{"id":1757,"date":"2025-05-02T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-02T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/?p=1757"},"modified":"2025-05-06T13:06:05","modified_gmt":"2025-05-06T13:06:05","slug":"missed-out-on-glastonbury-tickets-heres-5-hidden-gem-festivals-youve-probably-never-heard-of","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/02\/missed-out-on-glastonbury-tickets-heres-5-hidden-gem-festivals-youve-probably-never-heard-of\/","title":{"rendered":"Missed out on Glastonbury tickets? Here\u2019s 5 \u2018hidden gem\u2019 festivals you\u2019ve probably never heard of"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Love festivals and travelling? Check out these 5 international events (Picture: Wire Image)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Summer<\/a> in the UK is defined by three things: beer garden culture, holidays<\/a> abroad, and music festivals<\/a>. <\/p>\n

In terms of the latter, Glastonbury<\/a> is our crowning glory, welcoming over 200,000 people to its temporary city each year. <\/p>\n

But for those of us who failed to secure tickets to June\u2019s biggest event<\/a>, don\u2019t be disheartened. There are plenty of incredible festivals waiting to be explored if you\u2019re willing to travel a little further.<\/p>\n

At Metro<\/strong>, we\u2019re all about going off the beaten track, both to promote sustainable<\/a> tourism and broaden our horizons. <\/p>\n

We\u2019re always hunting for new and exciting \u2018hidden gems\u2019, so without further ado, here are the 5 coolest international music festivals you\u2019ve probably never heard of.<\/p>\n

KALA Festival \u2013 Dhermi, Albania<\/h2>\n
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Best for: <\/strong>Ibiza-lovers
Headliners: <\/strong>Ezra Collective, Kelly Lee Owens, Horse Meat Disco
Ticket prices:<\/strong> Ticket and 3* hotels start at \u00a3391 per person for a 7-day stay<\/p>\n

Largely thanks to TikTok<\/a>, Albania<\/a> has exploded in popularity in recent years. The popular coastal resort of Sarand\u00eb in the southwest claimed the \u2018world\u2019s bluest waters\u2019<\/a> title last year.<\/p>\n

One of the biggest drawcards each summer is KALA Festival, a week-long festival held in the coastal town of Dh\u00ebrmi, near Vlor\u00eb, promising yoga by day and dancing by night for revellers seeking paradise on a budget.<\/p>\n

The event takes place between June 4 and 11, with a lineup that fuses disco, house, soul and jazz against a backdrop of dazzling coastline.<\/p>\n

Festival-goers will no doubt want to extend their stay to explore this stunning part of the world. After a wild weekend, relax on the white sands or stroll through the plethora of villages dotted along the coast.<\/p>\n

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The region offers plenty of hiking opportunities, including Llogara National Park, the Southern Coastal Trail, and the Karaburun Peninsula.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s worth doing your research, though. Metro\u2019s<\/strong> Alice Murphy<\/a> recently discovered that parts of the Albanian coastline are not quite the paradise they appear to be online<\/a>.<\/p>\n

She noted that an unprecedented tourism boom has \u2018spawned a flurry of construction that threatens to overshadow the spectacular scenery this Balkan gem has to offer.\u2019<\/p>\n

Instead of Ksamil or Sarand\u00eb, Alice recommends heading for lesser-known spots such as Rana e Hedhun beach, a stunning stretch of sand in the north, or Lin, said to be Europe\u2019s oldest inhabited village.<\/p>\n

Other under-the-radar destinations include Gjirokast\u00ebr: an old stone town from the Ottoman Empire that\u2019s now been designated a\u00a0UNESCO world heritage site<\/a>, and the Cape of Rodon,\u00a0a rocky peninsula just over an hour\u2019s drive from Tirana, where you can gaze out to sea and take in Albania\u2019s unspoiled nature.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\tMetro’s joruney to KALA…\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
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Our Lifestyle Editor Rachel Moss went to KALA in 2023, and had words of warning about the journey there.<\/p>\n

