Photo by Kelly SwiftPRIMAVERA
May 22-26, Barcelona, Spain; May 30- June 1, Porto, Portugal
Primavera has put on one of Europe's most irresistible sangria-fueled festivals for more than a decade now, combining balmy Mediterranean climate with an invariably enticing line-up. It became a twofold operation last year, with the original still kicking off in Barcelona at the end of May while a slightly pared-down version takes place in Porto the week after. Some highlights on the poster include Wu-Tang Clan, Solange, Fucked Up, Bob Mould, Daphni, Death Grips and Animal Collective for the Spanish edition, while the Portuguese get both Daniel Johnston and Do Make Say Think. Get all info and ticket prices here.
May 22-26, Barcelona, Spain; May 30- June 1, Porto, Portugal
Primavera has put on one of Europe's most irresistible sangria-fueled festivals for more than a decade now, combining balmy Mediterranean climate with an invariably enticing line-up. It became a twofold operation last year, with the original still kicking off in Barcelona at the end of May while a slightly pared-down version takes place in Porto the week after. Some highlights on the poster include Wu-Tang Clan, Solange, Fucked Up, Bob Mould, Daphni, Death Grips and Animal Collective for the Spanish edition, while the Portuguese get both Daniel Johnston and Do Make Say Think. Get all info and ticket prices here.
Annons
KNARRHOLMEN
May 24-25, Knarrholmen, Gothenburg, Sweden
I can't imagine a better way to begin the festival season than in the Gothenburg archipelago to the sounds of El Perro del Mar and Young Galaxy. You might think that these are the words of someone fast approaching her thirties, but I can assure you this only has to do with the fact that I love pop music and I love the Swedish west coast. Listening to indie-pop on an island reminds me of my teenage years when I was too young to attend festivals without being accompanied by my parents. The only thing missing from this complete nostalgia experience is that I now know how to drink without vomiting all over my temporary lover's Cheap Monday jeans. Tickets from €95, and all info here.COPENHAGEN DISTORTION
May 29-June 2, Copenhagen, Denmark
Distortion offers an unparalleled opportunity to ogle scores of depressingly attractive and stylish Danes, who all gather in the capital for this five-day, multi-venue block party. Praised for its impressive line-ups and free daytime gigs, Distortion have carved out a unique slice of festival madness for themselves, which they keep serving up in ever more imaginative ways. Among the highlights this year are legendary disco/garage/house pioneer DJ Harvey, London's Erol Alkan, touring nomad Omar Souleyman, Norwegian fjord-disco prodigy Todd Terje, Dutch techno-weirdo San Proper, and Stones Throw's awesome journalist-cum-singer-songwriter Anika. Find all info on wristbands and line-up here.
May 24-25, Knarrholmen, Gothenburg, Sweden
I can't imagine a better way to begin the festival season than in the Gothenburg archipelago to the sounds of El Perro del Mar and Young Galaxy. You might think that these are the words of someone fast approaching her thirties, but I can assure you this only has to do with the fact that I love pop music and I love the Swedish west coast. Listening to indie-pop on an island reminds me of my teenage years when I was too young to attend festivals without being accompanied by my parents. The only thing missing from this complete nostalgia experience is that I now know how to drink without vomiting all over my temporary lover's Cheap Monday jeans. Tickets from €95, and all info here.COPENHAGEN DISTORTION
May 29-June 2, Copenhagen, Denmark
Distortion offers an unparalleled opportunity to ogle scores of depressingly attractive and stylish Danes, who all gather in the capital for this five-day, multi-venue block party. Praised for its impressive line-ups and free daytime gigs, Distortion have carved out a unique slice of festival madness for themselves, which they keep serving up in ever more imaginative ways. Among the highlights this year are legendary disco/garage/house pioneer DJ Harvey, London's Erol Alkan, touring nomad Omar Souleyman, Norwegian fjord-disco prodigy Todd Terje, Dutch techno-weirdo San Proper, and Stones Throw's awesome journalist-cum-singer-songwriter Anika. Find all info on wristbands and line-up here.
Annons
Photo by Femi FrykbergDANS DAKAR
June 1, Stockholm, Sweden
Sometimes you just really want to get it on with someone you never have to see again, and you know what the perfect place for that is? You got it, at a one-day festival. There really is no better place to take advantage of other sweaty, desperate, mediocre-looking people than at an outdoor electro-house event. The dim lighting and blinding strobe lights will make your face virtually unrecognisable, already making your chances exponentially better than usual. Another bonus is that Dans Dakar have an age limit of 18 so you don't have to worry about accidental statutory rape. In the odd event that you strike out all together on the sexy side of things, Prodigy, Gesaffelstein, Justice and Hudson Mohawke are some of the headliners on hand to ease the blow. Seriously though, if you can't get some here, you might as well donate your genitals to medical research. Tickets are €65, all info here.SWEDEN ROCK FESTIVAL
June 5-8, Sölvesborg, Sweden
I once went to Sweden Rock Festival because I was young and I thought that Judas Priest and Accept were cool bands. Then I bumped into my best friend's mum and ended up sleeping in her rented cabin, which was nice, except that I missed out on Europe's comeback, which was the main reason I went there in the first place. Don't get me wrong here, it's nice that people embrace the 80s, because it was pretty interesting to be a teenager at that time, I've been told. So if you, like me, missed out on Europe's comeback ten years ago, here's another chance to sing along to "The Final Countdown". PS I still like the Priest. Tickets are €290, and all info here.
June 1, Stockholm, Sweden
Sometimes you just really want to get it on with someone you never have to see again, and you know what the perfect place for that is? You got it, at a one-day festival. There really is no better place to take advantage of other sweaty, desperate, mediocre-looking people than at an outdoor electro-house event. The dim lighting and blinding strobe lights will make your face virtually unrecognisable, already making your chances exponentially better than usual. Another bonus is that Dans Dakar have an age limit of 18 so you don't have to worry about accidental statutory rape. In the odd event that you strike out all together on the sexy side of things, Prodigy, Gesaffelstein, Justice and Hudson Mohawke are some of the headliners on hand to ease the blow. Seriously though, if you can't get some here, you might as well donate your genitals to medical research. Tickets are €65, all info here.SWEDEN ROCK FESTIVAL
June 5-8, Sölvesborg, Sweden
I once went to Sweden Rock Festival because I was young and I thought that Judas Priest and Accept were cool bands. Then I bumped into my best friend's mum and ended up sleeping in her rented cabin, which was nice, except that I missed out on Europe's comeback, which was the main reason I went there in the first place. Don't get me wrong here, it's nice that people embrace the 80s, because it was pretty interesting to be a teenager at that time, I've been told. So if you, like me, missed out on Europe's comeback ten years ago, here's another chance to sing along to "The Final Countdown". PS I still like the Priest. Tickets are €290, and all info here.
