The festival season kicks off as early as June, but attending such events requires meticulous planning well in advance. It is advisable to purchase tickets in the initial release phase to avoid inflated prices and secure accommodation, whether it’s a hotel, campsite, or a friend's couch, and ensure your holiday dates do not conflict with university sessions.

The most crucial consideration is choosing the right festival. It is impossible to attend all of them, and several factors can hinder your plans, including physical endurance, limited free time, overlapping event dates, and financial constraints. It is essential to remember that the cost of attending a festival extends beyond just getting there; accommodation and other expenses must also be factored in.

What are the most captivating music festivals in Eastern Europe? Here’s a list of events worth considering.

Living in Europe, we enjoy the privilege of travelling freely, often requiring just an ID card to spontaneously decide to attend a festival in Portugal, Croatia, or Lithuania. While renowned festivals like Coachella in the United States draw significant attention, Europe boasts its illustrious events, such as Glastonbury Festival in the UK, Roskilde Festival in Denmark, Rock Werchter in Belgium, and Mad Cool in Spain.

However, there is more to music than just popular festival destinations. There is a wealth of equally interesting and enticing ones to explore. So, what are the hottest in Eastern Europe?

Beach, Please Festival is a must-visit for all hip-hop enthusiasts. Held in a picturesque town on Romania's Black Sea coast, the event boasts an incredible climate and atmosphere. The 2025 edition will run from 9-13 July, offering five days of beachcombing and concerts from some of the biggest names in rap. Last year's line-up featured stars like Travis Scott, Ice Spice, Yeat, Wiz Khalifa, Gucci Mane, Rick Ross, and Lil Pump. With such an impressive roster and reasonably priced tickets, it’s a bargain. Early Bird tickets are currently on sale, with a five-day pass costing just €130. And people tend to say that there are no more inexpensive festivals anymore.

Every electronica fan should experience Electric Castle at least once. Imagine morning techno sessions, psytrance by the river, and dub in bunkers – now add the backdrop of a stunning castle. This five-day party promises to outshine any previous festival experience. Early Bird tickets are priced at €89, plus an 8% service charge, while a campsite spot costs around €50. For comparison, tickets for the Open'er Festival with a camping pass cost PLN 1099 plus a service charge. This year's Electric Castle featured acts like Massive Attack, Bring Me The Horizon, Chase & Status, Rema, Sean Paul, Ricardo Villalobos, Paolo Nutini, Nina Kraviz, Kungs, Palaye Royale, Bonobo, and Sevdaliza.

Romania's UNTOLD festival offers much more than one might expect. As one of the country's oldest music events, it boasts a diverse line-up. Traditionally held at the beginning of August, this year's edition is set to run from 8 to 11 August, featuring performances by Lenny Kravitz, Louis Tomlinson, Martin Garrix, Swedish House Mafia, and Purple Disco Machine, among others. In the latest ticketing phase, a four-day pass costs €207.

For those yet to experience it, the Garbicz Festival is a must-visit. Located in a remote village in western Poland, the festival has an international atmosphere. This electronic festival celebrates music, nature, community, and intimacy. Garbicz is renowned for its turquoise lake and 700-year-old trees, with organisers placing a strong emphasis on ecology and local producer support. It’s not just about having fun; it’s about building a community, embarking on a spiritual journey, and rediscovering oneself. Interestingly, the festival maintains a No Photos policy. This year's Garbicz Festival will take place from 1-5 August, with a pass for the entire event costing €295, which includes access to the camping area.

Salt Wave by Porsche blends alternative, hip-hop, Polish artists, and international stars. The festival not only impresses with its line-up but also its magical venue. Imagine watching a sunset on a beach by the bay right after a concert. This year’s edition will take place from 2 to 3 August in Jastarnia. A two-day pass costs PLN 399.84 (around €100), including service charges. Performers include J Bernardt, Taco Hemingway, Maro, Jimek, PRO8L3M, and Jordan Rakei.