Festivals Like Strawberry Fields

Held each December in Mangawhai, New Zealand, Northern Bass is a boutique event prized for its intimate atmosphere. The event is renowned for electronic, bass music and drum & bass music and a strong sense of community and belonging alongside underground acts and an alternative, left-field ethos. The 3-day programme delivers electronic, bass music and drum & bass across multiple stages, with additional sets spanning house music. A strong sense of community and belonging alongside underground acts and an alternative, left-field ethos defines the overall vibe. Headliners and notable names include Shapeshifter, Concord Dawn, Brookes Brothers, and Sigma, joined by 1 more act across the bill. Total costs — tickets, travel, accommodation, and food — typically fall between $400 and $800 USD, making Northern Bass reasonably priced for the calibre of artists on offer. Valid ID required — minimum age is 18.

Held each December in Phu Quoc, Vietnam, Epizode Festival is a staple of the regional festival calendar. The event is renowned for electronic, techno and house music music and underground acts and an alternative, left-field ethos. Over 9 days, the lineup spans electronic, techno and house music, with additional sets spanning ambient. The atmosphere is shaped by underground acts and an alternative, left-field ethos, making it a standout on the winter circuit. Headliners and notable names include Recondite, Peggy Gou, Motor City Drum Ensemble, and Jon Talabot, joined by 1 more act across the bill. Budgeting for the full trip (flights, tickets, accommodation, food) typically comes to $600–$1,500 USD. Expect hot, sunny conditions. At that price point, Epizode Festival is reasonably priced for the calibre of artists on offer. Valid ID required — minimum age is 18.

Held each June in Milan, Italy, Terraforma is a smaller festival where crowds stay manageable and every act feels accessible. The event is renowned for electronic, experimental music and ambient music and underground acts and an alternative, left-field ethos. The lineup covers electronic, experimental music and ambient, with additional sets spanning techno across 3 days, underpinned by underground acts and an alternative, left-field ethos. Headliners and notable names include Nils Frahm, William Basinski, The Caretaker, and Actress, joined by 1 more act across the bill. Budgeting for the full trip (flights, tickets, accommodation, food) typically comes to $400–$800 USD. Expect warm, mild conditions. At that price point, Terraforma is reasonably priced for the calibre of artists on offer. Valid ID required — minimum age is 18.

Awakenings Festival runs every June in Spaarnwoude, Netherlands, drawing fans of electronic, techno and house music from across the globe. As one of the biggest festivals in its region, it occupies a unique place on the festival calendar. The lineup covers electronic, techno and house music across 2 days, underpinned by underground acts and an alternative, left-field ethos alongside relentless energy and a crowd that dances till dawn. Headliners and notable names include Chris Liebing, Ben Klock, Blawan, and Paula Temple, joined by 1 more act across the bill. Budgeting for the full trip (flights, tickets, accommodation, food) typically comes to $200–$600 USD. Expect warm, variable conditions. At that price point, Awakenings Festival is one of the more wallet-friendly options on the circuit. Valid ID required — minimum age is 18.

Every August, Kastellaun becomes a destination for electronic, techno and trance fans as Nature One takes over the city. A major event on the global festival circuit, the festival has earned a devoted global following. The lineup covers electronic, techno and trance, with additional sets spanning house music across 4 days, underpinned by underground acts and an alternative, left-field ethos alongside relentless energy and a crowd that dances till dawn. Headliners and notable names include Sven Väth, Paul van Dyk, Monika Kruse, and Stephan Bodzin, joined by 1 more act across the bill. Budgeting for the full trip (flights, tickets, accommodation, food) typically comes to $200–$600 USD. Expect warm, variable conditions. At that price point, Nature One is one of the more wallet-friendly options on the circuit. Valid ID required — minimum age is 18.

Sónar Festival is a major event on the global festival circuit, held every June in Barcelona, Spain. Known for its electronic, techno and house music programming, it draws a crowd defined by underground acts and an alternative, left-field ethos alongside strong cultural roots and a diverse international lineup. Over 3 days, the lineup spans electronic, techno and house music, with additional sets spanning experimental music. The atmosphere is shaped by underground acts and an alternative, left-field ethos alongside strong cultural roots and a diverse international lineup, making it a standout on the summer circuit. Headliners and notable names include Four Tet, Floating Points, Jamie xx, and Aphex Twin, joined by 1 more act across the bill. Total costs — tickets, travel, accommodation, and food — typically fall between $250 and $800 USD, making Sónar Festival one of the more wallet-friendly options on the circuit. Valid ID required — minimum age is 18.

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.

Held each July in Tooele, USA, Element 11 is a boutique festival with a tight-knit community. The event is renowned for electronic, experimental music and ambient music and a strong sense of community and belonging alongside alternative artists and a non-mainstream sensibility. Over 5 days, the lineup spans electronic, experimental music and ambient, with additional sets spanning world music. The atmosphere is shaped by a strong sense of community and belonging alongside alternative artists and a non-mainstream sensibility, making it a standout on the midsummer circuit. On-site camping is available, letting attendees stay fully immersed in the festival grounds for the whole run. Camping spots sell out well before general tickets — book early. Total costs — tickets, travel, accommodation, and food — typically fall between $200 and $500 USD, making Element 11 one of the more wallet-friendly options on the circuit.