It’s really no secret—Europeans like to party. And while the summer festival scene is thriving in the US, the fervor with which Europeans embrace the outdoor festival spirit from June to August is impressive (you can blame being cooped up in dark nightclubs during those long, grey winters). The festival lineup is as diverse as the continent itself, thanks to the tremendous variety of locations and vibes that only Europe can offer, from an island fortress to a down-to-earth Somerset farm. Whether you want to lose your head at Outlook in Croatia or keep it sleek and refined at Montreux Jazz Fest in Switzerland, here’s our roundup of the best of Europe’s festival season.

JUNE

Glastonbury: Worthy Farm, Pilton, Somerset, UK
June 25–29

Photo by Russell James Smith, Creative Commons

The crown jewel of the UK festival scene is undoubtedly Glastonbury, a behemoth of a festival that’s been held on its Somerset farm location (with a “fallow” year every five years) since 1970. With record attendance in recent years (175,000 people), the vibe of “Glasto” is part countercultural sustainability and part quintessential Britishness. Wellies, camping in the rain, and endless pints of lager are all mainstays. The 2014 lineup looks just as massive as ever, with Arcade Fire, Metallica, and the Black Keys gracing the main Pyramid stage.

Donauinselfest: Danube Island, Vienna, Austria
June 27–29

Photo by Hubert Dimko

This three-day event, which takes place on a 13-mile-long island along the Danube River, happens to be Europe’s biggest outdoor festival (a record three million attended last year) and has the amazing distinction of being free to attend. A mix of eclectic and well known musical acts spread out across 21 mini “islands.” Combine that with a recreational atmosphere defined by swimming in the river (often nude), playing beach volleyball, and boating—this festival is not to be missed.

JULY

Montreux Jazz Festival: Lake Geneva, Montreux, Switzerland
July 4–19

Photo by Bertrand Monney, Creative Commons

Though its name suggests jazz, this festival really offers any music that includes a bit of soul, including blues, techno, world music, hip hop, and experimental jazz. Taking place in a stunning location in the Alps, Montreux is known as one of Europe’s most prestigious music festivals and hosts everyone from heritage acts to total newcomers. The 15-day festival has been running since 1967 and sees roughly 200,000 visitors, with many artists considering it an honor to play for such a well-informed musical crowd.

EXIT Festival: Petrovaradin Fortress, Novi Sad, Serbia
July 10–13

Photo courtesy of EXIT Festival

Only in Europe could you find a festival that takes place in a 17th-century island fortress. Thanks to this unique location and a mix of mainstream music, electronica, punk, and experimental artists—as well as its beginnings as a radical political statement against Slobodan Milosevic’s regime in 2000—EXIT has become one of Europe’s hottest tickets in the summer season. The 2014 headliners include Rudimental, Gloria Gaynor, Skrillex, and Queens of the Stone Age.

Tomorrowland: De Schorre, Boom, Belgium
July 18–27

Photo courtesy of IDT Belgium

If you like EDM and have already done Electric Daisy Carnival, then Tomorrowland is your next big step. This festival is known as one of the best dance parties in the world. The natural Belgian surroundings have an immersive quality, and organizers’ attention to detail and adherence to themes like “Alice and Wonderland” mean that your experience will verge on transcendent. The tenth anniversary of the festival this year will take place over two weekends and have an outpost in Atlanta, Georgia.

AUGUST

Oyafestivalen: Tøyenparken, Oslo, Norway
August 5–9

Photo courtesy of Øyafestivalen

The biggest music festival in Norway, Øya takes its name from the Norwegian word for island (the festival’s predecessor was held on the island Kalvøya from 1971 to 1997). About 60,000 attendees will flock to the lush green landscapes of Oslo’s east side this summer, and festivalgoers will not be disappointed. The 2014 lineup includes Outkast, The National, Queens of the Stone Age, Janelle Monáe, and a range of local and lesser-known acts.

Way Out West: Slottsskogen, Gothenburg, Sweden
August 7–9

Photo by Niklas Hellerstedt

Taking place in central Gothenburg (Sweden’s second-largest city), Way Out West is scattered among the city’s clubs as well as the natural area known as Slottsskogen. Way Out West offers some of music’s top alternative acts and is one of the most eco-friendly festivals in the world. With Outkast, Icona Pop, and The National playing this year, the focus is firmly on dancing and enjoying the music, rather than drugs and alcohol.

SEPTEMBER

Outlook Festival: Fort Punta Christo, Pula, Croatia
September 3–7

Photo by Benjamin Eagle

A celebration of underground electronic music held in one of Europe’s most popular holiday spots, it’s no surprise the Outlook Festival attracts a lot of Brits and other international visitors. Taking its inspiration from Jamaican dance-hall vibes, the festival calls itself the largest “bass and sound system culture” festival in Europe. It also boasts a laid-back beach vibe with plenty of golden sun and sand, and recreational activities to carry the party from day into night.

Bestival: Robin Hill Country Park, Isle of Wight
September 4–7

Photo by Ian Taylor

No one values their summers more than the Brits, and this late summer festival is a celebration of all things quirky, light-hearted, and alternative. The “boutique” festival eschews the corporate and is curated by DJ and record producer Rob da Bank. Bestival’s distinctions include the Guinness World Record for most people in “fancy dress” simultaneously and being named by the UK Festival Awards as best medium-sized festival.