To wrap up our series of Big F*ck Off Festival Guides for 2024, we’ve put together a list of goated lineups and body-grooving gatherings happening across the globe this summer. Below lies the heart and soul of Earth’s electronic music scene from underground rhythms ready to ripple through Outlook’s ocean-side stages in Croatia, to ION’s seemingly 24-hour sesh set to take place on a private strip of Albanian coast and close out the summer in September.
In a time where every coin counts and every beat matters, picking the right festival can be a real head-scratcher, but don’t worry kids—we’ve got you covered…
WHEN – 13TH-15TH JUNE
LINEUP – KAYTRANADA, FOLAMOUR, THE MARTINEZ BROTHERS, VTSS, BLACKHAINE, HORSEGIIRL, SKIN ON SKIN, CASISDEAD.
Sonar in Barcelona has evolved into one of Europe’s premier music events. Every June, over one weekend, the city welcomes thousands of music enthusiasts for a beat-heavy experience. These festival-goers are often recognisable by their oversized sunglasses, trendy flip-flops, and determined strides toward the festival venue. Unlike traditional field festivals with camping, Sonar is a city-based event, held at two distinct locations: Sonar by Day in the city centre and Sonar by Night at a venue further out of town.
WHEN – 23RD-27TH JUNE
LINEUP – BICEP, A LITTLE SOUND, BOU, SKEPSIS, EFFY, ELIZA ROSE, GIRLS DON’T SYNC, KETTAMA, PARTIBOI69, SKREAM, SAMMY VIRJI
Not gonna lie, if we had the budget we would be flying straight to Croatia’s stunning Zrce Beach for Hideout Festival this year. The line-up is guaranteed to include your favourite DJ as the event brings together the world’s best electronic artists for five days of full-on dancing. Think sun-soaked pool parties, immense boat parties and jaw-dropping raves across five beachfront stages. Taking place across five open-air beachfront stages situated between the breathtaking Velebit mountain and the Adriatic Sea, this winning formula has seen Hideout become one of the world’s elite electronic music festivals over the past 12 years. This year will be no different.
WHEN – 3RD-6TH JULY
LINEUP – AMELIE LENS, JAMES HYPE, PURPLE DISCO MACHINE, PAUL KALKBRENNER, JOHN NEWMAN, MARSHMELLO, LOST FREQUENCIES, TIMMY TRUMPET, BEN NICKY, WILL SPARKS, MACEO PLEX, NERVO, SWITCH DISCO, VINTAGE CULTURE
The picturesque Balaton Sound is one of Europe’s largest open-air festivals, offering a meticulously curated blend of diverse electronic headliners. Set in the picturesque location next to Lake Balaton in Zamárdi, Hungary, this event is scheduled to return this year for another life-lingering event. Attendees will experience performances by the world’s most renowned EDM stars and underground house and techno artists across more than five custom-designed stages.
WHEN – 5TH-7TH JULY
LINEUP – I HATE MODELS, CLAPTONE, PATRICK MASON, RAYE
Located in Bucharest for a three-day experience of music, the SAGA 2024 lineup promises to offer a diverse array of electronic and live music, covering every corner of the genre. From top live acts and iconic house anthems to the driving rhythms of techno, the best of EDM, and the uplifting tunes of trance, the headliners are set to deliver a vibrant and inclusive performance. SAGA is more than just a music festival; it’s an all-encompassing experience. Ravers and attendees can look forward to massive stages, stunning light shows and immersive art installations. As the largest festival in Bucharest, SAGA offers a unique and enchanting journey, showcasing its vision of boundless imagination.
WHEN – 11TH – 13TH JULY
LINEUP – MARLON HOFFSTADT, HONEY DIJON, JAYDA G ANOTR, MARCEL DETTMANN, VTSS, HELENA HAUFF, KENYA GRACE, OBONJAYAR,
MELT true to its tradition, is gearing up for another year of a diverse, cross-genre lineup. The festival has been tantalising audiences for over 25 years, held annually at the former Ferropolis open-cast mine in Gräfenhainichen, it features over 150 contemporary artists across genres across rap, techno, house, and more, consistently inspiring attendees and affirming MELT as the unrivalled home for forward-thinking electronic music in Germany. Festival director Florian Czok says “MELT 2024, we will once again showcase the diversity of the musical and cultural zeitgeist, featuring artists from various genres, styles, and cultural backgrounds, all performing for a gathering of curious and like-minded people.”
WHEN – 18TH-22ND JULY
LINEUP – KLANGKUENSTLER, MALL GRAB, AZYR, CHARLIE SPARKS, MRD, SNTS, FUNK ASSAULT. HORSEGIIRL, DYEN, KI/KI, ADIEL, HANNAH LAING, KOBOSIL, KETTAMA
Terminal V, one of the UK’s premier techno brands, is set to deliver its internationally renowned lineup in 2024, expanding its reach to the scenic Adriatic Coast of Croatia. While the Scottish edition of Terminal V is celebrated for its intense warehouse atmosphere, the Croatian iteration will introduce a refreshing twist by merging the festival’s iconic sound with the idyllic coastal setting. Spanning five unforgettable days and nights, Terminal V Croatia promises non-stop partying with a diverse array of events, including multiple open-air stages, beach stages, boat parties, and after-parties. Featuring a stellar lineup of international artists, the festival offers something for everyone—whether you prefer dancing under the sun or relaxing by the sea. This unique fusion of location and sound ensures that Terminal V Croatia will be an immersive dive into techno culture, leaving a lasting impression!
