Missed out on Tomorrowland: Try our Recommended Alternatives Instead
Every year, well over 2 million people try to buy tickets for Tomorrowland the moment they go on sale. And while some manage to get their hands on a coveted ticket, there will also, inevitably, be a lot of disappointed people on Saturday night.
But never fear! We’ve scoured the world for the very best festivals in existence — and we’ve put together a whole bunch of amazing destinations that will help you get over the blues of missing out on Tomorrowland.
Are you looking for another mega-scale electronic party, or another world-famous festival to tick off your bucket list?
THE BIGGEST AND BEST ELECTRONIC MUSIC FESTIVALS
Ultra Europe // 10–12 July // Split, Croatia
Headliners: The Chemical Brothers, David Guetta, Afrojack
Incredible stage designs, an unbelievable beach party and a premium line-up of the world’s best EDM stars.
Electric Daisy Carnival // 11 July // Milton Keynes, UK
Headliners: Hardwell, Tiesto, Steve Aoki
An eye-popping explosion of colour, light and sound, with costumed performers and endless decor adding to the overall carnival experience.
We Are FSTVL // 30–31 May // Upminster, UK
Headliners: Carl Cox, Loco Dice, Sven Väth
A young but bold contender in the UK electronic festival scene, with boutique stages pumping out techno, house and more from dance heavyweights.
Dance Valley // 1 August // Spaarnwoude, Netherlands
Last year’s headliners: Showtek, Chuckie, Markus Schulz
One of oldest dance festivals in the Netherlands, Dance Valley covers the whole electronic spectrum with ten stages dedicated to trance, techno, hardstyle and more.
Wireless Festival London // 3–5 July // London, UK
Headliners: Drake, Avicii, David Guetta
While the lineup is mainly urban acts, you will not be short of equally epic electronic DJs to party along to.
Balaton Sound // 9 -12 July // Zamárdi, Hungary
Headliners: Hardwell, Nicky Romero, Afrojack
Taking over the shores of Lake Balaton, this beach-party-meets-music-escape experience is one hot electronic, rock and pop event.
Nature One // 31 July // Kastellaun, Germany
Headliners: Carl Cox, Sven Väth, Chris Liebing
In a former NATO missile base, Nature One boasts unique industrial stages with an equally bold lineup featuring techno, trance, hardstyle and minimal beats.
Hideout Festival // 28 June — 3 July // Novalja, Croatia
Headliners: Loco Dice, Jamie Jones, Sigma
Beach parties, floating raves and all the sun you could want. Electronic paradise.
MAYDAY Dortmund // 30 April — 1 May // Dortmund, Germany
Last year’s headliners: Fedde Le Grand, Paul van Dyk, Sven Väth
The world’s finest techno and tech-house DJs backed by off-the-scale production and visual shows.
MEO Sudoeste // 5–9 August // Zambujeira do Mar, Portugal
Headliners: Calvin Harris, Steve Aoki, Clean Bandit
Lapping up the Portuguese coast and partying all night — MEO Sudoeste pulls in the biggest names in the world.
THE WORLD’S UNMISSABLE FESTIVALS
EXIT Festival // 9–12 July // Novi Sad, Serbia
Last year’s headliners: Disclosure, Damon Albarn, Rudimental
2014's Best Major European Festival is an eclectic mix of funk ‘n’ soul, pop, rock, rap, trance and electro in the spectacular grounds of the Petrovaradin Fortress on the banks of the Danube.
Sziget Festival // 10–17 August // Budapest, Hungary
Headliners: alt-J, Florence and the Machine, Blasterjaxx
A magical island abounds with extraordinary activities, surreal venues, and unique art installations to compliment the eclectic lineup.
Isle of Wight Festival // 11–14 June // Isle of Wight, UK
Headliners: Fleetwood Mac, Pharrell Williams, The Black Keys
Regarded as the Woodstock of the UK, Isle of Wight is a colourful carnival of music, comedy, cabaret, poetry, quizzes and a fairground.
Reading & Leeds // 28–30 August // Reading andLeeds, UK
Headliners: Metallica, Mumford & Sons, Jamie T, Bastille
Known around the world, Reading & Leeds form one of the most popular rock and alternative festivals on the circuit.
Bestival // 10–13 September // Isle of Wight, UK
Last year’s headliners: Foals, Outkast, Disclosure
Covered in quirky visions and sheer oddity, Bestival has grown into a byword for an eclectic bonanza.
Les Vieilles Charrues // 16–19 July // Carhaix, France
Headliners: Muse, Lionel Richie, David Guetta
France’s biggest music festival has now become a coming-of-age experience for all young music lovers.
Primavera Sound // 28–30 May // Barcelona, Spain
Headliners: The Black Keys, The Strokes, Ride
The finest in rock, indie, metal, punk and RnB set against stunning sea views at this adored indie giant.
Roskilde Festival // 27 June — 4 July // Roskilde, Denmark
Headliners: Muse, Pharrell Williams, Lamb of God
One of Europe’s real shining lights over the last 25 years, Roskilde is almost as well-known for its insane campsite parties as for its star-studded lineups.
Sea Dance // 16–18 July // Budva, Montenegro
Last year’s headliners: Example, Underworld, Jamiroquai
Brought to you by the organisers of EXIT, Sea Dance Festival combines huge lineups with the ultimate in beachside partying.
OFF Festival // 7–9 August // Katowice, Poland
Headliners: Run The Jewels, Sunn O ))), The Julie Ruin
Hosting an eclectic lineup that inclines towards rock and RnB, OFF is one of Eastern Europe’s most important festivals.
None of these take your fancy? We’ve got loads more festivals on sale right now, so click one of the looks below to get a curated selection.
