The 16 must-visit summer festivals of 2017

Longer days and the promise of warmer weather can only signal one thing: festival season is here.

But don’t worry – you won’t have to spend the weekend in soggy discomfort.

These festivals feature top-tier bands, acclaimed literature, and the perfect spots for enjoying a cider as the sun sets.

End of the Road Festival, Dorset, UK

August 31 – September 3

This picturesque, end-of-summer festival has become a beloved fixture on the UK festival scene.

Set in the stunning Larmer Tree Gardens in Dorset, the lineup features some of the best indie talent around.

This year’s standout acts include Father John Misty, Lucinda Williams, and Real Estate.

End of the Road Festival, Larmer Tree Gardens, Dorset, UK

Melt Festival, Gräfenhainichen, Germany

July 14-16

Melt has long been known as Europe’s ultimate party destination.

Techno and house DJs dominate the stage, perfectly complementing the dystopian atmosphere of an industrial museum nestled between Leipzig and Berlin.

Big names like Warpaint and the mesmerizing sounds of Bonobo also grace the lineup.

Melt Festival, Ferropolisstraße 1, Gräfenhainichen, Germany

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Roskilde, Denmark

June 24 – July 1

Roskilde is one of Europe’s largest festivals and has a rich legacy in music history.

This multi-day festival is not for the weak of heart, with continuous performances from start to finish. Major acts like Foo Fighters and The Weeknd are the main attractions.

The real action happens in the outer fields, with street art in Graffiti City and the Ghettoblaster area for intense party vibes.

Roskilde Festival, Darupvej 19, Roskilde, Denmark

Port Eliot, Cornwall, UK

July 27 – 30

Nestled within the grounds of a breathtaking stately home in St Germans, Cornwall, Port Eliot stands apart from any other festival.

Festival-goers can wander through the majestic house, enjoy wild swimming in the estuary, or join workshops ranging from cheese-making to foraging.

Alternatively, they can relax and enjoy the finest alternative music, featuring acts like This Is The Kit and Hooton Tennis Club.

Port Eliot Festival, St Germans, Saltash, Cornwall, U.K.

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Fuji Rock Festival, Naeba Ski Resort, Japan

July 28 – 30

Japan’s largest music festival returns to its breathtaking venue at the Naeba Ski Resort in Yuzawa.

Fans of dance, hip-hop, and electronica are in for a treat, with Gorillaz, Aphex Twin, and Björk all set to perform.

Also on the bill are Queens of the Stone Age and Lorde, ensuring this year’s Fuji Rock lineup remains as eclectic as ever.

Fuji Rock Festival, Naeba Ski Resort, Yuzawa, Niigata Prefecture, Japan

Primavera Sound, Barcelona

May 31 – June 4

Primavera has become the festival of choice for music lovers who prefer great tunes without the hassle of weekend camping.

Performances take place at Parc del Forum, with festival-goers opting for hotel stays or rented apartments. This year’s lineup includes Wild Beasts, Broken Social Scene, and Japandroids.

Primavera Sound, Parc del Forum, Barcelona, Spain

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Pitchfork Music Festival, Chicago

July 14 – 16

The annual Pitchfork celebration in Chicago returns for its 12th edition, hosted by the influential music site.

As always, the focus is on critically acclaimed artists rather than chart-toppers. Headliners include LCD Soundsystem, A Tribe Called Quest, and Solange, with rising stars like Danny Brown and Angel Olsen filling out the bill.

Pitchfork Music Festival Chicago, Union Park, Chicago

NOS Alive, Lisbon

July 6 – 8

NOS Alive is all about showcasing massive headliners alongside some of the coolest acts of 2017.

Depeche Mode headlines the Sunday night, with alt-rock legends Spoon and DJ/producer Floating Points bringing their unique sounds, including tracks from his acclaimed Elaenia LP.

Foo Fighters, The Kills, The xx, Alt-J, and Ryan Adams complete the stellar lineup of performers.

NOS Alive, Passeio Marítimo de Algés, Lisbon, Portugal

Hay Festival, Hay-on-Wye, Wales

May 25 – June 4

Known as the 'Woodstock of the mind' by Bill Clinton, the Hay Festival, held on the England-Wales border, is a week-long celebration of literature.

By the end of May, the town is brimming with writers, poets, and artists, ranging from emerging voices to established icons.

This year’s events include a talk by artist Tracey Emin and live readings from the always captivating Letters Live.

Hay Festival, Dairy Meadows, Brecon Road, Hay-on-Wye, Wales

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Rock en Seine, Paris

August 25 – 27

Located just west of Paris at the stunning Domaine National de Saint-Cloud, Rock en Seine is set to be one of the most exciting European events of the summer.

The lineup is as varied as ever, featuring performances from PJ Harvey, The xx, Cypress Hill, and Franz Ferdinand.

The ultimate late-summer festival experience.

Rock en Seine, Domaine National de Saint-Cloud, Paris

Best Kept Secret, Hilvarenbeek, Netherlands

June 16 – 18

With its stylish accommodations, including chic cottages and pre-pitched campsites equipped with modern amenities, Best Kept Secret is the Netherlands’ top festival destination.

What really sets this festival apart is the fact that the promoters managed to secure Radiohead as headliners for their intimate 30,000-capacity event.

It’s undoubtedly one of the best spots to catch Thom Yorke and the band in action this summer.

Best Kept Secret, Safaripark Beekse Bergen, Hilvarenbeek, the Netherlands

Bunbury Music Festival, Cincinnati, Ohio

June 2 – 4

Now in its sixth year, Bunbury takes place in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, right on the banks of the Ohio River.

The lineup leans toward the mainstream indie scene, with performances from bands like The Shins, Muse, Thirty Seconds to Mars, and Death Cab for Cutie over the course of three days.

Bunbury Music Festival, Cincinnati, Ohio

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Edinburgh International Book Festival, Edinburgh

August 12 – 28

Every August, Edinburgh transforms into a hub of culture. While the Fringe Festival can be overwhelming, the book festival offers a more relaxed and accessible experience.

Held in Charlotte Square Gardens in the heart of Edinburgh's New Town, the book festival is conveniently located, so there's no need for endless wandering.

While the lineup is still to be announced, expect a blend of renowned authors and rising literary stars.

Edinburgh International Book Festival, Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, Scotland

Way Out West, Gothenburg, Sweden

August 10 – 12

Swedish summer has an undeniable charm, and Way Out West is the ultimate party destination before the weather takes a colder turn.

Chance The Rapper and Mac DeMarco make Way Out West a must-see, but it's Frank Ocean’s headlining performance that will have music lovers rushing to buy tickets.

Way Out West, Slottsskogen, Gothenburg, Sweden

G! Festival, Eysturoy, Faroe Islands

July 13-15

Some festivals offer more than just a stellar lineup, and G! Festival is perhaps the best example of this unique festival experience.

This intimate festival takes place on the stunning Faroe Islands, surrounded by dramatic hills, sandy shores, and the relentless crash of the Atlantic Ocean.

With a lineup almost entirely made up of Scandinavian bands, this festival is perfect for adventurous music lovers.

G! Festival, Syðrugöta, Eysturoy, Faroe Islands

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The Good Life Experience, Flintshire, Wales

September 15-17

Created by DJ Cerys Matthews, The Good Life Experience in the hills of Wales is a celebration of global music, but it's so much more than just a festival.

The event features nature writing sessions in the Caught By The River tent, campfire cooking workshops, and even craft-making classes.

The Good Life Experience, Hawarden Estate Farm Shop, Flintshire, Wales