July’s been eventful, but August gets much better. The festival season is mid-way through, with a variety of iconic festivals yet to take place. Here’s your constructive list of the ones which are completely worth it.

1. Lollapalooza – Chicago, US ( August 1st to 3rd)

Lollapalooza

Why : Held at Grant Park in the heart of Chicago, Lollapalooza is easily the most important festival in American Pop Culture today. Started back in 91′, it given a platform to some of the most iconic acts and bands in music, hence. Even given once obscure bands like Pearl Jam and Green Day the platform they needed to be recognized on the global stage. A festival that comes with some major Sherp recommendation.

 

2. Boom – Portugal ( August 4th to 11th)

Boom

WhyΒ :Β Pretty much the most sought after psytance festival of the season, Β TheΒ Boom FestivalΒ is a biennial “transformational festival” Β that takes place in Portugal that The festival features music performances and a broad variety ofΒ visual artΒ exhibits.Β Boom Festival began in 1997 as aΒ psychedelic tranceΒ music festivalΒ with a main stage and a lounge area with mellow, “chill-out music”.Β Now, there are five stages – each dedicated to type of music.Β Other attractions include sculptures, anΒ art gallery,Β street theatre, andΒ fire performances.

Boom’s main focus is to integrate aΒ sustainabilityΒ ethosΒ with arts and culture. By design,it does not provide corporate entertainment or sponsors. The key goal is to provide a transformational festival for people of different ethnic backgrounds, nationality and ages.Β In its own words, “Boom is not only a festival, it is a state of mind.”

 

3.Β Creamfields UK –Β Daresbury, UK (August 22nd to 24th)

creamfields

Why : Creamfields festival is pretty much the epicenter of dance in the UK. The long standing festivalΒ ( it started in 1998) always comes armed with a massive line-up that includes the biggest namesΒ in the industry today on around 8 arenas. This year Deadmau5, Pete Tong, Avicii and Eric PrydzΒ will be headlining the event among (many) more. If you’re someone who wants to experience aΒ pure EDM festival, Creamfields is the place for you.

 

4. Dimensions – Β Pula, Croatia ( August 27th to 31st)

dimensions23082013
Why : Relatively unheard of 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.

 

5. Sziget – Budapest, Hungary ( August 11th to 18th)

sziget

Why : 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.

 

6. Isle Of Dreams – Turkey & Switzerland ( August 5th to 7th, August 8th to 10th, )

isle of dreams

Why : The Isle of Dreams is the a massive electronic music scene, held on three consecutive weekends, in three different countries, Turkey, Switzerland & Israel ( canceled this year for obvious reasons). Inspired by the music culture of Ibiza, the festival will give you the best most hard hitting electronic music there is to offer.

 

7. Shambala – Canada, British Columbia ( August 6th to 8th)

shambala

Why : The 17th annual unique mountain festival, Β Shambhala Music FestivalΒ recently dropped its biggest lineup till date.Β Bassnectar,Β Griz,Β Moby DJ,Β Skream,Β Beats Antique, Paper Diamond, Justin Martin, Phaeleh, Gorgon CityΒ decorate the list along with some the sultry sounds ofΒ Β J. Phlip,Β Odesza,Β Christian Martin,Β EOTO, Lucent Dossier Experience, Opiuo,Β Hannah Wants being among the 300 artists that are going to play.Β The festival that is set to take place at it’s previous location – on 500 acres of the Salmo River Ranch near Nelson, British Columbia, Canada.Β As one of theΒ longest running electronic music festivals in North America,Β this internationally famed gathering has become anΒ institution in both the festival world and that of electronic music.

 

8. Reading & Leeds Festival – UK( August 22nd to 24th)

READING

Why : 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. End Of The Road –Β Larmer Tree Gardens, North Dorset, England (AugustΒ 29th – 31st )

end of road

Why : Hosted at the Lamer Tree Gardens in England, End of the Road is a considerably smallerΒ festival and that is just what it’s trying to create. The couple (Simon and Sofia) who started itΒ wanted to make their own little perfect festival. Props to them for the quality of music and theΒ intimate and warm vibe they’ve seemed to generate. Music that features is usually alt rock,Β American and folk. Sigor Ros, Belle and Sebastian, Frightened Rabbits have featuredΒ here.

The Guardian has called it β€œbeautiful, captivating stuff, a perfectly formed festival.”

 

10. Green Man Festival -Brecon Beacons, Wales (AugustΒ 14th to 17th)

greenman

Why : Green Man has successfully carved quite a niche for itself as a β€˜non-corporate andΒ ethically-minded festival’. Its identity revolves around its showcasing of Literature, art,Β all night bonfires, comedy and secret gigs. As one of the biggest festivals in Wales, itΒ features around 400 acts per year with nine different stages. The 3 day festival features folk,Β indie and American music. Think – Neutral Milk Hotel, Mercury Rev , TheΒ WaterBoys, First Aid Kit and that’s just the tip of the headliner list.