Five Awesome Festivals That Will Have You Traveling Overseas

Festival season offers tons of options. Which ones should you see? If you can make it, these festivals in Europe and Western Asia are ones you shouldn’t miss!

Amsterdam’s Java Eiland turns into a mini Ibiza when the Pacha Festival comes around. Back for the third year, the festival packs in the glitz of a Pacha night out on the Dutch island. With 28 artists, an open air stage, two tents and a stage on a boat, the scene should be a sight to see.

Fans of house, deep house and techno should definitely check it out. John Digweed, Dennis Ferrer and Riva Starr are just some of the names on the bill. Fans of the New York scene can get down to back-to-back sets from Roger Sanchez and Kenny Dope.

The We Are FSTVL returns to The Airfield of Dreams with an expand two-day lineup this year. Last year’s one-day festival was an early sellout with 15,000 people turning up. It comes as no surprise that this year is close to doing the same.

The festival boasts stages that are eye-catching with a bright, festive feel. The Tower of Light, Confetti Island and The Tunnel stages go along with two new main stage concepts that will strive to blow minds. The lineup is massive featuring headliners Richie Hawtin and Knife Party. Other sets include a DJ set from Disclosure, Fatboy Slim and Sven Väth.

What started as a single-day event in Stockholm has blown up since 2011. Now spanning two days in two cities over two weeks, Summerburst touts some of music’s biggest names. If they’re on the Beatport Top 100 they have a high likelihood being on the bill.

What lacks in original stages and environments, Summerburst brings the big festival feel. Both Göthenburg and Stockholm’s 65,000 person arenas sold out last year. Combining all four days the festival saw 108,000 guests come through the gates. If you’re looking for the biggest names in one stadium this is the festival to see. Headliners include Tiësto, David Guetta, Krewella and Swedish national treasures themselves, Dada Life.

Festival creators Boiler Room aim to shake up how fans interact with music. Set in Transylvania’s biggest castle, Electric Castle 2014 aims for a bigger and better event than 2013. That’s saying a lot after receiving nominations for European Festival Awards like “Best New Festival” and “Best Medium-Sized Festival.”

What’s the first way to make it bigger? Add an extra day, of course. The four-day festival has five stages and over 100 artists gracing the bill. The lineup packs some headliners you may not find at other festivals like Die Antwoord and Thievery Corporation. Other acts include Bonobo, Rusko and Sasha. With some proceeds going to restore the castle you’ll be doing a little good while attending.

oasting as “The Ultimate Electronic Music Event” Isle of Dreams spans three countries during early August: Israel, Turkey and Switzerland. Israel hosts the second of the three events.

Inspired by Ibiza the festival is backed by famed clubs like Cocoon and Sankeys. Some of the dance music world’s biggest performers will be on hand while local talent receive stage time as well. With a distinct sound coming out of Israel this could be the most exciting of the three stops. Alesso, Carnage and Paul Oakenfold are just a few to be gracing the stage. More names will be released as the event gets closer. Like the lineup, camping options will be published soon. Bring your camping gear under the Israeli stars.