There is a time and a place for a big music festival and they can be the highlight of your year. However, the really big festivals of the world can also be a monumental effort to attend. With big crowds, large distances and big expenses, sometimes you just want something on a smaller scale.
That’s where the smaller, lesser-known festivals of the world come in, allowing you to get your festival fix without all of the chaos. Of course, you may have to sacrifice some bigger headliners and some diversity of performers, but it is a totally worthwhile experience for many.
Here are our favorite small, lesser-known music festivals to try out this summer:
Træna Music Festival (Norway)
The Træna Music Festival takes place on the Træna islands in Northern Norway. Nestled within the Arctic Circle, these islands provide a stunning and picturesque backdrop for this annual festival, which has gained recognition for its music lineup, stunning natural surroundings, and immersive cultural experience.
The Træna Music Festival celebrates a diverse range of music genres, catering to a wide audience with eclectic tastes. From traditional Norwegian folk music to contemporary rock, pop, electronic, and experimental sounds, the festival curates a lineup that showcases both local and international talent.
In addition to the music, the Træna Music Festival offers an array of cultural activities, workshops, and experiences that provide insight into the local way of life. Festivalgoers have the opportunity to engage with traditional Norwegian crafts, learn about the island’s history, and participate in nature-based activities that connect them with the rugged beauty of the Arctic environment.
The festival’s emphasis on sustainability and environmental consciousness is also noteworthy. Organizers strive to minimize the ecological impact of the event, encouraging attendees to be mindful of their surroundings and to adopt environmentally friendly practices throughout the festival.
- Dates held: Mid July
- Location: Træna, Norway
Meadows in the Mountains (Bulgaria)
Meadows in the Mountains Festival is a music and arts gathering that takes place in the breathtaking Rhodope Mountains of Bulgaria. The festival site sprawls across rolling hills and meadows, with stages strategically placed to offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
At its core, Meadows in the Mountains celebrates a diverse range of music genres, from electronic and world music to indie, folk, and beyond. The lineup features both local and international artists, with an emphasis on acts that resonate with the festival’s laid-back and introspective vibe.
- Dates held: Early June
- Location: Bulgaria
Green Man (Wales)
The Green Man Festival is a renowned annual music and arts event held in the picturesque Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales, UK, boasting an eclectic lineup that ranges from folk and indie rock to electronic, alternative, and beyond.
The festival site is nestled amidst rolling hills, lush forests, and serene lakes, creating a harmonious blend of nature and music. Stages are thoughtfully positioned to allow festivalgoers to enjoy performances while taking in the stunning vistas that surround them.
The Green Man Festival also places a strong emphasis on fostering a sense of community and inclusivity. With its family-friendly atmosphere, the event caters to attendees of all ages, offering a range of activities for children and adults alike. Workshops, talks, and art installations add depth to the cultural experience, encouraging attendees to engage with various forms of creative expression.
- Dates held: Mid August
- Location: South Wales
Secret Garden Party (England)
Renowned for its innovative approach to festivals and its emphasis on creativity, community, and immersive experiences, the Secret Garden Party offers attendees a unique escape from the ordinary. Each iteration of Secret Garden Party has a specific theme that set the tone for the event and encourages attendees to engage with the festival’s spirit of imagination and participation.
What truly distinguishes the Secret Garden Party is its immersive and theatrical approach to festival culture. Attendees were encouraged to dress up, express themselves, and fully embrace the chosen theme of each year. Art installations, interactive experiences, and whimsical décor transform the festival grounds into a wonderland of creativity. Hidden stages, theatrical performances, and participatory art projects added an element of surprise and delight around every corner.
- Dates held: Late July
- Location: Cambridgeshire, England
Electric Forest (USA)
One of the defining features of the Electric Forest Festival is its stunning natural setting. The festival takes place in a picturesque forest, where towering trees and lush greenery provide a breathtaking backdrop for the festivities.
Attendees often refer to themselves as “Forest Family,” reflecting the sense of camaraderie and belonging that permeates the festival grounds. Additionally, the festival’s unique sub-experiences, like the Silent Disco and curated stages, provide diverse musical experiences within the larger event.
- Dates held: Late June 2022
- Location: Michigan, USA
Astropolis (France)
The Astropolis Festival is an electronic music event known for its cutting-edge lineup, forward-thinking concepts, and immersive experiences, the festival has become a beacon for electronic music enthusiasts, artists, and techno aficionados.
The festival embraces a wide spectrum of electronic genres, from techno and house to ambient, experimental, and beyond.
The Astropolis Festival is not only about music but also about exploring the intersections of technology and creativity. The festival often incorporates elements of cutting-edge technology, interactive installations, and multimedia experiences. This focus on innovation aligns with the forward-thinking nature of electronic music itself.
- Dates held: Early February
- Location: Brittany, France
Igloofest (Canada)
Igloofest is an outdoor winter music festival held annually in Montreal, Canada renowned for its combination of electronic music, immersive visuals and frigid temperatures, Igloofest offers a one-of-a-kind experience that captures the spirit of winter while heating up the dance floor.
The festival features a dynamic lineup that spans various electronic sub-genres, from techno and house to bass music, trance, and more. You will also find captivating light installations, projections, and art displays that transform the outdoor venue into a visually stunning landscape.
- Dates held: Mid January
- Location: Montreal
