourself to a weekend of electronic and techno music, get yourself to Into the Woods. It's an electronic music festival held in the Dutch woodlands.
With the concept of "anything goes", you will fall in love with this energetic two-day weekend in a unique setting.
Tickets to Electric Picnic sell out every year as people can't get enough of this eclectic arts and music festival. Set in the rolling Ireland lawns, this festival delivers big names like The Strokes, Florence + The Machine, Hozier and The 1975, a dedicated space for funky art installations, live storytelling and the best in Irish comedy.
Electric Picnic is a treat for all the senses, be it through music, art or the narrative. Go for your favourites but don’t be surprised if you just discover something new.
Top tour: You don't have to attend Ibiza Rocks to party hard on the party island with tours as stacks of ocean and party boat tours abound throughout the summer season. Check out Viator to pick from the mix.
Ibiza Rocks is the ultimate pool party set in the biggest party island on the Mediterranean. The infamous poolside stage will have you dancing to big names.
The intimate gig setup promises you a summer party like no other whether you’re up front, dancing poolside or floating on pink flamingoes.
Book your accommodation at the Ibiza Rocks Hotel where you can enjoy VIP access right on your balcony.
Best tour: For the ultimate Oktoberfest experience book Topdeck's Oktoberfest Prostmeister. It starts in London and includes three days in Munich to "prost" with your beers.
The famous beer fest in Munich needs no introduction. Held annually, this 16-day folk festival will have amusement park rides, dancing, live concerts, traditional foods and of course, beer. Get yourself a beer glass and dive into the many beer tents for a time of drinking, eating and partying to live brass bands. Each year over six million guests arrive on its doorstep and around seven million litres of beer is poured.
Some not-to-be-missed highlights include beer barrel tapping – where the first barrel of beer is opened and the traditional costume and riflemen's parade.
The first official games were held in 1832 at The Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park in Braemar.
It is traditionally attended by the British royal family. Game day typically starts at 9:30am and ends by 5pm. There are many family-friendly events, including a children’s sack race.
Best tour: Viator, complete with dressed up gondolier.
The first historical boat race was recorded in the mid-13th century and is now Venice’s most important boating event. It wouldn’t be complete without the gondolini regatta, which is where two costumed gondoliers race against their competitors. Cheer on your favourites along the Grand Canal or merely bask in the atmosphere.
The opening event of gondoliers in full period costume and concerts along the Grand Canal should not be missed.
5. Galway International Oyster Festival | 25-27 September 2020
Where: Galway, Republic of Ireland
Festival type: Food
Best tour: Go all out with this ultimate Seven-day Oyster and Guinness Tour which features three nights in Galway to partake in the festival as well as visits to Ireland's top tourists spots such as Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher and the Guinness Storehouse.
It's more than just eating oysters and having one too many beers at the oldest oyster festival in the world (though that does happen). This three-day event celebrates the mollusk and other bounties of the sea but also features culinary demonstrations, cook-offs and most importantly, the famed oyster-shucking championships.
Bring your appetite – the Galway Oyster Festival isn’t for the faint-hearted.
The London Design Festival is made up of over 400 events spanning dozens of locations, from small local museums to tourist hotspots. This annual celebration of craft and design brings together the country's greatest thinkers, practitioners, retailers and educators.
Attend talks, workshops and navigate the many design areas and districts using the Festival app. The London Design Festival installations are a feast for the senses. While some art is static, there are audio displays, some of which you can try your hand at making.
This 61 year old Slovenian festival celebrates the homecoming of cattle to the alpine area after a summer in green pastures.
Cows are decorated with colourful wreaths and shown off in a parade accompanied by herdsmen, milkmaids and joyful music. Yup, this festival makes for great family fun. Have a go folk dancing or shop for local crafts at the market. Try local specialties and cheeses as you take in the unique culture and beautiful backdrop of farming villages.
Available on select flights from February - September 2021 to Launceston, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Cairns, Sydney, Uluru and more. Sample fare is Adelaide-Melbourne. T&Cs apply.
