8 Of Europe's Most Affordable Festivals

Article by: Joe Gamp|@joegampjourno

Tue January 24, 2017 | 12:09 PM


Investing your time and money in a festival is always going to reap benefits, whether they be spiritual, social or just plain old instant gratification. But the toll any time away at a festival takes on your bank balance can sometimes put people off, from accessories to beer money, travel to accommodation and flights, whether you're camping in a field or lording it up in an Airbnb.

But that's not to say that all festivals will leave you a few dollars lighter; Fest300 has put in some much needed research to uncover a plethora of events across Europe that offer an economically sound alternative to all those festivals that cost more than a month’s wages to attend. So if you're on a tight budget for your annual jaunt, fear not. Check out these affordable, value-for-money festivals, that all feature world-class lineups at a fraction of the cost of a Glastonbury ticket, whether you're coming from the continent or across the pond.

Tauron Nowa Musyka, Katowice, Poland (August 6-9, 2017)

Although still in its early days compared to some of the more gargantuan beasts out there, Tauron Nowya Musyka offers a cutting-edge lineup set in an abandoned industrial site that would have the health and safety people quaking in their boots. But with previous guests including Boddika and Joy Orbison, Jackmaster, Roots Manuva, Plaid, Roni Size, and Fat Freddy's Drop, your €70 ticket ($75) will take you to one of Europe's best kept secrets. Tickets: €70 ($75) 

EXIT Festival, Novi Sad, Serbia (July 6-9, 2017)

EXIT is recognized as one of the coolest and most unique parties on earth. Originally set up as a student protest against the regime of Slobodan Milosevic, this annual party – set deep inside a historical fort – has become an annual pilgrimage for many and an exciting, eye opening experience for those attending for the first time. Over five long, wonderful days the fort has played host to artists such as Radiohead, The Prodigy, Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds and many, many more across 20 stages. Food and drink is cheap on and off the festival site, plus accommodation is very reasonable. Together with low-cost tickets, it’s a scrimper’s dream. Tickets: €150 ($162)

Tramlines Festival, Sheffield, UK (July 21-23, 2017)

Growing from a free local bash to a recognized festival with world-class acts, Sheffield's Tramlines Festival – based in the industrial heartland of the UK – offers a full weekend of fun for just a fraction of the cost of usual festival excursions, with a full weekend ticket costing under £50. Sheffield is 228 kilometers away from London, up in the north of the country, meaning local prices are much lower than they are in the capital. Tickets: £42 ($60)

Bilbao BBK, Bilbao, Spain (July 7-9, 2017)

 

The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain, but in Bilbao in mid-July, you won’t see a single spot of the stuff. Any excuse to head to Spain is usually encouraged and with cheap flight options and affordable prices, BBK should be at the top end of your bucket list. Offering a monstrous lineup that will see the likes of Depeche Mode, Die Antwoord, Justice and Fleet Foxes helm the 2017 edition, a three-day festival and camping ticket starts at just $150. No wonder it's fast becoming a talking point on the European festival stage. Tickets: €139 ($150)

Nuits Sonores, Lyon, France (May 24-28, 2017)

Nuits Sonores is a multi-venue music festival set across Lyon, France's second most historical city. Once the center of the country's repressive aristocracy, its now become a playground for fans of forward-thinking music, with previous years showcasing Francois K playing in an Olympic Swimming Pool, Carl Craig playing a set on an opera square balcony and Busy P teaching kids to circuit bend their Furbies. Come nightfall, the party continues in a sprawling freight cargo depot. It’s like Sonar Festival but on a smaller, more intimate and cheaper scale. A night and day pass for the entire festival costs just €140 with day tickets starting at around €23. Vive la France!  Tickets: €140 ($150)

Off Festival, Katowice, Poland (August 4-6, 2017)

Created by local musician and all-around hero Artur Rojek, our second Polish inclusion is just as cool as Tauron Nowa Musyka, sidelining the mainstream for a more cutting edge outlook, and set in the super trendy city of Katowice. Focusing on a handful of established artists and showcasing up and comers, the OFF Alternative Music Festival is a small but exciting affair, fairly and justly priced at just 230 pln – or a rather affordable $54. Beat that! Tickets: 230pln ($54)

Positivus Festival, Latvia (July 14-16, 2017)

 

They know how to party in Eastern Europe and it won't cost you the Earth in the process. Latvia makes it into our top cheap trips for 2017 with Positivus Festival, a three-day bash set in rolling, lush woodlands found right at the beach. Dip your toes in the water, laze about on a hammock and immerse yourself in a stunning lineup that covers chart toppers and emerging talent alike. And all for just €75,60 for a three-day pass, it's one you should definitely include on your itinerary. Tickets: €75,60 (approximately $80)

Gottwood Festival, Anglesey, Wales, UK (June 8-11, 2017)

Gottwood is an award-winning event, and one that's considered to be among the very best boutique festivals that the UK has to offer. But it's not just its contemporary focus on electronic music that sets it apart. Set in the beautiful, secluded Welsh countryside, the event has a strong focus on art, experience and décor which makes it a popular choice for UK festival lovers. Intimate in size and big in character, the ticket price is capped every year at £126 including camping ($156). Essential for your adventures across Europe this summer. Tickets: £126 ($157)