It’s that time of year again, the sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and you’re looking for any reason to get out of town and enjoy some well deserved R & R. While you probably have your trip all planned out, we’ve taken the liberty of suggesting some of our favorite summer music festivals in case you have a free week here or there. So sit back, relax, and enjoy part one of Global Adrenaline’s 2010 Guide to Summer Music Festivals.

Sonar Festival – June 17-19 – Barcelona, Spain
An advanced music and multimedia festival taking place in the heart of Barcelona, Spain, this urban centered event keeps the party going all night long with Sonar by Day and Sonar by Night events keeping the music bumping day and night. Last year, an audience of more than 75,000 individuals enjoyed a wide selection of electronic artists and Djs. This year will offer two simultaneous editions occurring in Barcelons and A Coruña.
For more info visit: http://2010.sonar.es/en/

Sensation – July 3 – Amsterdam, Netherlands
“House is a feeling; a celebration of life”
Starting in 2000, the Sensation party series has been a hallmark of electronic dance music in Europe. Well known for its white clothes dress code, the Sensation parties bring in Djs from around the world to play the hottest beats at Sensation parties across seventeen different countries. Each year, a new theme is chosen for the world tour, with the kick-off party occurring at the Amsterdam Arena. This year, the theme is ‘Celebrate Life!’ with a special focus on house music. Be sure to bring your finest white outfit for an event you’ll NEVER forget.
For more info visit: http://www.sensation.com

Exit Festival – July 8-11 – Novi Sad, Serbia
The biggest music festival in south eastern Europe, the Exit Festival is a massive music event featuring a huge number of international artists playing a wide variety of genres. Held in the Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, Serbia, the Exit Festival was originally held as a protest festival against regime tactics that had been keeping Serbia out of touch with the outside world. Building upon the success of the intial festival, each festival has continued to keep a social conscious edge while supplying the same variety of talent each year to around 200,000 visitors. This year will be attended by Missy Elliot, Mika, Crystal Castles and many other world renowned artists.
For more info visit: http://eng.exitfest.org

T in the Park – July 9-11 – Balado, Scotland
An extremely green-friendly festival and only one of two CarbonNeutral events in the UK, T in the Park attracts well over 80,000 fans a day with over 180 artists performing across 11 stages over 3 days. T in the park is also one of many UK festivals that invites participants to rough it outdoors with nothing but a tent and supplies for a truly all day experience. For those who aren’t keen on straying too far from the comforts of home, Luxury arrangements are available.
For more information visit: http://www.tinthepark.com

Monegros Festival – July 17 – Monegros Desert, Spain
Looking for a truly unique experience? Look no further than the Monegros Festival. Taking place in the Monegros Desert between Madrid and Barcelona, the Monegros Festival features a truly eclectic line up of Electro, Techno, Drum N’ Bass and Dubstep artists prepared to party well into the evening. This is definitely not an experience you want to miss.
For more information visit: http://monegrosfestival.com

Global Gathering – July 30-31 – Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom
An outdoor dance music festival, this even takes place in the UK’s Long Marston Airfield in Stratford-upon-Avon. Featuring a wide variety of electronic dance music styles including House, Dubstep and Trance, this festival will have a campsite available with amenities such as a breakfast bar, a chill out area, and fairground rides. In its 10th season, this years Global Gathering will feature many world famous artists including the legendary Carl Cox, Fredde Le Grand, Sasha and John Digweed.
For more info visit: http://globalgathering.com

Sonne Mond Sterne Festival – August 6-8 – Saalburg, Germany
The Sonne Mond Sterne Festival brings dozens of Djs and electronic live acts to the beautiful Bleilochtalsperre in Saalburg every year. While this event is well known for having some of the biggest names in the dance music business, they also showcase some of the most respected names in the underground. If you want a taste of the underground and the mainstream (along with some fine German beer) make sure you make it out to the Sonne Mond Sterne Festival.
For more info visit: http://sonnemondsterne.de

Creamfields – August 28-29 – Daresbury, United Kingdom
For the past 11 years, Creamfields has been THE electronic music festival to go to. This overnight camping festival (with Hospitality and Luxury Camping options) is held annually on the United Kingdom’s Bank Holiday weekend. Run by the famous Cream clubbing brand, this event brings out many of the heavy hitters of the electronic dance music scene including Armin Van Buuren, Judge Jules, Plastikman, the Crookers and Leftfield. With over 10 stages to choose from over two days, you’ll have plenty of options to satiate your EDM desires.
For more information visit: http://www.creamfields.com/

Electric Picnic – September 3-5 – Stradbally Hall, Ireland
An annual boutique arts-and-music festival with “fine music, art, theater, comedy, pantomime, [and] holistic health”, the Electric Picnic has been going on for 4 years and doesn’t seem to be losing steam. One of the many camping festivals, Electric Picnic focuses heavily on the live music and electronic scenes and will be show casing a wide variety of acts across the world. This is definitely a festival you won’t want to miss!
For more information visit: http://www.electricpicnic.ie/