Festival Nomad's Handbook: a comprehensive guide to Europe's music extravaganza - ebook

INTRODUCTION

I have personally long searched for a guide that would help me prepare for a music festival, but, to my surprise and disappointment, I haven’t found any that would have everything I need. At the beginning of my „journey” with festivals I have spent countless hours researching and learning how to prepare. And still – after each tour there were some lessons learnt and space to improve and make the process more efficient and more enjoyable. I realized that I am not the only person who might have come across similar problem and it might be difficult for a young person to jump into unknown. I am not a professional writer, but I decided to take up the challenge and contribute in a positive way to festivalgoers community.

Please remember it is a guidebook, not a novel. I won’t be sharing my personal stories there – you can find those everywhere else – I will be sharing all advice and tips to make your own journey successful. Inside you will find a lot of statistics, lists, tables and perhaps dry facts, but they will allow you to take full advantage of the festival’s charm later on.

Bear in mind that all the information included in this book are based on personal experience of attending multiple European music festivals as well as publicly available information on festival organizers and other websites. Some small details like ticket prices, duration of the event, set up of stages and other organization details can differ although not to the point that it would completely change the situation.

This guide talks through festivals taking place in Europe, but for the purpose of better storytelling I split it into four regions (North, West, Central and South Europe). I naturally realize the imperfections of such a solution – a person living in, for example, the Ruhr will have much closer to Tomorrowland in Belgium than to Sziget in Hungary. In this guide I will talk about largest & most popular festivals. By large festival I mean:

- minimum 2 days
- minimum 50 000 daily attendees (for Central and West Europe with some exceptions – North and South regions of Europe are less-densely populated and it’s more difficult to get so many people there)

Most popular music genres in Europe are pop music, rock, metal and EDM and I have focused on them. There might be few hip-hop/rap, jazz and other genre festivals, but they generally draw much smaller crowds.

Don’t worry if you’ve never been to a festival and have no idea how to grasp this topic. This guidebook will help you understand all mechanisms that are behind such venture and how to save your precious time and money while preparing for one!

I tried to structure the book so as to fit all the necessary information in it, and at the same time it was not voluminous like an encyclopedia but rather easy to consume and handy. The goal is: instead of spending ton of hours researching about the specifics of a festival(s) you can just read this book (approx. 3 hours), pick the festival that you would like to attend, check the necessary details on the festival website, buy the tickets and enjoy the rest of your day! For the price of two beers you can get priceless knowledge – save time, money, nerves.

This book has eight chapters and each chapter is focused on different aspects of music festival that, bit by bit, will help you build comprehensive knowledge and understanding of what it takes to spend quality time at such event. The book will cover such topics as:

- Quick introduction – why was this guide created and what purpose it serves, some explanation how it was structured
- What music festivals really are? A small glossary of most important terms and all festival-specific knowledge is captured there
- How to prepare for the (first?) festival and what to pay attention to; surviving tips and planning order/timeline
- Description of 63 of the largest festivals of the four main genres in Europe, festival calendar
- Summary of travel options and costs from the country capital to selected festival(s) in the region
- FAQs

As I mentioned earlier, for description purposes I have split Europe continent into smaller regions – I have taken into consideration language, culture, distance and other factors. I am aware this approach is not perfect, but it had to be structured somehow:

Figure 1 Europe region split

Source: https://www.mapchart.net/

- Central Europe: covers Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Czech, Austria and Germany
- West Europe: includes Ireland, UK, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France and Switzerland
- North Europe & Baltic: Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
- South Europe & Balkan: Portugal, Spain, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria

Further on you will find similar map, but with pinned festival locations to allow you quickly visualize about what area I am talking about.

I have also prepared a short FAQ at the end of this guidebook (page) that will hopefully quickly address any remaining questions.GLOSSARY

Music festivals have their own unique language, with various terms and acronyms that are commonly used by attendees, organizers and the industry. Understanding these terms can enhance your festival experience and help you navigate the unique culture of music festivals. Here are some common terms and acronyms associated with music festivals:

