2018 Summer Music Festivals in Europe Near ISA Study Abroad Cities

By Kaitlyn Webster, Marketing Associate

Your summer abroad wouldn’t be complete without checking out a local summer music festival! Imagine seeing your favorite bands perform in an ISA Study Abroad location. Just think of the photos you could post and the fun you will have at an international music festival, especially if you’re missing the summer concerts back home. Whether you’re into alt-rock or are a huge EDM fan, there’s a summer music festival out there for you. Here are seven 2018 summer music festivals near ISA’s European study abroad locations you need to check out.

TRNSMT (Glasgow, Scotland)

On an ordinary weekend, Glasgow Green is a peaceful 15th-century park located in the middle of the city, but for two weekends in the summer, it’s transformed into booming festival grounds. TRNSMT replaced T in the Park — Scotland’s famous music festival — last year and hasn’t looked back since. This year, headliners include Stereophonics, Liam Gallagher, and the Arctic Monkeys on the weekend of June 29 – July 1, then Queen + Adam Lambert and The Killers close out the festival during its second weekend, July 6 & July 8. This brand new festival is expected to draw thousands of music fans from all over the world, so don’t miss out!

Mad Cool Festival (Madrid, Spain)

Not even 3-years-old and already Madrid’s Mad Cool Festival is becoming one of Europe’s most popular summer music festivals. Past years have included all-star lineups of The Who, Foo Fighters, and Green Day. This year, on July 12-14, Depeche Mode, Pearl Jam, Jack White, Arctic Monkeys, and Queens of the Stone Age will be headlining, with opening acts that include Dua Lipa, Odesza, and more. If you’re studying abroad with ISA in Madrid, be sure to check out this up and coming festival.

Colours of Ostrava (Ostrava, Czech Republic)

It’s no exaggeration to say that the Colours of Ostrava is the biggest music festival in the Czech Republic and one of the biggest music events in all of Central Europe. Located in the city of Ostrava, near the Polish border, this international music festival is worth the drive. If you’re an ISA student studying abroad in Prague, this is the summer music festival you’ve been waiting for! Artists such as N.E.R.D, Jessie J, and Kaleo will play on over 21 stages, covering all types of musical genres, so there is truly something for everyone. This 4-day festival is selling out fast, so get your tickets ASAP. Concert dates are July 18 – 21.

Tomorrowland (Boom, Belgium)

You can’t have a roundup of European summer music festivals without mentioning Tomorrowland, the biggest EDM festival on the planet. This electronic music festival is more than just a concert, it’s a spectacle — complete with fireworks, unrivaled production design, and some of the best DJ’s in the world. No matter what kind of EDM you prefer, Tomorrowland’s got you covered. For two weekends in July (July 20-22 and 27-29), 15 stages will be played by artists like David Guetta, Steve Angello, and Axwell. Even if you’re not studying abroad with ISA in Belgium, this world famous festival is well worth the drive/flight/train ride from neighboring countries.

Lollapalooza (Paris, France)

Did you know that Lollapalooza exists outside the greater Chicago area? In fact, there have been Lollapaloozas in seven different countries around the world. This summer, Paris will be hosting the event on the weekend of July 21-22 with performances by everyone from The Killers to Diplo to Bastille. This 2-day event is sure to be epic, so be sure to get your tickets before they sell out!

Reading & Leeds Festivals (Reading & Leeds, UK)

Three days, two cities, and over 200 artists are set to perform at the historic Reading & Leeds Festival over the August Bank Holiday (August 24-26, 2018). Fall Out Boy, Travis Scott, Kendrick Lamar, Panic! At the Disco, and Kings of Leon will be making the rounds as they headline both concerts in Reading and Leeds — on the same weekend! If you’re studying abroad with ISA in Reading, this concert is right in your backyard. With so many bands, there’s sure to be something for you and all your friends, no matter how varied your tastes in music might be.

Lollapalooza (Berlin, Germany)

Another city, another fantastic lineup at Lollapalooza. Closing out the summer festival season is Berlin’s Lollapalooza with headliners The Weeknd, Kraftwerk 3D, and Imagine Dragons. This 2-day event takes place September 9 – 10 with over 50 artists set to perform at Germany’s ultimate event location: Olympiastadion & Olympiapark in Berlin. Tickets are on sale now, and 1-day passes are still available (but not for long).