At the Antipodes the open-air festival season is far from over. August and September bring a wave of unmissable events across Europe and the United States. From Mediterranean coastlines to post-industrial cityscapes, and from alpine towns to desert expanses, here are ten top-tier festivals to keep on your radar. Music, stunning locations, and unforgettable vibes await.
🇫🇷 FRANCE
France kicks off the month with two major events along the glamorous Côte d’Azur. Zamna Côte d’Azur sets the tone in Fréjus on August 1–2, 2025, bringing the magic of Tulum to the French Riviera. Headliners include ANYMA, ARTBAT, and Shimza, promising a weekend of immersive soundscapes and stunning production. Just a week later, Les Plages Électroniques takes over Cannes from August 8–10, 2025. This beachfront electronic music giant features names like Charlotte de Witte, Eric Prydz, and Tiësto, all set against the iconic backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea.
🇩🇪 GERMANY
In Düren, Nibirii Festival returns from August 22–24, a favorite among techno and psytrance lovers. Artists like Gregor Tresher, Kobosil, and I Hate Models bring an intense energy to this three-day German gathering.
🇬🇷 GREECE
If you’re craving a mix of sun, sea, and high-octane beats, Primer Music Festival in Athens is for you. Held on September 6–7, 2025, it features massive names like Armin van Buuren, Faithless, and Paul Kalkbrenner, all performing in the heart of Greece’s vibrant capital.
🇮🇹 ITALY
Italy delivers two standout festivals combining powerful music and atmospheric venues. On August 2, 2025, Solid Grooves lands in Jesolo, offering a high-energy lineup with Michael Bibi, Marco Carola, and Miguelle & Tons. Expect driving house beats under the stars of the Venetian coast. Then, from September 25 to 27, Vision Open Air transforms ex Macello, an industrial venue in Milan into a temple of electronic sound. With headliners like PAWSA, Peggy Gou, and Solomun, it promises a perfect mix of underground culture and international appeal.
🇳🇱 NETHERLANDS
Also taking place on August 22–24, the legendary Mysteryland unfolds near Amsterdam, in Haarlemmermeer. As one of Europe’s longest-running festivals, it continues to innovate with acts like Adriatique, Hardwell, and Indira Paganotto, plus immersive art and light installations.
🇨🇭 SWITZERLAND
From September 18–20, SunIce Festival lights up Ascona, a scenic lakeside town in southern Switzerland. With HUGEL, Lilly Palmer, and WhoMadeWho on the bill, this “luxury rave” blends nature, elegance, and top-notch electronic music.
🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
Across the Atlantic, two very different but equally captivating festivals take place. First up: Burning Man, from August 24 to September 1, 2025, returns to the desert expanse of Black Rock City, Nevada. It’s more than a festival—it’s a temporary city built on art, community, and radical self-expression. Headliners are still to be announced, but as always, the experience is what truly matters. In Las Vegas, UNITY spreads out over several weekends: August 29–31, September 19–20 and 26–27, and finally October 17–18. Acts like Chase & Status, Eli Brown, and Kaskade will headline this immersive, multi-sensory event that merges live shows with virtual dimensions.
From Europe to the U.S., the late summer of 2025 is packed with unforgettable moments. Whether you’re dancing by the sea, exploring an artistic desert oasis, or raving under city lights, these festivals promise to close out the season in style.
main image: Les Plages Électroniques – credits Laura Perez
