The magic of nighttime events and festivals has the power to unite people, places and cultures under the glow of moonlight.
The experience of nightlife during visits, festivals and events is one of the most magical parts of travel.
Cities «unlock» another dimension at night: lights, music, arts and pulses that make the trip worth it. Here we gather top nighttime festivals in Greece and abroad that you should add to your bucket list. Lets take a few journeys to fantastic realms of light and music.
Sziget Festival
In Hungary, and more specifically in Budapest, a 7-day multicultural summer festival is held every summer, with music, theatre, dance, performance art, and many workshops. With more than 10 different stages, each representing a distinct music genre, you wont notice how a week flew by and youll certainly want to relive this enchanting experience!
If youre seeking, then, an alternative experience on a little island in the Danube, with a crowd from all over the world, then this festival will more than deliver. What are you waiting for?
Rockwave Festival
We wont need to travel far for this festival. In Malakasa, Attica, one of the largest rock and metal festivals in southern Europe is held, with a wide range of bands.
A vast venue with wellness spots and food for every taste, a powerful camping atmosphere & camping culture, which youll enjoy to the fullest, and of course favorite names, such as Metallica, Depeche Mode, Alice Cooper, Paradise Lost, Cypress Hill and many more. Each year the lineup is different, so check in time whether your favorite artists will be there!
Colour Day Festival
We stay a little longer in Greece and will specifically visit Athens and OAKA for the Colour Day Festival. A festive scene of colors and music inspired by Indias Holi, bringing people onto the same canvas of colors and sounds.
With more than 240.000 participants , Live stages, bursts of color and positive energy, its a festival ideal for everyone, from the youngest ages, to groups, families and every kind of crowd. If you want to «explode» in an atmosphere of carefree fun and color and you like festivals with an intense visual experience, then you shouldnt miss it!
Tomorrowland
For this festival you have to pack your bags and go to the airport. You will land in Brussels, Belgium, for one of the biggest EDM festivals worldwide, and number one in Europe, with stunning production, themed stages and lights that last until the morning.
If youre a fan of electronic music it surely sits on your bucket list, with experiences you want to live at least once. Because Tomorrowland promises not only unique music, but also creates a fairytale experience like youve never lived before!
A stones throw away are other cities, such as Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges, which are worth dedicating a few days to discover.
Lantern Festival
We move to Taiwan, an island in East Asia, where in various cities, such as Pingxiand Taipei, the so-called Lantern Festival takes place every February and March at the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations. The culture of this country is a mixture of traditional Chinese heritage, Japanese influences and modern Western culture, something reflected in this festival.
Its one of the most «poetic» festivals worldwide. Hundreds of lanterns take off into the sky every night as symbols of wishes and hope. It is accompanied by cultural happenings, dances, dragons, fireworks and traditional music.In Pingxi, participants write their wishes on lanterns and let them «travel».
Plisskën Festival
Athens calls us again to one of its most alternative and multifaceted music festivals. From electronic beats to psych rock, with international and Greek releases, in venues such as Technopolis, Pireos 260 and Lycabettus Hill. If youre seeking distinctive sounds and contemporary vibes, global acts and a different Clubbing in Athens, then get ready for a very special experience!
Glastonbury Festival
Lets also visit England and the city of Somerset for the most famous festival of the United Kingdom and among the largest worldwide. It happens every June and various artists of rock, pop, indie and electronic music travel to offer you unique moments. With multiple stages, a combination of underground and mainstream aesthetics, art performances and much more, its only fair that people from all over the world travel to live this unique experience.
Athens & Epidaurus Festival
We return again to Greece and to the Epidaurus Festival, the countrys top cultural institution, which unfolds from May to October. It combines classical culture with contemporary productions and everything takes place under the stars.
If you want to enjoy ancient theatrical works next to the Acropolis, at the Herodeon and in Epidaurus, opera, dance and jazz concerts on different stages, then this festival is certainly something you should plan to do.
La Tomatina
La Tomatina is a very famous yet distinctive Spanish festival that takes place every August in the city of Buñol in Valencia, Spain. Although it is known for the battle with tomatoes, where thousands of participants gather to throw ripe tomatoes at one another in a festive and frenetic atmosphere, at night it is also accompanied by concerts, street parties and traditional celebrations.
This festival began somewhat spontaneously in 1945, but since then, little by little, it has become one of Spains most famous and distinctive happenings. If youre looking for something cheerful for those who want something cheerful, explosive and quintessentially Spanish, book your flights immediately!
Fête de la Musique
In Paris, France it is held on Music Day, on June 21 with the summer solstice, a celebration of music that started in 1982. On that specific day, thousands of musicians fill streets, squares and parks, turning entire cities into open-air live stages.
The nighttime atmosphere is unique, with a cultural celebration everywhere. This phenomenon has spread to many other global cities, including Athens.
Tips for a successful experience
If you want to enjoy these festivals comfortably it would be good to choose accommodation and transportation close to the venue or to the shuttle bus that will take you there. On the other hand, to be able to live the magic of the big festivals, you should make reservations early, since tickets disappear many months before and sell out within a few minutes.
Dont forget to hydrate very often and grab a snack at frequent intervals to maintain your energy. Naturally, its advisable to wear comfortable shoes, have reusable bottles and power banks.
Let yourself be free to the rhythm of the music
The experience of nighttime events may start from Athens, but also extends abroad, from the spectacular stages of Tomorrowland to the cultural nights of Fête de la Musique. Each festival is a small journey into the heart of the night, to the pulse of people and the magic of the global nightlife.
Each event brings to life another side of each city, from tradition and the arts, to the contemporary soul of the capital. For the traveler who wants something more than a tour, these nighttime festivals are a ticket to urban – and emotional - discoveries.
