The 10 BEST Boutique Festivals in Europe

Europe undoubtedly reigns supreme when it comes to festivals on a small and intimate scale. From exclusive Croatian island getaways to Ewok themed glamping in Bulgaria and even delicious beats under the Slovenian Alps.
Small music festivals have a tightly knit sense of community and feel to them. Fewer people means they can take place in unique locations that are off the beaten path. Ultimately leading to memorable shared experiences with your fellow attendees.
Keep reading to discover are our best boutique festivals in Europe...
Meadows in the Mountains
Aptly named by its location, this European boutique festival takes place high above the clouds and overlooking a valley. Being located on a mountain is no easy feat. Still, MITM festival organisers are committed to nature, regenerative culture, family & community, and creativity.
Not only is the venue picturesque, but the camping is something from a storybook. You can get even more mystical and camp in the Rhodope forest – it’s been set-up to look like a Star Wars Ewok Village. Every tent sold to festival-goers plants 20 trees to help regenerate the forest. It’s this regenerative culture that makes this one of the best boutique festivals in Europe.
If camping isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other accommodation options close to the festival site. There are also transfers from Sofia and Plovdiv airports that can be purchased with your ticket.
Alfresco Festival
The award-winning Alfresco Festival is an independent electronic music festival hosted in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. It’s a family-friendly event that has brought in Marc Ribellet, Maurice Fulton, and Joey Negro, just to name a few.
This boutique European festival offers camping and other options and guarantees some great times in the trees. There’s more of a relaxed, community feel, but expect a surprise or two from the line-up. This one’s special!
Field Maneuvers
Self-described as a ‘no frills rave,’ this small European boutique festival is organised by a bunch of mates. The mantra was to create a festival they would want to attend.
Therefore the capacity is just 700 people, for 3 nights in a field. Listening to great music, with great sound. You can either pitch your own tent or pay for a more luxurious camping experience from the festivals official accommodation partner Fred’s Yurts.
SunceBeat Festival
This house, techno, soul, R&B and funk offering is set on the azure Adriatic sea and hosted at the legendary Garden Tisno. There have been some great line-ups in previous years. The organisers are committed to bringing in the best for this boutique festival.
Hospitality on the Beach
Labelled a ‘Drum & Bass’ holiday, Hospitality on the Beach is another fine boutique European festival. Featuring a huge line-up, boat parties, and after-parties will make this one of the best to attend this year. The Garden is also a great venue and has lots of accommodation options for any budget, allowing you to enjoy the full scope of the HOTB festival.
Butik Festival
Besides the clue being in the name, Butik festival is a boutique Slovenian affair that brings excellent house, techno and funk line-ups to a beautiful part of the country. Set on two converging river banks, allowing for day-time swims, floaties and stand-up paddleboarding while hearing some great music.
Waking Life
So much more than a music festival, Waking Life’s common goal is a community project that involves agricultural and cultural initiatives. It is primarily a not-for-profit that mainly works on a voluntary basis. The festival involves art installations, performance art, and creative camps.
Polifonic
In the Puglia region of southeastern Italy, this fan favourite heads into its fourth instalment. It brings in some of the best of techno, disco, house, and beyond centred around the idea of ‘musica universalis’. The idea that the sun and moon as celestial beings create music together is a large part of this particular festival’s philosophy.
Shapes Festival
With events in Greece, Switzerland, Norway and Canada, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to venues. The one in Zakynthos, Greece, is a cinematic island in the Ionian sea and would have to be our top choice. They all offer stunning and unusual locations for festival-goers and exciting artists in their line-ups.
The Island Festival
As far as the best boutique festivals in Europe go, what can possibly top a party island? With the perfect mix of music, scenery, wellness and culture… you’re in for a real treat. Just off the mainland and easily accessible from major airports, this slice of paradise in the Adriatic offers 700 like-minded people an opportunity like no other.
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