She wrote that you have two route options: fly into Albania\u2019s Tirana airport and get a four-hour car transfer to the coast, featuring mountain views, perilous driving, and the threat of travel sickness. Or, fly into Corfu and expect sweaty palms as you race to make your transfers (a 10-minute taxi to the ferry terminal, a half-hour boat to Albania, and another two-hour taxi to Dh\u00ebrmi ). Having tried both options, Rachel reported that the latter was marginally better.<\/p>\n

You can read Rachel\u2019s full review of the festival here.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Playtime \u2013 Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia<\/h2>\n

Best for:<\/strong> People who enjoy a diverse range of genres
Headliners: <\/strong>Alcest, Jambinai, Ellen Allien
Ticket prices: <\/strong>\u00a375.71 for a 4-day general admission ticket<\/p>\n

Mongolia boasts breathtaking landscapes, from vast steppes to rolling plateaus and towering mountains. <\/p>\n

This landlocked country in East Asia is perfect for travellers who love authentic, unconventional getaways. <\/p>\n

Its cities, including the capital Ulaanbaatar, blend modern development with traditional buildings, surrounded by nature. This is where Playtime Festival is held. <\/p>\n

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Complete with a diverse range of genres, from rock, indie, metal, electronic and jazz, there\u2019s something for everyone. <\/p>\n

The festival runs from July 3-6 and both local and international artists appear on the lineup.<\/p>\n

Away from the music, Ulaanbaatar offers plenty of things to do, from the Natural History Museum to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, just outside the city.<\/p>\n

For thrillseekers, there\u2019s the Gobi Desert. Surrounded by otherworldly landscape, go camel riding or hike the sandstone cliffs\u00a0of Tsagaan Suvraga.<\/p>\n

To truly live like the locals, join a foodie tour in Ulaanbaatar which includes a visit to the market and dinner with a Mongolian family. There are also nomadic versions with rural communities in Middle Gobi. Homestays with yak herders in the Khangai Mountains are an option, too.<\/p>\n

Mongolian cuisine is big on meat and dairy, reflecting the country\u2019s migratory past and livestock reliance. Cooking techniques focus on boiling and roasting, as well as using hot stones to cook meat and veggies.<\/p>\n

Fuji Rock Festival \u2013 Niigata, Japan\u00a0<\/h2>\n

Best for:<\/strong> Sustainable travellers
Headliners: <\/strong>Fred Again, Vulfpeck, Vampire Weekend, Haim, Confidence Man, English Teacher, Barry Can\u2019t Swim
Ticket prices: <\/strong>\u00a3306 for a 3-day general admission ticket<\/p>\n

From 78p corner shop food in Osaka<\/a> to the quaint seaside city of Kamakura<\/a>, team Metro<\/strong> will sing Japan<\/a>\u2019s praises until the cows come home.<\/p>\n

So, imagine how much we want to go to Fuji Rock Festival in Honshu Island\u2019s city of Niigata, one of the largest outdoor music festivals in the country.<\/p>\n

However the festival is still relatively undiscovered outside Japan. Taking place every summer at the Naeba Ski Resort in Yuzawa, this year, the dates fall on July 25-27. The line-up is a solid mix of rock, electronic, pop and indie.<\/p>\n

The festival is committed to being eco-friendly; several sustainable initiatives are in place, and attendees are actively encouraged to clean up after themselves.<\/p>\n

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Often referred to as one of the most scenic festivals in the world, Fuji Rock Festival plays out surrounded by forests, mountains and rivers.<\/p>\n

Beyond the gigs, there\u2019s plenty to do in the local area, from hiking Mount Naeba to rafting on the Tone River in nearby Minakami or relaxing in Naeba hot springs. Niigata is a destination made for adventure-seekers.<\/p>\n

In 2023, Metro<\/strong> voted \u2018immersing yourself in sake\u2019<\/a> as one of the coolest things to do in Japan. <\/p>\n

That requires a visit to Niigata, where the landscape of soft, clear water and abundance of rice paddies has transformed the area into Japan\u2019s top sake-producing region.<\/p>\n

Dimensions Festival \u2013 Tisno, Croatia\u00a0<\/h2>\n

Best for:<\/strong> Travellers who love a laid-back atmosphere
Headliners: <\/strong>Georgia, Evan Baggs, Margaret Dygas
Ticket prices: <\/strong>Final release tickets, \u00a3235<\/p>\n