1. Aftermovie: video production that captures and highlights the key moments, performances and overall atmosphere of a music festival. It serves as a recap of the festival experience. Aftermovies are commonly released online and shared through social media platforms to promote the festival.
2. Afterparty: events or parties that take place after the official festival hours.
3. Backstage: areas reserved for artists, crew and VIPs behind the main stage.
4. Crowd surfing: the act of being passed overhead by the crowd. Be careful if you intend to do it.
5. Encore: a repeated or additional performance at the end of a concert, usually expected but it also must be „requested” by the audience with significant applause.
6. GA: General Admission. Refers to standard, non-VIP tickets.
7. Glamping: glamorous camping, often involving more comfortable accommodations than traditional camping.
8. Green camping: a separate area for festivalgoers who want to enjoy a quiet rest outside of regular camping area. It usually has its own policy.
9. Hand horns/rock and roll sign: hand gesture formed by extending the index and little fingers while holding the middle and ring fingers down with the thumb. It’s very commonly used during rock and metal concerts.
10. Headbanging: vigorous shaking or nodding the head in time with the music, typically to the beat of the drums or the rhythm of powerful guitar riffs.
11. Headliner: the main and usually most prominent act at a festival.
12. Lineup: the list of artists and performers scheduled to play at the festival. Synonyms (in more detailed form): running order, timetable, schedule, set list.
13. Meet and Greet: an opportunity for fans to meet artists, often arranged by the festival or artist’s management.
14. Merch: festival merchandise, including t­-shirts, posters and other memorabilia.
15. Moshing: extreme style of dancing in which participants push or slam into each other. Typically performed to aggressive styles of live music such as punk rock and heavy metal.
16. Rain or shine: indicates that the festival will proceed regardless of weather conditions.
17. RV: short for recreational vehicle – a motor vehicle or trailer that is designed for short-term accommodation. Synonyms to this are camper, campervan, caravan – these terms are often used when describing separate parking/camping space for these kinds of vehicles.
18. Set: a performance by an artist or band. Setlist is the list of all played songs.
19. Shuttle service: transportation provided by the festival to and from the venue.
20. Silent disco: a dance party where participants wear headphones to listen to music, creating a silent environment for those not participating.
21. Solo: lone performance (e.g. guitarist or drummer) without others accompanying. It’s always recommended to show appreciation during and after a solo.
22. Stage dive: the act of jumping off the stage into the crowd, typically done by performers.
23. Venue: location or site of the event or concert. These can be small clubs, large arenas, parks.
24. VIP: Very Important Person. Refers to special ticket categories that offer exclusive privileges.
25. Wristband: the wearable band that serves as a ticket and may also provide access to certain areas.EVERYTHING ABOUT MUSIC FESTIVALS

WHAT IS A MUSTIC FESTIVAL?

A music festival is a live event that features multiple musical performances across one or more stages, often over the course of several days. These events bring together a diverse range of musical genres and artists to entertain a large audience. Music festivals are known for their dynamic and communal atmosphere, providing attendees with an immersive experience of live music, performances and often other cultural and recreational activities.

Key characteristics of music festivals include:

- Multigenre lineup: festivals often showcase a diverse lineup of artists and bands, spanning various musical genres such as rock, pop, hip-hop, electronic dance music, metal and more.
- Arts and culture: some festivals incorporate elements of visual arts, theater and cultural activities beyond music. This can include art installations, workshops and performances that enhance the overall festival experience.
- Multiple stages: festivals typically have multiple stages or performance areas, allowing for simultaneous performances. Attendees can choose to watch different acts and explore various genres.
- Large-scale production: major festivals are known for their elaborate stage designs, lighting effects and sound systems, creating a visually and acoustically mesmerizing experience.
- Camping (optional): most festivals offer camping facilities, allowing attendees to stay on-site for the duration of the event.
- Seasonal events: festivals are often held open air and therefore they take place in summer months when outdoor events are more feasible.

One of the unique traits of festivals are even their names – you won’t find two different festivals with exact name. By incorporating some of individual features they easily distinguish themselves from other, sometimes similar, events. The name can include main sponsors name, they often indicate what kind of music is mainly played or where they take place.

Popular examples of music festivals include Glastonbury Festival, Coachella, Tomorrowland, Lollapalooza, Ultra Music Festival, Wacken Open Air, Rock am Ring/Rock im Park and more. Each festival has its own unique character, lineup and cultural influence.

WHY SHOULD I ATTEND A MUSIC FESTIVAL?

First of all – let’s start with the question: why would you, at all, like to attend this kind of event? In my opinion attending a music festival can be (or let’s be realistic and paraphrase it – for sure will be) a unique and exciting experience and below I will shortly describe most important points why I think you should try it at least once – there are several reasons why someone might want to give it a try:

- Diverse lineup – music festivals often feature a diverse range of artists and genres and provide an opportunity to discover new music and broaden your musical tastes. Nowhere else you will be also able to listen to so many large-format stars at once.
- Live performances – seeing your favorite artists perform live can be a transformative experience. The energy and atmosphere of a live performance are unmatched, creating lifelong memories.
- Community and atmosphere – festivals bring together people with a shared passion for music. The communal atmosphere fosters a sense of unity and can lead to making new friends with similar interests. Some couples that met there ended up in long-lasting relationships or even marrying each other.
- Cultural experience – festivals often showcase various aspects of local and global cultures, including art installations, food vendors, workshops. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in a diverse cultural experience.
- Unplugging from routine – festivals provide a break from the routine of daily life. Disconnecting from technology and immersing yourself in the music and atmosphere can be a refreshing change.

