photography. Pedro Francisco
Another summer means another opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime. Festivals are a huge part of what makes this time of year so sweet but why limit yourself to just the big names when there is so much to explore across the globe. If you’re looking to travel and party beyond your usual horizons, Schön!’s music editor has curated a list of festivals for every taste and vibe that you should get to know. For the chilled R&B lovers, the House ravers, or the Rock fiends, we’ve got a festival recommendation or two just for you.
Portugal has plenty to offer when it comes to music, but one of its brightest gems can be found in the seaside town of Viana do Castelo near Porto. Its home to one of the best dance music festivals you’ll find in Europe. Neopop‘s charm lies in two of its greatest assets: location and lineup. From 8 – 10 August, music lovers can enjoy the pulsing beats of everything from House to Techno surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the historic Santiago da Barra castle. If partying by the harbour to the sound of Jeff Mills and Amelie Lens takes your fancy, then the magic of Neopop is merely a few months away.
As its name suggests, The Moment offers a had to be there musical experience across Copenhagen. Taking place from 7 – 9 August, the three-day festival will showcase some of the best acts across electronic music with a community feel. Its international lineup is a diverse and curated selection of DJs from Berlin’s House it-girl LoveFoxy, an eclectic blend of electronic and West African beats from Brooklyn’s AMÉMÉ , and Copenhagen’s very own experimental collective WhoMadeWho. If you’ll be in Copenhagen this summer, you simply can’t miss it.
Sónar is more than just the music, it’s an immersive cultural experience. Taking place from 13 – 15 June in sunny Barcelona, it offers a seamless blend of escapism and intellectualism. Its line-up, filled with top artists like Kaytranada, Adriatique, Tommy Cash (and Keinemusik for its OFFSónar offering,) is accompanied by a series of talks and exhibitions around topics like AI and augmented reality. Sónar is true celebration of art in all its forms.
photo. Schlaepfer Fernando
Summer is undoubtedly the best time to be in London. Celebrating the best of underground music from House to Trance, Maiden Voyage will take place at the very end of the season on 14 September in London’s Burgess Park. The iconic girl-run and queer-friendly party platform Pxssy Palace will also be hosting a mainstage take-over at the festival, including acts like Arca and Jayda G on the lineup. Out of London’s many festival options this summer, Maiden Voyage is one to add to your list.
Fuji Rock festival’s lineup is filled with gems this year. Held at Naeba ski resort from 26 – 27 July, it presents the perfect to excuse to experience a stellar selection of artists in a new destination. Fuji Rock is not only the perfect blend of contemporary and legendary, but hits the sweet spot when it comes to varied genres. The three-day festival will host the likes of Noel Gallagher, Peggy Gou, Raye, Sampha and Omar Apollo to name just a few! It’s one for the summer bucket list.
words. Shama Nasinde