Annons
BERGENFEST
June 12-15, Bergen , Norway
So apparently it's like this: every time someone from Bergen farts out a bar of music, it's referred to as a "Bergen Wave". Now, we're not saying that Norwegians dig the smell of their own farts, that would be rude. Instead, maybe you should go listen and see for yourself, then report back from the horses ass, ermm… mouth, on whether there actually is a Bergen Wave Vol. 23 (at least) unfolding that we should know about. If not, you can always enjoy ex-The Czars frontman John Grant doing his thing. Tickets from €80, and all info here.
June 12-15, Bergen , Norway
So apparently it's like this: every time someone from Bergen farts out a bar of music, it's referred to as a "Bergen Wave". Now, we're not saying that Norwegians dig the smell of their own farts, that would be rude. Instead, maybe you should go listen and see for yourself, then report back from the horses ass, ermm… mouth, on whether there actually is a Bergen Wave Vol. 23 (at least) unfolding that we should know about. If not, you can always enjoy ex-The Czars frontman John Grant doing his thing. Tickets from €80, and all info here.
Photo by Femi FrykbergHULTSFRED
June 13-15, Stoxa, Sweden
Similar to some old rock star junkie, Sweden's most notorious festival has wandered down some rough paths in recent years. First it was announced that it had gone bankrupt, which transformed the party into a wake-styled function as it was supposedly the last Hultsfred ever. Then followed a period of complete non-existence. Last year however, Hultsfred was resurrected like some Jesus figure, thanks to the Germans (it's a long story), and this summer the festival is moving to Stoxa, a golf court outside of Stockholm some 360 kilometres north of its hometown. Fatboy Slim, Portishead, Flaming Lips and a butt-load of Nordic talent will help you forget where you are, before the inevitable re-enactments of the Donnie Darko golf-course scene reminds you. Three-day festival passes from €170, and all info here.
June 13-15, Stoxa, Sweden
Similar to some old rock star junkie, Sweden's most notorious festival has wandered down some rough paths in recent years. First it was announced that it had gone bankrupt, which transformed the party into a wake-styled function as it was supposedly the last Hultsfred ever. Then followed a period of complete non-existence. Last year however, Hultsfred was resurrected like some Jesus figure, thanks to the Germans (it's a long story), and this summer the festival is moving to Stoxa, a golf court outside of Stockholm some 360 kilometres north of its hometown. Fatboy Slim, Portishead, Flaming Lips and a butt-load of Nordic talent will help you forget where you are, before the inevitable re-enactments of the Donnie Darko golf-course scene reminds you. Three-day festival passes from €170, and all info here.
Annons
SÓNAR
June 13-15, Barcelona, Spain
There are, as per usual, such an overwhelming amount of exciting names on the Sónar line-up that it hurts my buzzing, electro-loving noggin just thinking about how many gigs I'm bound to miss. Regardless of how guiltlessly you are able to elbow your way through dense crowds at the expense of less fervent and egotistical festival-goers, you just can't see them all. Justice, Kraftwerk, Ed Banger 10, Richie Hawtin, Major Lazer, Dinos Chapman, Raime, Chromatics, Lindstrøm and Todd Terje–the list goes on and on. You can keep Skrillex, though. A SonarPass will cost you €175, and all info here.COPENHELL
June 14-15, Refshaleoen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhell have their own festival mascot, which is a "traditionally evil" image that represents the spirit of metal. This year's piece looks like a dead version of Björk when she wore that swan dress to the Oscars. Either way, the spirit of metal lives on at Refshaleøen, as Copenhell cranks out a nice boutique-styled line-up with King Diamond, Danzig and Ghost looking really solid at top of the bill. It may only be a two-day festival, but it's close enough to the city centre for you to fly in a day early and make it a long weekend, yet amply far and out of the way to facilitate some fucked up slumber parties in the campgrounds.Tickets from €100, and all info here.
June 13-15, Barcelona, Spain
There are, as per usual, such an overwhelming amount of exciting names on the Sónar line-up that it hurts my buzzing, electro-loving noggin just thinking about how many gigs I'm bound to miss. Regardless of how guiltlessly you are able to elbow your way through dense crowds at the expense of less fervent and egotistical festival-goers, you just can't see them all. Justice, Kraftwerk, Ed Banger 10, Richie Hawtin, Major Lazer, Dinos Chapman, Raime, Chromatics, Lindstrøm and Todd Terje–the list goes on and on. You can keep Skrillex, though. A SonarPass will cost you €175, and all info here.COPENHELL
June 14-15, Refshaleoen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhell have their own festival mascot, which is a "traditionally evil" image that represents the spirit of metal. This year's piece looks like a dead version of Björk when she wore that swan dress to the Oscars. Either way, the spirit of metal lives on at Refshaleøen, as Copenhell cranks out a nice boutique-styled line-up with King Diamond, Danzig and Ghost looking really solid at top of the bill. It may only be a two-day festival, but it's close enough to the city centre for you to fly in a day early and make it a long weekend, yet amply far and out of the way to facilitate some fucked up slumber parties in the campgrounds.Tickets from €100, and all info here.
Photo by Christian BelgauxPROVINSSIROCK
June 14-16, Seinäjoki, Finland
Did you ever wonder what it would be like to go and get drunk in a field in 1995? Well folks, this is your chance. Throw a trio like Bad Religion, Children of Bodom and Turbonegro into the mix and it will take more than saggy tattoos and skullets to remind you of the present, which is highly overrated anyway. But Finland's Provinssirock isn't all about transporting you back in time, it's also packed with newer Finnish metal bands you've never heard of and they've even added an electronic stage, for that full-circle, festival experience. Tickets are €120 for the weekend, and all info here.
June 14-16, Seinäjoki, Finland
Did you ever wonder what it would be like to go and get drunk in a field in 1995? Well folks, this is your chance. Throw a trio like Bad Religion, Children of Bodom and Turbonegro into the mix and it will take more than saggy tattoos and skullets to remind you of the present, which is highly overrated anyway. But Finland's Provinssirock isn't all about transporting you back in time, it's also packed with newer Finnish metal bands you've never heard of and they've even added an electronic stage, for that full-circle, festival experience. Tickets are €120 for the weekend, and all info here.
