What could possibly be more fun than a carnival by the coast? We sifted through several beach festivals to bring to you the finest few!
A unique festival experience that combines travel and dance music with beaming sunshine, warm breeze, beer fresh out of the freezer, on-trend flip flops, over-sized sunglasses and sun-tan lotions. Seaside soirees are an excellent way to let your hair down and celebrate the blissful enchantment around you!
Here’s The Sherp’s pick of the top 10 beach festivals from around the globe:
1. The Garden Festival, Croatia
When: July 3 – 10, 2013
Held in the area around Zadar, Croatia each July, this annual summer dance music festival is held outdoors on a beach-front terrace. Started in 2006, the organizers of this festival have limited the capacity to a maximum of 2,000 people as this is the optimum number for the present site. The festival is now going to be held over two weekends (The Double Whammy) to attract a larger flock of fans.
2. Outlook Festival, Croatia
When: August 29 – September 2, 2013
Hosted just outside of the city of Pula, Croatia, this is a festival unique in its setting, with all kinds of bass music. The festival also plays host to a number of boat parties which sail around the Adriatic coastline. Genres like dubstep, reggae, hip-hop, drum & bass and the like can be experienced on this seaside!
3. Spirit of Burgas, Bulgaria
When: July 26 – 28, 2013
Set against the beautiful backdrop of Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast, this summer music festival premiered in 2008. Besides the main stage, there are also separate dance, music space, rock, DJ and Latino stages. This year’s artist line-up includes the extremely popular Chase & Status.
4. Rock in Rio
When: September 13 – 22, 2013
Originating in Brazil, this is a series of music festivals held across three cities: Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Lisbon (Portugal) and Madrid (Spain). The year 2014 will also include a fourth, Buenos Aires (Argentina). This larger-than-life festival has kept the music spirit from 1985 alive to this date.
5. Hangout Music Festival, Alabama
When: May 17 – 19, 2013
Hangout promises an amazing weekend in the sun and sand of gorgeous Gulf Shores in Alabama. It is an annual three-day music festival being hosted since 2010. The event attracts a crowd of over 30,000 people from all across the world!
6. Sziget Festival, Hungary
When: August 5 – 12, 2013
One of the largest music and cultural festivals in Europe, this week-long festival contains notable acts from many different genres. Sziget is not just about music. It offers a host of cultural programs like theatre, circus and exhibitions.
7. ZoukOut, Singapore
When: First week of December
This dance party extravaganza takes place on the island of Sentosa every year. One of Asia’s biggest dance music festivals, the sands of Siloso attracts more than 30,000 attendees. Big names that have graced the decks and stages include Paul van Dyk, Armin van Buuren, Avicii, Richie Hawtin, Kaskade, Above & Beyond, Hardwell, Tiesto and many more! In the past few years, ZoukOut saw a large increase in visitors from Australia, India and Europe.
8. Sunsplash Antalya, Turkey
When: June 2 – 9, 2013
Known as Turkey’s Biggest Little Festival, this one is a boutique music festival that combines style, travel and serious dance music. At this amazing beachfront venue, you can be sure to find yourself amidst a fantastically friendly crowd.
9. Sonar, Barcelona
When: June 13 – 16, 2013
For one weekend in June each year, the coast of Barcelona is flooded by thousands of music fans from all over Europe. The stage is rocked by a versatile list of artists, right from Skrillex to Two Door Cinema Club.
10. Sunburn, Goa
When: December 27 – 29, 2013
An amalgamation of music, entertainment, food and shopping – this one needs no introduction! Adored by all, Sunburn is held over three days at Candolim. The festival has multiple stages with artists playing simultaneously. Over the years, this platform has brought down some massive acts to our shores – Armin van Buuren, Above & Beyond, Axwell, Carl Cox, Gareth Emery, Sander van Doorn, Ferry Corsten, to name a few!