How to Successfully Apply for International Music Festivals in 2025? A Guide for Artists

International Music Festivals – A Guide for Artists

International music festivals are more than just an opportunity to have fun. They offer artists and bands from around the world a unique chance to showcase their music to a wide audience, gain new fans, and establish valuable industry connections.

In an era of globalization and digitalization, where music effortlessly transcends national and cultural boundaries, participating in prestigious events can be a key milestone in an artist’s career. It’s not only a chance to perform on an international stage but also a real opportunity for growth, experience exchange, and building recognition.

In this article, we will guide you on how to find a festival that matches your musical style, how to apply effectively, and how to prepare for your performance to make the most of this opportunity.

International Music Festivals – Why Should You Perform at Them?

Performing at international music festivals is not just about prestige; it’s a significant opportunity for growth and career expansion. These events provide artists access to a broad audience, valuable industry connections, and media exposure, which can open doors to new possibilities. Here are the key reasons why you should consider applying for a spot on the biggest festival stages:

• Reach an international audience – Festivals attract music fans from all over the world, giving bands and solo artists the chance to showcase their work to new listeners. This is an excellent opportunity to build a global fan base and expand beyond your local market.
• Networking and collaboration – These events bring together not only music lovers but also industry professionals such as managers, producers, label representatives, and fellow artists. Direct connections made at festivals can lead to new projects, contracts, and collaborations.
• Media exposure – Many festivals gain attention from journalists and influencers, and event coverage often reaches press, television, and social media. A performance on a prestigious stage can boost your visibility and help you attract new audiences.
• Artistic and stage development – Playing on large stages, often alongside well-known artists, is a priceless learning experience for any musician. Festival performances help develop stage presence, improve technical skills, and teach how to handle logistical and organizational challenges.
• Direct audience feedback – An international audience provides valuable insight into your music. Listener reactions help you understand which songs have the most potential and how to refine your live performance to make an even greater impact.

Participating in international festivals is more than just playing a gig – it’s a strategic step in building your music career. A well-planned presence at these events can open new development paths and significantly accelerate your artistic journey.

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How to Find the Right Music Festivals?

Choosing the right festival is a key step in building a successful music career. Not every festival will match your style, goals, or current level of development, so it’s essential to take a strategic approach. Here are some steps to help you find the best events for your music:

• Define your goals – Think about why you want to perform at a festival. Is your goal to reach a new audience, make valuable industry connections, or gain experience on bigger stages? Some events focus on showcases for record labels and managers, others attract mass audiences, while some emphasize niche genres. Clearly defining your priorities will help you narrow down your selection.
• Analyze the market – Research which festivals best match your musical style and expectations. Look at past editions, see which artists performed, and check the entry requirements. Some festivals welcome newcomers, while others prefer bands with a stronger track record.
• Use available tools – Take advantage of festival databases, music forums, and social media groups where artists share their experiences. Many organizations publish open calls for musicians – check out our list below, where we have gathered several international festivals currently accepting applications from independent artists.
• Carefully review application requirements – Every festival has its own submission guidelines. Before applying, make sure you meet the criteria – some events require a portfolio, professional live recordings, or detailed information about your stage experience. A well-prepared application increases your chances of success!

Choosing the right festival is not just a great opportunity to perform but also an important step in shaping your musical future. Take the time to research and select events that will truly contribute to your growth.

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We have prepared a list of European and international music festivals that are currently accepting applications from artists.

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Some of these festivals offer travel and accommodation reimbursement as well as performance fees, while others do not cover such expenses. Additionally, many events have genre preferences, so before applying, check if your band fits the festival’s profile.

Before submitting your application, carefully review the submission guidelines and participation requirements to increase your chances of success. Save this article, as we regularly update the festival list with new opportunities.

Music Festivals in Europe in 2025 and 2026

2000trees Festival – Cheltenham, UK | July 2025 | Apply Here

Athens Music Week – Athens, Greece | May 2025 | Apply Here

Barn On The Farm – Gloucester, UK | July 2025 | Apply Here

Big Feastival – Cotswolds, UK | August 2025 | Apply Here

Bristol Harbour Festival 2025 – Bristol, UK | July 2025 | Apply Here

Beat-Herder – Lancashire, UK | July 2025 | Apply Here

Budapest Ritmo Showcase 2025 – Budapest, Hungary | April 2025 | Apply Here

Camp Bestival – Dorset, UK | July 2025 | Apply Here

Cro Cro Land 2025 – London, UK | April 2025 | Apply Here

DOT2DOT – Bristol, Nottingham, UK | May 2025 | Apply Here

ESNS 2026 – Groningen, Netherlands | January 2026 | Apply Here

Eskfest – Lake District, UK | July 2025 | Apply Here

Euroblast – Cologne, Germany | September 2025 | Apply Here

FOCUS Wales – Wrexham, Wales | May 2025 | Apply Here

Future Echoes – Norrköping, Sweden | September 2025 | Apply Here

Gate to Southwell Folk Festival – Southwell, UK | July 2025 | Apply Here

Golden Touch 2025 – Portsmouth, UK | June 2025 | Apply Here

Hardwick Festival – County Durham, UK | August 2025 | Apply Here

Isle of Wight Festival - New Blood Competition – Isle of Wight, UK | June 2025 | Apply Here

