Five Music Festivals by Yacht
Do you fancy dropping anchor and immersing yourself in live music? Uncover some less-known music festivals on this summer.
April 30, 2025
If you get a touch of cabin fever and need to take a break from life at sea, there are plenty of music festivals not too far from the ports scattered all over the globe. From quaint coastal villages in Denmark to the cityscape jungle of Chicago, there is a music festival here to reach via yacht for everyone. Each music event on our list is only a stone's throw from a marina.
Above: Roskilde Yacht Festival. Image via Rokskilde.
Lollapalooza: Chicago, USA
Dates: July 31st – August 3rd, 2025 (TBC)
A biggest and highly-anticipated Lollapalooza stretches across 300 acres of Grant Park with seven stages and an electric lineup that spans rock, pop, EDM, hip-hop, punk, and soul. The city skyline makes the perfect backdrop.
Headline acts this year include Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo and Doechii will all perform at the annual music festival, held in Chicago's sprawling Grant Park each summer, as well as Tyler, The Creator, Luke Combs, Gracie Abrams, Korn, A$AP Rocky, Rüfüs du Sol and Twice.
Aside from music, local haunts include Nobu Rooftop which features a chic terrace with Japanese-Peruvian fusion and skyline views. Also, Monroe Station Seasonal fine dining by Chef Larry Asher is perfect for a post-festival wind down. While you're on land why not enjoy Movies in the Parks, where you can grab a picnic and catch an open-air film courtesy of the Chicago Park District.
Closest Marina
Moor up at 31st Street Harbor has over 1000 floating slips and features a pool, beach, and slips for larger yachts. Chicago Yacht Club is a classic mooring spot with sweeping views over Lake Michigan and a great spot for lunch.
Above: 31st-Street harbor. Image via Chicago Harbors.
Ultra Europe Music Festival: Split, Croatia
Dates: July 11th-13th 2025
Ultra Europe is the smaller sister to Ultra Music Festival. The three day event boasts four stages featuring the world's top EDM DJs with unparalleled stage designs and top tier production. The full lineup is yet to be confirmed but the Main Stage will feature Martin Garrix, the legendary Armin van Buuren, Hardwell, Alesso, and these are just the veterans of the ULTRA Europe Main Stage and Tiësto will return to the stage. Other confirmed acts include Martin Garrix and newcomer John Summit.
This festival is set in Park Mladeži and packed full of hard-core party goers. If you just want to dip your toe into the music scene, this is not the place for you. Its hyped up crowd often takes the Yacht Regatta partygoers to Zlatni Rat Beach on the island of Brač. If you’re still up for more, you can finish off the event at the closing party on Ultra Beach.
Closest marina
Split Marina is located very close to the festival's main location, Park Mladeži. Split Marina is known for its good infrastructure and is a popular spot for sailors.
Lindisfarne Festival: Holy Island, Scotland
Dates: 28th-30th August, 2025
The end-of-summer celebration is a secret gem and Britain’s best hidden festivals, and that is exactly what makes it so special. Lindisfarne Festival marks its 10th anniversary with a wild weekend of music, magic, and mayhem on the stunning Northumberland coast.
Just under an hour from Edinburgh and Newcastle, yet a world away from the everyday, Lindisfarne Festival invites free spirits and festival-goers to embrace three days of pure escapism. With hundreds of acts spread across eight eclectic stages, expect a genre-blending line-up filled with unforgettable performances, from emerging talents to crowd-favourite headliners.
Taking place in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), this festival’s milestone edition promises an unforgettable experience in one of the UK’s most breathtaking festival settings overlooking the mystical Holy Island.
Closest Marina
While the festival is on the mainland, Holy Island Harbour is on Holy Island on Lindisfarne is a short distance from the festival site.
Roskilde Yacht Festival: Roskilde, Denmark
Dates: June 28 – July 5, 2025
Fancy a festival in the small Danish town that offers big name acts without the commercial feel of Europe’s other mainstream music events. Though it may be small its carries a huge legacy - the iconic Orange Stage originally bought from the Rolling Stones’ 1976 tour has hosted countless legends over the years.
Roskilde is in fact a charity festival from which all profits are donated to support cultural development and humanitarian organisations. Surplus food is donated to those in need and Camp Aid collects leftover tents, sleeping bags, blankets and chairs, all of which are donated to different charity organisations.
With over 200 acts spanning rock, pop, electronic, indie, metal, hip-hop, and global sounds, Roskilde 2025 promises to be a true haven for music lovers of every genre. Expect bold performances, boundary-pushing artistry, and an atmosphere like no other, as the heartbeat of the charming village and altruistic vibe is palpable through the music.
Headliners this year include powerhouse Stormzy and performances from Olivia Rodrigo, and Nine Inch Nails. Other highlights include Charli XCX, FKA Twigs, Deftones, Jamie xx, Fontaines D.C., Beabadoobee, Wet Leg, Beth Gibbons, Arca, and ScHoolboy Q, among many others.
Closest Marina
The Roskilde Marina, with 370 berths is located at the furthest point south of the shallow Roskilde Fjord.
Above: Rokskilde festival features a lake where festival-goers can cool off. Image via Roksilde.
Sani Festival: Sani Resort, Halkidiki, Greece
Dates: 12th July to 23rd August 2025
Sani Resort is proud to welcome back the internationally renowned Sani Festival, returning with an extraordinary line-up of world-class artists. Set against the stunning backdrop of Sani Hill, this year’s festival features 14 Grammy Awards and 36 nominations among its performers. Legendary acts performing this year include Buena Vista All Stars, Norah Jones, Gloria Gaynor, Gipsy Kings featuring Tonino Baliardo, and a special tribute to Greek songwriting icon Lina Nikolakopoulou.
Celebrated as one of Europe’s most prestigious boutique music festivals, Sani Festival has brought unforgettable performances to Greece’s leading luxury beach resort for over 30 years. Each summer, music lovers from around the world gather to enjoy an open-air concert experience under the stars with views over the Aegean Sea.
The 2025 edition promises a vibrant mix of jazz, R&B, soul, disco, world music, new wave, and beloved Greek classics, delivering something for every musical taste. With more performers yet to be announced, this summer’s Sani Festival is set to be one of its most memorable editions yet.
Closest Marina
Sani Marina is a five-star marina and part of the Sani Resort, offering mooring facilities and a lively atmosphere.
Above: Sani music festival has an intimate feel. Image via Sani.
If you enjoy music and cannot make it ashore but still want to enjoy a party on the water, you might enjoy reading Best Boat Songs: 15 Tracks For Your Playlist.