Annons
NORTHSIDE
June 14-16, Ådalen, Aarhus, Denmark
Considering that this year only marks its fourth birthday, the good people of Northside clearly slept with the right people, given its impressive roster of indie rock bands, ranging from Band of Horses via the Flaming Lips and all the way to Portishead. You can expect to see a lot of adults toting babies with those protective earphones on, and devoted teen couples taking selfies in the outdoor photo booth. Northside isn't the place to go tits-out and get blackout drunk in the daytime, but it's a great festival if you genuinely want to listen to popular alternative music, without some dumbass writhing about in front of you while getting his sweaty pits on your clothes. There still aren't any camping facilities set up, so keep your libidos in check. No one enjoys seeing insignificant people having public sex. Least of all your mum on Youtube. Tickets from €185, and all info here.GLASTONBURY
June 26-30, Worthy Farm, United Kingdom
After a year's break, elicited by some minor London sports event last summer and its subsequent shortage of portaloos, the drunken uncle of all European festivals returns to Worthy Farm in June. In order to work out which artists are performing at Glastonbury in any given year, you just take the head-, mid- and bottomliners of every other European festival, add a few major exclusives (this year: The Rolling Stones and Mumford and Sons) and smack them all onto one heady, all-around poster. Tickets sold out within hours of being dropped, but you can read all about what you'll be missing here.
June 14-16, Ådalen, Aarhus, Denmark
Considering that this year only marks its fourth birthday, the good people of Northside clearly slept with the right people, given its impressive roster of indie rock bands, ranging from Band of Horses via the Flaming Lips and all the way to Portishead. You can expect to see a lot of adults toting babies with those protective earphones on, and devoted teen couples taking selfies in the outdoor photo booth. Northside isn't the place to go tits-out and get blackout drunk in the daytime, but it's a great festival if you genuinely want to listen to popular alternative music, without some dumbass writhing about in front of you while getting his sweaty pits on your clothes. There still aren't any camping facilities set up, so keep your libidos in check. No one enjoys seeing insignificant people having public sex. Least of all your mum on Youtube. Tickets from €185, and all info here.GLASTONBURY
June 26-30, Worthy Farm, United Kingdom
After a year's break, elicited by some minor London sports event last summer and its subsequent shortage of portaloos, the drunken uncle of all European festivals returns to Worthy Farm in June. In order to work out which artists are performing at Glastonbury in any given year, you just take the head-, mid- and bottomliners of every other European festival, add a few major exclusives (this year: The Rolling Stones and Mumford and Sons) and smack them all onto one heady, all-around poster. Tickets sold out within hours of being dropped, but you can read all about what you'll be missing here.
Annons
Photo by Marissa MillsTUSKA OPEN AIR
June 28-30, Helsinki, Finland
Finnish metal heads always seem to go balls deep when it comes to their music. Tuska, which translates to 'pain' or 'agony', is the biggest metal-only festival in the Nordics. I'm guessing the name stems from the way it feels to get elbowed in the face by thousands of metal-hungry Vikings, air-fisting their way to the sounds of Testament and Bolt Thrower. The festival takes place in the concrete pen of Kaisaniemi Park, right smack in the middle of Helsinki and to up the ante, this year, Tuska promises more after parties, featuring nuggets like Kickback and Marky Ramone with Andrew W.K. (take it from us, he knows how to party). Tickets are €120 for the weekend, and all info here.ROSKILDE
June 29-July 7, Roskilde, Denmark
Ah yes, the gravel pit that keeps on giving is back with an impressive roster of musical splendour for your perched ears. We're talking Kraftwerk, Animal Collective, Henry Rollins and Joey Bada$$ to name a few random plums, so it's a fairly inclusive ordeal. It's not all roses though, and surely this year's festival will be teeming with malcontents moaning over the Rihanna-booking for example. If you experience that up close, remember, that nine out of ten times the warranted response in this situation is something to the tune of "Should I remove my fist from inside your throat, so you can focus on one of the gazillion other acts playing this year?" Other than that it's business as usual, meaning you pray it won't rain (too much) and that Rihanna isn't the actual reason they couldn't afford to book your favourite band, but let's face it, she probably is. Full festival tickets €265, and all info here.
June 28-30, Helsinki, Finland
Finnish metal heads always seem to go balls deep when it comes to their music. Tuska, which translates to 'pain' or 'agony', is the biggest metal-only festival in the Nordics. I'm guessing the name stems from the way it feels to get elbowed in the face by thousands of metal-hungry Vikings, air-fisting their way to the sounds of Testament and Bolt Thrower. The festival takes place in the concrete pen of Kaisaniemi Park, right smack in the middle of Helsinki and to up the ante, this year, Tuska promises more after parties, featuring nuggets like Kickback and Marky Ramone with Andrew W.K. (take it from us, he knows how to party). Tickets are €120 for the weekend, and all info here.ROSKILDE
June 29-July 7, Roskilde, Denmark
Ah yes, the gravel pit that keeps on giving is back with an impressive roster of musical splendour for your perched ears. We're talking Kraftwerk, Animal Collective, Henry Rollins and Joey Bada$$ to name a few random plums, so it's a fairly inclusive ordeal. It's not all roses though, and surely this year's festival will be teeming with malcontents moaning over the Rihanna-booking for example. If you experience that up close, remember, that nine out of ten times the warranted response in this situation is something to the tune of "Should I remove my fist from inside your throat, so you can focus on one of the gazillion other acts playing this year?" Other than that it's business as usual, meaning you pray it won't rain (too much) and that Rihanna isn't the actual reason they couldn't afford to book your favourite band, but let's face it, she probably is. Full festival tickets €265, and all info here.
Annons
HOVE
July 2-5, Tromøya, Norway
Norway's biggest festival Hove has nothing to do with the rapper, but nonetheless offers terrific hip-hop courtesy of A$AP, 2 Chainz and OFWGKTA. Frank Ocean will be there (fingers crossed he will last longer than the 15 minutes he spent at last year's Øya) and they've also scored Miguel – so that makes two out of three current R&B artists worth giving two shits about. There will be plenty of 2007-nostalgia on offer by way of Phoenix and Crystal Castles, and don't forget to check out some native favourites, like psychedelic crooner Carmen Villain or Bergen's breezy surf-pop outfit Hvitmalt Gjerde. Four-day passes are €350, and all info here.
July 2-5, Tromøya, Norway
Norway's biggest festival Hove has nothing to do with the rapper, but nonetheless offers terrific hip-hop courtesy of A$AP, 2 Chainz and OFWGKTA. Frank Ocean will be there (fingers crossed he will last longer than the 15 minutes he spent at last year's Øya) and they've also scored Miguel – so that makes two out of three current R&B artists worth giving two shits about. There will be plenty of 2007-nostalgia on offer by way of Phoenix and Crystal Castles, and don't forget to check out some native favourites, like psychedelic crooner Carmen Villain or Bergen's breezy surf-pop outfit Hvitmalt Gjerde. Four-day passes are €350, and all info here.