Lakefest 2025 – Hertfordshire, UK | August 2025 | Apply Here

Liverpool Sound City – Liverpool, UK | May 2025 | Apply Here

LoopFest – Shropshire, UK | May 2025 | Apply Here

Love Supreme Jazz Festival – East Sussex, UK | July 2025 | Apply Here

Manchester Jazz Festival 2025 – Manchester, UK | May 2025 | Apply Here

MIF25 Festival Square – Manchester, UK | July 2025 | Apply Here

Moseley Folk Festival – Moseley, UK | August 2025 | Apply Here

Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival – Birmingham, UK | July 2025 | Apply Here

Music Week Poland – Warsaw, Poland | June 2025 | Apply Here

New Jazz Showcase – Zurich, Switzerland | March 2025 | Apply Here

On The Meadow – London, UK | August 2025 | Apply Here

RecFest – Portsmouth, UK | May 2025 | Apply Here

Reeperbahn Festival – Hamburg, Germany | September 2025 | Apply Here

SeaSessions – Bundoran, Ireland | June 2025 | Apply Here

Sensoria 2025 – Sheffield, UK | October 2025 | Apply Here

SHIP – Šibenik, Croatia | September 2025 | Apply Here

Solfest – Cumbria, UK | August 2025 | Apply Here

Sound City 2025 – Liverpool, UK | May 2025 | Apply Here

SPIKE Bulgarian Music Showcase 2025 – Plovdiv, Bulgaria | May 2025 | Apply Here

Stendhal – Limavady, Northern Ireland | July 2025 | Apply Here

Sweden Rock Festival – Sölvesborg, Sweden | June 2025 | Apply Here

SXSW – London, UK | June 2025 | Apply Here

The Great Escape – Brighton, UK | May 2025 | Apply Here

Tallinn Music Week – Tallinn, Estonia | April 2025 | Apply Here

Westway LAB 2025 – Guimarães, Portugal | April 2025 | Apply Here

Wide Days – Edinburgh, Scotland | April 2025 | Apply Here

Wychwood Festival – Cheltenham, UK | May 2025 | Apply Here

Music Festivals in the USA and Canada in 2025 and 2026

Blue Ox Music Festival – Wisconsin, USA | June 2025 | Apply Here

CMA Fest – Nashville, USA | June 2025 | Apply Here

Lovin' Life – Charlotte, USA | May 2025 | Apply Here

MONDO NYC – New York City, USA | October 2025 | Apply Here

NXNE – Toronto, Canada | June 2025 | Apply Here

Joshua Tree Music Festival – Joshua Tree, California, USA | May 2025 | Apply Here

Tumbleweed Music Festival – Washington, USA | August 2025 | Apply Here

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How to Prepare for a Music Festival Application?

Applying for music festivals may seem simple – you submit your application and wait for a response. However, a successful application requires a well-thought-out strategy. Instead of applying to dozens of random festivals, it’s better to take a careful, selective approach and choose events that best match your music and career stage. Here are some key tips to increase your chances of success:

• Choose festivals that match your style – While it might be tempting to send applications to as many festivals as possible, a more selective approach is often more effective. Research the dominant music genres at each festival and see if your music fits. Look at previous line-ups – were the selected artists independent or signed to major labels? Did they have a strong social media presence? The better you match a festival’s profile, the higher your chances of being accepted.
• Be realistic about your market position – Before applying, assess whether your artistic experience meets the festival’s expectations. Some festivals welcome newcomers, while others expect professional live recordings, significant stage experience, or an established fan base. Choosing festivals that align with your career level will help you avoid frustration and increase your chances of a positive response.
• Analyze artist selection criteria – Some festivals prefer local performers, while others seek international talent. Many events favor bands with strong promotional backing and active fan engagement. Before applying, analyze what past participants had in common and evaluate whether you fit those criteria.
• Respect your time and the organizers’ time – A selective application strategy not only increases your chances of success but also saves time – both yours and the booking team’s. It’s better to focus on well-matched eventsand prepare a strong, tailored application rather than submitting mass applications with little chance of acceptance.

A well-thought-out application strategy will not only help you secure festival performances but also allow you to build your reputation in the music industry consciously and effectively.

Perfect Your Live Performance

Music festivals are highly competitive, especially for independent artists. To increase your chances of securing a spot, your performances need to stand out—both musically and visually. Festival organizers don’t just evaluate your studio recordings; they assess your ability to engage and captivate an audience.

