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Best Kept Secret Festival – Hilvarenbeek, Netherlands (June 13–15)
Nestled in the tranquil forests of the Netherlands, the Best Kept Secret Festival promises an escape from the chaos of huge crowds. In 2025, the lineup features not just big names like Soulwax, TV on the Radio, Deftones, and Wilco, but also an impressive roster of up-and-coming artists. The festival site, surrounded by lakes and woodland, feels almost magical compared to the concrete sprawl of many other events. Attendees often praise the laid-back vibes, with plenty of space to relax and truly immerse themselves in the music. There’s a strong focus on sustainability, from eco-friendly stages to local food vendors using fresh regional ingredients. Festival-goers say the intimate atmosphere makes it easy to connect with fellow music lovers and even the performers themselves. With ticket sales limited to avoid overcrowding, Best Kept Secret is a true hidden gem for those looking for quality over quantity.
Fusion Festival – Lärz, Germany (June 26–30)
Fusion Festival is not just about music—it’s about creating a temporary utopia where art, activism, and creativity collide. Spread across a former Soviet military airfield, the event is famous for its underground electronic music scene but also welcomes experimental performances, visual art installations, and workshops on social issues. In 2024, over 70,000 people attended, yet the festival still manages to feel like a close-knit community. The organizers deliberately avoid big-name headliners, instead curating a lineup of passionate, genre-pushing artists from around the globe. Sustainability is at the core, with all power coming from renewable sources and a zero-tolerance policy for single-use plastics. Fusion is known for its radical inclusivity, encouraging freedom of expression and a sense of belonging. The festival’s motto “holiday communism” sums up its unique spirit—attendees leave with a sense of possibility and hope for a better world.
Dimensions Festival – Pula, Croatia (August 29–September 2)
Dimensions Festival stands out for its breathtaking venues—ancient forts, abandoned tunnels, and sunlit beaches along Croatia’s Adriatic coast. The 2025 edition offers a deep dive into electronic music, with carefully selected acts spanning house, techno, and experimental genres. The festival is famous for its “opening concert” inside a 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheater, an experience that leaves many attendees awestruck. In 2023, the festival drew nearly 10,000 visitors, a number that keeps the event feeling exclusive and personal. Daytime beach parties transition seamlessly into electrifying nighttime sets, creating a 24/7 celebration of sound and scenery. Organizers emphasize sound quality and immersive experiences, with small, intimate stage areas that let you get close to the performers. The combination of historic architecture and cutting-edge music makes Dimensions a bucket-list festival for any electronic music enthusiast.
EXIT Festival – Novi Sad, Serbia (July 10–13)
EXIT Festival transforms the Petrovaradin Fortress into a vibrant playground for music lovers each summer. What began as a student movement for peace in 2000 has grown into one of Europe’s top music festivals, drawing over 200,000 people annually. The 2025 lineup is expected to span rock, pop, EDM, hip-hop, and more, with acts performing across dozens of unique stages set inside fortress walls and tunnels. EXIT is renowned for its inclusive spirit, often supporting social causes like environmentalism and youth empowerment. The festival’s setting on the banks of the Danube River gives it a fairytale-like atmosphere, especially at sunset. With a mix of local Serbian talent and global superstars, EXIT offers both cultural immersion and world-class entertainment. The variety of genres and the historical backdrop ensure that every attendee finds something unforgettable.
Java Jazz Festival – Jakarta, Indonesia (March 7–9)
Java Jazz Festival is a must-see for jazz lovers, but its appeal goes far beyond the genre’s core fanbase. As one of the world’s biggest jazz events, it regularly features over 100 performances by legendary artists and contemporary innovators. The 2024 edition drew crowds of more than 120,000, with attendees praising the festival’s seamless blend of classic jazz, R&B, funk, and pop. In 2025, the festival promises an even more diverse lineup, including international stars and rising Indonesian musicians. There are interactive workshops, masterclasses, and spontaneous jam sessions, giving fans a chance to learn from their musical heroes. The festival’s atmosphere is lively and welcoming, with stages spread throughout the Jakarta International Expo center. Java Jazz is a celebration of musical diversity, attracting visitors from around the globe who come for the music but stay for the vibrant energy.
