Festivals Like Melt Festival

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.

Primavera Sound runs every May in Barcelona, Spain, drawing fans of indie, rock and electronic from across the globe. As a globally recognised mega-festival, it occupies a unique place on the festival calendar. The 4-day programme delivers indie, rock and electronic across multiple stages, with additional sets spanning pop. Underground acts and an alternative, left-field ethos alongside strong cultural roots and a diverse international lineup defines the overall vibe. Headliners and notable names include Blur, Depeche Mode, LCD Soundsystem, and Lorde, joined by 1 more act across the bill. Budgeting for the full trip (flights, tickets, accommodation, food) typically comes to $700–$1,800 USD. Expect warm conditions. At that price point, Primavera Sound is reasonably priced for the calibre of artists on offer. Valid ID required — minimum age is 18.

Every January, Groningen becomes a destination for indie, pop and rock fans as Eurosonic Noorderslag takes over the city. A staple of the regional festival calendar, the festival has earned a devoted global following. The lineup covers indie, pop and rock, with additional sets spanning electronic and alternative across 4 days, underpinned by strong cultural roots and a diverse international lineup. Headliners and notable names include Sigrid, Arlo Parks, Bicep, and Inhaler, joined by 1 more act across the bill. Total costs — tickets, travel, accommodation, and food — typically fall between $300 and $700 USD, making Eurosonic Noorderslag one of the more wallet-friendly options on the circuit.

Held each August in Brecon Beacons, UK, Green Man Festival is one of the biggest festivals in its region. The event is renowned for indie, folk and rock music and strong cultural roots and a diverse international lineup. The 4-day programme delivers indie, folk and rock across multiple stages, with additional sets spanning electronic. Strong cultural roots and a diverse international lineup defines the overall vibe. Headliners and notable names include Mogwai, Stereolab, Weyes Blood, and Tim Burgess, joined by 1 more act across the bill. All-in costs range from $300 to $800 USD. Expect mild, rain conditions. Green Man Festival is one of the more wallet-friendly options on the circuit. The festival is family-friendly and welcomes attendees of all ages.

Every August, Biddinghuizen becomes a destination for indie, rock and electronic fans as A Campingflight to Lowlands Paradise takes over the city. A major event on the global festival circuit, the festival has earned a devoted global following. Over 3 days, the lineup spans indie, rock and electronic, with additional sets spanning pop. The atmosphere is shaped by alternative artists and a non-mainstream sensibility, making it a standout on the late summer circuit. Headliners and notable names include Florence + the Machine, Massive Attack, The National, and Idles, joined by 1 more act across the bill. All-in costs range from $250 to $400 USD. Expect mild, variable conditions. A Campingflight to Lowlands Paradise is one of the more wallet-friendly options on the circuit. The festival is family-friendly and welcomes attendees of all ages.

Every August, Saint Charles becomes a destination for indie, rock and pop fans as Hinterland Music Festival takes over the city. A beloved mid-size festival, the festival has earned a devoted global following. Over 3 days, the lineup spans indie, rock and pop, with additional sets spanning electronic. The atmosphere is shaped by strong cultural roots and a diverse international lineup, making it a standout on the late summer circuit. Headliners and notable names include Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile, Jason Isbell, and Sturgill Simpson, joined by 1 more act across the bill. Budgeting for the full trip (flights, tickets, accommodation, food) typically comes to $250–$700 USD. Expect hot, humid conditions. At that price point, Hinterland Music Festival is one of the more wallet-friendly options on the circuit. The festival is family-friendly and welcomes attendees of all ages.

Every July, Chicago becomes a destination for indie, rock and pop fans as Pitchfork Music Festival Chicago takes over the city. A staple of the regional festival calendar, the festival has earned a devoted global following. Over 3 days, the lineup spans indie, rock and pop, with additional sets spanning electronic. The atmosphere is shaped by mainstream headliners and high-production stages alongside strong cultural roots and a diverse international lineup, making it a standout on the midsummer circuit. Headliners and notable names include Broken Social Scene, Four Tet, Angel Olsen, and Snail Mail, joined by 1 more act across the bill. Total costs — tickets, travel, accommodation, and food — typically fall between $250 and $700 USD, making Pitchfork Music Festival Chicago one of the more wallet-friendly options on the circuit. The festival is family-friendly and welcomes attendees of all ages.

Flow Festival runs every August in Helsinki, Finland, drawing fans of indie, electronic and pop from across the globe. As a well-established festival with a devoted following, it occupies a unique place on the festival calendar. The 3-day programme delivers indie, electronic and pop across multiple stages, with additional sets spanning rock. Strong cultural roots and a diverse international lineup defines the overall vibe. Headliners and notable names include The xx, Janelle Monáe, James Blake, and Bonobo, joined by 1 more act across the bill. All-in costs range from $200 to $400 USD. Expect mild, variable conditions. Flow Festival is one of the more wallet-friendly options on the circuit. The festival is family-friendly and welcomes attendees of all ages.