In 2023, Europe will be hosting an array of unmissable events for culture and music enthusiasts. Over 90 million visitors flock to Europe each year to attend festivals, concerts, and cultural events. If you’re planning a trip to Europe, attending one of these events can be a special experience.
In this article, we will cover some of the most exciting events happening in 2023, along with some tips and tricks:
- music festivals
- art festivals
- seasonal events
Biggest Events in Europe 2023
From the Cannes Film Festival in France to the Berlin Music Festival in Germany, there are plenty of exciting events to choose from. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland is a great option for those looking to experience a range of performing arts. And the Amsterdam Dance Event in the Netherlands is the perfect place to experience the latest in electronic music.
While partying, you can explore the ancient sites of the European cities. Or, you can get lost in the vibrant nightlife of Eastern Europe. Europe has something for everyone.
Music Festivals in Europe
Music lovers will be delighted by the variety of music festivals available in Europe. From the iconic Glastonbury Festival in England, to the Roskilde Festival in Denmark and the Sziget Festival in Hungary, there is something for everyone.
Rock, pop, and electronic music fans will all find something that suits their taste. In addition, there are many jazz and classical music festivals to choose from. Whether you prefer to listen to live music or dance the night away, Europe has you covered.
Below you can find a review of the upcoming music festivals and summer events in Europe.
PinkPop 2023 – Netherlands
Pinkpop Festival is a well-known annual music festival held in the Netherlands. It is one of the oldest and largest open-air festivals in the world. PinkPop festival hosts thousands of people over three days. This year’s lineup features some of the biggest names in rock, pop, and alternative music:
- Red Hot Chili Peppers
- Machine Gun Kelly
- The Lumineers
- One Republic
- The War on Drugs
Rock Werchter 2023 – Belgium
Rock Werchter is a popular annual music festival held in Belgium. It usually takes place over four days in June or July, featuring a lineup of world-famous musicians across several stages.
The festival attracts around 150,000 visitors from around the world each year. Hence, it is one of the largest musical and most important events in Europe. It is held in the village of Werchter, located about 30 kilometers from Brussels. This year’s headliners are:
- Arctic Monkeys
- Iggy Pop
- Muse
- Stormzy
- Queens of the Stone Age
Nos Alive 2023 – Portugal
Nos Alive is an annual music festival held in Lisbon, Portugal. It usually takes place over three days in July, with around 55,000 attendees each day.
The festival features a diverse lineup of music genres, such as rock, pop, and electronic music. It is held in a riverside area near Lisbon. This year, you can expect to see these artists:
- Idles
- Lizzo
- Tash Sultana
- Sam Smith
- The Black Keys
- Red Hot Chili Peppers
Rolling Loud 2023 – Germany
Rolling Loud is a popular hip-hop music festival that began in Miami, Florida in 2015. Since then, it has visited other locations in the United States and Europe. Rolling Loud event in Europe, Germany will take place on July 7-9.
The festival features a lineup of some of the biggest names in hip-hop, as well as up-and-coming artists. Rolling Loud is known for its high-energy performances, with many of the artists bringing out surprise guests during their sets.
Headliners for this year:
- Gucci Mane
- Rae Sremmurd
- Travis Scott
- Kendrick Lamar
- Metro Boomin
Lollapalooza Berlin 2023 – Germany
Lollapalooza is an annual music festival held in Berlin, Germany. It usually takes place over two days in September, with around 85,000 attendees each day.
The festival features a diverse lineup of music genres, such as rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic music. It is held in the Olympic Stadium Berlin, a large sports and entertainment complex in the city.
This is the lineup for September 2023:
- Imagine Dragons
- David Guetta
- Aurora
- KSHMR
- Lost Frequencies
Art Festivals in Europe
Europe is famous for its arts and culture. Europe has a lot of different kinds of art, so there are many festivals to choose from.
At these festivals, artists show their work to people. You can see paintings, sculptures, and performances. Some of the festivals are old-fashioned, and others are modern. In this section, we’ll talk about some of the best art events in Europe.
