Okay, so I’ve been meaning to check out some cool art and design festivals in Europe for a while now. I finally got around to doing some digging and planning, and I wanted to share what I did, hopefully, it helps someone else out there!

Step 1: Initial Brainstorm and Google Search
First, I just sat down and thought about what kind of festivals I was even interested in. I’m really into modern stuff, graphic design, and anything a bit edgy, you know? I started with a simple Google search, just typing in things like “best art festivals Europe,” “design events Europe,” and “creative festivals Europe.” I jotted down a bunch of names that popped up.
Step 2: Narrowing Down the List
I had a HUGE list. I needed to cut it down, So, I started looking at each festival’s website. Things I checked for:
- Dates: Did they fit my schedule?
- Location: Was it a city I wanted to visit, or could easily get to?
- Vibe: Did the photos and descriptions make it seem like my kind of scene? I’m not really into the super traditional art stuff.
- Price: Some of these things are EXPENSIVE. I needed to be realistic.
Step 3: Deep Dive into a Few
After I narrowed it down, I had like, maybe five festivals that looked promising. Then, I did more detailed research. I looked for:
- Past artist lineups: To see if they showcased people I liked or knew of.
- Reviews or blog posts: To get an idea of what other people thought of the festival.
- Workshops or talks: I love learning new things, so this was a big plus.
Step 4: Making the Final Choice (and Booking!)
Based on all that, I finally decided on one! It just seemed like the perfect fit for my interests and schedule. It’s not for a few months, but I booked my tickets and accommodations. So excited!
Step 5: Prep and Planning
Now, I am in preparation mode.

- I have created the excel to list some must-see exhibits and workshops.
- I have researched transportation and nearby food spots.
- I have prepared my small notebook and pen to jot down ideas.
I’m super pumped to go and get inspired. Will definitely share some photos and stories when I get back! Hope this little breakdown of how I planned my trip was helpful!