7 summer music festivals worth travelling for

As experience tourism peaks, outdoor festivals have become the ultimate way to tap into a city’s pulse. Here are the summer music events of 2025 to get excited about – whether an add-on to your itinerary or the inspiration for your trip, they promise to fuel your wanderlust. 

1. Wireless Festival, UK 

Known for its usually gloomy drizzle, London transforms into a sun-drenched playground each summer – and Wireless Festival provides just the soundtrack. Returning to Finsbury Park for its 20th edition, the festival is marking the milestone by inviting Drake to headline all three nights. Each performance will feature a distinct setlist and special guests, including Afrobeat artist Burna Boy and R&B darling Summer Walker. Weekend passes grant access to the full spectrum. Bring your sunglasses (and maybe a poncho, because this is still London).

11-13 July

2. Fuji Rock Festival, Japan 

Japan’s Fuji Rock Festival has been an unmissable summer highlight for more than two decades. It’s back again this year with an eclectic lineup of both international stars and rising talents. Headliners like Four Tet, Haim and James Blake will share the stage with indie favourites Vampire Weekend and Sunset Rollercoaster, as well as Japan’s own Creepy Nuts and Radwimps. Upgrade your weekend with glamping and post-show hot springs to immerse yourself in Naeba’s alpine beauty – just 90 minutes from Tokyo by shinkansen. Pro tip: pack rain gear. Monsoon season brings magical, if soggy, mountain moments.

25-27 July 

3. Dekmantel Festival, Netherlands 

In between exploring Amsterdam’s charming neighbourhoods and the Netherlands’ scenic countryside this summer, electronic music fans should earmark 30 July – 3 August for Dekmantel Festival 2025 . Just minutes from the capital in Amsterdamse Bos park, it boasts a lineup of global pioneers like Yaeji, Floating Points, Honey Dijon and Four Tet, plus more than a hundred other rising acts across multiple stages. It’s where cutting-edge sounds meet lush green landscapes – the ultimate summer escape for dance music purists.

30 July – 3 August

4. Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival, South Korea 

What links Asian Kung-Fu Generation, Little Simz, Beck, beabadoobee, Hyukoh and Balming Tiger? They're all headlining Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival this August. This year, the festival pairs an electrifying lineup with easy access – it’s being hosted at Songdo Moonlight Festival Park, equally convenient from Incheon Airport and downtown Seoul. Whether you’re here for indie legends or K-music innovators, you won’t find a better gateway to experience South Korea’s vibrant music culture.

1-3 August 

5. Summer Sonic, Japan 

A must for music lovers travelling to Japan this August, Summer Sonic delivers twice the energy – with J Balvin, Alicia Keys, and aespa headlining identical weekend lineups in both Tokyo and Osaka. The twist? Yungblud’s punk ragers and Jeff Satur’s Thai pop magic play on different days in each city, making the shinkansen ride from one city to the other highly worthwhile. After all, where else can you chase Latin rhythms, K-pop futurism and mosh pits across Japan’s two greatest urban playgrounds?

16-17 August 

6. Rock en Seine Paris, France 

Picture this: sunlight glinting off Haussmannian buildings as you stroll along the banks of the Seine towards Rock en Seine , aka the music festival with one of Europe’s most exciting lineups this summer. Chappell Roan, A$AP Rocky, Doechii, Queens of the Stone Age, Jorja Smith, Justice, Fontaines D.C., Aurora and many more will be taking the stage at the five-day event. If you’re visiting the French capital in mid-August, this is definitely unmissable. Be sure to start your festival days the right way: with a fresh morning croissant.

20-24 August 

7. Global Citizens Festival, US 

Those visiting New York this September can rejoice at being in town for the Global Citizen Festival – where world-class music meets social advocacy. Held annually in Central Park, this movement-driven event rallies artists, leaders and the public to fight extreme poverty, climate change and inequality. While the 2025 programme remains under wraps, last year’s stars – including Post Malone, Doja Cat and Blackpink’s Lisa – shared the stage with Hugh Jackman and Dr Jane Goodall. Bustling city, good music, great cause: do you need any more reasons to add it to your travel plans? 

27 September