Festivals Like Hellfest

Sonic Temple Art + Music Festival is a major event on the global festival circuit, held every May in Columbus, USA. Known for its rock, metal and hardcore programming, it draws a crowd defined by alternative artists and a non-mainstream sensibility. Over 4 days, the lineup spans rock, metal and hardcore, with additional sets spanning alternative. The atmosphere is shaped by alternative artists and a non-mainstream sensibility, making it a standout on the late spring circuit. Headliners and notable names include Metallica, Slipknot, Tool, and Pantera, joined by 1 more act across the bill. Budgeting for the full trip (flights, tickets, accommodation, food) typically comes to $300–$800 USD. Expect mild, warm conditions. At that price point, Sonic Temple Art + Music Festival is one of the more wallet-friendly options on the circuit.

Every June, Madrid becomes a destination for indie, rock and electronic fans as Primavera Sound Madrid takes over the city. A large-scale international festival, the festival has earned a devoted global following. Over 3 days, the lineup spans indie, rock and electronic, with additional sets spanning pop and alternative. The atmosphere is shaped by alternative artists and a non-mainstream sensibility alongside strong cultural roots and a diverse international lineup, making it a standout on the summer circuit. Headliners and notable names include Kendrick Lamar, Rosalía, LCD Soundsystem, and Mitski, joined by 1 more act across the bill. Budgeting for the full trip (flights, tickets, accommodation, food) typically comes to $600–$1,600 USD. Expect hot, sunny conditions. At that price point, Primavera Sound Madrid is reasonably priced for the calibre of artists on offer. Valid ID required — minimum age is 18.

Roskilde Festival runs every July in Roskilde, Denmark, drawing fans of rock, indie and electronic from across the globe. As a major event on the global festival circuit, it occupies a unique place on the festival calendar. The lineup covers rock, indie and electronic, with additional sets spanning hip-hop and world music across 8 days, underpinned by strong cultural roots and a diverse international lineup alongside underground acts and an alternative, left-field ethos. Headliners and notable names include Metallica, The Rolling Stones, Kendrick Lamar, and Nick Cave, joined by 1 more act across the bill. Budgeting for the full trip (flights, tickets, accommodation, food) typically comes to $350–$900 USD. Expect mild, rain conditions. At that price point, Roskilde Festival is one of the more wallet-friendly options on the circuit. The festival is family-friendly and welcomes attendees of all ages.

Rock am Ring is one of the world's most iconic festivals, held every June in Nürburg, Germany. Known for its rock, metal and indie programming, it draws a crowd defined by mainstream headliners and high-production stages alongside relentless energy and a crowd that dances till dawn. The 3-day programme delivers rock, metal and indie across multiple stages. Mainstream headliners and high-production stages alongside relentless energy and a crowd that dances till dawn defines the overall vibe. Headliners and notable names include Metallica, Rammstein, System of a Down, and Die Toten Hosen, joined by 1 more act across the bill. All-in costs range from $300 to $900 USD. Expect mild, rain conditions. Rock am Ring is one of the more wallet-friendly options on the circuit. The festival is family-friendly and welcomes attendees of all ages.

Every June, Nuremberg becomes a destination for rock, metal and indie fans as Rock im Park takes over the city. One of the world's most iconic festivals, the festival has earned a devoted global following. Over 3 days, the lineup spans rock, metal and indie. The atmosphere is shaped by mainstream headliners and high-production stages alongside relentless energy and a crowd that dances till dawn, making it a standout on the summer circuit. Headliners and notable names include Metallica, Rammstein, System of a Down, and Die Toten Hosen, joined by 1 more act across the bill. All-in costs range from $300 to $900 USD. Expect mild, rain conditions. Rock im Park is one of the more wallet-friendly options on the circuit. The festival is family-friendly and welcomes attendees of all ages.

Dour Festival is a major event on the global festival circuit, held every July in Dour, Belgium. Known for its electronic, rock and hip-hop programming, it draws a crowd defined by underground acts and an alternative, left-field ethos alongside alternative artists and a non-mainstream sensibility. The 5-day programme delivers electronic, rock and hip-hop across multiple stages, with additional sets spanning reggae. Underground acts and an alternative, left-field ethos alongside alternative artists and a non-mainstream sensibility defines the overall vibe. Headliners and notable names include Nick Cave, The Prodigy, Queens of the Stone Age, and Idles, joined by 1 more act across the bill. Total costs — tickets, travel, accommodation, and food — typically fall between $180 and $350 USD, making Dour Festival one of the more wallet-friendly options on the circuit. Valid ID required — minimum age is 16.

Held each August in Stradbally, Ireland, Electric Picnic is one of the biggest festivals in its region. The event is renowned for indie, rock and electronic music and a strong sense of community and belonging alongside alternative artists and a non-mainstream sensibility. The lineup covers indie, rock and electronic, with additional sets spanning pop across 3 days, underpinned by a strong sense of community and belonging alongside alternative artists and a non-mainstream sensibility. Headliners and notable names include Robbie Williams, Hozier, The Killers, and Primal Scream, joined by 1 more act across the bill. Total costs — tickets, travel, accommodation, and food — typically fall between $400 and $900 USD, making Electric Picnic reasonably priced for the calibre of artists on offer.

Every July, Glasgow becomes a destination for rock, indie and pop fans as TRNSMT Festival takes over the city. A major event on the global festival circuit, the festival has earned a devoted global following. The lineup covers rock, indie and pop, with additional sets spanning alternative across 3 days, underpinned by mainstream headliners and high-production stages alongside a strong sense of community and belonging. Headliners and notable names include Sam Fender, The 1975, Pulp, and Arctic Monkeys, joined by 1 more act across the bill. Total costs — tickets, travel, accommodation, and food — typically fall between $400 and $900 USD, making TRNSMT Festival reasonably priced for the calibre of artists on offer.