Electronic Dance Music lovers worldwide rejoice: the 2015 International Festival Guide is here. From snowcapped mountaintops to desert oases, stunning natural landscapes to intricate man-made stages, in the heat of the summer months these international music festivals are cooler than ever. Boasting hours upon hours of partying, dancing, and good vibes all around, the festivals run from April to October across the globe. Pack your glow sticks, face paint, and sunglasses, because here are 10 festivals you won’t want to miss.
SNOWBOMBING
WHEN: April 6-11, 2015
WHERE: Mayrhofen, Austria
WHY GO: A whirlwind week of world class DJs and bands, in the idyllic alpine setting of Mayrhofen, Austria. Days are spent skiing, boarding, enjoying music on mountain top stages or relaxing in the spa. Nights deliver cutting edge performances in unique venues, from a sky-high igloo, to an enchanted forest clearing.
MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS: 2MANYDJs, Basement Jaxx, Carl Cox, Carl Craig, Dubfire, Eats Everything, Hot Since 82, Guti, Idris Elba, Jackmaster, Job Jobse, Modeselektor, Rudimental, SecondCity, Skrillex
THE GARDEN FESTIVAL
WHEN: July 1-8, 2015
WHERE: Tisno, Croatia
WHY GO: Crystal clear Adriatic waters, sizzling sunshine and star-lit night skies make up the idyllic and intimate setting of Croatia’s founding festival. Laid-back party vibes rule on the beach whilst boat parties and club nights showcase the very best disco and house grooves all night long. Celebrating its 10th and final year in 2015, don’t miss your chance to experience a true slice of paradise.
MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS: Axel Boman, Ben UFO, Bonobo, DJ Harvey, Eats Everything, Gerd Janson, Greg Wilson, Jackmaster, Leon Vynehall, Midland, Seth Troxler, Talaboman, Tim Sweeney, Young Marco
EXIT FESTIVAL
WHEN: July 7-14, 2015
WHERE: Petrovaradin Fortress, Novi Sad, Serbia
WHY GO: Started as a student protest for political change and freedom, EXIT continues to spread the good vibes. Taking place in the historic fortress overlooking the river Danube with a host of different stages connected by cobbled streets, ramparts and tunnels, it’s something for music lovers of all genres.
MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS: Adam Beyer B2B Joseph Capriati, Chris Liebing, Clean Bandit, Catz ‘n’ Dogz Faithless, Eagles of Death Metal, Fear Factory, Hardwell, Hannah Wants, Kill the Buzz, Motorhead, Nicole Moudaber, Octave One, Oliver Heldens, Roni Size Reprazent, Tom Odell
SEA DANCE
WHEN: July 15-18, 2015
WHERE: Jaz Beach, Budva, Montenegro
WHY GO: Winner of ‘Best Medium Sized Festival’ at this year’s European Festival Awards, this hot new festival delivers the best electro beats on the Adriatic coast.
MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS: Bondax, FKJ Live, Prodigy, Rudimental, Sigma, Starslinger, TCT’s Wilkinson, and more!
MELT! FESTIVAL
WHEN: July 17-19, 2015
WHERE: Ferropolis, Germany
WHY GO: Just an hour from Berlin, Melt! Festival consistently delivers one of the most forward-thinking line-ups on the European festival circuit. Running non-stop for 72 hours in true Berlin style, the Ferropolis site offers 6 stages, no sound restrictions and one of the most stunning festival backdrops imaginable.
MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS: Alt-J, Bonobo, David August, Flume, Giorgio Moroder, Hercules & Love Affair, Jamie T, Jon Hopkins, Kylie Minogue, London Grammar, Nils Frahm, Ride, Rødhåd, Trevor Horn Band, Young Fathers
POSITIVUS FESTIVAL
WHEN: July 17-19, 2015
WHERE: Salacgriva, Latvia
WHY GO: Taking place in the picturesque coastal town of Salacgriva, Positivus transports chart topping headliners, underground emerging talent and exciting art and dance acts to this unspoiled holiday location surrounded by woodland.
MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS: Basement Jaxx, Charlie XCX, Jack Garratt, Jungle, Kate Boy, Placebo, Robert Plant & The Sensational Shapeshifters, SOAK, St. Vincent, Tom Odell
OFF FESTIVAL
WHEN: August 7-9, 2015
WHERE: Katowice, Poland
WHY GO: OFF Festival is a way of life, one that flies in the face of current trends and stays true to itself. The organizers and crowd have one serious finger on the pulse when it comes to music. This is the place to discover the boldest alternative acts from around the world.
MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS: Coals, Girl Band, Golden Teacher, Jacek Sienkiewicz, Kristen, Mick Harveyperforms the songs of Serge Gaisbourg, Patti Smith, Run the jewels, Ride, Sun O))), The Stubbs, Young Fathers
MYSTERYLAND
WHEN: August 29-30, 2015
WHERE: Haarlemmermeer, The Netherlands
WHY GO: Just a short distance from the city of Amsterdam, the world’s longest running dance music festival takes visitors on a creative journey, combining the finest electronic music with theatre, movies, interactive art installations, street performers and spectacular shows.
MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS: Apollonia, Alesso, Dave Clarke, Dubfire, Hercules & Love Affair, Jeff Mills, Joris Voorn, Martin Garrix, Maya Jane Coles, Porter Robinson, STERAC, Ten Walls
OASIS
WHEN: September 11-13, 2015
WHERE: Marrakech, Morocco
WHY GO: Oasis is set to put Marrakech on the festival map with its inaugural event this summer! Set in the exotic surroundings of the Fellah Hotel, festivalgoers will have ample opportunity to explore the city’s rich culture, soak up the Moroccan sun and enjoy a cutting-edge soundtrack supplied by some of the most innovative, forward-thinking artists of the moment.
MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS: Adriatique, Agoria, Ame, Axel Bowman, BLOND:ISH, Chloe B2B Michael Mayer, Danny Daze, Derrick Carter, DJ Harvey, Guy Gerber B2B Matthew Dear, MANIK, Will Saul
AMSTERDAM DANCE EVENT (ADE)
WHEN: October 14-18, 2015
WHERE: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
WHY GO: The Amsterdam Dance Event celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, taking over the beautiful city of Amsterdam for 5 whole days and nights of electronic music. The biggest club festival in the world, ADE showcases more than 2000 international DJs, spinning everything from house and techno to bass and dubstep or trance and disco, making it the ultimate electronic music experience.
MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS: Over 2000 international DJs, from the biggest stars of the scene to the up-and-coming heroes of the underground. 20th anniversary line-up coming soon!