Festivals Like Wide Awake

Held each July in Macclesfield, UK, Bluedot is a staple of the regional festival calendar. The event is renowned for electronic, indie and folk music and alternative artists and a non-mainstream sensibility alongside strong cultural roots and a diverse international lineup. Over 4 days, the lineup spans electronic, indie and folk, with additional sets spanning experimental music. 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 midsummer circuit. Headliners and notable names include Four Tet, Jon Hopkins, Caribou, and Orbital, joined by 1 more act across the bill. Budgeting for the full trip (flights, tickets, accommodation, food) typically comes to $250–$450 USD. Expect mild, rain conditions. At that price point, Bluedot is one of the more wallet-friendly options on the circuit. The festival is family-friendly and welcomes attendees of all ages.

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.

Fusion Festival is a well-established festival with a devoted following, held every June in Lärz, Germany. Known for its electronic, techno and experimental music programming, it draws a crowd defined by underground acts and an alternative, left-field ethos alongside alternative artists and a non-mainstream sensibility. The 4-day programme delivers electronic, techno and experimental music across multiple stages. 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 Âme, Roman Flügel, Pachanga Boys, and Move D, joined by 1 more act across the bill. Total costs — tickets, travel, accommodation, and food — typically fall between $120 and $200 USD, making Fusion Festival one of the more wallet-friendly options on the circuit. The festival is family-friendly and welcomes attendees of all ages.

Every July, Penrith becomes a destination for indie, rock and folk fans as Kendal Calling takes over the city. A staple of the regional festival calendar, the festival has earned a devoted global following. The lineup covers indie, rock and folk, with additional sets spanning electronic across 4 days, underpinned by a strong sense of community and belonging. Headliners and notable names include James, The Darkness, Happy Mondays, and Feeder, joined by 1 more act across the bill. All-in costs range from $400 to $800 USD. Expect mild, rain conditions. Kendal Calling is reasonably priced for the calibre of artists on offer. The festival is family-friendly and welcomes attendees of all ages.

Body & Soul Festival is a beloved mid-size festival, held every June in Ballinlough, Ireland. Known for its electronic, indie and folk programming, it draws a crowd defined by an electric, memorable atmosphere. Over 3 days, the lineup spans electronic, indie and folk, with additional sets spanning world music. The atmosphere is shaped by an electric, memorable atmosphere, making it a standout on the summer circuit. Headliners and notable names include Róisín Murphy, Little Dragon, CMAT, and Floating Points, joined by 1 more act across the bill. Budgeting for the full trip (flights, tickets, accommodation, food) typically comes to $400–$800 USD. Expect mild, rain conditions. At that price point, Body & Soul Festival is reasonably priced for the calibre of artists on offer. The festival is family-friendly and welcomes attendees of all ages.

Held each November in Reykjavik, Iceland, Iceland Airwaves is a well-established festival with a devoted following. The event is renowned for indie, electronic and alternative music and strong cultural roots and a diverse international lineup. The lineup covers indie, electronic and alternative, with additional sets spanning experimental music across 4 days, underpinned by strong cultural roots and a diverse international lineup. Headliners and notable names include Of Monsters and Men, Sigrid, Björk, and Ásgeir, joined by 1 more act across the bill. Total costs — tickets, travel, accommodation, and food — typically fall between $500 and $1,200 USD, making Iceland Airwaves reasonably priced for the calibre of artists on offer.

Held each June in Perk, Belgium, Paradise City Festival is a beloved mid-size festival. The event is renowned for electronic, alternative and pop music and premium amenities and a luxury-leaning crowd. The lineup covers electronic, alternative and pop, with additional sets spanning indie across 3 days, underpinned by premium amenities and a luxury-leaning crowd. Headliners and notable names include Floating Points, Peggy Gou, Honey Dijon, and Objekt, joined by 1 more act across the bill. All-in costs range from $400 to $900 USD. Expect warm, mild conditions. Paradise City Festival is reasonably priced for the calibre of artists on offer.

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.