Photo by Femi FrykbergPUTTE I PARKEN
July 3-6, Mariebergsskogen, Karlstad, Sweden
I'm sure there are plenty of reasons to go here and if you're into fishing, then even more so, but for me it comes down to this: Propagandhi. This is their only Scandinavian festival show and I don't care what dirt-bike-riding-hockey-hair-sporting Swedish hillbilly I have to cock-punch to get to the front of that concert. See you there. Tickets from €85, and all info here.METALTOWN
July 4-6, Göteborg Galopp, Gothenburg, Sweden
Sometimes Gothenburg is a town Håkan Hellström sings about, which is all fine and dandy, but for a weekend of July it becomes a seaside metal-mecca catering exclusively to a clientele of people that are badass even if they know an awful lot about braiding facial hair. We're not sure how we feel toward that whole contemporary metal-moniker etymology, but this definitely looks like one of the best hard rock festivals out there, boasting acts like Motörhead, the Sword and local legends Graveyard. Heck, you can hardly read those names aloud without growing a denim vest and a pair of sunglasses. And when you get in that zone, who really cares if there's a band called the Devil Wears Prada playing? Let it roll off your back and keep those horn-signing fingers crossed that by some stroke of magic (black, of course) Danzig and Pentagram actually show up, both literally and figuratively. Three-day tickets are €235, and all info here.
July 3-6, Mariebergsskogen, Karlstad, Sweden
I'm sure there are plenty of reasons to go here and if you're into fishing, then even more so, but for me it comes down to this: Propagandhi. This is their only Scandinavian festival show and I don't care what dirt-bike-riding-hockey-hair-sporting Swedish hillbilly I have to cock-punch to get to the front of that concert. See you there. Tickets from €85, and all info here.METALTOWN
July 4-6, Göteborg Galopp, Gothenburg, Sweden
Sometimes Gothenburg is a town Håkan Hellström sings about, which is all fine and dandy, but for a weekend of July it becomes a seaside metal-mecca catering exclusively to a clientele of people that are badass even if they know an awful lot about braiding facial hair. We're not sure how we feel toward that whole contemporary metal-moniker etymology, but this definitely looks like one of the best hard rock festivals out there, boasting acts like Motörhead, the Sword and local legends Graveyard. Heck, you can hardly read those names aloud without growing a denim vest and a pair of sunglasses. And when you get in that zone, who really cares if there's a band called the Devil Wears Prada playing? Let it roll off your back and keep those horn-signing fingers crossed that by some stroke of magic (black, of course) Danzig and Pentagram actually show up, both literally and figuratively. Three-day tickets are €235, and all info here.
Annons
WWDIS SUMMER FEST
July 9-10, Färgfabriken, Stockholm, Pustervik and Trädgår'n, Gothenburg, Sweden
The good people of What We Do Is Secret have been setting up shows for half a decade and they always know what's up. Also, apart from being in the know, they do beautiful posters and this year they're even having a stab at a proper two-day festival, which –and get this – will be unfolding in both Stockholm and Gothenburg simultaneously. Blows your mind, right? Well, then the headliners should make your entire head explode. We're talking Death From Above 1979, Dead Skeletons, Moon Duo, White Fence. The list just goes on like that. We won't write all the names here, because if by chance some Pitchfork-employee reads it, the sheer immensity of the instant boner he will get will almost surely lead to massive coronary failure, and we just don't need that. Two-day tickets are €80, and all info here.
July 9-10, Färgfabriken, Stockholm, Pustervik and Trädgår'n, Gothenburg, Sweden
The good people of What We Do Is Secret have been setting up shows for half a decade and they always know what's up. Also, apart from being in the know, they do beautiful posters and this year they're even having a stab at a proper two-day festival, which –and get this – will be unfolding in both Stockholm and Gothenburg simultaneously. Blows your mind, right? Well, then the headliners should make your entire head explode. We're talking Death From Above 1979, Dead Skeletons, Moon Duo, White Fence. The list just goes on like that. We won't write all the names here, because if by chance some Pitchfork-employee reads it, the sheer immensity of the instant boner he will get will almost surely lead to massive coronary failure, and we just don't need that. Two-day tickets are €80, and all info here.
Photo by Henrik SaltzsteinTRÆNA
July 11-13, Træna, Norway
At the time of writing, there are five acts (none of which you are likely to have heard of if you live outside of Scandinavia) lined up for Træna, but somehow tickets sold out in March. We take this to mean that festival passes either include an eat-all-you-want buffet of hallucinogenics, or that its Arctic Circle location makes it spectacularly worthwhile. Set on an archipelago of islands 33 nautical miles off the northeast coast of Norway, Træna is known as the world's most remote festival (it takes almost 12 hours to get there from main land), so whether or not the line-up improves it would probably end up being the craziest festival you've ever experienced. Find out more here.
July 11-13, Træna, Norway
At the time of writing, there are five acts (none of which you are likely to have heard of if you live outside of Scandinavia) lined up for Træna, but somehow tickets sold out in March. We take this to mean that festival passes either include an eat-all-you-want buffet of hallucinogenics, or that its Arctic Circle location makes it spectacularly worthwhile. Set on an archipelago of islands 33 nautical miles off the northeast coast of Norway, Træna is known as the world's most remote festival (it takes almost 12 hours to get there from main land), so whether or not the line-up improves it would probably end up being the craziest festival you've ever experienced. Find out more here.
Annons
GAGNEF
July 12-13, Gagnef, Sweden
Almost everybody who have been to Gagnef claim that it is the best festival ever. Maybe it's because they lure in a pretty homogenous crowd. Or it could be due to the epic open-air parties that happen outside of the festival area in the after-hours. Tales are told of flower-covered trees woven together into tunnels leading to swaying field raves. We think that's it. If tree tunnels and night-turning-to-day-turning-to-night-again type raves are what get you going, go to Gagnef. But please spare us the stories about how amazing it was. Two-day festival passes from €115, and all info here.SLOTTSFJELL
July 18-20, Tønsberg, Norway
Slottsfjell is among Norway's smaller festivals, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in scenery. Situated in the historic town of Tønsberg, the festival sits atop a steep hill, giving guests a panoramic view of the site with rows of noxious portaloos and hoards of shitfaced Norwegians endlessly stretching into the pink horizon. The line-up this year includes Kendrick Lamar, The Wombats, Kaizers Orchestra, John Olav Nilsen & Gjengen, Tallest Man On Earth and, uhm, Dan Deacon. And if you've been dying to see Alt-J ever since they won the Mercury Prize last year then this is your chance, but please save us your attempts at convincing everyone you had already heard of them prior to that. Day tickets from €40, and all info here.
