What Not to Miss in Europe This August – Your Guide to the Best Events

Looking for popular events in Europe this August? INFOBUS has rounded up the top events and festivals. What to do and where to go in Europe in August — read on to discover the top events and must-see festivals.

10 of the Best Festivals: Top Things to Do in Europe This August 

August is the peak of vacation season — the hottest weather, most vibrant experiences, and popular events. Travelers from around the world get time off work to visit exciting destinations and attend the best summer events. 

August is the last big month for summer travel, and 2025 is no exception — various cultural events, folk fests, and music festivals are already waiting for you. Plenty of festivals and events take place in August, so let’s explore what to do in Europe in August and review the top events. 

Edinburgh Fringe Festival

One of the most popular festivals in Scotland, the Fringe brings together thousands of people, creators, performers, and art enthusiasts. It’s the largest performing arts festival in the world, taking place in Edinburgh from August 1–25. The festival was founded in 1947, and since then it has continually gained popularity. 

Last year’s edition featured more than 3,746 shows. The Fringe 2025 is expected to host 3,352 shows across 265 venues. The festival is all about art and performance, and there’s something for anyone — circus, cabaret, theater, music, dance, comedy, opera, and more. So, for those seeking performing arts, it’s one of the best events in Europe in August! 

? When: August 1–25 

? Where: Edinburgh, the UK

Mysteryland

The oldest dance music festival in the Netherlands, Mysteryland, attracts visitors and tourists from Europe to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of electronic dance music. This year’s edition is particularly significant, as it will be the last before the festival takes a break in 2026.

The festival gathers all the electronic dance music lovers and offers a unique experience from August 22–24. The 2025 lineup is exciting and features more than 250 popular artists, including Eric Prydz, Hardwell, FISHER, Adriatique, Indira Paganotto, Patrick Mason, Da Tweekaz, Bella, Aversion, East End Dubs, and Farius. Get ready to dance and enjoy outstanding performances. The tickets are available on the official website, so be sure to grab yours before they sell out! 

? When: August 22–24

? Where: Haarlemmermeer, the Netherlands. 

Letní Letná

Love contemporary circus? Letni Letna might be your best match. This event is one of the biggest festivals of this kind in Europe. It’s dedicated to contemporary circus and theater. In 2024, the festival gathered over 65,000 visitors for 254 performances in Letná Park. This year, the 22nd edition of Letní Letná returns to Prague to offer exciting performances by professionals from different countries. 

Shows include juggling, acrobatics, physical theatre, contemporary dance, and more. It’s both fascinating and inspiring to see how people turn the circus into a new form. This festival takes place from August 13–31 and offers a free accompanying program in addition to the main program. It’s also one of the best events for children in Europe, so you can easily plan a family visit. The tickets are available on the official website. 

? When: August 13–31 

? Where: Prague, the Czech Republic

Rock en Seine

Going to Paris? Don’t forget to check out the Rock en Seine festival. It’s a large music festival that brings together around 40,000 people a day. This event is great for various music genres — from electro to hip-hop. With multiple stages, the festival offers many fantastic performances by popular artists. 

Rock en Seine takes place from August 20–24 in Domaine National de Saint‑Cloud, just outside Paris. The lineup is as iconic as it is diverse, so be sure to enjoy the performances from superstars like Chappell Roan, Doechii, A$AP Rocky, Anyma, and more. The tickets can be purchased directly from the official website with options for one-, two-, three-, or four-day passes.

? When: August 20–24

? Where: Domaine National de Saint‑Cloud, France

Chopin i jego Europa

If you love classical music, this festival is definitely for you. Chopin i jego Europa was founded in 2005 in Warsaw, and since then it has helped revive interest in classical music. The event showcases the works of renowned composers and invites many modern soloists to perform modern works. 

The festival includes 29 shows from August 20 to September 6, 2025. The festival begins and ends with Bach, whose work was close to Chopin. The concerts will offer performances of historic and contemporary music from famous Polish and European composers. Some shows are free to attend — check the events calendar to view the lineup and book tickets. All the information is available on the official website.

