Want to book tickets for Lollapalooza but it’s all sold out? Combining travel with a cultural interest — a special love for music, art, cinema, literature, food or anything else — has become par for the course lately. But the biggest festivals — the OGs, the usual suspects, and the big headlining events like Coachella, Glastonbury, Edinburgh Fringe, Cannes Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival — are often booked out much in advance, and also can end up being too overcrowded to derive any real enjoyment. This year, we’ve curated a list of somewhat smaller, boutique festivals that can bring you the same joy and discovery without necessarily breaking your head (and bank balance). From a music festival in Ghana to a food festival in Iceland — try these to travel deeper this year.
Unique Music Festivals Worth Travelling To In 2024
1. Echoes of Earth, Chopdem, Goa, February 2-4
Having established itself as India’s “greenest festival” in the vicinity of Bangalore, Echoes of Earth debuts in Goa this February. In Chopdem, you’ll find cutting-edge art installations and gorgeous stages built around the theme “Ensemble of the Wild”, along with an eclectic lineup of over 40 acts from around the world, including Oden & Fatzo from France, Glass Beams from Australia, and Balkan Bump from the US.
While you’re there: Sample Goa’s bounty of food and beverage offerings, with stops at the coolest haunts this and that side of the Chapora river — cocktails at Kiki by the Sea in Ashvem, modern south Indian at Hosa and Thai at the brand new Firebird.
2. Alboe by the Beach, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, February 9-11
A unique new pop-up multi-genre music festival on the pristine Varkala beach, Alboe by the Beach is for lovers of Indian independent music. On the lineup are hot hip-hop acts like Brodha V and Arivu, the songwriter Taba Chake, and indie rock back The F16s, among others. The festival is also keen to spotlight emerging southern talent, and taking the stage will be Baby Jean from Malappuram, Meghalaya’s Reble, Bangalore hero HanuMankind and many more.
While you’re there: Make time for a walk, and some quick self-portraits, on the recently inaugurated floating bridge at the Papanasam Beach.
3. Rolling Loud, Inglewood, California, March 15-17
The world’s largest hip hop festival celebrates its 10th birthday with a boisterous lineup of over 80 artists and rappers, including massive stars like Nicki Minaj, Post Malone, Future and Metro Boomin, all of whom will headline, alongside American hip hop emerging talent. Alongside, there’s a ton of food, drink and rides — it’ll be a carnival for the senses.
While you’re there: Reserve a few days for exploring LA, from sampling tacos of the city’s iconic food trucks, to spending a day at the LA County Museum of Art, to a mandatory trip up to the legendary Griffith Observatory for an unparalleled star-gazing experience and views of the city.
4. Creamfields Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China, April 13-14
Hong Kong has the hottest rave of the Spring season with Martin Garrix and Armin Van Burren headlining a brand new edition of the globally-known Creamfields’ Asian outpost. Dance your heart out at this rare open-air festival in the heart of the city, surrounded by Hk’s glassy skyscrapers.
While you’re there: Keep the party going with a pub crawl at Lan Kwai Fong. And then clear your head with a visit to the Hong Kong Space Museum or the M+ for art lovers, or a climb up to the Big Buddha, a tram trip up to The Peak, or a walk in the Hong Kong Wetland Park.
5. Medaina Festival, Wadi Rum, Jordan, May 22-27, 2024
This brand new 5-day art and music festival will take place against the gorgeous background of A Mars-red desert. Beginning at the historical site of Petra, and ending with a techno takeover of beautiful Wadi Rum, also known as “the valley of the moon”, this festival promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Lineup and finer details are yet to be announced — tourism has taken a hit due to the geopolitical situation in the Middle East — but follow Tithorea on IG for lineup and ticket details.
While you’re there: Make time to explore Amman, a city that has evolved into a vibrant cultural centre in the past few years. The neighbourhood of Jabal Al Weibdeh is a must-visit for the design-oriented among us.
6. Electric Forest, Rothbury, Michigan, the US, June 20-23
With globally known artists like Pretty Lights, John Summit, Ludacris and Nelly Furtado on the lineup, Electric Forest is set for yet another wild edition under the stars. In the past 12 years, this multi-genre festival has amassed a loyal following, some of whom consider this to be the best music festival in the country.
While you’re there: Add a few days to go hiking in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and explore a picturesque landscape that has been named by CNN among its 24 best places to visit in 2024.
