Feeling like your classic beach summer holiday just won’t cut it this year? If you’re after something a little different, then a festival abroad is certainly a good place to start. From watching a 105ft wooden figure burn in the middle of Nevada desert to throwing tomatoes at strangers in Spain, there’s certainly a wide range of festivals to choose from. So, try new experiences this year and head to one of the best summer festivals the world has to offer.

The Best Summer Festivals

Primavera Sound, Barcelona

Jet off to Barcelona to discover the latest sounds in reggaeton and indie rock courtesy of Primavera Sound festival. Not only is the setting in the beachside Parc del Fòrum simply magical, but the line-up is always guaranteed to keep you on your toes. What’s more, this year the festival even launched their “New Normal” campaign to promote gender equality in the festival industry. This means that 50% of their performers are female.

Marvellous Island, Paris

Lovers of electronic music can unite at the Marvellous Island festival held on a beautiful, sandy island on the outskirts of Paris. The line-up is packed with DJ’s from across the globe. This year, there’s a Resident Advisor set from none other than Marcel Dettmann, while the headlining the second stage will be Nina Kravitz, a Russian techno hero. When you’re not jumping with the crowds you can sunbathe on the beach and enjoy the vibes.

Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, Tennessee

This four day long festival is well-known across the world and often regarded as one of the best summer festivals. The festival is so much more than just music (though their line-up is always amazing). There are plenty of activities going on around the site, such as yoga, painting and even a mini 5k marathon! The festival aims to promote arts and music as one, which is why there’s lots of creative aspects to explore away from the music.

Burning Man, Nevada

What first started as a small gathering of people to watch a wooden figure burn on San Francisco’s Baker Beach soon transformed into a huge music festival. Perhaps a turn of events that no one could have predicted! This festival now draws in crowds of around 70,000 attendees each year, all there to discover the latest artistic, creative offerings of the festival.

La Tomatina, Valencia

You may have already heard of La Tomatina, but what about going to see the action unfold in real life? Head to Valencia in Spain this summer to participate in what is essentially the world’s biggest food fight! Explore one of the best summer festivals away from live music. Because although there is certainly music playing, the main event is the huge tomato throwing extravaganza. There’s even a starter pistol followed by a closing klaxon to bring the madness to an end.  

Rolling Loud

If you love hip-hop and rap, then Rolling Loud is the perfect festival for you. It’s held in Miami and hosts the biggest names in music. This year, after an uproar about their male-dominated line-ups, they’ve included several more women on their roster to even things out. With such a wide-range of artists of the moment, there’s no better reason than to take a trip to the sunshine state of Florida to see your favourite musicians up close.

Where will you be headed?

You’re spoilt for choice if you’re looking for the best summer festivals to discover this year. Whether you’re a lover of rap or electronic music, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste. Not every festival is all about music, either. Take La Tomatina, for example. A festival based around throwing tomatoes at people might just be your new favourite thing. So, whatever you choose, make sure you bring your trusted travel pillow for the journey.