All above points ultimately lead to one thing: unforgettable memories, from epic performances to spontaneous interactions with strangers. No amount of money will buy this. You will cherish those moments for years. This book and subsequent festival attendance can be a new chapter in your life.

ATTRACTIONS

Contrary to popular belief, in addition to the concerts themselves there are many different activities, thanks to which you can enjoy a pleasant time. I have listed them down to hopefully inspire you to use the time to the fullest:

- Live music performances – the main attraction is, of course, the live music. Explore different stages to discover new artists or enjoy headlining acts.
- Dancing – join the crowd and dance to the beats. Many festivals have designated dance areas and some even feature silent discos where attendees wear headphones.
- Art installations – appreciate visual arts and installations scattered throughout the festival grounds. Many festivals incorporate large art pieces that enhance the overall atmosphere.
- Workshops and classes – attend workshops or classes on topics ranging from music production and dance to wellness and sustainability.
- Culinary experiences – explore a variety of food trucks and vendors offering diverse cuisines. Festivals often showcase local and international culinary delights.
- Wellness and relaxation – unwind in designated relaxation areas, participate in yoga sessions or enjoy massage services offered on-site.
- Fashion and costume – festivals often encourage creative and expressive fashion. Embrace the opportunity to wear unique costumes or themed outfits.
- Marketplaces and vendors – explore festival marketplaces where you can purchase merchandise, clothing, handmade crafts and other unique items.
- Networking – connect with fellow festivalgoers and artists, fostering new friendships and networking opportunities.
- Photo and videography – capture memories with your camera or smartphone. Many festivals have picturesque settings and photography enthusiasts may find opportunities for stunning shots.
- Meet and greets – some festivals offer meet and greet sessions with artists, providing a chance to interact with your favorite performers.
- Outdoor activities – depending on the festival location, you might have the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities like swimming, hiking or exploring nearby attractions.
- Pyrotechnics, fireworks & laser shows – during the concerts artists often deploy pyrotechnics and use lasers to enhance the experience. At the end of a festival organizers usually set off the fireworks to mark the finish of the event.

LINEUP AND ARTISTS

Artists/popular bands do not tour 24/7. They usually do it once in a while and for a limited period of time. To make most of it bands often have tight schedule and play the concerts every two-three days. If a US-based band decides to tour in Europe they will most likely perform about 50-100 acts.

European population is quite densely spread (compared to US) and main cities are usually not far from each other – this can lead to situation, which you can probably observe yourself, that the artist „X” can be seen on multiple events – if they are organized in similar area and time. Therefore, if you are more focused on an artist than a festival per se, check their schedule and maybe you will find something that meets your criteria.

Full line up and festival agenda is usually announced in parts and not fully known up until around 2-4 months before event date.

Here is a list of bands, which I would personally consider a good example for their respective genre (around 10 examples per genre; random order) and that actually have a history of performing at a music festival (Europe):

+--------------------+--------------------+--------------------+--------------------+
| EDM | Metal | Pop | Rock |
+--------------------+--------------------+--------------------+--------------------+
| Swedish House | Rammstein | Dua Lipa | Billy Talent |
| Mafia | | | |
+--------------------+--------------------+--------------------+--------------------+
| Steve Aoki | Iron Maiden | Imagine Dragons | Blink-182 |
+--------------------+--------------------+--------------------+--------------------+
| David Guetta | Slayer | Coldplay | Foo Fighters |
+--------------------+--------------------+--------------------+--------------------+
| Armin Van Buuren | Megadeth | Bastille | Green Day |
+--------------------+--------------------+--------------------+--------------------+
| Dmitri Vegas & | Bring Me | Rihanna | Red Hot Chili |
| Like Mike | the Horizon | | Peppers |
+--------------------+--------------------+--------------------+--------------------+
| Chainsmokers | System of a Down | Ed Sheeran | Arctic Monkeys |
+--------------------+--------------------+--------------------+--------------------+
| Martin Garrix | Metallica | Miley Cyrus | The Killers |
+--------------------+--------------------+--------------------+--------------------+
| Tiesto | Slipknot | Billie Eilish | Skillet |
+--------------------+--------------------+--------------------+--------------------+
| W&W | Five Finger Death | Pink | Muse |
| | Punch | | |
+--------------------+--------------------+--------------------+--------------------+
| Hardwell | The Tool | Lana Del Rey | Sum 41 |
+--------------------+--------------------+--------------------+--------------------+

You won’t find 2024 lineups in this guidebook because a) that would massively impact the length of the book and one of the objectives was to keep it short and concise b) in most cases the artist announcements are in stages and by the time you read this the information would probably be outdated – it’s probably more effective to check the current list of performers directly on the festival website.

