European Capitals Photo Gallery

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Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh, Scotland
Season: mid-August through early September (International); August (Fringe)
Details: At the International you'll find classical music, theater, opera, and dance. The Fringe features theater, comedy, dance, physical theater, musicals, children's theater, street theater, exhibitions, magic, mime, and just about anything in-between.

Glyndbourne Opera, English countryside not far from London
Season: May through August
Details: The biggest opera festival in England features the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Note there is a formal dress code.

Montreux Jazz Festival, Lake Geneva, Switzerland
Season: July
Details: A European showcase for more than 40 year, this festival is complete with stages indoors and out that feature jazz, soul, blues, pop, rock, world music, etc.

Richard Wagner Festival, Bayreuth, Germany
Season: late July through August
Details: Perhaps the most famous summer opera world-wide, it's always sold out and tickets are notoriously hard to come by for first-timers.

Salzburg Festival, Salzburg, Austria
Season: end of July to the end of August
Details: World-class drama productions, soloists, and orchestras such as the Vienna Philharmonic take place in the birthplace of Mozart.

Verona Opera Festival (Arena di Verona Festival), Verona, Italy
Season: mid-June through August
Details: Staged in an ancient Roman amphitheater, it is said to be the largest open-air lyric opera in the world.