As you probably know, thanks to my FOMO, I can really appreciate a good party here and there. Especially a great festival. When the sun is warm, dancing with your friends outdoors the whole day – I couldn’t be in a happier place. Strangely enough though, I have never experienced a multi-day festival and not even a festival outside of Holland. But not any more, because this summer there is a change coming because I’m going to … * drumroll * …

SZIGET! Yay! How cool is that! Sziget is a huge festival in Hungary and takes place from 10 to 17 August, and I’ll be kicking it there from the 12th onwards. Besides Sziget’s, there’s much more fun to be discovered in Europe this summer, so let me tell you where it’s all at.

Who: With so many days this festival obviously has a huge lineup, but a few names which I especially look forward to are Robbie Williams, Paloma Faith, The Ting Tings, Jamie Woon, Selah Sue, Kensington, Typhoon, Passenger and Jett Rebel.

Why: To start Sziget has always had one of the most uplifting and varied line-ups. Secondly, the festival takes place on an island and I do not know about you, but that makes it sound pretty special. Okay okay, no remote island in the Pacific Ocean but an island in the Danube in the heart of Budapest and to me that is just as much fun. Oh yeah, did I mention Budapest! And for those that can eventually remove the ringing from their ears can go on to marvel at the beauty and wonderful things that the city has to offer. Furthermore, there is not only a well-filled stage, but also plenty of other things to do. Loads of art, culture, theater, circus and exhibitions. There is a beach to cool off, a thousand million stalls with delicious food and, together with the 415,000 other visitors, you’re sure to be going until the wee hours having the time of your life. That’s what I’ll be doing.

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 it’s good to know that the Exit Festival was crowned the Best European Festival at the EU Festival Awards in 2014. A lousy 620,000 people cast a vote and of the 360 festivals worldwide Exit came out on top. The festival began as a student protest movement and today it is still controlled by a non-profit organization. It is one of the largest festivals in the world and the stages are often crammed in between ancient city walls, which of course gives a huge 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 the Balaton festival attracts about 100,000 visitors to the small town of Zamardi and for a few days keeps the whole place awake. Expect a lot of electronic music, but there is also room for hip-hop, live acts and bands. You can sit there on the water so in the evening you dream away into the sunset with your favorite DJ in the background. Quite fine I say.

Who: Richie Hawtin, Sven Vath, Tale of Us, Ben Sims, Mano Le Tough, Matador, GusGus.

Why: Well any party or festival where Richie Hawtin is present is already reason enough to go. Back when I went from summer festival to summer festival I was quite the fan of Mr Hawtin. At this festival there are seven stages, more than 130 DJs and all of this is to be found on the edge of a lake. The festival is just after and just next to Sziget, so if I have any energy left over, then you might find me high-fivin’ with Richie.

More info: www.bmylake.hu

Who: The Prodigy, Sigma, Wilkinson, James Zabiela, Odesza, Snake Hips, Soul Clap, Pillow Talk, Nick Monaco.

Why: Let’s just begin by saying that this festival is by the sea. Yep, sun + sea + music = the best combination there is. Think sunsets with cocktails, feet in the sand and nighttime dips in the ocean. Furthermore, the line-up is jam packed with the best electronic music, it’s not a super massive, crazy dance party scene and everyone wears their bikini all they. But hey, check it out for yourself why you should go.

More info:  www.seadancefestival.me