Cuba Dupa, Wellington, New Zealand
When: March
Consider this free Wellington pageant (its 2026 dates are March 28 and 29) as an explosion of family-friendly enjoyable, with every part from circus performers to scrumptious avenue meals. The musical choices are spectacularly various – don’t be stunned to observe a punk rocker strutting his stuff moments earlier than an acoustic indie band takes to the stage. The artwork installations are sensible, too – final 12 months’s standout was an interactive abacus designed by artist Sarah Bookman.
Manchester Folks Competition, UK
When: March
Acts who’ve carried out at this northern England extravaganza (in 2026 it takes place between March 19 and 21) embrace The Longest Johns, Billy Bragg, Stornoway and Eliza Carthy. Don’t know all these names? That’s the fantastic thing about this pageant, which champions rising artists whereas providing beloved people heroes the possibility to carry out in intimate settings. Don’t overlook to toast the pageant at Band on the Wall, the occasion’s predominant hub. “You possibly can’t carry a glass right here with out it clinking merrily towards that of a fellow people fan,” says people musician Ollie Steadman.
Electrical Mountain Competition, Solden, Austria
When: March/April
Europe’s highest-altitude music occasion takes place later within the 12 months than most ski resort festivals – in 2026 it kicks off on April 13. And we predict that’s a bonus, due to the hotter climate – slipping on ice whereas dancing to your favorite DJ is rarely a great look, in any case. The occasion has remained comparatively small, regardless of its means to draw stellar acts similar to Martin Garrix. In case you can, guide a room at Hotel Das Central, which overlooks the slopes and has a number of saunas good for alleviating post-dancefloor aches. Tickets begin from round $118 for the pageant, to be clear, though it’s most likely price reserving your spot within the sauna prematurely, too.
Spot Competition, Aarhus, Denmark
When: Might
Spot Competition’s performances happen at greater than 30 venues in and across the metropolis of Aarhus, and the occasion is legendary for championing Scandinavian expertise spanning a number of genres. Haven’t heard of AKA Lisa, Berg, Pumpegris, Roya or Bilma? You’re not alone, however that’s the fantastic thing about this pageant – the possibility to embark on a marvellous, musical voyage of discovery. Rikke Andersen, Spot’s chief govt, urges guests to keep away from cramming an excessive amount of in. “Permit time to discover the music you by no means knew you wanted,” she says.
Java Jazz, Jakarta, Indonesia
When: Might
Jazz is large in Jakarta, the place the very best bars are speakeasy-style affairs with a soundtrack of reside jazz. The main focus is firmly on the music at this pageant, and performers (similar to Grammy-winning American singer PJ Morton and Japanese soul singer Nao Yoshioka) come from world wide. It’s additionally nice worth – tickets for the 2026 occasion, from Might 29 to 31, begin from simply $50. This 12 months, the venue can be Jakarta’s Good convention centre. No, it’s not a tent-dotted meadow (which we see as a constructive), however a bigger, extra accessible venue chosen to permit for much more performances.
We Love Inexperienced, Paris, France
When: June
Take an excellent mixture of performers (Gorillaz, Theodora, Charlotte Cardin and Hayley Williams, to call just a few), stand-up comedy, artwork exhibitions and talks about every part from biodiversity to biophilic structure, and also you’ve bought the fabulously sustainable We Love Inexperienced pageant. Competition-goers are inspired to journey utilizing public transport or bike, and bio-fuel turbines scale back vitality consumption, plus all of the meals is vegetarian. And when you’ve ever paid for a rubbery, chilly, overpriced beef burger at a pageant, you’ll know you don’t must be a vegetarian to understand this strategy.
Inexperienced Man Competition, Brecon Beacons, Wales
When: August
Sure, this is likely one of the dearer small festivals (count on to pay round $672 for a weekend ticket), however it’s price it. This four-day music and humanities pageant within the stunning Brecon Beacons hills caters to all tastes, with areas devoted to every part from wellness to up to date dance. However that doesn’t imply the music’s missing – its alumni Moist Leg, Underworld and Beth Gibbons have all appeared right here. Guests can sip beers from dozens of Welsh breweries, and there’s an enormous deal with native meals. It’s additionally extremely family-friendly, with free workshops for festival-goers in coaching aged 11 and underneath.
Queenscliff Music Competition, Queenscliff, Australia
When: November
There’s an actual emphasis on Australian expertise at this three-day Queensland pageant. In 2026, headliners embrace Arnhem Land rockers King Stingray, Brisbane blues singer Alex Kosenko and Melbourne DJ Miss Goldie. In accordance with pageant director Claire Stickland, that is one other occasion requiring a relaxed strategy. “Depart time for discovery,” says Claire. “The magic is the surprising units, the shared experiences and the neighborhood you meet alongside the best way.” Count on to pay from round $100 for a one-day ticket.
Midhurst Jazz, Meals & Blues Competition, West Sussex, UK
When: February
Yearly (in 2026, it’s on February 14), the city of Midhurst turns into a venue for this eclectic pageant. For a lot of, the highlights are the musical workshops. Ever fancied mastering the harmonica? Now’s your likelihood. “Midhurst isn’t only a collection of live shows – it’s a complete city opening itself as much as music, tradition and shared expertise,” says Pablo Murgier, an Argentine pianist who’s carried out on the pageant. “As an artist, that’s extremely inspiring.” One of the best bit? Ten per cent of the proceeds (tickets begin from $111) fund scholarships for music college students.
