Missed Out on the Glastonbury Resale? Here are 5 of the Coolest Boutique Music Festivals
The music tourism industry is booming – the term ‘music festivals’ sees an average of 19k global monthly searches. Travel expert reveals 5 of the coolest lesser-known music festivals around the world
As spring heralds the start of music festival season, with events like Coachella and Glastonbury taking place, the music tourism industry is booming! But as the popularity for festivals increases, so do the ticket prices. This year, Glastonbury is expected to see around 200,000 visitors, with the general admission ticket price starting from £378.50. In April this year, Coachella saw around 125,000 visitors per day, with general admission ticket prices starting from around $649. Many of these large-scale festivals are said to now prioritise life through a lens, with some attendees reporting a loss of authenticity around the celebration of music and the destination’s culture.
Nothing quite compares to the feeling of listening to live music on a hot summer’s day. However, if you’re looking to travel to a music event in 2025, consider swapping major international events for off-the-beaten-track destinations with exclusive festivals that will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the moment.
Clare Tobin, CEO at Wild Frontiers, the B Corp adventure travel experts, tells YCB:
“Travelling overseas to experience live music can often mean that people fly in and out of a destination in a short period of time, meaning they don’t get to experience the true authenticity of the location, connect with the local community or contribute to the local economy.
“There are plenty of fantastic music festivals in lesser-known destinations around the world that are perfect for music-lovers who are also seeking adventure. These events offer an opportunity to extend your stay and spend more time exploring the local area, which in turn allows you to gain a deeper cultural connection, discover local artists and enjoy more enriching experiences. It also means that your visit will have a more positive economic impact on the local community.”
If you’re looking to venture off-the-beaten-track whilst also getting your festival fix this year, below are 5 of the coolest music festivals that you have probably never heard of.
KALA Festival – Dhermi, Albania
Instagram: @kalafestival
Best for: Ibiza-lovers
Located on the scenic Dhermi Beach Albania, KALA Festival is ideal for those who love the Ibiza music scene. The event will take place between 4th and 11th June with a lineup that includes disco, house, soul and jazz artists performing against a backdrop of breathtaking Albanian Riviera coastline, promising an unforgettable experience.
Albania, often likened to Greece due to its idyllic landscape, is a destination increasing in popularity, with Wild Frontiers reporting a 110% increase in bookings in 2024 compared to 2023.
Festival-goers will want to extend their stay to spend some time exploring the Albanian Riviera. Sometimes referred to as the ‘Maldives of Europe’, Albania is home to beautiful white sandy beaches such as Ksamil beach, picturesque old towns and plenty of hiking opportunities.
Playtime – Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Instagram: @playtimefestival
Best for: Those who enjoy a diverse range of genres
Playtime is a festival based in the capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, that is known for its incredibly diverse range of music genres including rock, indie, metal, electronic and jazz. There is, quite literally, something to suit everyone.
The festival will take place between 3rd and 6th July and includes a diverse lineup of artists, both local and international. Ulaanbaatar itself offers plenty of things to do outside of the festival, from touring the Natural History Museum to exploring Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, just outside the city.
Fuji Rock Festival – Niigata, Japan
Instagram: @fujirock_jp
Best for: Outdoor adventure seekers
Despite being one of the largest outdoor music festivals in Japan, Fuji Rock Festival is still relatively undiscovered. The festival takes place every summer at the Naeba Ski Resort in Yuzawa, Niigata and the dates for the 2025 event are between 25th and 27th July. The festival is committed to being eco-friendly and clean, with several sustainable initiatives in place and attendees actively encouraged to clean up after themselves post-event.
The lineup includes local and international artists and a variety of genres, including rock, electronic, pop and indie. Sometimes referred to as one of the most scenic festivals in the world, Fuki Rock Festival is surrounded by a backdrop of lush forests, mountains and rivers.
There are plenty of opportunities to explore the area, beyond the festival. Whether it’s hiking Mount Naeba, rafting on the Tone River in nearby Minakami or relaxing in the region’s hot springs, Naeba, Niigata is a destination that is made for adventure-seekers.
Dimensions Festival – Tisno, Croatia
Instagram: @dimensionsfestival
Best for: Those seeking a laid-back, relaxing atmosphere
Located at The Garden Resort on Croatia’s scenic Adriatic coastline, Dimensions Festival is a five-day intimate electronic music festival, including house, techno, electro and bass. This year, the festival will take place from 28th August to 1st September.
Here, you can expect small boat parties, beach sessions and immersive after-dark performances. Due to its idyllic location, festivalgoers can lounge and relax in the daytime and get ready to dance the night away.
Don’t forget to explore beyond the festival, taking in the beautiful sites of the old town of Tisno or travel up the coast to the ancient coastal city of Zadar.
The Hangout Music Festival – Alabama, United States
Instagram: @hangoutfest
Best for: Pool party vibes
This lively beachside festival is located in Gulf Shores, Alabama, and offers the perfect blend of music, chilled vibes and plenty of sunshine. The Hangout Music Festival will take place this year between 16th and 18th May, featuring an array of music genres including pop, rock, hip-hop, indie and EDM.
Past headliners include Billie Eilish, Post Malone, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Kendrick Lamar. Expect plenty of relaxed beach clubs, VIP pool parties, beach games and yoga sessions.
Outside of the music festival, Gulf Shores offers endless activities and sightseeing opportunities, including water sports, hiking and biking on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail and plenty of spas for those looking to relax and unwind.