It’s not even spring, but our minds are already firmly switched onto the summer festival circuit. Across the globe, acts classic and new will be taking to the stage – and it’s likely that you’ve already got your favorite picked out.
But what if festivals could be so much more? Don’t worry – they already are.

Spiritual Awakenings

The UK’s Glastonbury Festival is one of the most prestigious festivals around. This year, the eclectic festival is headed up by Radiohead, the Foo Fighters and Ed Sheeran, and punters can expect a diversity of acts spattered across the bill.

It’s also a spiritual home away from home. Regardless of faith – or lack thereof – Glastonbury is home to a special church as well as Hari Krishna practitioners, on hand to offer food and simple welfare. You will also find the healing fields, famous for being a harmonious place where different groups gather together. Buddhists, Taoists and Hindus sit alongside pagans. You can go along in between acts to learn more about different cultures, or even learn more about yourself and your current situations with some insight from tarot readings, this traditional and almost legendary way of fortune telling.

Finally, you’ll also find the Iona Community in the Field of Avalon. Their beliefs stem from a Scottish sect of Christianity, but they devote their lives and their time at the festival to matters of peace, equality and social and environmental justice. Join them for worship, counselling or simply a conversation.

Artistic Collectives

Everyone knows about Burning Man, but nobody really knows what it’s all about until they’ve been – and since it’s so creative, it changes every year. If you can score tickets to this desert party, this August will be a wild, unknown ride. One thing is for sure though. If you’re going to Burning Man, you’re probably quite creative. This is so much more than a festival – this is true art.

Each year has a theme. Last year, it was Radical Ritual, and participants were free to interpret this however they liked. As a result, a variety of art installations centred themselves as part of the bizarre, nine-day-long action. That’s the beauty of it… you never know exactly what you’re going to get.

This one is truly DIY. There’s no cash on site. Everything is paid for through the principles of a gifting society. This doesn’t have to be material items. It’s about creativity and emotional connections but look – just don’t forget your toothbrush!

Music Vacations

Nope, we’re not talking about the absolute nightmare that turned into the failed Fyre Fest of 2017. Music vacations are on the rise, and this goes beyond simply traveling to locations far away for an event.
Did you know you can take a cruise across the Caribbean or over to Mexico with some of your favorite DJs and bands? Sixthman have created an entire business concept over it, inviting artists from Kiss to Paramore, EDM DJs to literally the entire Warped Tour to join them at high seas. You’re not just paying for a music festival, you’re paying for a lifestyle – food, drink, excursions – a true vacation experience.
Festivals are a staple of any summer, but if you’re not quite digging any of the line-ups, don’t give up just yet. You’re still going to have an amazing time.