Summer is finally here and the events just keep on coming. Our eager locals have recommended a list of the top events to attend in June, so if you happen to be travelling to any of the cities below, make sure you don’t miss out!

Riga Opera Festival (June 3–15)

Each summer Riga Opera Festival marks the end of the Latvian National Opera’s performance season, giving an overview of the best moments and favourite scenes of the past year. The festival attracts both locals and an international crowd with its versatile program.

Treff Festival in Tallinn (June 5–8)

This international puppet and visual theatre festival has something to offer people of all ages. It’s actually divided into two sub-programs: one for adults and one for children. As most of the performances are played out visually and non-verbally, there’s no need to worry about the language barrier. Some shows are even in English. All performances take place on the streets and are free of charge.

Photo credit: Ed Shipul

Cest is d’Best Street Festival in Zagreb (June 5–11)

Once a small-scale event for locals, C’est is d’Best has evolved into an international multimedia street festival that brings the Croatian capital to life. Performances featuring hundreds of artists are set to take place on six stages. The programme includes art, drama, music, dance, sport, activities for kids and more.

Popular Saints Festival in Lisbon (June 12)

This is one of the most beloved and well known festivals in Portugal. Celebrations are held in honour of Saint Peter, Saint John and Saint Anthony and include a parade, traditional open-air dances and performances. Additionally, grilled sardines are served and sold everywhere across town.

MURAL Festival in Montreal (June 12–15)

This is an art festival that celebrates creativity and highlights urban/street art on Saint-Laurent Boulevard. The programme includes artistic activities linked with urban art including dance, music, film, installations and graffiti. The best part is that it’s completely free.

Photo credit: Elvert Barnes

The IV Beer Festival in Budapest (June 12–15)

For the past three years summer in Budapest has kicked off with a huge beer festival at Buda Castle. This year there’s a special focus on beers from the Czech Republic, however over 200 different varieties from Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK will also be on offer. Tickets cost around €6.60 and include a pint of beer.

Homestead Jazz in Moscow (June 14–15)

Homestead Jazz is Russia’s largest outdoor festival, uniting various genres of jazz with funk, blues and other related styles of music. The festival prides itself in presenting world-class stars and performances each year. Last year’s line-up included names such as Marcus Miller, Charlie Hunter Trio, Nils Landgren, Jazzanova Live! and The Puppini Sisters.

Photo credit: Volna80

Edinburgh International Film Festival (June 18–29)

This festival is the longest continually running international film festival in the world. The aim of the festival is to discover and highlight the best and most innovative new talents. There’s a wide array of awards including  Best International Feature Film, Best Short Film, Best Documentary Feature Film and many more.

Culture Night in Vilnius (June 20–21)

For one night only the entire city of Vilnius fills with music, film screenings, performances, creative workshops and installations. Events take place on squares, streets and in parks, and at unexpected open-air locations including an abandoned Old Town backyard and a meadow. All of the events are free!

Christopher Street Day in Berlin (June 21)

Christopher Street Day is known a the biggest gay and lesbian “holiday” in the world, bringing together up to half a million liberal people on the streets of Berlin. The event was first held in 1979 and its popularity continues to grow to this day. The main attraction of CSD is a huge parade that starts at midday from Kurfürstendamm/Joachimstaler Straße.

Photo credit: Harold R Cologne

Fête de la Musique in Berlin (June 21)

There are in fact two festivals set to take place in Berlin on June 21st. Fête de la Musique (Worldwide Music Day) began in Paris in 1982 and has since spread to 520 cities all around the world, including Berlin. This festival gives you the chance to listen to all styles of music in various open-air locations for free. The music fills the streets, creating a joyful and entertaining atmosphere.

Midsummer Celebrations in Riga (June 21–23)

On the night of the summer solstice (June 23rd), Latvians celebrate the longest day of the year with the Līgo festival. The festivities begin a couple of days earlier on June 21st with the impressive folk dance production Rise, fair Sun! at Mežaparks. The festival ends with a huge traditional song and dance fest on solstice night that lasts until dawn.

Kings of Leon Live in Riga (June 25)

This summer the world famous rock band Kings of Leon will play all their major hits on the open-air stage at Mežaparks, Riga. This is the very same location where the Latvian song festivals are held. The aim of this tour is to promote their most recent album. Tickets cost €55.

Photo credit: wonker

Fantastic Zagreb Film Festival (June 27–July 5)

This festival presents a versatile programme of sci-fi, thriller, horror, mystery and experimental films. As the screenings take place outdoors, guests can simultaneously enjoy the warm summer nights. There’s also an additional programme of panel discussions, workshops and lectures.

Munich Film Festival (June 27–July 5)

Munich Film Festival is Munich’s biggest summer film festival, attracting more than 65,000 people every year. Over 200 feature films, documentaries and TV movies from all around the world will be screened at nine theatres and cinemas across the city.

Opening photo credit: Moyan Brenn