7. Jazzablanca, Casablanca, Morocco, June 6-8
A boutique festival held in the French colonial city of Casablanca since 2006, Jazzablanca’s mix of pop, disco, funk and soul sounds create a unique atmosphere in the sprawling Anfa Park. They have an eclectic lineup — last year, Nile Rodgers and Mika headlined — to match the western Moroccan city’s own jazzy vibe.
While you’re there: Make day trips to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the medina of Tetouan, the city of Meknes; laze in the coastal town of Essaouira; and spend a few nights in the wonderful Marrakech soaking in its vibrant nightlife.
8. Hellfest, Clisson, France, June 27-30
An essential stop on the metalhead’s grid of music festivals around the world, Hellfest’s 16th edition has rock gods Foo Fighters, Metallica, Queen of the Stone Age, the Prodigy on a massive lineup featuring over 170 bands. Moshing at “the Infernopolis” should be high on your bucket list.
While you’re there: All eyes will be on Paris with the Summer Olympics taking off in late July, but a pre-visit might reveal the world’s most romantic city primed for the globe’s attention. A cruise on the Seine, a walk around Montmartre, a selfie against the Eiffel Tower, shop for books at the iconic Shakespeare and Co, eat at the recently reopened Ratatouille-style Tour d’Argent restaurant and visit Notre Dame after its 18-month long renovation.
9. Mad Cool, Madrid, Spain, July 10-13
The biggest European party of the summer happens in Spain, tapping into the capital city’s energy. Expanding further in space and time, the lineup for this year’s four-day fest includes Pearl Jam, Dua Lipa, The Smashing Pumpkins, Avril Lavigne, Janelle Monae, Greta Van Fleet and many more.
While you’re there: Get your fill of paella and cocktails in Madrid, but skip the summer crowds taking over Barcelona and Seville, and spend a few days in Valencia instead—the port city known for its beaches, architecture, and divine food. Make time to experience “Tribunal de Las Aguas”, a weekly event at the Door of the Apostles in Plaza de la Virgen that has been recognised by UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
10. AfroFuture, Accra, Ghana, December TBA
In the five years since this festival began, earlier called “Afrochella”, AfroFuture has cemented its place in the global cultural landscape as a tight showcase of the best of Africa’s emerging talent in an inclusive atmosphere set to the key of the Afrobeat, a genre that has seen its own global dominance, thanks to artists like Burna Boy. While the lineup is yet to be announced, know that this is where you go to witness stars of the future in the making.
While you’re there: There is much to explore in the coastal town of Accra, which Conde Nast Traveller has dubbed “the continent’s capital of cool”. Stop by the Link-up Kitchen in Osu to witness an unexpected meeting place of food and dance; walk around Makola Market; and taste waakye at local legend Auntie Muni’s.
Unique Design and Art Festivals Worth Travelling To In 2024
11. Colomboscope, Colombo, Sri Lanka, January 19-28
Escape to the island nation for an extraordinary celebration of contemporary arts that’s been steadily growing since 2013. The festival’s curators explore this year’s prompt, “Way of the Forest”, through artistic interventions that “invite deschooling—moving from the curriculum of plunder, reckless supremacy and extinction,” to evoke a sense and emotion of harmonious, sustainable living.
While you’re there: You can also make time for an exciting edition of the Galle Literary Festival, on from January 25-28 at the Galle Fort; and
Sample global cuisine at its partner event Gourmet Galle, from the hands of some of the world’s biggest chefs through the supper clubs, cooking classes and dinner parties, that will stretch over 12 weekends from January 12 to March 31.
12. Singapore Art Week, Singapore, January 19-28
In its 12th edition, the Singapore Art Week will showcase over 150 art events from around the world, with a sharp focus on South East Asian art. This includes heavyweight exhibitions, such as Tropical: Stories from Southeast Asia and Latin America at the National Gallery Singapore; a retrospective on the great Singaporean artist and filmmaker artist Ho Tzu Nyen’s career; an elaborate art fair at the Marina Bay Sands that will host galleries from around the world.
While you’re there: Break out of the metropolis’ gleaming skyscrapers and head out to the new Bird Paradise, a bird sanctuary located inside the Mandai Wildlife Reserve; then hit Chinatown for a pub crawl through reputed establishments like Sago House, Jigger & Pony and Papa Doble.
13. Art Dubai, Dubai, UAE, March 1-3
The hub of all things art in the Middle East, Art Dubai’s next edition will take place at Madinat Jumeirah. Its flagship summit, the Global Art Forum, will explore the relationship between extreme weather and extreme change. Also interesting to experience will be tech-forward installations, such as Canadian-Korean artist Krista Kim’s “Heart Space”, which will visualise each visitor’s unique heart rhythm in real time via hypnotic patterns on a dynamic LED canvas.
