From
dancing poolside or on a beach, partying in a fortress or experiencing the
surreal midnight sun, wallet friendly European hotspots and amazing city
festivals to combine with long weekends of culture, gastronomic delights and
sightseeing, there’s something for everyone. Get ready for a festival holiday
of a lifetime in 2018!
There’s a festival something for every festival adventurer, are you ready?
Here’s 8 unforgettable festivals not to miss in 2018.
ENJOY THE POOLSIDE
PARTIES AT SEA STAR FESTIVAL IN CROATIA
After an electric premiere edition Sea Star festival is set to return to
beautiful Stella Maris laguna in Umag on May 25th and 26th, while the opening
day will take place on May 24th and the after party on Sunday, May 27th. Put
together by the team behind EXIT Festival, the first Sea Star festival closed
with rapturous applause, firmly proving that it is worthy of the nomination for
'Best European New Festival' at the prestigious European Festival Awards.
Stunning location, 6+ stages, more than 70 world renowned artists and
outstanding productions make this festival a must see. Umag is a beautiful
Istrian town, rich in Mediterranean spirit, historical baroque and renaissance
buildings and narrow streets that lead to numerous authentic restaurants making
it the perfect place to chill out after dancing all night.
Lineup: Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Hurts, Robin Schulz, Disciples,
Ofenbach, Tram 11, and more
Sea Star takes place from 24 - 27 May 2018. More info available at seastarfestival.com
EXPERIENCE THE SURREAL
MIDNIGHT SUN AT SECRET SOLSTICE FESTIVAL IN ICELAND
Celebrating their fifth anniversary, 2018 promises to be Secret Solstice’s
biggest edition yet! Taking place in Reykjavik from 21-24 June during the
surreal summer solstice (meaning the sun never sets), the festival has firmly
established itself on the bucket list for every true festival-geek wanting to
be a part of this truly unique experience. Secret Solstice is Iceland’s
premiere music festival, each year welcoming an eclectic lineup to the
naturally breathtaking country for main stage sets, glacier raves, midnight sun
boat parties and secret lagoon blowouts. By combining a high caliber of music
talent alongside side events that showcase the incredible Icelandic landscape,
Secret Solstice have created a not-to-be-missed festival experience in one of
the most breathtaking corners of the world.
Line Up: Slayer, Gucci Mane, Stormzy, Bonnie Tyler, Death From Above, Steve
Aoki, Jet Black Joe, 6lack, Goldlink, J Hus, IAMDDB, Charlotte de Witte,
Skream, Masego, A-Trak, Högni and more.
Secret Solstice takes place from 21-24 June 2018. More info available at secretsolstice.is
PARTY IN A FORTRESS
OVERLOOKING THE RIVER DANUBE AT EXIT FESTIVAL IN SERBIA
Just a short ride away from the Serbian capital Belgrade, the magical
Petrovaradin Fortress set high on the banks of the river Danube in Novi Sad
provides the perfect setting for the EXIT Festival. Started as a student
protest in 2000 fighting for political change and freedom, EXIT continues to
spread positive vibes, promoting change and positive education, supporting many
community and humanitarian missions, while throwing a damn good party. The
award winning festival has something for music lovers of all genres with a
diverse mix of artists performing on numerous stages connected by cobbled
streets, ramparts and tunnels. Also renowned for it’s amazing atmosphere and
energy the Dance Arena champions the who’s who in the electronic music world
set in the awe inspiring moat of the fortress, it’s that special moment when
the sun’s rays shine over the fortress walls and your favourite tune is belting
through the soundsystem and into your soul!. EXIT. Where hedonism meets
activism.
Line Up: Migos, Ziggy Marley, Fever Ray, Adam Beyer b2b Ida Engberg, Alice
Merton, Maceo Plex,
Nina Kraviz, Richie Hawtin, Solomun, Tale of Us, Amelie Lens, Asphyx, Ben
Klock, Bombers, Brujeria, Burak Yeter, Dog Eat Dog, Grave Digger, Idles, Jax
Jones, Lions's Law, Madball, Mahmut Orhan, Ofenbach, Sevdaliza, Slapshot,
Slaves and more
Exit takes place from 12-15 July 2018. More info available at exitfest.org
ENJOY THE PICTURESQUE
WOODLAND SETTING OF POSITIVUS FESTIVAL IN LATVIA
Taking place in the picturesque coastal town of Salacgriva in Latvia,Positivus
is the largest music and arts festival in the Baltic States, transporting
chart-topping headliners, underground emerging talent and exciting art and
dance stages to their unspoiled atmospheric coastal setting amid stunning
woodland. Festival goers can dip their toes in the baltic sea or take in the
atmosphere in a hammock beneath the trees while enjoying a rich diversity of
international chart toppers and underground emerging talent in this idyllic
holiday location. Positivus also offers art and dance stages giving festival
goers a variety of activities and stalls selling locally made designer clothing
and accessories, giving festival goers plenty to see and do during the 3 day
event. Positivus was also recognised in the 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017 European
Festival Awards being a finalist in the ‘Best Medium Sized Festival’ category
and also for ‘Best Festival Line Up’ in 2013.