Available on select flights from February - September 2021 to Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Townsville, Perth, Hobart, Adelaide and more. Sample fare is Sydney-Ballina and Launceston-Melbourne. T&Cs apply.
Jetstar sale: Australia-wide flights from $35 each way
Available on select flights from February - September 2021 to Launceston, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Cairns, Sydney, Uluru and more. Sample fare is Adelaide-Melbourne. T&Cs apply.
Available on all rentals from February - March 2021 across Australia, including Brisbane, Adelaide, Cairns, Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart and more. T&Cs apply.
Up to 33% off Sea World Resort and Water Park stays with park entry
Available for stays until 30 April 2021 with packages available to include entry to Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast and Paradise Country during your stay.
Get $5 off each of your first four rides in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Geelong, Perth and Newcastle. Valid on all dates for new users. T&Cs apply.
Available on flights from January - September 2021 to Gold Coast, Brisbane, Cairns, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart, Townsville, Darwin and more. Sample fare is Sydney-Ballina. T&Cs apply.
Available on select dates when you stay a minimum of 3 nights. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, Auckland, Paris, London and more. T&Cs apply.
Available for Mastercard holders on flights from 1 November 2020 - 30 June 2021. Valid on flights departing from Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, and Canberra. T&Cs apply.
Australia stays from $95/night + Extra 10% off for members
Available on stays up until 13 months from the booking date. Destinations include Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide, Perth, Uluru and more. T&Cs apply.
Valid for travel on select dates in 2020 and 2021. Destinations include Europe, UK, the Middle East, Argentina, India, Asia, New Zealand, Australia and Africa and more. T&Cs apply.
Valid on select hotel stays worldwide like Australia, New Zealand, Bali, Thailand, USA, Europe and more on all dates, including over holidays like Easter, Christmas and New Year's Eve. Some restrictions apply.
Available on select travel dates until December 2021 to Gold Coast, Adelaide, Brisbane, Hobart, Canberra, Cairns, Hamilton Island and more. Sample fare is Sydney-Melbourne. T&Cs apply.
Available on select stay dates in Adelaide, Sydney, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne and more. Sample stay is in Millicent, South Australia. T&Cs apply.
Up to 50% off room upgrades + free breakfast on stays
Available on upgrades to premium rooms and suites on stays until 30 April 2021. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Gold Coast, New Zealand, Fiji and more.
Up to 30% off Australia experiences + Extra 10% off with code
Available on select travel dates when you buy 2 or more experiences such as sightseeing cruises, hot air balloon flights, day tours and skydives. Destinations include Brisbane, Adelaide, Hunter Valley, Gold Coast, Sydney and more. T&Cs apply.
Available until 28 February 2021 on all activities including hot air balloon flights, attraction passes, Tiny Homes and staycation packages. Destinations include Sydney, Hunter Valley, Blue Mountains and South Coast. Minimum spend of $50 required. T&Cs apply.
Plus get up to 19% off stays from 6 January - 30 June 2021 when you spend a minimum of $250. Destinations include Brisbane, Cairns, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Whitsundays, Townsville and more. Exclusive for Trip.com members. Membership is free. T&Cs apply.
Lock your tour with $1 deposit plus get an extra 21% off when you choose My Own Room. Available on select travel dates in 2021. Destinations include Cairns, Uluru, Sydney, Brisbane, Wellington and more. T&Cs apply.
Available on select purchases including getaways, spas, dining experiences, skydiving, linens, online courses, electronics, accessories and more. T&Cs apply.
Available on stays until 2021 in Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin, Melbourne and more. Sample fare is for a private room in Victoria. T&Cs apply.
Available on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday pick up dates until 11 December 2021. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Auckland and more. T&Cs apply.
Available for travel until 31 December 2021 when you book for 2 nights or more. Prepayment required. Destinations include Sydney, Adelaide, Cairns, Canberra and more. T&Cs apply.
Stephanie Yip is the travel editor at Finder and has been writing about travel and lifestyle for over a decade. She has written for Travel Weekly, Escape, Showpo, The Nibbler and Hostelworld. She was also the editor of kids magazine DMAG. Stephanie has a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Technology Sydney and has visited 55 countries (and counting).
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