For music-lovers, there’s no better way to spend vacation days than by heading off to a music festival. Fortunately, they happen to take place in (or near) some of the coolest cities around the globe. Read on for some of our favorites happening this summer.
Primavera Sound – Barcelona, Spain (May 29 – June 4)
Set within Parc del Fòrum, a public park that has become one of the major leisure areas in Barcelona thanks to its expansive size and capacity of up to 65,000 simultaneously, this Primavera Sound spans a full week, with mini concert series popping up all over the city.
Where to Stay: chic&basic is a group of design-forward boutique hotels, each with their own distinct personality. While there are a few chic&basic properties in Barcelona, Habana Hoose is ideally situated a short walk from Parc del Fòrum. Its spirit evokes Scotland––hence “hoose”––with exteriors that showcase the elegance of colonial Havana, and interiors that exhibit the power of 70s British punk.
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival – Manchester, TN (June 14 – June 18)
Halfway between Chattanooga and Nashville stands Manchester, TN. It’s here that each year, nearly 100,000 people gather on expansive campgrounds for a weekend of music and camaraderie. The music never stops: over 150 musical acts take place over the course of the weekend. All are invited to participate in activations, workshops, and even a 5K.
Where to Stay: The most convenient way to experience Bonnaroo is by booking one of the Wood Frame Safari Tents: spacious two-person wood frame tents furnished with a Queen or two Twin beds plus bedding sets, lounge chairs, bedside tables, a rug, lamp, and a multi-outlet power strip. This package is complete with complimentary shower access and dedicated food and beverage.
Glastonbury Festival – Somerset, England (June 21 – June 25)
Set in the rolling green hills of Somerset, England, Glastonbury has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1970. As a five-day affair, it is now the world’s largest greenfield music and performing arts festival.
Where to Stay: Most festival-goers take advantage of the camping fields included in the cost of admission, opting to stay within Worthy View or Sticklinch, unpretentious accommodations catered to those looking to carry nothing home but their bags. Both sites offer Podpads, Yurts, and Bell Tents, as well as a limited number of scout-style tents. The scenes from Worthy View are worth the uphill trek, but those search for a more accessible stay should book within Sticklinch.
Tomorrowland – Flanders, Belgium (July 21 – July 30)
First held in 2005 on an idea of two brothers, Tomorrowland has become one of, if not the largest electronic dance music festival in the world. Attracting hundreds of thousands of “ravers” each year, this boutique festival takes place within De Schorre provincial recreational park, allowing everyone to become one with nature and music.
Where to Stay: For calm and relaxing respite between sets, enjoy the peaceful surrounds of a converted church: Martin’s Patershof hotel. This neo-Gothic Friars convent was erected in 1863, but transformed into a 79-room boutique property centuries later. Enjoy a moment in the vaulted lounge area, or relax within a private spa bath; the property was awarded the Green Key label for its commitment to environmental protection, offering leisure activities that promote the sanctity of the surrounding landscape.
Osheaga – Montréal, Canada (August 4 – August 6)
Located on a scenic island in the middle of the St. Lawrence River, Osheaga offers three days of top-tier musical acts and endless excitement to Canadians and travelers alike. Returning to Montreal for its 16th year, the one-of-a-kind site boasts sights of the gorgeous city skyline from nearly every vantage point.
Where to Stay: Undeniable modern luxuries meet sixties-inspired design elements at Hôtel Le Germain Montréal. A stone’s throw from the festival site as well as the major shops, museums, and restaurants, this boutique property is truly a haven of tranquility in the heart of downtown Montréal.
Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival – San Francisco, California (August 11 – August 13)
Held annually in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, Outside Lands is the largest independently-owned music festival in the United States. Essentially everything there is to love about the Bay Area––music, food, wine, beer, art, and cannabis––is celebrated all weekend long.
Where to Stay: A charming hotel with soulful suites, The Metro Hotel has offered idyllic respite to San Fran’s visitors since the 1980s. Each guest room provides contemporary amenities and curated finishings, with an abundance of natural light and views of the neighborhood or property gardens.
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