From cobalt blue waters to charming old towns, Croatia<\/a> is beauty personified.<\/p>\n

North along the Adriatic Sea you\u2019ll find Dimensions Festival, an intimate electronic musical smorgasbord, featuring house, techno, electro and bass. <\/p>\n

Located at The Garden Resort, the event takes place between August 28 and September 1.<\/p>\n

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Expect small boat parties, beach sessions and immersive after-dark performances. Due to its idyllic location, festivalgoers can lounge and relax in the daytime before dancing the night away.<\/p>\n

Before or after the festival, make sure to check out the beautiful Old Town of Tisno, or travel up the coast to the ancient city of Zadar<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Last year, Metro\u2019s<\/strong> Lillie Rohan<\/a> visited Dubrovnik, Croatia\u2019s most iconic holiday destination, and discovered the city\u2019s best-kept secret<\/a>. Aka, the best bar she\u2019s ever been to.<\/p>\n

Lillie writes: \u2018A 15-minute drive from the Unesco-protected Old Town, which served as the main film set for HBO\u2019s Game Of Thrones, you\u2019ll find Love Bar hidden in the hillside. <\/p>\n

\u2018It is so well concealed that most only find it by accident; a sign on a nearby roof and an arrow on the roadside are the only indicators that something special awaits up a steep flight of stairs. The climb is tough, but your reward is a sweeping panorama that provides the perfect backdrop for an Instagrammable sunset.\u2019<\/p>\n

The Hangout Music Festival \u2013 Alabama, United States\u00a0<\/h2>\n

Best for:<\/strong> Pool party vibes
Headliners: <\/strong>Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, Brooks & Dunn, Hardy
Ticket prices: <\/strong>\u00a3449 plus fees for a general admission ticket<\/p>\n

If the words \u2018beach festival\u2019 give you butterflies, check out The Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama. <\/p>\n

Offering the perfect mix of music, chilled vibes and sunshine, the event is home to an array of pop, rock, hip-hop, indie and EDM genres.<\/p>\n

Past headliners include major names, including Billie Eilish<\/a>, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Kendrick Lamar<\/a>. The festival takes place from May 16-18.<\/p>\n

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Looking for something to do after the event? The coastal city of Gulf Shores provides plenty of entertainment for all types of travellers. <\/p>\n

Adrenaline junkie? Try water sports in the 32 miles of sugar-white sand beaches, hiking and biking on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, or zip lining over the dunes.<\/p>\n

After more of a relaxing affair? The city has plenty of spas to help you unwind.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\tWhy should travellers swap large-scale music events for off the beaten track festivals in 2025?\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
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Famous festivals such as Coachella<\/a> in California and Tomorrowland in Belgium are falling victim to the effects of overtourism.<\/a><\/p>\n

Clare Tobin, CEO at Wild Frontiers<\/a>, the B Corp adventure travel experts, tells Metro<\/strong>: \u2018Many of these large-scale festivals are said to now prioritise life through a lens, with some attendees reporting a loss of authenticity around the celebration of music and the destination\u2019s culture.\u2019<\/p>\n

While nothing quite compares to the feeling of listening to live music on a hot summer\u2019s day, Clare warns it can come at a cost.<\/p>\n

\u2018Travelling overseas to experience live music can often mean that people fly in and out of a destination in a short period of time, meaning they don\u2019t get to experience the true authenticity of the location, connect with the local community or contribute to the local economy,\u2019 she says.<\/p>\n

She says lesser-known events give music-lovers also seeking adventure to experience the best of both worlds.<\/p>\n

Clare adds: \u2018These events offer an opportunity to extend your stay and spend more time exploring the local area, which in turn allows you to gain a deeper cultural connection, discover local artists and enjoy more enriching experiences. It also means that your visit will have a more positive economic impact on the local community.\u2019<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Love festivals and travelling? Check out these 5 international events (Picture: Wire Image) Summer in the UK is defined by three things: beer garden culture, holidays abroad, and music festivals. In terms of the latter, Glastonbury is our crowning glory, welcoming over 200,000 people to its temporary city each year. But for those of us […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1759,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1757","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1757","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1757"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1757\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1760,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1757\/revisions\/1760"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1759"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1757"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1757"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1757"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}