July 12-13, Gagnef, Sweden
Almost everybody who have been to Gagnef claim that it is the best festival ever. Maybe it's because they lure in a pretty homogenous crowd. Or it could be due to the epic open-air parties that happen outside of the festival area in the after-hours. Tales are told of flower-covered trees woven together into tunnels leading to swaying field raves. We think that's it. If tree tunnels and night-turning-to-day-turning-to-night-again type raves are what get you going, go to Gagnef. But please spare us the stories about how amazing it was. Two-day festival passes from €115, and all info here.SLOTTSFJELL
July 18-20, Tønsberg, Norway
Slottsfjell is among Norway's smaller festivals, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in scenery. Situated in the historic town of Tønsberg, the festival sits atop a steep hill, giving guests a panoramic view of the site with rows of noxious portaloos and hoards of shitfaced Norwegians endlessly stretching into the pink horizon. The line-up this year includes Kendrick Lamar, The Wombats, Kaizers Orchestra, John Olav Nilsen & Gjengen, Tallest Man On Earth and, uhm, Dan Deacon. And if you've been dying to see Alt-J ever since they won the Mercury Prize last year then this is your chance, but please save us your attempts at convincing everyone you had already heard of them prior to that. Day tickets from €40, and all info here.
Annons
Photo by Femi FrykbergHENRY'S DREAM
July 18-20, TBA, Denmark
This here is a bit of a punt, but we're also super curious about how this concoction will play out. So far a lot of really enticing acts have been unveiled, like Dead Skeletons, Animal Bodies and Holograms, but the real allure lies in all the calculated secrecy the organisers have spun, herein their refusal to reveal the venue. The idea is that you buy your ticket and await instructions and once you are part of the festival, you can't just leave and expect to be let back in. So there's a whole masonic edge to proceedings and the delightful ambitious nature of it really makes you wish it won't bomb. So, good luck and don't run out of beer. Tickets are €75, and all info here.EMMABODA
July 23-27, Emmaboda, Sweden
Of all Nordic festivals around, this indie-pop pearl of southern Sweden is probably the only place where you still risk bumping into that girl from your old high school who used to play around with razor blades on her wrists. She's been going to Emmaboda every single year since you last saw her ten years ago. She's pissed off that none of her teenage idols from Gothenburg's pop-scene – especially Broder Daniel – are booked this year. But you will tell her it's 2013 now, and that Birdy Nam Nam, Nordpolen and Simian Mobile Disco are nice to see, too. Before you know it you end up midnight raving to Extrawelt together and suddenly you start thinking that she's always been kind of cute and the pitch black excess eyeliner makes her eyes pop. Don't sweat it, dude, we've all been there. Just don't give her your home address. Tickets from €135, and all info here.
July 18-20, TBA, Denmark
This here is a bit of a punt, but we're also super curious about how this concoction will play out. So far a lot of really enticing acts have been unveiled, like Dead Skeletons, Animal Bodies and Holograms, but the real allure lies in all the calculated secrecy the organisers have spun, herein their refusal to reveal the venue. The idea is that you buy your ticket and await instructions and once you are part of the festival, you can't just leave and expect to be let back in. So there's a whole masonic edge to proceedings and the delightful ambitious nature of it really makes you wish it won't bomb. So, good luck and don't run out of beer. Tickets are €75, and all info here.EMMABODA
July 23-27, Emmaboda, Sweden
Of all Nordic festivals around, this indie-pop pearl of southern Sweden is probably the only place where you still risk bumping into that girl from your old high school who used to play around with razor blades on her wrists. She's been going to Emmaboda every single year since you last saw her ten years ago. She's pissed off that none of her teenage idols from Gothenburg's pop-scene – especially Broder Daniel – are booked this year. But you will tell her it's 2013 now, and that Birdy Nam Nam, Nordpolen and Simian Mobile Disco are nice to see, too. Before you know it you end up midnight raving to Extrawelt together and suddenly you start thinking that she's always been kind of cute and the pitch black excess eyeliner makes her eyes pop. Don't sweat it, dude, we've all been there. Just don't give her your home address. Tickets from €135, and all info here.
Annons
NORBERGSFESTIVALEN
July 25-27, Norberg, Sweden
We tend to rave on about spectacular lakeside settings, arctic sunsets and whatnot, but Norberg is above all that. Or below it, actually. It's set in a former industrial mine that has been filled to the brim with a weekend's worth of boutique, electronic pedigrees likes of EOD, Lee Gamble, Rrose and S100. We imagine the term bat-shit crazy could develop a whole new meaning, if you end up on the wrong side of a bad trip in an abandoned mine way out in some godforsaken Swedish wasteland. On the other hand, with a location like this, who needs drugs to feel spaced out? Tickets from €100, and all info here.
July 25-27, Norberg, Sweden
We tend to rave on about spectacular lakeside settings, arctic sunsets and whatnot, but Norberg is above all that. Or below it, actually. It's set in a former industrial mine that has been filled to the brim with a weekend's worth of boutique, electronic pedigrees likes of EOD, Lee Gamble, Rrose and S100. We imagine the term bat-shit crazy could develop a whole new meaning, if you end up on the wrong side of a bad trip in an abandoned mine way out in some godforsaken Swedish wasteland. On the other hand, with a location like this, who needs drugs to feel spaced out? Tickets from €100, and all info here.
Photo by Holly LucasSTOCKHOLM PRIDE
July 29- August 4, Östermalms IP, Stockholm, Sweden
When I think of Pride festivals, I imagine a sea of waxed bum holes, horse-sized papier maché labia and eye shadow that looks like it was applied with a paint roller. But alas there is much more to a Gay Pride celebration than the veneration of vees and pee-pees, but I'm sure you already knew that. Stockholm's Pride festival prides itself (see what I did there?) on the variety of cultural events that are held throughout the city, such as debates, seminars, workshops and exhibitions. In addition to promoting LGBT-rights and awareness, Stockholm's bars and clubs queer it up for the week, including crowning Mr. Gay Sweden. Scandinavia's largest Pride festival has moved to Östermalms IP this year in order to be closer to the city centre, but still features all the important stuff like plenty of food, drinks and a packed stage with bands you never heard of. Tickets from €75, and all info here.