FESTIVAL SEASON, GENERAL CONCERT HOURS AND DURATION

Largest music festivals are usually organized from end of May until mid-September. A small split of the festival season below:

- Late spring (May): some smaller and niche festivals may kick off in late May, marking the beginning of the festival season.
- Summer (June to August): the peak of the festival season is during the summer months. Many of the largest and most well-known festivals take place during June, July and August. These months offer more favorable weather conditions and longer daylight hours.
- Early autumn (September): while the summer months are the peak, the festival season often extends into early September.

Concerts usually begin around 3 PM (lesser-known bands) (this allows you to relax after the previous day and avoid the heat) and last until midnight, in some cases until 2 AM. Sometimes afterparties are organized until the morning. So, as you can easily count, it is about 8-10 hours that you will mostly spend on the move. Making 80 000 steps or more in 3 days is common thing. Proper distribution of strength is essential.

As mentioned earlier the industry standard is that a festival spans around three days (usually Thursday-Saturday or Friday-Sunday), but in some cases they can even last up to 5-7 days.

FESTIVAL GIGS VS STANDALONE CONCERTS

At music festivals, each artist or band is typically allocated a shorter set duration compared to standalone concerts. Festival schedules are tightly packed with various performers, often spanning different genres and it requires the gigs to be shorter as we must factor in changes in scenery (i.e. movement of instruments and the design).

Festival sets usually range from an hour to hour and half, depending on the artist’s position in the lineup and their body of work. This limited time means that performers need to perform a setlist that highlights their most popular songs and engages the audience quickly. On contrary, concerts by individual artists or bands typically allow for longer set durations. The headlining act has the opportunity to showcase a more extensive repertoire, including not only hit singles but also deep cuts and potentially even improvised sections. Depending on the artist’s preferences and the nature of the event, concerts can last anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours or more. This extended time frame allows for a more comprehensive and immersive performance.

In case you were not familiar – the usual format of the time when particular artist performs (so called running order, timetable or schedule) looks like that:

Figure 2 Example concert schedule

LOCATION & FESTIVAL AREA

Music festivals are organized everywhere around the world – depending on popularity, genre, theme and other factors they are organized in areas that will cater the needs. Naturally, in order to host large crowds and allow their smooth arrival, organizers usually use existing infrastructure that can be found in big cities. Most common areas where the events can be held are:

1. Outdoor venues:
- Open fields: many festivals take place in open fields (farmland or airfield), offering a vast and natural setting for large crowds.
- Beaches: some festivals are organized on beaches, combining music with a scenic backdrop.

2. Urban spaces:
- City parks: urban parks often host festivals, providing a convenient location for city dwellers

3. Event centers, fairgrounds and sports venues:
- Fairgrounds: festival grounds or fairgrounds are purpose-built spaces equipped to host large-scale events.
- Event centers: some festivals take place in convention centers or event spaces, offering indoor and outdoor stages.
- Stadiums and arenas: large stadiums and arenas may host festivals, accommodating a significant number of attendees.

Average festival (of this size) area is around 2 to 2,5 square kilometers (to give you some context: it can be a square 1,5 km wide and 1,5 km long). On the one hand it’s quite a lot, but on the other with a little help of map you should quickly learn where the most important places are and be able to move around with ease. If we assume 75 000 people are squeezed in 2 square kilometer area that can be quite tight – so have that in mind.

Both due to massive crowds and during the night it can be difficult to find your friends once you split up – it’s therefore best to set up prior to the festival some meeting points which everyone will remember and will be able to reach. Saying „meet me at „Stage Y” is usually inefficient because there are just so many people and the open area is big.

My personal recommendation would be:

- Chosen food trucks/stalls
- Art installations or art pieces
- Inflatable balloons/figures
- Flags
- Numbered signs/sectors

Festival organizers often set up so called totems – characteristic things which can be seen from far and are easily distinguished. They have various forms.

Tip: if you have e.g. Airtag you can give them to your friend and have continuous preview of their location. Naturally consult it with them first and don't break their privacy unnecessarily.

Characteristic outfits (or flashing wristbands) can be also good idea

Stages

Stages are the usually where you will spend most of your time during a festival (outside of camping/accommodation). It’s good to know what to expect and what different kinds of stages you can find during such event:

Main Stage

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