Friends, Romans and fellow travellers! Here’s a comprehensive list of fantastic music festivals August has to offer. Get ready to update that bucket list!
1. Soundwave Croatia
Where: Tisno
When: August 6 to 10
Soundwave Croatia, one of Europe’s most friendly and intimate festivals returns for it’s 7th year and announces the addition of a developed live art and film programme to its eclectic musical offering. Jay Electronica alongside the likes of Slum Village, Mr Scruff, Mala, LTJ Bukem, Fatima will headline the fest. For Soundwave, street artists, mural artists and illustrators from across Croatia and the rest of Europe will be invited to transform the walls of apartments and buildings across the festival site into living, evolving pieces of art.
2. Shambhala Music Festival
Where: British Columbia, Canada
When: August 7 to 10
The 18th annual Shambala Music Festival takes place on 500 acres of the Salmo River Ranch near Nelson, British Columbia, Canada. As one of the longest running electronic music festivals in North America, this internationally famed gathering has become an institution in both the festival world and that of electronic music. It’s a scintillating mix of bass music and vibin’ with the great outdoors of North America. Watch the video below for a taste of what to expect…
3. Green Man
Where: Brecon Beacons, Wales, UK
When: August 20
Green Man has successfully carved quite a niche for itself as a ‘non-corporate and ethically-minded festival’. Its identity revolves around its showcasing of Literature, art, all night bonfires, comedy and secret gigs. As one of the biggest festivals in Wales, it features around 400 acts per year with nine different stages. The 3 day festival features folk, indie and American music. Think – Neutral Milk Hotel, Mercury Rev , The WaterBoys, First Aid Kit and that’s just the tip of the headliner list.
4. Dimensions
Where: Fort Punta Christo, Pula
When: August 26 to 30
As a relatively unheard of event, The Dimension’s festival takes place in a fort in Pula, Croatia the same venue where the Outlook Festival takes place. With a venue of incomparable beauty and an impressive underground line up to boot, Dimension festival is one of those hidden beauties, you only want to tell your best friends about. Line-up attractions: Dusky, Objekt, Four Tet Live, LeFto.
5. Shambala Festival
Where : UK
When : August 27 to 30
Shambala is a family-friendly boutique fest, where your kids can really entertain themselves at the craft area, the enchanted woods and the kids field – one of the most vibrant kids’ fields on the festival circuit. Just have a look at the video to see for yourself! It’s absolutely jam packed with activities and entertainment. Check out the creative chaos in the many art tents – make monsters, build badges, design costumes, get messy, draw dragons, and so much more – and you’ll be able to take something home to remember the festival.
6. Mysteryland
Where: Amsterdam, Netherlands
When: August 27 to 30
This one hardly needs an introduction, Mysteryland Amsterdam is as impressive and loved as it’s versions in other countries. If you’re looking to go hard before you go home, Mysteryland is the festival you need to be at. Remember: The fireworks right at the end are totally worth the wait.
7. Sziget Festival
Where: Budapest, Hungary
When: August 10 to 15
A week long festival with a whole Island to itself. That should be enough information to haul your ass over there. The Island Of Freedom, has around 50 program venues with around 200 acts playing daily. You will find all the music you need and much more – from international rock to dance music to Jazz and alternative, Sziget is where it’s aaaaat.
8. Reading & Leeds Festival
Where: Reading & Leeds, UK
When : August 27 to 30
The infamous Reading & Leeds Festival is heralded as the best music show on the planet. With the most revered artists from across the globe playing each year across the August bank holiday weekend, it is a genuine rite of passage for discerning music lovers everywhere.
9. Lost Theory Festival
Where: Deringay
When: August 12 to 17
Attractions: The art and installations is supposed to be especially exceptional.
Psytrance doesn’t fall very far behind in Croatia. While the beaches are reserved for all the cool deep house and tropical house parties and fests, this absolutely crazy Psytrance festival can be found if you travel inland. The Lost Theory Festival is held in a serene setting in the Croatian interior, with all the vibes you need.
10. Burning Man
Where: Black Rock City, Nevada, USA
When: August 30 to September
Burning Man cannot be termed as a music festival, but does include some great dance and independent music to check out.
Every year, against the backdrop of the beautiful Black Rock Desert in Nevada comes alive a festival that speaks to every aspect of the human psyche through its mind-blowing music and art installations. Thousands of people and enthusiasts come together to create Black Rock City – an ethereal place with a destitute setting that focuses solely on art, self-expression and community. And while the festival or gathering might seem like the most appealing event to attend, Burning Man is not exactly what you’d call ‘easy to survive’. For one, it’s out in the desert, devoid of any internet or cellular service. Temperatures can hit 95 degrees during the day and it is a gathering based on self reliance – which means you will have to carry everything you need for a week to survive eg – food, water, shelter, clothes, transport, cars etc.
