Summer is not just about beaches and long-haul trips. Various cultures around the world recognize summer as the time to relive their traditions. People dance during the solstice, lanterns lit up to welcome the heated nights, and crazy raves burst in high energy. Exciting summer festivals heat up around the world, inviting you to witness them in 2025. So, are you ready for the next vibrant adventure?
Best Summer Festivals – Summary
- Midsummer, Sweden
- Feria de Malaga, Spain
- La Tomatina, Spain
- Palio dei Terzieri, Umbria, Italy
- Zagreb International Folklore Festival, Croatia
- Boryeong Mud Festival, South Korea
- Kanto Matsuri, Akita, Japan
- Tomorrowland Belgium
- Glastonbury Festival, England
- Sziget Festival, Budapest, Hungary
Summer Festivals for Traditions and Culture
1. Midsummer, Sweden
When: June 20th-22th
Midsommarafton (Midsummer’s Eve) is a part of Swedish timeless tradition. It dates way back before the 10th century, blending paganism and Christian traditions. Today, midsummer is celebrated as a get-together to welcome the summer solstice. Like other communities, the Swedish recognizes summer as a break time after working hard.
Midsummer is celebrated all across Sweden, including in its capital Stockholm. You can see the locals wearing flowy dresses and white shirts, dancing cheerfully around maypoles. Women are wearing wildflower crowns which is a custom during midsummer. And of course, food is unmissable! Locals feast on smorgasbord, a dining course that includes pickled herrings, grilled fish, dried meats, and potatoes.
2. Feria de Málaga, Spain
When: August 16-23, 2025
“Feria de Malaga is all about Andalusian culture and festivities. We can party all night and visit some of the 200 casetas (tents) that are scattered around Recinto Ferial. It’ll be tons of fun!” said TripLeader Tajana who has lived in Malaga for three years.
This festival transforms Málaga into a dance-filled, wine-soaked celebration of Andalusian culture. During daylight, the city’s historic center is filled with music, dancing, and tapas. As the sun goes down, the crowd heads to Feria de la Noche, which features amusement rides, live performances, and casetas. It is a night packed with vibrant flamenco dresses, horse parades, and fireworks. So, dress comfortably but colorfully, and be ready to stay up late. Bring cash, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the festive madness.
Looking for a buddy to experience Feria de Malaga? Tajana is hosting a trip for August, which includes partying at the festival!
3. La Tomatina, Spain
When: August 27, 2025
Are you looking for where to travel in August? We have an idea – head to Buñol, Spain for La Tomatina. It is the world’s biggest food fight, simply exciting and chaotic to see. During the festival, the town turns into a sea of red because of overripe tomatoes. This is the main thing about the festival – around 20,000 people are attacking and throwing tomatoes at each other. No beef, just lots of fun.
If you are interested in experiencing this festival, make sure to book your tickets and hotels in advance. People from all over the world are flying to join, so it’s better to secure your stay as soon as possible. Then, during the event, make sure to wear comfortable clothes, bring some goggles, and secure your belongings in a waterproof bag.
4. Palio dei Terzieri, Umbria, Italy
When: August 9-18, 2025
Thanks to TripLeader Monica from Italy, we finally learned about this unique festival in Umbria! Palio dei Terzieri takes the visitors back to Italy’s medieval period. Città della Pieve is split into three terzieri (districts), each competing in archery, costume parades, and theatrical events. The town is a feast for the eyes, with cobblestone streets decorated in flags, torch-lit alleyways, and bustling piazzas. Monica recommended to dig into Umbria’s hearty street food and wander around the traditional market.
5. Zagreb International Folklore Festival, Croatia
When: July 16-20, 2025
This colorful celebration of global culture lights up Croatia’s capital. Held in Zagreb’s Ban Jelačić Square, the festival features traditional dances, songs, and crafts from across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. You can see vibrant costumes, storytelling sessions, and instrument workshops. Then, want another fun fact? This year’s Folklore Festival celebrates the 1100th anniversary of the Croatian kingdom. So, you can explore the history, costumes, and food from the medieval Croatia. It is one of the best summer festivals that you should not miss.
