Summer is the perfect time when it comes to outdoor festivals. In South Europe, with countries such as Spain, France or Italy heading the list, there are lots and all of them are iconic in their own way. Is it the dreamy landscapes, the vibe of the people, or the selected line ups that take you on a whole other journey? You’ll have to go and see it for yourself!
Read top picks of best music festivals in South Europe this summer.
FRANCE
Poney Club (Toulouse, June 19 – August 31)
Toulouse is gearing up for a (very) busy summer. Poney Club has just unveiled its complete summer lineup, leaving many astonished with a festival every week. From June 19th to August 31st, La Ville Rose will shine brighter than ever with the world’s best electronic figures.
Among its dozens of headliners, we find truly exclusive performances starting with the beloved mouse of the scene, deadmau5. Following in the line of legends, between late June and early July, artists like Meute, Faithless, or The Blaze will grace Poney’s stages. The arrival of Tchami x Malaa in the south of France is also noteworthy, as well as the presence of respected techno names like Deborah de Luca or I Hate Models.
But if we talk about the true game changer of Poney this season, it’s the takeovers that will be taking over the booth with brands like elrow, Brunch Electronik, and Defected Records. Will you join the most coveted electronic adventure in France?
Bricks (Toulouse, July 5-6)
Southern France transforms into an electronic paradise every summer when Bricks arrives. From July 5th to 6th, Parc de la Mounède in Toulouse will welcome some of the most relevant figures of the current scene. With Adam Beyer, head honcho of Drumcode, Folamour, and melodic maestro Boris Brejcha as headliners, Bricks is making a notable mark.
But Bricks goes beyond and has prepared a lineup that brings together protagonists of the local and international scene through a wide range of genres. Among its guest DJs, we find powerful names like N-Vitral or Lil Texas, Ann Clue, or Bart Skils. Keep an eye out for their afterparties in legendary venues around the city like Rex or Bikini.
Family Piknik (Montpellier, August 2-4)
Since its inception in 2012, Family Piknik has captivated a global audience, attracting more followers with each edition. The event, conceived by Tom Pooks, defies entertainment boundaries becoming a cultural meeting point where diverse generations converge to the beat of electronic music, merging the underground with the familiar.
With pink flamingos as its emblem, the presentation of its next edition has left no one indifferent. From August 2nd to 4th, the festival will host up to 50 artists across three stages at Espace Lucien Jean de Frontignan in an XXL open-air format. The lineup will live up to its worldwide reputation, featuring titans of melodic and techno such as Sven Väth, Anfisa Letyago, Reinier Zonneveld, or Camelphat. Variety and quality are the hallmarks.
Pe:rsona (Bourgogne, July 25-28)
This festival is a great example of the fact that less is more. Small formats have the same – or even better – charm as large-scale events, and pecan show you how. In southern Burgundy, at Domaine des Éveils de Bruailles, pe:rsona will unleash its magic from July 25th to 28th. Over four days and four nights, this summer iteration of the Positive Education festival is the perfect gathering for those seeking free and fresh rhythms. With an iconic estate as its backdrop and the forest as its witness, this boutique festival features underground visionaries like upsammy, A Strange Wedding, or livwutang.
ITALY
Mood Festival (Tolentino, August 9-10)
Since 2015, Mood Festival has merged the best of electronic music, art, and history in an unprecedented location. Why? Because Mood takes place at the Castello della Rancia in Tolentino, a historic castle in the Marche region that has become the emblem of the event. The boutique festival will celebrate its tenth anniversary between August 9th and 10th with one of its most coveted lineups with techno legend Marcel Dettman at the helm. He will be joined by homegrown gems like the Eternal Love duo, Matisa, or Riccardo Prosperi. Join the mood!
Limbo (Barga, July 5-7)
Italian Tuscany, a jewel on the world stage. A natural paradise that spreads magic to all who visit it and home to LIMBO Festival, one of the most eclectic boutique concepts in Italy. From July 5th to 7th at Il Ciocco Estate in Garfagnana, the festival will once again unite a few lucky souls for a superior experience. Since 2021, LIMBO Festival combines the essence of multiple worlds with journeys full of music, nature, outdoor activities – such as walks with alpacas – and gastronomy in the mountains of Barga (Lucca). The 2024 edition will feature artists like Lee Burridge, Mano Le Tough, Cormac, and many more!
MAST (Scicli, August 1-8 + 9-10)
MAST is a totally immersive experience within Scicli. Artistic and musical research are the tools to embark on this journey where sustainability and relationship with the territory are core values that make MAST a unique moment of sharing between individuals and the community. The event is one of the true underground gems of the country, with music, territory, sustainability, and territory as the foundation (MAST). Its next edition, called DESERTO, will feature DJ sets and lives from artists like KURA, Touf, or Real Timpani.
Dancity (Foligno, June 21-24)
Dancity is an international festival of music and electronic culture, organized by the cultural association of the same name, held in Umbria since 2006. The festival is based on research and experimentation and the combination of innovation and tradition, hosting international artists, young talents, own productions, and world premieres in evocative locations. Its 19th edition will take place from June 21st to 24th in Montefalco (PG), in the farms of Scacciadiavoli and Raína, and among the selected acts that will set the rhythm, we find names like JakoJako, AADJA, or John Talabot.
SPAIN
DELIRIUM (Girona, August 11)
A unique universe where people enter another dimension, enjoy, and let themselves be carried away by freedom. That has been the driving force behind Delirium since its inception. With the aim of differentiating itself and going further, the promoter has already made its mark with its first proposals for 2024. Ans with a qualitative and quantitative leap that will set a precedent in its trajectory. As the starting shot for 2024, the promoter made a grand visit to Parc Art, with none other than Sven Väth leading its lineup.
But Delirium is aiming for more this summer season, and on August 11th, it returns to Mas Sorrer – its headquarters par excellence – for a new edition full of novelties. While their headliners are still a mystery, the quality of their lineups precedes them, so you can expect big names among their confirmed artists.
PARAL-LEL (Port del Comte, August 9-11)
A unique musical selection in an exceptional natural setting, surrounded by an intimate community. Paral-lel is one of those festivals you attend once and are marked for life. Hosted in the mountains of Port del Comte, this multidisciplinary experience is already on its seventh edition between August 9th and 11th. With an underground program that explores experimentation, ambient, and techno, Paral-lel is much more than an electronic festival by promoting an entire cultural ecosystem through workshops and seminars. To achieve this, they encourage initiatives like Paral·lel Plus+, where professionals are invited to talk about their projects within the festival.
*Bonus track: GREECE
PHAEX (Corfu Island, August 1-4)
Seeking a different festival destination? PHAEX is your ultimate plan! On the island of Corfu, Greece, this multi-location festival will showcase the world’s best DJs across the island from August 1st to 4th. Boat parties, outdoor events, beach parties, club events – PHAEX surprises you every day with something new. Techno, hard, techno, micro house… PHAEX has opted for diverse yet fitting genres. The event has chosen names like Adiel, the freshness of DJ Gigola, Chris Liebing, or Parfait to provide you with the finest musical experiences. The island of the Phaeacians awaits you!
Find your perfect getaway for the summer season!
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