Service95’s 2025 Global Festival Guide 

Festival season is here – but with so many taking place across the globe, which should you be heading to? Fortunately, we’ve done the hard work for you, rounding up the ones to have on your radar.

From global superstars to emerging talent; sprawling city takeovers to remote beachside gatherings, there’s something here for every kind of music lover. And as the global festival scene continues to evolve, with a growing focus on sustainability, community, and creativity, these events are about more than just the music. These are the best festivals to visit this summer...

Europe

NOS Alive

When: 10- 12 July, 2025

Where: Lisbon, Portugal

What To Expect: A vibrant mix of indie, rock, and electronic acts – this year’s lineup features pop powerhouse Olivia Rodrigo, alongside rock heavyweights Kings of Leon and Nine Inch Nails. It’s also set against the scenic backdrop of Lisbon’s coastline, with the option of ending your night with a stroll on the beach before heading back to your accommodation.

Rock en Seine

When: 20-24 August, 2025

Where: Paris, France

What To Expect: The picturesque setting of Domaine national de Saint-Cloud – a 460 hectare national park southwest of Paris plays host to five days of rock, pop and electronic acts. Chappell Roan, A$AP Rocky and Doechii have been announced as some of this year’s headliners. 

Forwards Festival

When: 23–24 August, 2025

Where: Bristol Downs, UK

What To Expect: A city festival rooted in Bristol’s rich creative spirit, blending international acts with the best of the local scene. It’s more than just a music event, it’s a platform for positive change: supporting local businesses, uplifting the city’s creative industries and acting on the climate crisis. This year’s lineup includes dance music favourites Barry Can’t Swim and Confidence Man, plus soulful powerhouse Jorja Smith.

TRNSMT Festival

When: 11-13 July, 2025

Where: Glasgow Green, Scotland

What To Expect: TRNSMT is of Scotland’s biggest and most beloved festivals, taking over the heart of Glasgow each summer, by the River Clyde. Known for its bold and eclectic lineups, this year is no exception, welcoming hip-hop icon 50 Cent alongside some of the UK’s finest bands, including Wet Leg, Snow Patrol and The Script. Expect a high-energy weekend celebrating the best of homegrown and global talent. 

Sunny Hill Festival

When: 1-3 August, 2025

Where: Prishtina, Kosovo

What To Expect: Founded by the Lipa family, this festival unites international stars and regional favourites. Since its launch in 2018, it has grown into one of Southeast Europe’s biggest cultural events, celebrated not just for its world-class lineups, but for its vibrant atmosphere and commitment to spotlighting talent from the region. While this year’s lineup is still under wraps, it’s set to drop any day now – so keep your eyes peeled!

AVA Belfast

When: 30-31 May, 2025

Where: Belfast, Northern Ireland

What To Expect: AVA, held at the historic landmark of Belfast’s Titanic Slipways, spotlights both international and local techno, house and electronic artists – so a vibrant atmosphere is guaranteed. Beyond the music, also on the line-up is a series of conferences and talks on music, production and technology. This year, it will be welcoming names such as techno powerhouse VTSS and Dublin DJ Tommy Holohan.

Love International

When: 9-15 July, 2025

Where: Tisno, Croatia

What To Expect: Love International feels like a hidden adventure, tucked away in the coastal town of Tisno, Croatia. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the experience is all about sun-soaked days and starry nights, with beachside dancing, intimate boat parties and sunrise sessions that stretch into the early hours. From the lush Olive Grove to the legendary Garden Stage and the iconic open-air club Barbarella’s, every corner of Love International is designed for pure escapism.

Sónar Barcelona

When: 12-14 June, 2025

Where: Barcelona, Spain

What To Expect: This year is extra special for Sónar – the festival focused on music, creativity and technology, which began in Barcelona and now also runs across two weekends in Istanbul and Lisbon – as it teams up with club-favourite Boiler Room for two separate lineups on the Friday and Saturday nights. From sundown to sunrise, expect to hear the best of what electronic music has to offer.  

Primavera Sound

When: 4-8 June, 2025

Where: Barcelona, Spain

What To Expect: The ultimate city festival, hosted in the heart of Barcelona at Parc del Fòrum. This year, Primavera is welcoming three of the biggest names in pop to headline each day: Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan. But don’t worry if pop doesn’t flick your switch, there will be acts spanning rock, dance and more.

Africa

AfrikaBurn

When: 28 April-4 May, 2025

Where: Tankwa Karoo, South Africa

What To Expect: A community-driven festival set in South Africa’s remote Tankwa Karoo desert. Inspired by the original Burning Man, each year, a temporary city rises from the dust, filled with art installations, music and radical self-expression. With no money exchanged on-site and a strong focus on sustainability and creativity, it’s a truly unique, collaborative celebration where everyone is encouraged to participate.