July 29- August 4, Östermalms IP, Stockholm, Sweden
When I think of Pride festivals, I imagine a sea of waxed bum holes, horse-sized papier maché labia and eye shadow that looks like it was applied with a paint roller. But alas there is much more to a Gay Pride celebration than the veneration of vees and pee-pees, but I'm sure you already knew that. Stockholm's Pride festival prides itself (see what I did there?) on the variety of cultural events that are held throughout the city, such as debates, seminars, workshops and exhibitions. In addition to promoting LGBT-rights and awareness, Stockholm's bars and clubs queer it up for the week, including crowning Mr. Gay Sweden. Scandinavia's largest Pride festival has moved to Östermalms IP this year in order to be closer to the city centre, but still features all the important stuff like plenty of food, drinks and a packed stage with bands you never heard of. Tickets from €75, and all info here.
Annons
TRAILERPARK FESTIVAL
August 1-3, Copenhagen Skatepark, Denmark
ArtRebels' impressive reach on Copenhagen runs the gamut from art and music of the edgy sort filtered through handlebar moustaches and makeshift, ironic tattoos. And of course they also have a festival affixed to their bulging empire. This year the Trailerpark Festival has already announced critically acclaimed Danish names like CTM, Dinner and Unkwon and there's no reason to believe the full program shouldn't be a veritable feast of sub-mainstream pedigrees. It's their sixth year in the running and it's usually a great occasion to catch up with your friends for a mutual debriefing of the summer's events, i.e. what new tattoos have been acquired and which previously unknown cortado-sipping sunny spots have been uncovered. Three-day tickets are €60, and all info here.WACKEN OPEN AIR
August 1-3, Wacken, Germany
If you want to hit things with crazy metal heads in strange outfits and old orange Oakleys, embark on a journey to North-Germany. For 23 years running this festival veteran has made people bang in all ways humanly possible. And this summer you can do so while gazing upon the likes of Danzig, Deep Purple, Bob Wayne, Motörhead, Rammstein and Anthrax. Wacken sold out in just seven weeks but there's still a chance of getting passes through the festival's official travel partners, or why not buy an over-priced ticket from your middle aged uncle who just realised he had promised to take the kids so his ex-wife could go on a spa weekend-retreat with her new hubby. Find all info here.
August 1-3, Copenhagen Skatepark, Denmark
ArtRebels' impressive reach on Copenhagen runs the gamut from art and music of the edgy sort filtered through handlebar moustaches and makeshift, ironic tattoos. And of course they also have a festival affixed to their bulging empire. This year the Trailerpark Festival has already announced critically acclaimed Danish names like CTM, Dinner and Unkwon and there's no reason to believe the full program shouldn't be a veritable feast of sub-mainstream pedigrees. It's their sixth year in the running and it's usually a great occasion to catch up with your friends for a mutual debriefing of the summer's events, i.e. what new tattoos have been acquired and which previously unknown cortado-sipping sunny spots have been uncovered. Three-day tickets are €60, and all info here.WACKEN OPEN AIR
August 1-3, Wacken, Germany
If you want to hit things with crazy metal heads in strange outfits and old orange Oakleys, embark on a journey to North-Germany. For 23 years running this festival veteran has made people bang in all ways humanly possible. And this summer you can do so while gazing upon the likes of Danzig, Deep Purple, Bob Wayne, Motörhead, Rammstein and Anthrax. Wacken sold out in just seven weeks but there's still a chance of getting passes through the festival's official travel partners, or why not buy an over-priced ticket from your middle aged uncle who just realised he had promised to take the kids so his ex-wife could go on a spa weekend-retreat with her new hubby. Find all info here.
Annons
Photo by Holly LucasSAMSPEL
August 2-3, TBA, Sweden
We don't know much about this year's event (we don't even know if it can be referred to as an actual festival yet) other than that it will take place in Stockholm's beautiful archipelago. We do know that last year's magic at the Rosenhill Brewery outside of Stockholm was a success to say the least. As the festivities continued deep into the woods by the water to the sounds of techno, and the neighbouring farmers were excited and curious rather than pissed off, we can't wait to find out what will happen this summer. It will most likely be cheaper than a box of wine at Sweden's alcohol shops. However (nothing is perfect), as everything is very small and very secret, you should probably start making friends with the right people now for even the slightest chance to attend. Find some info here.SEJERØ FESTIVAL
August 2-3, Sejerø, Denmark
The organisers of Sejerø aren't interested in publicity so they asked us to refrain from writing about them. They want you to stay away, so stay away. Or, you know what? Go. But buy your ticket right away as there are only 450 tickets available for this intimate festival on the beautiful island of Sejerø. Last year Danish indie darlings Choir of Young Believers were headlining alongside boutique goodies like Excepter and Awesome Tapes From Africa and judging from the pictures the weather was lovely. As for this year, there is no full program available yet, but largely unsung experimental hero Robert Turman is a confirmed booking, so that might give you an idea of what to expect apart from the wrathful organisers shouting abuse at you for buying a ticket. Tickets are €40, and all info here.
August 2-3, TBA, Sweden
We don't know much about this year's event (we don't even know if it can be referred to as an actual festival yet) other than that it will take place in Stockholm's beautiful archipelago. We do know that last year's magic at the Rosenhill Brewery outside of Stockholm was a success to say the least. As the festivities continued deep into the woods by the water to the sounds of techno, and the neighbouring farmers were excited and curious rather than pissed off, we can't wait to find out what will happen this summer. It will most likely be cheaper than a box of wine at Sweden's alcohol shops. However (nothing is perfect), as everything is very small and very secret, you should probably start making friends with the right people now for even the slightest chance to attend. Find some info here.SEJERØ FESTIVAL
August 2-3, Sejerø, Denmark
The organisers of Sejerø aren't interested in publicity so they asked us to refrain from writing about them. They want you to stay away, so stay away. Or, you know what? Go. But buy your ticket right away as there are only 450 tickets available for this intimate festival on the beautiful island of Sejerø. Last year Danish indie darlings Choir of Young Believers were headlining alongside boutique goodies like Excepter and Awesome Tapes From Africa and judging from the pictures the weather was lovely. As for this year, there is no full program available yet, but largely unsung experimental hero Robert Turman is a confirmed booking, so that might give you an idea of what to expect apart from the wrathful organisers shouting abuse at you for buying a ticket. Tickets are €40, and all info here.
Annons
VANGUARD MUSIC FESTIVAL
August 2-3, Søndermarken, Copenhagen, Denmark
Vanguard caught us and everyone else completely off guard when they announced their emergence only minutes before our deadline. With acts like De La Soul and Wu-Tang Clan cherry-topping a further parade of Danish hip-hop pedigrees the profile is pretty clear cut. However, a few non-rapping artists like Håkan Hellström and Rodriguez have also been booked, in what is starting to look like an instant classic, mellow end-of-summer bash. Tickets from €115, and all info here.
