Festivals Like Element 11

Held each June in Polkovnik Serafimovo, Bulgaria, Meadows in the Mountains is a smaller festival where crowds stay manageable and every act feels accessible. The event is renowned for electronic, alternative and ambient music and alternative artists and a non-mainstream sensibility. The lineup covers electronic, alternative and ambient, with additional sets spanning world music across 3 days, underpinned by alternative artists and a non-mainstream sensibility. Headliners and notable names include Recondite, Forest Swords, Four Tet, and Rival Consoles, joined by 1 more act across the bill. All-in costs range from $300 to $700 USD. Expect mild, warm conditions. Meadows in the Mountains is one of the more wallet-friendly options on the circuit.

Lightning in a Bottle is a beloved mid-size festival, held every May in Bakersfield, USA. Known for its electronic, indie and world music programming, it draws a crowd defined by strong cultural roots and a diverse international lineup. The 5-day programme delivers electronic, indie and world music across multiple stages, with additional sets spanning ambient. Strong cultural roots and a diverse international lineup defines the overall vibe. Headliners and notable names include Thievery Corporation, Beats Antique, Tipper, and Desert Dwellers, joined by 1 more act across the bill. All-in costs range from $500 to $1,200 USD. Expect hot, dry conditions. Lightning in a Bottle is reasonably priced for the calibre of artists on offer. The festival is family-friendly and welcomes attendees of all ages.

Burning Man runs every August in Black Rock City, USA, drawing fans of electronic, world music and ambient from across the globe. As one of the world's most iconic festivals, it occupies a unique place on the festival calendar. The 9-day programme delivers electronic, world music and ambient across multiple stages. Strong cultural roots and a diverse international lineup defines the overall vibe. Headliners and notable names include John Digweed, Danny Tenaglia, Burning Spear, and Carl Cox, joined by 1 more act across the bill. Total costs — tickets, travel, accommodation, and food — typically fall between $1,500 and $4,000 USD, making Burning Man a premium outlay, justified by the world-class production and lineup. Valid ID required — minimum age is 18.

Held each February in Uvita, Costa Rica, Envision Festival is a boutique event prized for its intimate atmosphere. The event is renowned for electronic, world music and ambient music and an electric, memorable atmosphere. Over 4 days, the lineup spans electronic, world music and ambient. The atmosphere is shaped by an electric, memorable atmosphere, making it a standout on the late winter circuit. Headliners and notable names include The Polish Ambassador, Bassnectar, Beats Antique, and Desert Dwellers, joined by 1 more act across the bill. Total costs — tickets, travel, accommodation, and food — typically fall between $400 and $1,000 USD, making Envision Festival reasonably priced for the calibre of artists on offer. The festival is family-friendly and welcomes attendees of all ages.

Held each July in Bromyard, UK, Nozstock: The Hidden Valley is a boutique festival with a tight-knit community. The event is renowned for indie, folk and electronic music and alternative artists and a non-mainstream sensibility. The lineup covers indie, folk and electronic, with additional sets spanning world music across 4 days, underpinned by alternative artists and a non-mainstream sensibility. Headliners and notable names include Dreadzone, Asian Dub Foundation, Ozric Tentacles, and Back to the Planet, joined by 1 more act across the bill. Total costs — tickets, travel, accommodation, and food — typically fall between $190 and $320 USD, making Nozstock: The Hidden Valley one of the more wallet-friendly options on the circuit. The festival is family-friendly and welcomes attendees of all ages.

Echoes of Earth is a beloved mid-size festival, held every November in Bengaluru, India. Known for its electronic, alternative and world music programming, it draws a crowd defined by strong cultural roots and a diverse international lineup. The 2-day programme delivers electronic, alternative and world music across multiple stages, with additional sets spanning ambient. Strong cultural roots and a diverse international lineup defines the overall vibe. Headliners and notable names include Bonobo, Anoushka Shankar, Nils Frahm, and Floating Points, joined by 1 more act across the bill. Total costs — tickets, travel, accommodation, and food — typically fall between $200 and $600 USD, making Echoes of Earth one of the more wallet-friendly options on the circuit. The festival is family-friendly and welcomes attendees of all ages.

Every November, Tocumwal becomes a destination for electronic, techno and house music fans as Strawberry Fields takes over the city. A boutique event prized for its intimate atmosphere, the festival has earned a devoted global following. The lineup covers electronic, techno and house music, with additional sets spanning ambient across 4 days, underpinned by underground acts and an alternative, left-field ethos alongside a strong sense of community and belonging. Headliners and notable names include HAAi, Special Request, Bambounou, and Surgeon, joined by 1 more act across the bill. Budgeting for the full trip (flights, tickets, accommodation, food) typically comes to $400–$900 USD. Expect warm, hot conditions. At that price point, Strawberry Fields is reasonably priced for the calibre of artists on offer. Valid ID required — minimum age is 18.

Nyege Nyege Festival runs every September in Jinja, Uganda, drawing fans of electronic, Afrobeat and world music from across the globe. As a beloved mid-size festival, it occupies a unique place on the festival calendar. The lineup covers electronic, Afrobeat and world music, with additional sets spanning experimental music across 4 days, underpinned by alternative artists and a non-mainstream sensibility alongside strong cultural roots and a diverse international lineup. Headliners and notable names include Slikback, Chrisman, Bal Sagoth, and Djinn, joined by 1 more act across the bill. All-in costs range from $300 to $800 USD. Expect warm, humid conditions. Nyege Nyege Festival is one of the more wallet-friendly options on the circuit.