Dance to Your Own Beat: Exceptional Alternative Festivals Worldwide
Peak festival season from May to September fills fields with sunburned crowds sporting flower crowns and wellies at events like Glastonbury and Coachella. If mainstream scenes aren't your vibe, rest assured—unique celebrations await for every type of reveler.
Lonely Planet's local experts have uncovered the best alternative festivals in their hometowns. Whether you're craving musical intensity, serene yoga gatherings, global craft beers, or whimsical hammer antics, these events cater to diverse festival enthusiasts.
Dark MOFO, Hobart, Australia – 6-23 June 2019
Hobart, Tasmania's remote capital, exudes a Gothic charm in its winter twilight. Dark MOFO embraces this with midnight feasts, haunting installations, poetry, film noir, bonfires, a mass nude solstice swim in the Derwent River, and robust Tasmanian reds. This atmospheric event flips the script on Hobart's busy summer calendar, redefining winter joy for locals.
Make it happen: Many events are free or ticketed at the door; reserve ahead for shows. Accommodations fill fast—book early.
Charles Rawlings-Way, former Hobart resident now in Adelaide, champions his hometown's winter allure. Follow @crawlingsway on Twitter.
Festa de São João, Porto, Portugal – 23-24 June 2019
Porto's crown jewel is the Festa de São João, honoring its patron saint. On 23 June, streets erupt into an all-night frenzy: sardine barbecues smoke the air, fireworks light the river, music echoes off historic facades, and revelers gleefully tap strangers with squeaky plastic hammers. It's a bizarre, joyful spectacle.
Make it happen: Book lodging early. Then dive into the streets.
Emily McAuliffe, Australia-born travel writer and copywriter in Portugal. Follow @mcauliffeemily on Instagram.
Beerfest Asia, Singapore – 27-30 June 2019
Asia's largest beer festival showcases 500+ labels from global and local craft brewers. Beyond brews, enjoy live bands, DJs, table football, beer pong, workshops, and beer yoga for a balanced buzz.
Make it happen: Tickets via the official site. Singapore's metro ensures easy access despite venue changes.
Ria de Jong, Singapore-based travel writer. Follow @ria_in_transit on Twitter.
World Yoga Festival, Reading, UK – 18-21 July 2019
This family-oriented yoga event unites top meditation teachers. Blending festival energy (camping, live music) with retreat serenity (organic fare, no alcohol/meat), it offers relaxation techniques and community.
Make it happen: Full pass £169 (£84 kids) via website, including camping (food extra). Train from London to Reading, then taxi to Beale Park.
Woodstock Winter Beer Festival, Cape Town – 27 July 2019
A cult favorite at the Castle of Good Hope, this intimate fest features limited-edition local brews, bands, food, and affordable tickets—ideal for savoring seasonal beers.
Make it happen: Tickets via quicket.co.za (sells out). Uber/taxi recommended evenings.
Cape Town resident Lucy Corne covers travel, food, and beer. Follow @LucyCorne on Twitter.
Mamby on the Beach, Chicago – 23-25 August 2019
Skip Lollapalooza's crowds for Mamby on Lake Michigan: indie, hip-hop, electronic acts plus volleyball and skyline views for an urban-beach fusion.
Make it happen: Tickets online. Free shuttles to central hotels.
Chicago-based Cate Huguelet covers travel and food. Follow @catehuguelet on Instagram.
Gradić Fest, Novi Sad, Serbia – 29-31 August 2019
Below Petrovaradin Fortress's EXIT frenzy, Gradić Fest offers free music, film, and art by local/international talents in the 18th-century Lower Town.
Make it happen: Stay in city hotels/hostels. Walk or bus from center for fortress views.
Belgrade journalist Mladen Savković champions local wanderlust. Follow @mladen.savkovic on Instagram.
Oasis Festival, Marrakesh, Morocco – 13-15 September 2019
Electro and house under the Atlas at Fellah Hotel's gardens: yoga, pools, and global DJs for a chilled escape from Marrakesh's bustle.
Make it happen: Tickets/bundles via website/Festicket; includes city shuttle.
Marrakesh-based Chris Griffiths, travel writer/photographer. Follow @chrisgriffithsphoto on Instagram.
Festa de la Mercè, Barcelona, Spain – 20-24 September 2019
Barcelona's patron saint fest: street theatre, concerts, eco-funfairs, giants parades, and fire runs unite the city.
Make it happen: Easier bookings post-summer; aim near Parc de la Ciutadella.
Barcelona/UK-based Esme Fox, travel writer. Follow @EsmeFox on Twitter.
Craving more? Explore our top 10 European music festivals in 2019 and US picks.
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