Europe is one of the hotspots for music festivals worldwide. The plethora of different events has provided artists with the opportunity to perform to fans in other countries, and they also boost tourism rates due to fans coming in droves. Lineups have been nothing short of spectacular from iconic festival sets such as The 1975 at Rock Werchter in 2023 to the iconic Charli XCX being joined on stage by the effervescent Chappell Roan at Primavera Sound in Barcelona. 

Here’s a guide to what 2026 has to offer in the way of major European festivals.

Rock For People

Hradec Kralove, Czechia

10-14th June 2026

One of Europe’s biggest rock festivals is back with a bang, a stellar lineup that will perform across four days of metal and alternative music. Metal giants Bring Me The Horizon and cult classic group Limp Bizkit will be headlining this event but will also be joined by Gorillaz and the incredibly talented Halsey, therefore highlighting a slightly different approach to the festival and including a wide variety of styles such as Halsey’s signature pop-rock. 

Located in the beautiful Hradec Kralove - which is the country’s eighth most populated city - the festival usually sees an incredibly high attendance rate, something which has been boosted by the lineups in recent years featuring highly regarded bands such as Fall Out Boy, Royal Blood, Muse, and Paramor,e but there is also recognition for rising artists. This year, Magnolia Park and Catch Your Breath are some of the acts that have been announced.

Tickets are available here.

NOS Alive

9-11th July, Lisbon

Taking place at the iconic Passeio Maritimo de Alges, Portugal’s biggest live music event has seen some iconic artists taking to the stage over the years. Last year’s headliners included tour de force Olivia Rodrigo and legendary band Muse. NOS Alive is primarily a pop and rock festival, and it has a strong focus on giving representation to artists who may not be major industry names, such as Argentinian starlet Nathy Peluso.

2026 is set to be another strong year for the festival. Iconic rock band Foo Fighters are scheduled to headline day two alongside Scandinavian pop princess Zara Larsson, who has taken social media by storm, with the choreography for her major hit ‘Lush Life’ currently trending. The iconic Florence & The Machine will bring an end to proceedings, although all eyes will likely be on day one. Continuing the incredible 'Breach' tour, the legendary Twenty One Pilots will be headliners that day, bringing their unbridled energy and enthusiasm to Lisbon.

Tickets are available here.

Rock Werchter 

2-5th July, Belgium

Located near the city of Leuven, Rock Werchter is one of the most highly anticipated festivals in Europe, winning the International Live Music Conference Best Festival award six times. The upcoming edition of the festival is set to see some classic rock acts take to the stage such as A Perfect Circle and last day headliners The Cure but there will also be some fantastic performances from artists like Halsey, The xx and the ethereal FKA Twigs, highlighting the genre fluidity of the festival that has also seen performances from Coldplay, The Kid LAROI and Fred Again in recent years

Tickets are available here.

Primavera Sound

4-6th June, Barcelona

Primavera Sound were noted as being one of the first festivals to feature a gender-equal lineup with their 2019 edition, which saw performances from Miley Cyrus, Janelle Monae, Rosalia, and many more in what was a significant moment for festivals. The most recent Primavera Sound definitely showcased the commitment to this idea, as 2025’s undeniably most popular female artists - Charli XCX, Chappell Roan, and Sabrina Carpenter -  headlined the Parc Del Forum over three incredible nights in Barcelona. 

This time around, the festival is set to be a trip down memory lane with artists like Slowdive, Massive Attack, and My Bloody Valentine. The Cure, Doja Cat, and Gorillaz will also be headliners for this year’s edition, which should make for another excellent selection of live music. Also, look out for rising stars Addison Rae and Ethel Cain, who are taking the industry by storm.

Tickets are available here.

Primavera Sound Porto

11-14th June, Porto

Primavera Sound decided to branch out to Portugal’s second largest city in 2012, with Primavera Sound Porto taking place at the beautiful Parque Da Cidade

The latest edition of this wonderful festival also sees Slowdive and Massive Attack performing, whilst popular bands The xx will also be headliners for 2026, and Gorillaz will also bring their virtual style and catchy beats to the coast, which should make for another excellent selection of live music. Ones to watch at this event include the bands Model/Actriz and Black Country, New Road.

Tickets are available here.

Rock En Seine

26-30th August, Paris

Taking place at the iconic Domaine Nationale De Sainte Cloude in Paris, Rock En Seine is one of France’s largest concerts, which has seen some iconic artists taking to the stage.

2026 is set to be another strong year, with the legendary Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds announced as a headliner for the third day. Some of the event’s lineup is yet to be announced, and there are some other great bands such as the high-octane Lambrini Girls and New York City-based Interpol but this year’s wave of artists also shows variety such as rap icon Tyler, The Creator and pop star Sombr, the latter famous for his song ‘Back To Friends’ which has been gaining popularity on Instagram.

Seb Gorlov

@stxrlightlxbrdorphotography

Image: Rock For People 2025 PRESS

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