While you’re there: There is much to explore at Tripadvisor’s top destination for 2024. Design lovers can also visit D3 and Alserkal Avenue. Gourmands can stop by Ritu Dalmia’s new outfit Atrangi; make advance bookings for Himanshu Saini’s much lauded Tresind Studio; or sample modern Middle Eastern cuisine at Ninive at the Emirates Towers.
14. Milan Design Week, Milan, Italy, April 16-21
The world’s largest design event has built itself a reputation for emphasising sustainability and conscious design. As always, the centrepiece is the Salone del Mobile, the interiors and furnishings fair, whose theme, “Materia Natura”, further explores the idea of mindful design culture at the axis of ‘nature’ and ‘material’ inside the halls of Rho Fiera. Also worth checking out will be the fringe events of Furiosalone.
While you’re there: When in the fashion capital of the world, how can you not go shopping? Walk around flagship luxury design stores of the Quadrilatero della Moda, or the Moscova District Market for discounted designer goods.
15. Venice Art Biennale, Venice, Italy, April 20-November 24
For 60 years, the Venice Art Biennale has stood its ground as the meeting ground for art practices and practitioners from the East and West. Add to that the rampant nativist sentiment in global politics, and you can see why the theme of “Foreigners Everywhere” sounds timely. Expect to see weighty ideas of displacement, globalisation, marginalisation, war, immigration and more being articulated through thought-provoking artworks — such as the Turkish artist and lifetime achievement award laureate Nil Yalter’s “Exile is a hard job”.
While you’re there: Skip the crowds of Amalfi, Cinque Terre and Lake COmo and head north. You could time your trip to see the Tour de France kick off, from Florence this year on June 29, and explore the Tuscan city’s bounty of truffle flavoured dishes and delicious wine. Also plan a few days in Pesaro, a quaint Italian city set on the east coast of Italy, which is where the locals holiday.
16. Festival of Lights, Berlin, Germany, October 10-19
Projection mapping is all the rage lately, but Berlin takes this to a whole new level with this annual festival that covers the entire city’s monuments for artists to display their ideas and creativity. Last year, the city played canvas for the theme ‘Colours of Life’, and while this year’s programming is yet to be revealed, know that it will be worth the visit to witness what is flourishing at the convergence of art and technology.
While you’re there: If you do not actually make it through the doors at Berghain, but worry not; if a party is what you want, head to Turbulence TXL, which is a club housed in the defunct Tegel airport.
Unique Film Festivals Worth Travelling To In 2024
17. Queer Screen’s Mardi Gras Film Festival, Sydney, Australia, February 15-29
With a very rich, committed history, the Mardi Gras film festival is among Australia’s largest film festivals, and an important event on the global calendar for the queer community. In its 31st year, the festival will take over theatres and screening spaces in Sydney with 161 films and events, all curated around the theme “We need to talk”. From British neo-noir thriller Femme to Dev Patel’s drama Sahela, this multi-genre festival is worth a visit.
While you’re there: Stop by Dream Circus, a giant immersive experience in a theatre-like set on a 3,000 sq mtr sprawl, where 360 degree projections, motion-activated LEDs, holograms etc will transport you to another universe.
18. Fantaspoa, Porto Alegre, Brazil, April 11-28
If you’ve got South America on your mind, you could plan a trip around this wonderful genre film festival, considered by many to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the film universe. Running successfully for 19 years now, Fantaspoa’s past editions have screened cult favourites like Minore and Follow Her, and had B-movie mogul Roger Corman in attendance. Follow their website for line-up updates.
Horror and fantasy fans can also bookmark the Wench Film Festival in Mumbai (February 29-March 3); Macabro in Mexico City (August 17-27), and Frightfest in Glasgow (March 7-9) London (August 22-26).
While you’re there: Add a few weeks to explore the vibrant nightlife, markets and landmarks of Rio de Janeiro (get a mandatory selfie at Christ the Redeemer), and then decamp to the coastal towns of Brazil, such as Trancoso, Itacaré, Boipeba, Tinharé or Jericoacoara where time might feel like it has stopped.