Jazzablanca

When: 3–12 July, 2025

Where: Casablanca, Morocco

What To Expect: A vibrant jazz and world music festival blending local Moroccan artists with international stars, based in the incredible Casablanca – AKA the White City. For its 18th edition this year, the festival will span 10 days and welcome the likes of Ezra Collective, Kool & The Gang and Seal.

Gnaoua World Music Festival

When: 19-21 June, 2025

Where: Essaouira, Morocco

What To Expect: This unique festival celebrates the rich heritage of Gnaoua music, blending it with jazz, blues, and many more global sounds. Since 1998, it has brought together artists from around the world to collaborate with Morocco’s legendary Gnaoua masters, creating a powerful space where cultures connect and exchange through music.

Canada and North & South America

Cavendish Beach Music Festival

When: 10-12 July, 2025

Where: Prince Edward Island, Canada

What To Expect: Canada’s largest country music festival, set against the stunning Cavendish Beach, offers an unforgettable experience with both incredible performances and scenic surroundings. This year, country legend Shania Twain, plus Tyler Hubbard and Lainey Wilson will headline, promising a weekend filled with music, beachside views and the beauty of Prince Edward Island.

Montreal International Jazz Festival

When: 27 June-6 July, 2025

Where: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

What To Expect: The largest jazz festival in the world, featuring more than 3,000 artists from around the globe. It offers a blend of genres, including jazz and blues, along with free outdoor performances and a celebratory atmosphere. This summer, Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra will be there, along with Thundercat and many, many more...

Newport Folk Festival

When: 25-27 July, 2025

Where: Newport, Rhode Island, USA

What To Expect: A widely celebrated festival featuring traditional folk, Americana and bluegrass music. Known for its intimate waterside setting, this festival has a rich history dating back to 1959. Tickets sell out fast, but join the waitlist for late releases now...

Outside Lands

When: 8-10 August, 2025

Where: San Francisco, California, USA

What To Expect: Set in the stunning Golden Gate Park, Outside Lands has been fusing top-tier music with incredible food, art and wine since 2008. Advertised as a festival for all ages, as well as being tobacco-free, this is a great one for families and friends alike. This year, the lineup includes Doja Cat, Anderson.Paak, Tyler, The Creator, Hozier and more.

Time Warp

When: 2-3 May, 2025

Where: São Paulo, Brazil

What To Expect: An underground electronic music festival in the heart of São Paulo. Time Warp is renowned for bringing the best techno and house DJs to the city’s urban landscape. Perfect for those who prefer their raving on the more intense side, the festival is famous for its high-energy vibe and immersive experiences that transport you into another world.

Tomorrowland Brasil

When: 10-12 October, 2025

Where: São Paulo, Brazil

What To Expect: The South American edition of the iconic Tomorrowland festival, bringing the magic of Belgium’s world-renowned electronic extravaganza since 2015. Expect performances from top-tier DJs, breathtaking stage productions and an electrifying atmosphere. Full lineup coming soon...

Baum Festival

When: 31 May-June 1,, 2025

Where: Bogotá, Colombia

What To Expect: A meeting point for ravers from all around the world, Baum welcomes some of the biggest names in dance music across the continent and beyond. This year you’ll find names such as DJ Gigola, DJ Heartstring and Chloe Chaillet all behind the decks.  

Asia

Fuji Rock Festival

When: 25-27 July, 2025

Where: Niigata, Japan

What To Expect: A paradise for nature lovers, Fuji Rock takes place in the mountain setting of Naeba Ski Resort. With more than 200 acts each year, this festival combines breathtaking scenery with an unmissable music experience. This year’s headliners include Fred Again..., Vampire Weekend and Four Tet, promising an amazing outdoor weekend of music among the mountains.

Prambanan Jazz Festival

When: 4-6 July, 2025

Where: Yogyakarta, Indonesia

What To Expect: An annual jazz festival set against the backdrop of the historic Prambanan Temple. Prambanan welcomes some of the biggest names in jazz across Indonesia, such as Banda Neira, Kahitna and Kenny G.

Rural Festival

When: 18-21 July, 2025

Where: Fukushima, Japan

What To Expect: A hidden gem for underground electronic music, set in the remote Nowhere Camp in the mountains of Fukushima Prefecture and offering a mix of techno, house, and ambient sounds. One for discovering the best up-and-coming talent...