Boryeong Mud Festival at Daecheon beach, South Korea
Chantel Brink
Chantel Brink
June 11, 2025 ·  4 min read

Summer Festivals Happening Around the Globe

Summer is the perfect season to explore vibrant cultures and unforgettable celebrations across the globe. From electrifying music festivals to colourful traditional events, summer festivals offer unique experiences that captivate the senses and inspire the soul.

Two female friends with drinks in hands and having fun at the music festival
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In this slideshow, we’ll explore ten spectacular 2025 festivals celebrating music, art, culture, and community spirit. Whether you seek pulsating beats, artistic wonders, or playful adventures, these festivals promise memories that last a lifetime.

Let’s embark on this global tour of summer’s most dazzling celebrations!

Electric Daisy Carnival: Neon Wonderland

EDC Las Vegas Aerial View
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Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) in Las Vegas, held from May 16 to 18, 2025, transforms the desert into a vibrant, neon-lit playground. Over 400,000 music lovers gather to experience seven massive stages featuring world-famous DJs like Martin Garrix and Alison Wonderland.

The festival pulses with energy day and night, offering carnival rides, glowing art installations, and immersive experiences. Attendees dress in dazzling costumes, creating a surreal atmosphere under the desert sky.

EDC’s “Under the Electric Sky” motto truly comes alive as the music blends with spectacular light shows, making it a must-visit summer festival for electronic dance music fans worldwide.

Tomorrowland: Belgium’s Fantasy Realm

Tomorrowland Festival
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Tomorrowland, taking place in Boom, Belgium, on July 18–20 and 25–27, 2025, is a magical celebration of electronic music. This festival draws 600,000 visitors from around the globe, who gather to enjoy legendary stages like the Crystal Garden and the Mainstage.

The organisers craft a fairy-tale setting with elaborate decorations, transporting attendees to a fantasy world. Additionally, Tomorrowland’s digital platform allows virtual fans to join the party from anywhere.

The combination of cutting-edge music, stunning visuals, and a global community makes Tomorrowland a truly unforgettable experience.

Burning Man: Desert Creativity Unleashed

A large, glowing Man stands on a tiered structure at night, surrounded by participants and bicycles with colorful lights at Burning Man in Nevada.
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Burning Man, held from August 24 to September 1, 2025, in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert, is a unique festival celebrating art, self-expression, and community. Participants create massive art installations and themed camps, turning the desert into a temporary city of creativity.

The event features deep-house music, fire performances, and “mutant vehicles” that roam the playa at night. Attendees embrace the festival’s “Leave No Trace” principle, ensuring the desert remains pristine after the event.

Burning Man offers a rare chance to disconnect from everyday life and immerse oneself in an extraordinary, collaborative experience.

Ultra Europe: Adriatic Beats

Ultra Europe boat party in Split.
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Ultra Europe, from July 11 to 13, 2025, combines pulsating electronic music with the stunning coastal beauty of Split, Croatia. The festival’s mainstage hosts world-renowned DJs like Hardwell, with breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea at sunset.

Beyond the main event, Ultra Europe offers boat parties and beachside stages, giving attendees unique ways to enjoy the music and scenery. The vibrant energy of the crowd, combined with the Mediterranean atmosphere, creates an unforgettable summer vibe.

This festival perfectly blends world-class music with a spectacular seaside setting, making it a top destination for electronic dance music lovers.

Russia’s White Nights Festival

Miracle night show in St. Petersburg. Colorful fireworks and a ship with scarlet sails.
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St. Petersburg’s White Nights Festival, running from June through July 2025, celebrates the city’s enchanting summer nights when the sun barely sets. The highlight is the Scarlet Sails event, featuring a spectacular pirate ship battle on the Neva River, watched by millions.

Alongside this, the festival offers classical ballet performances at the Mariinsky Theatre and lively carnival games throughout the city. The blend of high culture and festive traditions creates an elegant yet playful atmosphere.

This festival perfectly captures the magic of Russian summer evenings and invites visitors to experience art and celebration like never before.

Edinburgh Fringe: Arts Extravaganza

Artist performing on Fringe festival. Fringe is the very popular and largest arts festival in the world.
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The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, from August 1 to 25, 2025, is the world’s largest arts festival, transforming Scotland’s capital into a vibrant creative hub. Over 3,000 shows span comedy, theatre, dance, and experimental performances in theatres, pubs, and even outdoor spaces.

The festival’s atmosphere buzzes with energy as artists and audiences mingle freely. Notably, Lin-Manuel Miranda once busked here before fame, highlighting the Fringe’s role in launching careers.

Free street performances and pop-up shows ensure art spills beyond traditional venues, making this festival an inspiring celebration of creativity and diversity.

Fuji Rock: Japan’s Alpine Beats

Fuji Rock Festival 2023 entrance gate
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Fuji Rock Festival, held at Naeba Ski Resort from July 25 to 27, 2025, is Asia’s premier outdoor music event, set against stunning mountain scenery. Headliners like Vampire Weekend and Fred Again will perform on multiple stages surrounded by lush greenery.

The festival emphasises eco-friendly practices, including reusable cups and waste reduction, aligning with its “Green Room” ethos. Attendees enjoy not only music but also hiking trails, art installations, and delicious local cuisine.

This harmonious blend of nature and culture attracts 150,000 visitors annually, making Fuji Rock a must-visit for music lovers seeking a unique experience.

Boryeong Mud Festival: South Korean Fun

Boryeong Mud Festival at Daecheon beach, South Korea
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Held in July 2025, South Korea’s Boryeong Mud Festival celebrates mineral-rich mud with fun and wellness activities. Visitors slide down mudflats, join mud wrestling matches, and indulge in mud-based skincare treatments.

The festival also features lively K-pop concerts and spectacular fireworks each evening. Originally a marketing event started in 1998, it has grown into a global attraction, drawing two million visitors annually.

The Boryeong Mud Festival mixes fun, culture, and wellness into a one-of-a-kind summer escape.

Every journey leaves a mark, and small choices can make a big difference. Choosing eco-friendly stays, supporting local communities, and being mindful of plastic use help preserve the beauty of the places we visit. Respecting wildlife, conserving resources, and travelling sustainably ensure future generations can experience the same wonders. By treading lightly and embracing responsible travel, we create meaningful connections and lasting memories. Here’s to adventures that inspire and footprints that honour our planet. Safe and mindful travels!

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