Europe's best dance music festivals in 2017

Nuits Sonores

24-28 May, Lyon, France

This French titan is unmissable not only for its relentlessly forward-thinking line-up, but also its educative, inclusive feel. This year, for its 15th edition, enjoy special daytime curation from The Black Madonna, Nina Kraviz and Jon Hopkins, who bring the likes of Actress, Levon Vincent and Derrick Carter to the stages and esplanades between them. Tickets £118.

Meadows in the Mountains

9-11 Jun, Rhodopes Mountains, Bulgaria 

Nowhere better to bring out the hedonist in you than a misty mountaintop. As well as careful programming, Meadows in the Mountains is all about that otherworldly, ethereal feel; like all the best clubbing moments. There's even a special spa trip, the Orpheus Pool Party, to book yourself onto for the day afterwards – probably wise. Tickets £110.

Into the Valley

29 Jun-1 Jul, Rummu Quarry, Estonia

The Black Madonna, Helena Hauff and Recondite are just a few highlights of Into the Valley, one of three festivals under the 'Into...' banner (maybe you want to do the hat-trick and head to Sweden's Into the Factory and South Africa's Into the Castle as well). The organisers prize a holistic experience: "taking into consideration all practicalities, impressions and emotions to enable a feeling of togetherness, intimacy and harmony." Nice of 'em. Tickets £126.

Tauron Nowa Muzyka

6-9 Jul, Katowice, Poland

A nice blend of established artists and up-and-comers creates a comfortable atmosphere at Tauron, considered one of the best small events in Central Europe partly, surely, for its fascinating setting in the postindustrial Strefa Kultury ('culture zone') of Katowice. Refamiliarise yourself with the shapeshifting sounds of Gang Gang Dance and Gold Panda; but check out burning hot names Yussef Kamaal and Palms Trax too. Tickets £59.

Norbergfestival

27-29 Jul, Norberg, Sweden

A towering industrial column once used for iron ore extraction sets the scene for Norbergfestival, which offers looming, drone-y techno of an experimental bent and high-calibre A/V experiences. There’s usually workshops and trading going on and, if nothing else, it’s a wonderful insight into how the Swedes like to get down. Tickets £70.

Dekmantel 

2-6 Aug, Amsterdam, Netherlands

As usual, an absolutely mindbending line-up from Amsterdam masters Dekmantel, who bring Antal & Hunee, a set from Arca with Jesse Kanda on visuals, live appearances from Andy Stott and Tom Trago and innumerable further highlights to the leafy surroundings of Amsterdamse Bos; plus legends of the stature of Masters At Work and the one and only Omar S. Oh and y'know, just Steve Reich and the Sun Ra Arkestra. Different passes will get you into different parts of the programme, particularly day and night, so read into your options carefully. 

Festival Forte

24-26 Aug, Montemor-o-Velho, Portugal

Incoming bargain alert! Festival Forte brings an always intimate line-up, this time feat. Ron Morelli, Clark, Jeff Mills and Forte favourite Blawan, to the ancient fortress village of Montemor-O-Velho, aiming to create a 'castle in the sky'. And it's cheap. The stuff of dreams. Tickets £67.

Dimensions

30 Aug - 3 Sep, Fort Punta Christo, Croatia

By now very well established but still, we'd argue, the jewel in Croatia's ever-expanding festival, er, crown, Dimensions just ups its game year after year. This summer they've only gone and got Grace Jones (!) and as usual, basically every great name on the circuit: Romare, Daphni, Theo Parrish and Mike Dehnert are among the first announcements, with plenty more still to be added. Tickets £151.

Unsound

8-15 Oct, Krakow, Poland

Celebrating 15 years this October, Unsound has developed a cult following for its bracing, bruising line-ups and trusted curation – tickets sell quickly even when no names are announced, just the yearly theme. You'll explore some of the city's most fascinating spaces, and come away with countless new favourite artists. Tickets currently sold out.

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