12 top multi-genre festivals for eclectic friend groups

The Secret Garden Party

20 - 23 July, Abbots Ripton, England

The self-described “unhinged” Secret Garden Party is letting us in on a secret – and it won’t stay a secret for long! The truth is this British festival is the obvious choice for those seeking the ideal festival experience: the perfect balance of music and fun. Expect fancy dress, paint fights, spectacular performances, and a whole host of surprises over this four-day weekender.

Sonic Park 2023

4 – 13 July Stupinigi, and 15 – 30 July Matera, Italy

Starting off July strong is Sonic Park 2023. The festival prioritises "timeless music" and “strong emotions”, meaning there's a bunch of crowd-pleasers to discover. Split between two sizzling Italian locations, the festival’s Stupingi chapter offers Interpol, Simply Red, and the Black Eyed Peas, whilst the Matera arm is hosting MIKA, Placebo, and Lazza. If that's not eclectic we don't know what is.

Bilbao BBK Live

6 – 8 July, Bilbao, Spain

This list wouldn’t be complete without the Basque Country’s historic celebration of music, art, and culture: Bilbao BBK Live. Having an impressive 15 years of shows under its belt, it’s no surprise BBK Live offers a whopping 12 stages for you and all your friends to enjoy. Gastronomy lovers will be particularly impressed by the festival’s commitment Basque cuisine, too...

Sziget 

10 – 15 August, Budapest, Hungary

One of the largest, most dynamic diverse line-ups of any festival this year, Sziget truly taps into every single genre. The self-proclaimed Island of Freedom has been opening its gates since 1993, maintaining art at its core, and a good time at its outer shell. Even the fussiest of friends will have plenty to enjoy at Sziget. 

Colours of Ostrava

19 – 22 July, Ostrava, Czech Republic

Colours of Ostrava could just help you find your new favourite artist. The Czech Republic festival doesn’t just feature performers from all the major popular music genres, but also provides a delicious selection of avant-garde music and world music. Where else would you see Macklemore, Burna Boy, and Ellie Goulding on the same bill!?

Milkshake Festival

29 – 30 July, Westerpark, Amsterdam 

Your friendship group may disagree on music taste, but 100% vegetarian event Milkshake Festival offers a hearty alternative: love. Whether you’re a fan of house, disco, pop, techno, R&B, or dancehall, Milkshake has something for everyone. The Amsterdam weekender wants you to have fun and be free. Their only condition? Invitations are extended only to “for all who love”.

Lokerse Feesten

4 – 13 August, Lokeren, Belgium 

Lokerse Feesten takes place over a whopping 10 days – a feat not for the faint of heart, nor the weaker of friendship groups... Nevertheless, you’re guaranteed to be in safe hands with the Belgian festival that’s been going strong since 1975. Escape with your best pals to see whatever floats your boat. Whether Placebo, Blur, Tiesto, you name it, Lokerse Feesten probably has it.

Festival Strand

25 – 26 August, Utrecht, Netherlands

Festival Strand is celebrating summer with the best of Dutch artists. The Utrecht event promises a “mini holiday” for visitors, offering a wealth of food stands and some pretty tempting hammocks. The Haarrijnseplas lake location brings beach vibes, without the fear of submarine-sucking Davy Jones Locker. With tickets along the lower side of the price spectrum, why not bring a group of friends and discover something new? 

2024 festival dates for the diary

O Son do Camiño 2024

Date TBA, 2024, Galicia, Spain

Settled in the heart of northwestern Spain, Galicia’s O Son do Camiño is known for bringing the biggest lineups across dozens of genres. The 2023 edition featured Bizarrap, Alt J, and The Kooks all gracing the bill, so next year's edition is sure to tempt even the most eclectic group.

Metronome Festival 2024

20-22 June 2024, Prague, Czech Republic 

One of Metronome’s key aims is to provide a cross-section of musical genres, making it a perfect pick for any group of music-lovers. The festival is named after Prague’s 75-foot-tall functioning metronome, overlooking the city center and gorgeous Vltava River. Metronome’s line-up is equally as dramatic as its backdrop; last year's edition included some huge names, including m83, Jamiroquai, and Tove Lo. 

Panama Open Air Festival 2024

28-29 June 2024, Bonn, Germany

Panama Open Air’s unusual origins are immediately part of its charm for many. The event began as an illegal rave amongst pals, and swiftly evolved into a multi-genre festival. Now, twelve years on, the German showcase has harnessed its unique powers to provide a nature-centered festival promising “rhythmic energy” and boundary-breaking stages. Definitely one for the electro fans.

Paradise City Festival 2024

28 - 30 June, 2024 Steenokkerzeel, Belgium Your entire friend group's guaranteed to flourish in the lush oasis which is Paradise City Festival. Disclaimer here: the main thrust of the festival is electronic music, but with plenty of subgenres to pick from, and a festival site that's increased in size by 20% (they've added a sixth stage!) there's plenty of space for you and your friends to revel.