We’ll give you all the details so you can plan a fun trip!
Berlin Culture Festival
The Berlin Culture Festival is a big event that happens every year in Berlin, Germany. It is a celebration of the city’s rich cultural diversity. People from all over the world come together to enjoy music, food, and art.
The festival takes place over several days in the summer with over million people attending. There are many different things to see and do at the festival, like live music performances, art exhibits, and food stands. It’s a great opportunity to try new things and learn about different cultures.
Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes Film Festival is a big event that happens every year in Cannes, a city in the south of France. It is a festival that celebrates movies and the people who make them.
At the festival, filmmakers from all over the world come together to show their movies and compete for awards. The festival usually takes place in May and lasts for about two weeks.
After the festival one can attend the events where people can meet famous actors and directors. The Cannes Film Festival is a fun way to celebrate movies and learn about the film industry.
Medieval Festival Netherlands
The Medieval Festival Netherlands, also known as “Middeleewus,” is an event that takes place every year in the Netherlands. It is a festival that celebrates life during the medieval times.
The festival usually takes place in a castle or a historic building. People dress up in medieval costumes and there are many activities to do, like archery, sword fighting, and jousting.
There are also markets where you can buy things like handmade crafts and foods like roasted meats and bread. At night, there are often performances like concerts and plays. The Medieval Festival Netherlands is a fun way to learn about history and experience life like it was in the past.
Aarhus Food Festival Denmark
The Aarhus Food Festival is a mouth-watering event that leaves your taste buds dancing with joy. This annual festival takes place in the beautiful city of Aarhus, Denmark, and it celebrates the wonderful world of food.
Imagine a place where you can explore different types of cuisine, sip on refreshing drinks, and indulge in all kinds of delectable desserts. The festival boasts of a variety of food vendors and chefs showcasing their culinary skills in live cooking demonstrations.
But it’s not just about the food. The festival also promotes healthy eating habits and teaches people how to reduce food waste. This family-friendly event is complete with activities for kids, such as face painting and craft stations.
Festival of San Fermines Spain
The Festival of San Fermines is a famous festival that takes place in Pamplona, Spain, every year from July 6 to 14. It’s known for the running of the bulls, where people run alongside bulls through the streets of Pamplona.
During the festival, the streets of Pamplona are filled with people wearing white clothes and red scarves. They sing and dance, and drink wine and sangria.
The festival is not just about the running of the bulls, though. There are also parades, fireworks, and concerts throughout the week.
Seasonal Events in Europe
Europe is home to some of the most festive seasonal events in the world. From the enchanting Christmas markets to the raucous Oktoberfest celebrations, there’s always something exciting happening in every season.
These events are a great way to immerse yourself in local traditions, sample delicious food and drink, and make colorful memories. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most popular and unique seasonal events in Europe.
Best Christmas Markets in Europe
During the winter months, many cities in Europe transform into magical Christmas villages. These markets offer a wide variety of traditional crafts, handmade decorations, and delicious treats. You can find everything from handmade wooden toys to homemade mulled wine and locally sourced sausages. Plus, they usually have live music and performances, making them the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit.
These are some of the most popular Christmas Markets in Europe:
- Edinburgh Scotland – The Edinburgh Christmas Market is one of the best in Europe! The market has lots of stalls selling all kinds of things like traditional Scottish food, handmade crafts, and souvenirs. There are also fun rides and games for kids to enjoy.
- Paris France – The Paris Christmas market is known for its beautiful lights, decorations, and traditional French products. Visitors can enjoy delicious treats like hot chocolate, crepes, and roasted chestnuts. You must try Paris Ferris wheel that provides a stunning view of the city.
- Copenhagen Denmark – The event is held in the heart of the city at Tivoli Gardens. The park is one of the oldest and most popular amusement parks in the world. Visitors can enjoy delicious treats like Danish pancakes, mulled wine, and roasted almonds. They can also go for a skating rink that’s made of real ice.