August 2-3, Søndermarken, Copenhagen, Denmark
Vanguard caught us and everyone else completely off guard when they announced their emergence only minutes before our deadline. With acts like De La Soul and Wu-Tang Clan cherry-topping a further parade of Danish hip-hop pedigrees the profile is pretty clear cut. However, a few non-rapping artists like Håkan Hellström and Rodriguez have also been booked, in what is starting to look like an instant classic, mellow end-of-summer bash. Tickets from €115, and all info here.
Photo by Theo CottleOFF
August 2-4, Katowice, Poland
This is so cheap we won't even bother trying to hustle any press passes from them. Poland has become a real hub for affordable, yet smashing festival experiences. We haven't been able to confirm reports that it rains vodka and the streets are paved with kielbasa, but what we can tell you is that My Bloody Valentine, Jens Lekman and Merchandise can be heard along with a ton of other class acts at a price that will still allow you to get properly hammered on the ferry-ride home. Tickets from €35, and all info here.ØYA
August 6-10, The Medieval Park, Oslo, Norway
As long as you don't mind forking out a fortune for your organic veggie burger, it's likely you will come to regard Øya as one of Scandinavia's best festivals. A four-day event located in Middelalderparken – an idyllic green strip wedged in between Oslo's dodgy end and the concrete splendour of the E18 motorway – Øya offers a tempting day bill and an after-hours club program showcasing the city's nightlife at its very best. Big names this year include Ralph Hütter and three obedient robots posing as Kraftwerk, recently unearthed folk hero Rodriguez, Blur, Cat Power and Slayer. Passes sold out in March, but day tickets are still available. Tickets from €110 and all info here.WAY OUT WEST
August 8-10, Gothenburg, Sweden
By now, Way Out West has become an essential festival for Swedes. It goes a bit like this: You arrive in Gothenburg, check-in at some hotel, get drunk before arriving at the festival area, and then get pissed off because you missed the two acts you really wanted to see, because you ended up seeing even better acts (you'll thank yourself later). This year's line-up is – as always – really sharp, yet too immense for us to adequately play the name-dropping game. Heck, we'll give it a try anyway: The Knife, Neil Young, James Bake, Local Natives and Grimes for starters. As the festival is divided into three different sections, there's a comfort zone for everyone from that guy with the blog to your mum. Choose and mix between Slottsskogen, the main festival area and Stay Out West, where the most prominent Swedish clubs host awesome after parties. Three-day passes from €215, and all info here.
August 2-4, Katowice, Poland
This is so cheap we won't even bother trying to hustle any press passes from them. Poland has become a real hub for affordable, yet smashing festival experiences. We haven't been able to confirm reports that it rains vodka and the streets are paved with kielbasa, but what we can tell you is that My Bloody Valentine, Jens Lekman and Merchandise can be heard along with a ton of other class acts at a price that will still allow you to get properly hammered on the ferry-ride home. Tickets from €35, and all info here.ØYA
August 6-10, The Medieval Park, Oslo, Norway
As long as you don't mind forking out a fortune for your organic veggie burger, it's likely you will come to regard Øya as one of Scandinavia's best festivals. A four-day event located in Middelalderparken – an idyllic green strip wedged in between Oslo's dodgy end and the concrete splendour of the E18 motorway – Øya offers a tempting day bill and an after-hours club program showcasing the city's nightlife at its very best. Big names this year include Ralph Hütter and three obedient robots posing as Kraftwerk, recently unearthed folk hero Rodriguez, Blur, Cat Power and Slayer. Passes sold out in March, but day tickets are still available. Tickets from €110 and all info here.WAY OUT WEST
August 8-10, Gothenburg, Sweden
By now, Way Out West has become an essential festival for Swedes. It goes a bit like this: You arrive in Gothenburg, check-in at some hotel, get drunk before arriving at the festival area, and then get pissed off because you missed the two acts you really wanted to see, because you ended up seeing even better acts (you'll thank yourself later). This year's line-up is – as always – really sharp, yet too immense for us to adequately play the name-dropping game. Heck, we'll give it a try anyway: The Knife, Neil Young, James Bake, Local Natives and Grimes for starters. As the festival is divided into three different sections, there's a comfort zone for everyone from that guy with the blog to your mum. Choose and mix between Slottsskogen, the main festival area and Stay Out West, where the most prominent Swedish clubs host awesome after parties. Three-day passes from €215, and all info here.
Photo by Christian BelgauxSTRØM
August 12-18, Copenhagen, Denmark
This full-week electronica celebration could look like a watered down version of Copenhagen Distortion at first glance. But there's something about the timing of it and how you can casually drift in and out of workshops, intimate concerts and massive raves that gels really well with settling into the mundanity of post-summer life. In fact, after two months of constant hangovers you'll probably find the slightly high-brow nature of Strøm a blessing in disguise and there's an excellent chance that one of their concerts will be that one musical experience that sticks with you for the remainder of the year. So far Sherwood and Pinch, Ital Tek and Blawan, all from the UK, have been confirmed, but the roster should inflate soon enough. Ticket prices and all info will soon be available here.PSETERO
August 16-17, Trondheim, Norway
This bite-sized festival is a two-day affair with enough charm to make up for the fact that Trondheim's local dialect is notoriously grating to listen to. Set against the backdrop of the impressive Nidaros Cathedral, Pstereo welcomes international acts like The xx, Savages and Baauer, as well as Scandinavian favourites like Goat, Hanne Kolstø and Norway's winningly named rapper, Phil T. Rich. The opportunity to see Motorpsycho playing Blissard from start to finish makes for another compelling, sonic argument. Festival passes cost €130, and all info here.KILL-TOWN DEATH FEST
August 29 -September 1, Ungdomshuset, Copenhagen, Denmark
Known to be a "three-day celebration of death" Kill-Town is not for the faint hearted. Based on D.I.Y-principles, this exciting sophomore summons underground death metal bands from all over the globe and conjoin their dark forces in the outskirts of Copenhagen and on a vegan-only diet. With death metal being amply exercised in Scandinavia, most of the bands do tend to originate from the north, but underground legends Rottrevore and Blaspherian are confirmed for their first European shows ever. Tickets from €55, and more info is available at the Kill-Town Death Fest website (I love that name).