Line Up: Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds and more to be announced
Positivus takes place from 20 - 22 July 2018. More info available at positivusfestival.com
DISCOVER THE BEST
ALTERNATIVE MUSIC AT OFF FESTIVAL IN KATOWICE
A truly unique boutique music festival, OFF Festival takes place in ‘Three Lake
Valley’, Katowice – a beautiful green oasis in the heart of industrial Silesia.
OFF is a way of life, one that flies in the face of current trends and stays
true to itself, and the ethos of organiser Artur Rojek is firmly aimed at
supporting art and music with the festival bringing many acts to Poland for the
first time. OFF Festival’s reputation is growing year on year driven by the
festivals forward–thinking, eclectic music policy and it’s bold and eclectic
lineups. From the greatest alternative music stars from around the world to the
increasingly strong Polish scene, OFF festival has inspiring music in abundance
and the organisers and crowd have one serious finger on the pulse when it comes
to music. As well as discovering new music festival goers can also discover the
city of Katowice with plenty of art and culture to soak up and a huge choice of
bars and restaurants to delve into.
Line Up: Oxbow, Bishop Nehru, King Ayisoba, Jacques Greene,
Turbonegro, Aldous Harding, Big Freedia, Egyptian Lover, Grizzly Bear, Marlon
Williams, John Maus, CYHSY, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Jon Hopkins Live,
Hańba!, Furia, the Como Mamas, Coals , Moses Sumney and more.
OFF Festival takes place from 3-5 August 2018. More info available at off-festival.pl
PARTY WITH THE DUTCH
AT THE LEGENDARY LOWLANDS FESTIVAL IN THE NETHERLANDS
Get ready for A Campingflight to Lowlands Paradise 2018. Taking place next to
the Walib Fairgrounds, Biddinghuizen Lowlands features some of the biggest
headliners, impressive installations including the new iconic armadillo food
and drink area, plus unique covers for every stage so you can enjoy all the
music rain or shine. Just over an hours drive from Amsterdam you can easily mix
your festival trip with a few days city break in Amsterdam. As well as all the
amazing artists, Lowlands has so many others things to do from enjoying a soak
in the hot tubs, to taking part in science experiments! The festival has also
been shortlisted for several awards in the European Festival Awards including
‘Best Major Festival’ and ‘Best Line Up’, Tickets include festival entry,
camping + shuttle bus from / to railway station or Dronten Lelystad. Save the
date now!
Line Up: Gorillaz, Kendrick Lamar, The War On Drugs, Dua Lipa, Bonobo, Dropkick Murphys, Fatima Yamaha, Gavin James, Grizzly Bear, Rag‘n’Bone
Man, Spinvis, Stormzy, Bicep (live), BROCKHAMPTON, David August, Floating
Points (solo live), Ho99o9, Joost, Jordan Rakei, Lauv, Little Simz,
Protomartyr, Rhye, $uicideboy$, Zeal & Ardor
Lowlands takes place from 17 - 19 August 2018. More info available at lowlands.nl
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN
ELECTRONIC MUSIC CULTURE AT THE AMSTERDAM DANCE EVENT
Amsterdam’s thriving club and nightlife scene is well documented and for 5 days
a year the city becomes the centre of the electronic music world as over
395,000 visitors flock to the city for the Amsterdam Dance Event. The ultimate
music festival for fans of electronic music features more than 2,500
international artists performing in more than 100 of Amsterdam’s most
celebrated venues including Melkweg, Gashouder, Claire, Shelter, Paradiso, the
NDSM Docklands and De School. In addition to the extensive line-up of the ADE
Festival, the ADE Conference also offers music enthusiasts and artists a large
and varied day program featuring a wealth of dance music-related seminars,
artist Q&A’s exhibitions, films, documentaries, DJ showcases and gear
master classes, taking place across Amsterdam’s five main districts, utilising
historical locations and unique venues across the city.
Line Up: To be announced soon
ADE takes place from 17-21 October 2018. More info available at amsterdam-dance-event.nl
DANCE ON THE BEACH AT
SEA DANCE FESTIVAL IN MONTENEGRO
Award winning Sea Dance festival gathers party people from all over the world
to dance together on the beautiful beach in Budva, Montenegro. Voted best
European medium-sized festival, Sea Dance has proven much within just three
short years. With a stunning beach location and impressive line up of more than
100 hottest international music stars. Sea Dance is one of Europe’s hottest
summer destinations. Recently listed by Skyscanner as the number 1 cheapest
holiday destination this country is well worth checking out. Montenegro has
towering mountains perfect for hiking and mountain biking as well as some of
the world’s best unspoiled beaches on the Adriatic Sea. And if that wasn’t
enough Montenegro featured in the James Bond Film Casino Royale and if it’s
good enough for Bond, it’s good enough for us!
Line Up: To be announced soon.
Sea Dance dates will be announced soon. More info available at seadancefestival.me
Thanks to Nikki & Global PR for this amazing article! Start planing now of the festivals that you can not afford to miss in 2018!