• Practice regularly on stage – The more live gigs you play before applying for festivals, the better. Frequent performances help refine your setlist, stage presence, and confidence. They also allow you to test different ways of engaging with the audience—a crucial skill for large festival stages.
• Enhance your stage presence – Festivals are not just about the music; they are also about the show. Audiences expect more than just well-performed songs—they want energy, interaction, and an unforgettable atmosphere. Analyzing past performances, watching recordings, and identifying areas for improvement can help you elevate your live act.
• Prepare high-quality live performance material – Festival applications often require live performance videos. A well-produced recording of your concert can make all the difference when bookers make their decisions. If you don’t have professional recordings yet, invest in capturing your performance in good audio and video quality.
• Build a narrative around your performance – A festival gig is not just a concert; it’s a chance to tell your story as an artist. Your performance should align with your artistic identity and stand out among the many other applicants.

A strong, polished stage presence makes organizers see you not just as a talented musician but as a performer who can excite and engage a festival audience—a key factor in getting booked.

Perfect Your Application

A well-prepared application is the key to success—no matter how strong your live performance is, it won’t guarantee you a festival slot if your submission fails to impress organizers. That’s why presenting your music professionally is crucial, and the best tool for this is an Electronic Press Kit (EPK).

• Create a professional EPK – Your Electronic Press Kit serves as your music industry resume. It should include essential information about your band or solo project, such as a bio, promotional photos, links to live recordings, music videos, reviews, and contact details. A well-organized EPK shows festival organizers that you are serious about your career and ready for professional opportunities.
• Keep it up to date – Your EPK should be regularly updated, especially when you release new music, play major gigs, or collaborate on industry projects. Festival organizers look for active, evolving artists, so keeping your content fresh makes a strong impression.
• Publish your EPK on your artist website – If you have an official website, make sure your press kit is accessible. This demonstrates that you are professionally prepared for promotion and take your industry presence seriously.
• Personalize your applications – Avoid sending out the same generic application to every festival. Each event has its own character, so tailor your submission to match the festival’s identity. Highlight why your music fits the lineup and how your performance adds value to the festival’s program.

A well-crafted, professional application not only increases your chances of getting booked but also helps establish you as an artist ready for major festival stages. It’s the first step in making organizers see you as a performer who can bring something unique to their event.

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If You Receive an Offer – Act Quickly and Professionally

Congratulations! Securing a festival slot is a huge opportunity but also a commitment. Respond as soon as possible, confirm all details, and clarify any important aspects—such as technical requirements, accommodation, schedule, or event promotion. Show the organizers that you are a reliable artist who takes this opportunity seriously.

If You Get Rejected – Stay Professional

Receiving a rejection can be disappointing, but it doesn’t mean the door is closed forever. Thank the organizers for reviewing your application and express your interest in future editions. You can also ask if there is a reserve list in case any bands drop out. A polite response keeps you on their radar for the future.

Don’t Burn Bridges

The music industry thrives on relationships. Acting unprofessionally—such as sending emotional or angry messagesafter a rejection—can damage your reputation. Instead, handle the situation with grace and treat it as a learning experience. Organizers remember professional artists, and they might reach out to you for a future opportunity.

Rejection Isn’t the End of the Road

Not every application will be successful, but don’t let that discourage you. Festivals have limited spots, and the selection process is often highly competitive. If you don’t make it this year, keep improving your live show, growing your fan base, and strengthening your industry presence. Many artists who were initially rejected later secured festival slots in future editions.

Every response from an organizer—whether positive or negative—is an opportunity to build your career. Handling this process with professionalism and respect increases your chances of getting booked in the future and strengthens your position in the music industry.

How to Successfully Apply for International Music Festivals? – Summary

Performing at international music festivals can be a breakthrough moment in an artist’s career. It’s not just an opportunity to showcase your music on a global stage, but also a chance to gain new fans, establish valuable industry connections, and expand your artistic reach. To maximize your chances of success, proper preparation is essential—both in terms of your application and the logistics of your performance.

Remember, in the music industry, success is not just about talent—it’s also about strategy. Selecting the right festival, submitting a professional application, and delivering a strong live performance are the key foundations of a successful festival application.

Additionally, global digital distribution plays a crucial role—being present on major international streaming platforms can help you reach a wider audience and increase your recognition even before the festival.

📢 Do you want your music to be available on the world's biggest streaming platforms? Register with our service today and start building your global presence!

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Every festival has its own unique requirements and selection process, so it’s essential to carefully review the participation rules before submitting your application. Take advantage of our curated list of European and international festivals with open calls—it’s a great starting point to find events that best match your music and artistic goals.

We hope this guide helps you take the next step in your music career and achieve success on international stages. Good luck!🤞

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