August 12-18, Copenhagen, Denmark
This full-week electronica celebration could look like a watered down version of Copenhagen Distortion at first glance. But there's something about the timing of it and how you can casually drift in and out of workshops, intimate concerts and massive raves that gels really well with settling into the mundanity of post-summer life. In fact, after two months of constant hangovers you'll probably find the slightly high-brow nature of Strøm a blessing in disguise and there's an excellent chance that one of their concerts will be that one musical experience that sticks with you for the remainder of the year. So far Sherwood and Pinch, Ital Tek and Blawan, all from the UK, have been confirmed, but the roster should inflate soon enough. Ticket prices and all info will soon be available here.PSETERO
August 16-17, Trondheim, Norway
This bite-sized festival is a two-day affair with enough charm to make up for the fact that Trondheim's local dialect is notoriously grating to listen to. Set against the backdrop of the impressive Nidaros Cathedral, Pstereo welcomes international acts like The xx, Savages and Baauer, as well as Scandinavian favourites like Goat, Hanne Kolstø and Norway's winningly named rapper, Phil T. Rich. The opportunity to see Motorpsycho playing Blissard from start to finish makes for another compelling, sonic argument. Festival passes cost €130, and all info here.KILL-TOWN DEATH FEST
August 29 -September 1, Ungdomshuset, Copenhagen, Denmark
Known to be a "three-day celebration of death" Kill-Town is not for the faint hearted. Based on D.I.Y-principles, this exciting sophomore summons underground death metal bands from all over the globe and conjoin their dark forces in the outskirts of Copenhagen and on a vegan-only diet. With death metal being amply exercised in Scandinavia, most of the bands do tend to originate from the north, but underground legends Rottrevore and Blaspherian are confirmed for their first European shows ever. Tickets from €55, and more info is available at the Kill-Town Death Fest website (I love that name).
Photo by Marissa MillsBESTIVAL
September 5-8, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
So this aging DJ with a ponytail and his illustrator wifey are having a party, you want to go? Sounds horrible, right? Like an awkward scene-template from a mid 90s romantic comedy with Hugh Grant. But what if that party was held on the Isle of Wight and had effin Elton John and Wu-Tang Clan playing (not together obviously, that would be weird)? Then you wouldn't be so fast to judge people with trademark ponytails and silly, homemade names, when they invite you over, huh? Seriously, though, Rob da Bank and his wife Josie have taken the type of haphazard idea, that emanates from too much red wine and is usually gone by morning, and have actually flippin' pulled it off. Put that in your windpipe and choke on it the next time one of your drunken friends blurts out "Dudes, we should totally open a bar!" Four-day tickets are €220, and all info here.DIMENSIONS
September 5-9, Pula, Croatia
For the second time around, Dimensions finds its way to Croatia's coastline like many festivals before its arrival. I bet you think you already know what you'll get from this kind of thing. There's the beach, the all-around partying and body paint. But don't be fooled by its beautiful location; at night, the vicious darkness within the walls of the abandoned fort makes this festival experience a one-of-a-bloody-damn-kind. Add some interesting deep house and techno DJs on top, such as Theo Parrish and Mark E, and chances are that potential rain will make you religious.Tickets from €165, and all info here.UNKNOWN
September 10-14, Rovinj, Croatia
Go buy yourself a cigar – a new baby is born! We all know how infants usually, if not always, look like tiny old men who've been in the bathtub for too long. However, this newborn will have the prettiest of faces, sweetest of smiles and a heart that pounds simultaneously to music from Cyril Hahn, Joy Orbison, Julio Bashmore and Todd Terje. It's the first year that the creators of Hideout, The Warehouse Project and Field Day have teamed up and conjured even more awesomeness. Also, it's on the freakin West coast of Croatia. Need I say more? I don't think so. Tickets from €130 an all info here.ICELAND AIRWAVES
October 30-November 3, Reykjavik, Iceland
I don't know what's best: a festival in the middle of autumn when all the other fun has passed, or going to a festival in Iceland. Either way, booking a little autumn get-away for yourself seems reasonable as you have worked so hard by then. So what could be better than patting yourself on the back while watching the arctic sun sink to the sound of acts like No Joy, Yo La Tengo, Fatima Al-Qadiri and all the local talent showing of their chops in the steamy hot springs of the Blue Lagoon. Tickets from 18,500 Icelandic krona, which fear not, translates to about €120. More info on line-up, travel and accommodation can be found here.
September 5-8, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
So this aging DJ with a ponytail and his illustrator wifey are having a party, you want to go? Sounds horrible, right? Like an awkward scene-template from a mid 90s romantic comedy with Hugh Grant. But what if that party was held on the Isle of Wight and had effin Elton John and Wu-Tang Clan playing (not together obviously, that would be weird)? Then you wouldn't be so fast to judge people with trademark ponytails and silly, homemade names, when they invite you over, huh? Seriously, though, Rob da Bank and his wife Josie have taken the type of haphazard idea, that emanates from too much red wine and is usually gone by morning, and have actually flippin' pulled it off. Put that in your windpipe and choke on it the next time one of your drunken friends blurts out "Dudes, we should totally open a bar!" Four-day tickets are €220, and all info here.DIMENSIONS
September 5-9, Pula, Croatia
For the second time around, Dimensions finds its way to Croatia's coastline like many festivals before its arrival. I bet you think you already know what you'll get from this kind of thing. There's the beach, the all-around partying and body paint. But don't be fooled by its beautiful location; at night, the vicious darkness within the walls of the abandoned fort makes this festival experience a one-of-a-bloody-damn-kind. Add some interesting deep house and techno DJs on top, such as Theo Parrish and Mark E, and chances are that potential rain will make you religious.Tickets from €165, and all info here.UNKNOWN
September 10-14, Rovinj, Croatia
Go buy yourself a cigar – a new baby is born! We all know how infants usually, if not always, look like tiny old men who've been in the bathtub for too long. However, this newborn will have the prettiest of faces, sweetest of smiles and a heart that pounds simultaneously to music from Cyril Hahn, Joy Orbison, Julio Bashmore and Todd Terje. It's the first year that the creators of Hideout, The Warehouse Project and Field Day have teamed up and conjured even more awesomeness. Also, it's on the freakin West coast of Croatia. Need I say more? I don't think so. Tickets from €130 an all info here.ICELAND AIRWAVES
October 30-November 3, Reykjavik, Iceland
I don't know what's best: a festival in the middle of autumn when all the other fun has passed, or going to a festival in Iceland. Either way, booking a little autumn get-away for yourself seems reasonable as you have worked so hard by then. So what could be better than patting yourself on the back while watching the arctic sun sink to the sound of acts like No Joy, Yo La Tengo, Fatima Al-Qadiri and all the local talent showing of their chops in the steamy hot springs of the Blue Lagoon. Tickets from 18,500 Icelandic krona, which fear not, translates to about €120. More info on line-up, travel and accommodation can be found here.