6. Boryeong Mud Festival, South Korea
When: July 11-20, 2025
Slather yourself in mineral-rich mud and let loose at South Korea’s most playful summer festival. It takes place in a small city one-hour drive away from Seoul, Boryeong. The annual Boryeong Mud Festival features mud wrestling pits, inflatable mudslides, obstacle courses, and beach concerts. The mud is said to be great for your skin, making this both a party and a spa day. K-pop stars perform nightly, and fireworks cap off each evening. Bring swimwear you don’t mind ruining, flip-flops, and a waterproof pouch for your belongings.
Another tip: You can book an accommodation in Boryeong or Seoul.
7. Kanto Matsuri, Akita, Japan
When: August 3-6, 2025
The Kanto Matsuri in Akita is one of Japan’s most unique festivals. Generally, it is a lantern festival with a twist. You can see warm-lit lanterns hanging on towering bamboo poles – some are up to 12 meters. Participants of the festival balance them on their palms, foreheads, shoulders, or hips. It’s mesmerizing to watch as these illuminated poles sway against the dark night sky. Daytime events include music and dance parades. Expect warm evenings, so dress in breathable clothing and arrive early to grab a good viewing spot. The vibe is serene yet powerful—a perfect fusion of grace and tradition.
Summer Festivals for Music and Rave
8. Tomorrowland, Belgium
When: July 18-20 and July 25-27, 2025
Tomorrowland is more than just a music festival. It’s a surreal, fantastical experience. Held over two weekends in Boom, Belgium, it draws hundreds of thousands of electronic music fans from every corner of the globe. This year’s theme, “Orbyz,” promises futuristic icy visuals and an immersive fantasy world. Top DJs like Martin Garrix and Armin van Buuren will headline. DreamVille (the on-site camping city) is an event on its own with its own pre-party, shops, and food courts. It is one of the best summer festivals for party animals and rave enthusiasts – totally unmissable!
Can’t go to Tomorrowland Belgium? No worries, another Tomorrowland is scheduled for October in Brazil! If you’re thinking of going but cannot find any friend for Tomorrowland, you can join TripLeader Christian’s group. He is a party-loving trip designer who loves attending music festivals all around the world.
9. Glastonbury Festival, England
When: June 27-29, 2025
Arguably the UK’s most legendary festival, Glastonbury 2025 will return at Worthy Farm. With an awesome lineup featuring The 1975, Olivia Rodrigo, and a surprise act yet to be revealed, Glasto offers more than just music—it’s a cultural phenomenon. You’ll find circus acts, poetry slams, environmental workshops, and sacred spaces. It often rains, so waterproof boots, a poncho, and a tent with strong stakes are essential. It’s five days of beautiful chaos where anything goes.
10. Sziget Festival, Budapest, Hungary
When: August 6-11, 2025
Held on Óbuda Island in Budapest, Sziget is a week-long celebration of freedom, music, and creativity. With artists like Dua Lipa, Kendrick Lamar, and local European bands across dozens of stages, it’s a genre-hopping paradise. There are also art installations, yoga zones, LGBTQ+ villages, and camping areas that form a little utopian city. Heat can be intense, so bring sunscreen, reusable water bottles, and festival attire. Local bathhouses offer perfect recovery days post-festival.
Find Your Festival Crew with JoinMyTrip
These list of best summer festivals will level up your bucket list. So, are you down to experiencing one or even more of them? Then, double the fun and festival spirit with like-minded friends. At JoinMyTrip, you can meet with like-minded festival lovers through curated group trips. You’ll travel safely, share epic memories, and maybe even make lifelong friends along the way. Plus, you won’t just attend the festival, but also discover the best out of a destination.
Book your spot, pack your bag, and let the adventure begin!