With the last ski resorts closing off their season, winter is officially over. We are equally nostalgic and excited for the warmer days to come! Spring is also a time for us to slow things down and relax before our summer events begin. While we wait for the mountains to be suitable for summer activities again, one of our favorite things about this season are the spring festivals all around Europe. Starting with the Unlimted Festival , right here in Chamonix!
Here’s a list of some of the best spring festivals in Europe put together by Rad Season.
Sónar Reykjavík
Forget the 40 degrees heat and the hot beers. Sónar Reykjavík is all about geysers, northern lights and a plethora of amazing artists.
Now in its seventh edition, the festival is unmissable both for the vastness of the program and for the location. The Harpa Concert Hall is one of the most evocative examples of Northern Europe architecture and Iceland is not one of the coolest destination of the region. In Reykjavík you can can find a craft vodka distillery just 40km from the city and you can enjoy the local public heated swimming pool for free.
When & where: March 18-20, 2019 – Reykjavík, Iceland
Snowbombing, Austria
For those who love music and snowboarding, Snowbombing is a must. This famous Austrian festival has been perfectly combining the two since 2000. Riding the slopes at day and partying at night is an April tradition in Mayrhofen, a lush Austrian sky resort town.
You will be partying in the strangest of places, from forest clearings to alpine farmsteads and an igloo village. The lineup is varied, with something for everyone from electronic DJs to indie live acts. Bring your best party jacket but make sure it is designed for extreme weather conditions.
When & where: April 8-13, 2019 – Mayrhofen, Austria
Lost & Found Festival, Malta
If you are not the snow type, you can enjoy the an early taste of summer in Malta. Curated by BBC Radio 1 DJ Annie Mac, Lost and found Malta is an electronic festival celebrating club culture outside of the icy club scenes of Berlin and London.
This year on it’s 5th edition, Lost & Found brings high quality, international artists in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea to let you enjoy world class electronic music in between pool-parties, boat-parties and even a castle rave. A high-energy festival perfect to unwind during spring break. Are you ready to pack shades and bikinis for one of the raddest festivals in Europe?
When & where: May 2-5, 2019 – St Paul’s Bay, Malta
Nuits Sonores, France
A 360 degrees creativity festival, Nuits Sonores takes over the city of Lyon in eastern France each May for more then 10 years now. From experimental techno and electronic music to graphic design and contemporary art, this is the place to be to expanding ones cultural horizons. The festival events are spread over 40 iconic public spaces of the city.
The lineup is firmly rooted in the underground, showcasing both internationally celebrated artists and emerging talents across three days and four nights. Every year, the festival welcomes three established names to curate the daytime festivities: in 2019 it is the time for Bonobo, Peggy Gou, Maceo Plex and Lena Willikens.
When & where: May 28 – June 2, 2019 – Lyon, France
The Great Escape, United Kingdom
The Great Escape is a showcase for new music, mixed with well-known artists, both for the festival goers and for the industry insiders. Brighton, probably the cutest seaside city of the United Kingdom will be literally invaded by music for 3 days: 450 artists, 30 city venues plus a huge (double) location on the beach.
The lineup showcases the future of pop and alternative music, including emerging names ranging from South Korea to Canada, from Australia to Portugal, with British representation. The genres go from the Indian electronics to rap. Between a dj set by Laurel Halo, the rough guitars of Goat Girl and the psychs of Chileans The Ganjas, the advice is to venture through the dense program in search of the musical discovery of the year.
When & where: May 9-11, 2019 – Brighton, UK
Primavera Sound, Spain
The last event of the spring season is probably one of the better known and most loved in Europe. Barcelona’s Primavera Sound is an indie rock giant event which also features some dance and electronic music.
The festival keeps its roots under the wide canopy of world class rock, with this year headliners including Future, Janelle Monáe, Nas and Rosalía. But also giving rising artists an international platform to perform. Primavera Sound is one of those massive events that can leave you a bit drained, but try to save some energy to explore Barcelona, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.
When & where: May 30 – June 1, 2019 – Barcelona, Spain
