As you know, I can, despite my FOMO,, appreciate a good party left or right very much.. Festivals are especially a favorite. Dancing all day with your friends outdoors on a warm summer day – there’s not much that makes me happier. But strangely enough, I have never experienced a multi-day festival and certainly not one outside of the Netherlands. But no more, because this summer that’s going to change because I’m going to… *drumroll*…
SZIGET! How fun is that! Sziget is a huge festival in Hungary and takes place from August 10 to 17, and I’ll join from the 12th. But besides Sziget, there’s so much more fun to discover in Europe, so let me tell you where you should go.
Who: With so many days of partying, the line-up is of course gigantic, but a few names I’m especially looking forward to are Robbie Williams, Paloma Faith, The Ting Tings, Jamie Woon, Selah Sue, Kensington, Typhoon, Passenger, and Jett Rebel.
Why: To start with, because Sziget always has one of the most varied and cheerful line-ups. Secondly, because the festival takes place on an islandt and I don’t know about you, but that makes it all the more cozy in my opinion. Okayé okayfine, not a remote island in the Stilde ocean, but an island in the Danube in the heart of Budapest, and that’s at least just as fun. Oh, and Budapest then. That’s also very nice, and for those who need to get the beep out of their ears, they can gawk at the beauty and splendor that the city has to offer. Furthermore, there’s not only a well-filled stage, but also plenty to do besides that. A lot of attention for art, culture, theater, circus, and exhibitions. There’s a beach to cool off, a thousand million stalls with delicious food, and together with the 415,000 visitors, you’re guaranteed to have the time of your life until the early hours. At least I will.
More info: www.szigetfestival.nl
Who: Emeli Sandé, Hardwell, Martin Garrix, The Prodigy, Milky Chance, Dixon, Oliver Heldens, Soul Clap, Clean Bandit.
Why: To start with, because Exit Festival was crowned Best European Festival at the EU Festival Awards in 2014. A whopping 620,000 people cast a vote, and out of 360 festivals worldwide, Exit came out on top. The festival started as a protest movement by students and is still run today by a non-profit organization. It is one of the largest festivals in the world, and the stages are set between old, often crumbling city walls, which naturally adds an enormous extra vibe.
More info: www.exitfest.org
Who: Tiësto, Faithless, Jason Derulo, Ludacris, Nicky Romero, Afrojack, Oliver Heldens, Don Diablo, Kaskade, Oliver Koletzki.
Why: Every year, Balaton attracts about 100,000 visitors to the small town of Zamárdi and keeps things lively for a few days. Expect a lot of electronic music, but there’s also room for hip-hop, live acts, and bands. You’re by the water here, so in the evenings, you dream away at sunset with your favorite dj in your ear. I say; that’s pretty good.
Who: Richie Hawtin, Sven Väth, Tale of Us, Ben Sims, Mano Le Tough, Matador, GusGus.
Why: Well, any party or festival where Richie Hawtin is performing is reason enough to go. When I used to do festival after festival summer after summer, I was really a bit of a fan of his. Furthermore, there are seven stages, more than 130 DJs, and all of this takes place, you wouldn’t expect it, by a lake. The festival is just after and very close to Sziget, so if I still have energy left,, then I might just high-five Richie.
More info: www.bmylake.hu
Who: The Prodigy, Sigma, Wilkinson, James Zabiela, Odesza, Snakehips, Soul Clap, Pillow Talk, Nick Monaco.
Why: To start with, because it’s by the sea, and sun + sea + music = the best combination there is. Think of sunsets with cocktails, feet in the sand, and nighttime swims. Furthermore, the line-up is full of the best electronic music, it's not such a crazy big mass party and everyone is dancing in bikinis all day. But you know, just take a look yourself why you should go there.
More info: www.seadancefestival.me
