7 Secret Festivals to Experience in 2024

Prepare for a summer adventure like never before! We’ve handpicked seven extraordinary festivals that will take you to enchanting castles, lush forests, and picturesque beaches. These non-commercial gems offer immersive experiences, diverse music lineups, and a tight-knit community vibe, leaving you with unforgettable memories. Dive into a world of magical costumes, sensual vibes, downtempo beats, eclectic music, and fun-loving people!

1. Per Anhalter

• Location: 2 hours Outside of Berlin, Germany
• Dates: 31 May - 2, 2024
• Website: https://peranhalter.com/
• Per Anhalter Festival is a hidden gem nestled in the outskirts of Berlin. Held in a mystical castle, this enchanting event combines costume play, magic, and an intimate atmosphere, creating a whimsical experience like no other. There's not alot of information out there, but trust us on this one - it's pretty special

2. Waking Life

• Location: Crato, Portugal
• Dates: June 27 - July 1, 2024
• Website: https://wakinglife.pt/

• Waking Life Festival in Portugal blends electronic beats, immersive art installations, and a vibrant community, all set by a serene lake. With a diverse lineup, interactive workshops, and a commitment to sustainability, it offers the perfect mix of relaxation and rave. Dance under the stars, connect with like-minded souls, and leave feeling inspired and rejuvenated. Highly recommend for those seeking both peace and unforgettable festival moments!

3. Fusion Festival

• Location: Lärz, Germany
• Dates: June 27 - July 1, 2024
• Website: https://www.fusion-festival.de
• Fusion Festival is an extraordinary techno extravaganza set in an old air base in Lärz. Alongside the pulsating beats, you'll find captivating theatrical performances and live music, creating a mind-blowing fusion of music, art, and creativity. Tickets for this are on a lottery basis, but try your luck with last minute drop outs. They also do Sunday tickets, where the party has been known to continue with the core festival crew until Tuesday.

4. Hedone Seminar

• Location: Castle venue
• Dates: July 24 - 29, 2024
• Website: https://www.hedone.berlin/
• Indulge your senses at Hedone Festival, held in the embrace of a magnificent castle. This seductive event combines workshops, music, art, and sensuality, creating a truly immersive experience that awakens pleasure and self-expression.

5. Garbicz Festival

• Location: Garbicz, Poland
• Dates: 31 July - 5 Aug, 2024
• Website: https://garbiczfestival.com/
• Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature at Garbicz Festival. Nestled in the captivating Polish forest, this serene haven offers a carefully curated music lineup and with an international community of like-minded souls, who really know how to have a good time.

6. Summer Contrast Festival

• Location: Rogalinko, Poland
• Dates: 5-12 Aug, 2024
• cSummer Contrast Festival is an interdisciplinary gathering set amongst forest and lake, in Poland, this festival offers a relaxed atmosphere and 6 stages with music from techno to downtempo, to tech house, there's something for everyone.

7. Goulash Disco Festival

• Location: Komiza, Croatia
• Dates: Sept 21-23, 2024
• Website: https://www.goulashdisko.com/
• This could be the last year for this small beachside festival, and you won't want to miss it. Set in the beautiful Croatian coast, Goulash Disko brings together fun-loving people, eclectic beats, and a laid-back atmosphere, creating the perfect recipe for a memorable summer getaway.

Escape the mainstream and dive into a summer of unique, non-commercial festival experiences. From enchanting castles and pulsating techno beats to serene forest settings and vibrant beachside celebrations, these festivals offer a refreshing break from the ordinary. Mark your calendars and check out their websites for more details.