Festival of Voices – Tasmania, Australia (July)
Every July, Tasmania’s wild winter landscapes are filled with the sound of singing, thanks to the Festival of Voices. This event is unique in focusing exclusively on vocal music, from choral harmonies to solo performances and a cappella groups. In 2024, choirs from across Australia and abroad joined local talent for concerts in historic churches, cozy pubs, and open-air venues. The festival isn’t just about performances—there are workshops, sing-alongs, and storytelling sessions where anyone can participate. Organizers work closely with local communities, ensuring the event has a warm, inclusive atmosphere. The festival’s highlight is often the “Big Sing Bonfire,” where hundreds gather to sing together under the stars. For music fans seeking something soulful, communal, and different, Festival of Voices is a truly hidden gem.
Hudson River Music Festival – Hudson Valley, New York, USA (June)
Set against the rolling hills and sparkling waters of the Hudson Valley, this festival is a regional treasure. Unlike crowded city festivals, the Hudson River Music Festival keeps things relaxed, focusing on quality over spectacle. The 2024 event featured folk, rock, blues, and jazz acts, many from the flourishing local music scene. Attendees love the chance to discover new artists while enjoying picnic-style seating and food from local farms. The riverside location adds to the charm, with sunset performances creating a magical ambiance. Organizers make a point of supporting community initiatives, from environmental cleanups to youth music programs. For those who appreciate a laid-back, family-friendly vibe, this festival offers a perfect weekend escape.
The Great Escape Festival – Brighton, England (May 15–17)
The Great Escape Festival is a playground for music discovery, featuring over 450 new artists every year in the lively seaside town of Brighton. Industry insiders flock to the festival to scout the next big thing, but the event remains welcoming to everyday fans eager to explore new sounds. In 2024, the festival hosted acts from more than 30 countries, offering everything from indie rock to experimental pop and electronic music. With performances happening in both traditional venues and quirky pop-up spaces, every corner of Brighton buzzes with energy. Networking events and conferences add a professional edge, making it an essential stop for aspiring musicians and industry hopefuls. The Great Escape’s commitment to diversity and talent development keeps it at the cutting edge of the festival scene.
Sziget Festival – Budapest, Hungary (August 10–15)
Spanning an entire week on Budapest’s picturesque Óbuda Island, Sziget Festival is often called the “Island of Freedom.” Although it attracts up to half a million visitors each year, the festival’s sprawling site means there’s always a place to relax or explore something new. The 2025 program will feature a dizzying array of genres—rock, pop, EDM, world music, and more—with past headliners including the likes of Ed Sheeran and Kendrick Lamar. Sziget is more than just music, offering circus acts, theater, art installations, and workshops that create a true festival city. The event is also known for its commitment to social causes, supporting environmental awareness and global citizenship. For many, Sziget’s open-minded, celebratory atmosphere is a revelation, making it a must-visit for adventurous festival-goers.
Primavera Sound – Barcelona, Spain (June 5–7)
Primavera Sound in Barcelona has become synonymous with musical discovery and cultural inclusivity. The 2025 edition promises a carefully curated lineup mixing indie, electronic, hip-hop, and experimental music. What sets Primavera apart is its focus on both established icons and the freshest new talent, providing a platform for artists on the rise. The festival takes place by the Mediterranean Sea, offering stunning views and cool breezes alongside unforgettable performances. Organizers are deeply committed to sustainability, with initiatives ranging from plastic-free policies to support for local charities. Primavera is also recognized for its gender-balanced lineups and support for LGBTQ+ artists, making it one of the most progressive festivals on the circuit. For fans who want more than just music, Primavera delivers a cultural experience that’s as inspiring as it is entertaining.
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Luca is the co founder of trib, an art and fashion collectiv you find on several regional events and online. Also he is part of the management board at HORiZONTE, a group travel provider in Germany.