WHEN – 25TH-29TH JULY
LINEUP – BAKEY, INTERPLANETARY CRIMINAL, NOTION, OPPIDAN, SHERELLE. PAPA NUGS, SILVA BUMPA
Bringing bass music fans, artists and labels from across the globe to a private bay located on Croatia’s coast, sesh heads looking for a taste of UKG, dubstep and drum & bass this summer will wanna get their arse to Tisno for five days and nights of beach sessions, boat parties and a lineup that’ll have you lingering in front of the decks until the early hours.
WHEN – 3RD-4TH AUGUST
LINEUP – PATRICK MASON, TRYM, SVEN VATH, MISS MONIQUE, ADAM BEYER, CHARLIE SPARKS, LOCO DICE
Following its highly anticipated return last year, Germany’s prestigious open-air techno festival, Love Family Park, is set to make a grand comeback at the picturesque Rebstockpark in Frankfurt am Main. Since 1996 the festival has been an integral part of the electronic music scene and a cultural institution in the Rhine-Main area. Celebrating its 25th edition, the festival will extend to two days for the first time, taking place over the whole weekend, with two stages featured each day.
WHEN – 8TH-10TH AUGUST
LINEUP – AMELIE LENS, KETTAMA, KINK, INDIRA PAGANOTTO
Calling out all the festival jet setters! Returning for its 17th year and taking place in the “Capital of Techno”, Neopop is back: and you won’t want to miss out. Surrounded by some of Portugal’s best beaches, Viana Do Castelo will be transformed by dance music addicts from all over the world, radiating the essence of rave culture; and they will not be disappointed by this year’s lineup. Legends like Amelie Lens, KETTAMA, Kink, Indira Paganotto and many more established and independent artists will be worshipping Porto’s dance floor across many electronic sub-genres. We hope to see you immersing yourself in the pulsating beats of NeoPop
WHEN – 9TH-11TH AUGUST
LINEUP – DEBORAH DE LUCA, GOLFOS (DENNIS CRUZ & PAWSA), HELENA HAUFF, THE BLAZE, DOM DOLLA, FATBOY SLIM, TRYM, SALUTE,
Set to welcome ravers from across the globe for three days of seshing, Spanish heat and if you’re doing it right, f*ck all sleep, in Barcelona’s Parc Del Fòrum, Jardins Joan Brossa, and the iconic Nitsa Club, Brunch Elektronik offers a mixture of electronic music, live bands and an all-around banging lineup, once inside the community-focused festival expect a patio of food, stalls, and art installations alongside some friendly faces. On a final note, we’ve gotta big up the festival’s sustainable approach with a commitment to minimise waste and convert to a zero and 100% circular waste event.
WHEN – 18TH-22ND AUGUST
LINEUP – 999999999, ADAM BEYER, AMÉMÉ, ARCHIE HAMILTON, MARCEL DETTMANN, CAMELPHAT, CHRIS STUSSY, I HATE MODELS, PATRICK MASON
Envision a small, sun-drenched island nestled off the coast of Croatia. Now, imagine your favorite artists playing live in open-air venues, just a few steps away from the beach. Between sets, dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. At Sonus, embark on the ultimate summer rave adventure on the breathtaking shores of Pag Island.
Every year Sonus gathers more than 60 artists to create incredible techno raves, laid-back house parties, and perfect sun-downer gatherings. This year is no exception with international headliners and local heroes, underground superstars and new-comers coming to the forefront.
WHEN – 31ST AUG-1ST SEPT
LINEUP – ALAN WALKER, SUBTRONICS, MARSHMELLO
Labelled as one of Asia’s most coveted event brands, S2O will make its debut in the United States thanks to Pulse Events, over Labor Day Weekend. It comes as no surprise that the brand’s first U.S. shows will be in arguably one of the biggest EDM hubs in the country: Brooklyn, NY.
As summer begins to fade, the New York EDM scene always keeps us on our toes. The Brooklyn Mirage will host two full days of household EDM performers as S2O taps into the U.S. EDM festival scene. Alan Walker will bring his melodic house, while Subtronics will bless us with his bass music. Marshmello will add to the fun with his always-notable performances and bass tracks. If you happen to be reading this from the States, it’s an event you likely won’t want to miss.
WHEN – 4TH – 11TH SEPT
LINEUP – B.LOVE, CHAOS IN THE CBD, DJ FUCK OFF, HAAI, HELENA HAUFF, KETTAMA, KILIMANJARO, SALUTE, SHERELLE, SIM0NE
Saving the best for last (like it’s September date this one is well worth the wait), anyone looking to boogie by the beach in a cosy strip of Albanian coast should get their ass on a plane and head to ION festival for a week of sea, sun and sounds. The vibes of this place can’t be bottled up into a short caption, but with its secret stages (one situated on a private cove), beachside bars, elite lineup, and banging weather, it’s basically heaven for ravers it’s absolute bliss. In Lorna’s words “If you’re gonna splash on any international festival this season, make it ION.”