19. Tribeca Film Festival, New York, the US, June 5-16
Founded by Robert de Niro and friends in 2001 to spur economic recovery in lower Manhattan after the WTC attacks, Tribeca has since become a fixture on New York’s cultural calendar. Its call for submissions is open and lineup is yet to be announced, but promises to be an expansive showcase not just of stellar cinema, but also the cutting-edge in television, immersive, games and audio storytelling.
While you’re there: New York is the culture vulture’s playground, and there are umpteen lists that suggest a million must-do things in the city. But between savouring the city’s gastronomic, artistic and architectural marvels, perhaps make time for Hip Hop Museum, which opened last year in the Bronx, and traces the origins and evolutions of the most influential music genre over the past 50 years.
20. Grossmann Fantastic Film & Wine Festival, Ljotomer, Slovenia, June 11-15
Among the coolest film festivals in the world, Grossmann’s unconventional pairing of genre cinema with wine tasting has established it as a unique experience in East Europe. This year will be its 20th edition, while past editions have focused on horror, fantasy and low-budget cinema from around the world; along with talks by some of the industry’s biggest names. Follow their website for lineup and programming updates.
While you’re there: If you’re not heading out to soak in Croatia’s coastal delights, you could hire a car and drive around the lush Slovenian countryside, while exploring its growing gastronomic culture — sampling what chef Ana Ros’ is serving at her two Michelin-star restaurant Hiša Franko; the wineries of Goriška Brda, and more.
Multi-disciplinary Cultural Festivals Worth Travelling To In 2024
21. Art Deco Festival, Napier, New Zealand, February 15-18
For a few days each year, the small town of Napier, which is known as the Art Deco capital of New Zealand, turns into a unique celebration of a beloved architectural style and the turn-of-the-century era it represented. Through walks to acquaint visitors with the city’s architectural wealth, jazz-oriented outdoor concerts, vintage car parades, fashion shows, dining experiences that throwback to the Prohibition era, and Great Gatsby picnics, this extraordinary festival lets you time travel.
While you’re there: While you can cover the whole of the tiny nation of New Zealand on road in a couple days, The New York Times suggests travellers to try rail this year. There’s the 17-day Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific and TranzAlpine to pick from, each offering a rich experience of nature, food, wine and all things that make a great holiday.
22. SXSW, Austin, Texas, March 8-16
SXSW is for anyone who wants to explore opportunities and all that’s evolving at the axis of parallel cinema, interactive media, technology, music and business. Aspirational for artists the world over who recognise as independent, it is a space of immense discovery for audiences. This year’s opening Night TV premiere is the buzzy sci-fi series “3 Body Problem”. The film fest will also premiere Ryan Gosling’s The Fall Guy; while the music stage will feature over 240 artists from around the world, including Peruvian producer Sofia Kourtesis, Sudanese fusionist Sinkane, and many more.
While you’re there: Take a break from the bustle by heading out to Hill Country, where you can take luxurious dips in the natural springs in the Texan heartland. Among CNN’s top 24 places to visit in 2024, explore this region’s natural diversity, as well as the wineries, barbecue shops, music and dance halls.
23. Matey Seafood Festival, Reykjavik, Iceland, September 5-7
Got the Northern Lights on your mind? If you’re planning a trip to Iceland in September, which is when aurora borealis season officially begins, chalk up the Matey Seafood Festival in your calendar — not only will you get finger-licking grub in between camping sessions, you’ll also experience why the Westman Islands now have a place on the global culinary map — and the appeal its local produce holds for the most accomplished chefs around the world.
While you’re there: Soak in the Hvammsvik Hot Springs, trawl through the Kolaportid Flea Market, eat hot dogs off the Baejarins Beztu Pylsur cart — live the Icelandic life.
24. Serendipity Arts Festival, Panjim, Goa, December TBA
In the past seven years, this boutique cultural festival has grown into a mighty affair that electrifies the sleepy town of Panjim every December; bringing artists, musicians, craftspeople and more from around the country and the Subcontinent for a rollicking good time. Alongside a sharp curation of art and photography exhibitions, music shows and talks that resonate with the zeitgeist, Serendipity also has an unusual focus on food culture. Last year’s edition has chef Thomas Zacharias’ Locavore curating this segment, including tasting sessions, talks about the importance of millet as a sustainable food; and organises the Locavore shuffle—an event that is like speed dating, except you only discuss food.
While you’re there: Explore Fontainhas’ bevy of food and drink options — from legendary watering holes like Joseph’s to Miguel’s superb food, ramen at Makutsu to Mahua cocktails at FTR-The Vinyl Bar — and much more.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