? When: August 20 to September 6, 2025

? Where: Warsaw, Poland

Pierogi Festival

Planning your trip to Krakow? Don’t miss out on the Pierogi Festival — the annual celebration in Krakow, dedicated to the national dish, pierogi. It’s the perfect chance to learn more about Polish culture and traditions. Also, this festival offers you a unique opportunity to try delicious Polish cuisine. 

Pierogi are traditional Polish dumplings, served both savory and sweet. It’s said that pierogi were originally brought to Poland in the 13th century. The fillings are diverse and delicious, for example, potato and cheese, cheddar, sauerkraut and mushrooms, sweet cheese, meat, berries, spinach, and more. 

The event takes place in Krakow from August 14–18 with free entry. In addition to pierogi, it features music, folk performances, and a joyful atmosphere. 

? When: August 14–18

? Where: Krakow, Poland

La Paloma Festival

Madrid is inviting everyone to join the celebration at La Paloma Festival, the major event honoring the Virgen de la Paloma. The Virgen de la Paloma is one of Madrid’s most beloved religious figures and is often considered the people's patron saint of the city. This is one of the biggest festivals in the city, taking place from August 11–15. 

This event is a fantastic choice to explore the Spanish culture and join the celebrations. The festival features processions, music, dances, food stalls, parades, traditional costumes, and a vibrant atmosphere. This is your chance to enjoy a major festival in Madrid and secure unforgettable memories!

? When: August 11–15 

? Where: Madrid, Spain

Creamfields

This might be the largest UK electronic festival with a world-class production and iconic lineup. Creamfields takes place from August 21–24, featuring various performances from popular artists. The festival expects to host over 80,000 people a day and create an electrifying atmosphere.

Over 300 artists get ready to perform across multiple stages at Daresbury Estate. The highlights of the lineup include David Guetta, Martin Garrix, Eric Prydz, Fatboy Slim, Chase & Status, Anyma, Ewan McVicar, Ben Hemsley, and more. The four-day festival offers accommodation options and different amenities. Visit the official website to check ticket availability. 

? When: August 21–24 

? Where: Daresbury, Cheshire, the UK 

Palio di Siena

Perhaps one of the most iconic events on the list, Palio di Siena is an annual traditional festival that dates back to the 17th century. It’s a horse race that takes place in Siena twice a year — July 2 and August 16. In general, the festival lasts 4 days from August 13 to 16, with the main event happening on August 16. 

The race features ten horses and riders, each representing one of 17 contrades. They are distinguished by costumes, colors, and symbols. It’s a pageant and beloved festival in Italy, showcasing the real vibe of Italian culture. Watch the race and cheer on your favorite rider! 

? When: August 16

? Where: Siena, Italy

Festa Major de Gracia 

This is what makes summer so joyful and vibrant. Festa Major de Gracia is a wonderful option to join the colorful celebration in Barcelona. The festival is brimming with colors, decorations, and true Catalan spirit. People transform the neighborhood of Gracia into a street gallery of art. Over 20 streets are meticulously decorated with handmade art, sculptures, and creative designs. 

The neighborhood of Gràcia invites everyone to explore its vibrant, art-filled streets and join the celebration from August 15–21. The festival features fire runs, folk dances, traditional Catalan giants, open-air cinema, workshops, exhibitions, and more. 

? When: August 15–21 

? Where: Barcelona, Spain 

Travel to your favorite festivals with INFOBUS 

Many fantastic events take place in August in Europe, so you can definitely choose something for your trip. Siena, Krakow, Barcelona, Edinburgh, Prague — INFOBUS is here to take you anywhere. 

We make booking easy and stress-free, with hundreds of reliable carriers and convenient route options across Europe. INFOBUS helps travelers find their ideal travel tickets. Browse available options, compare terms and prices, and book what fits your plans.

Choose the best event in Europe in August, book your travel ticket, and set off on a new adventure. 

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