FESTIVALS FOR 2019 THAT WON'T DISAPPOINT

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As we begin to emerge from the chrysalis of winter, thick sweaters relegated to the back of our wardrobes, thoughts turn to warmer months, and with that, festival season honks it’s siren.

Forget about the typical festivals you may be accustomed to, checked off your bucket list and snagged the t-shirt. We’ve rounded up a hot-list of radical festivals you may not have heard of to get your juices going!


Tahoe South Spring Loaded Brewfest - South Lake Tahoe, California – [ 29 – 30 March]                  

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Tahoe Brewfest celebrates all that is special about mountain culture: beer, crafts, community and the environment. Beer lovers from all over the world can congregate to enjoy a beautiful day of brew in South Lake Tahoe. Kick-start the festival with craft brews at killer local spots like Cold Water Brewery & Grill, South Lake Brewery, Sidellis, AleWorX and more. Don’t forget to catch the spectacular sunset surrounding the mountains. www.tahoesouth.com

Winter Wonder Grass – Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, California [29 - 31 March]                                  

With pristine powder and blue skies, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows is one of California’s premier ski destinations and Winter Wonder Grass invites visitors to hit the slopes by day and listen to world-class Bluegrass performances by night. Enjoy delicious craft beers while listening to this year’s artists including Trampled by Turtles and Greensky Bluegrass. For those still seeking adventure after the festival, why not head to Mammoth Mountain, which is just a three-hour drive away? Both resorts are included on the Ikon Pass. www.squawalpine.com

World Ski and Snowboard Festival – Whistler, Canada [10 -14 April]                                                       

Known to locals as WSSF, the World Ski and Snowboard Festival combines spring energy with Whistler's unique mountain culture for a festival of non-stop events and action on and off the slopes. Take the good vibes from the slopes to the streets with free outdoor music concerts. There’s also art, photography, filmmaking, ski and snowboard competitions and non-stop nightlife, PLUS some of the best skiing and après sessions of the season. www.whistler.com/uk  

California [27 – 28 April]                                                    

A weekend in the sand next to the beautiful Pacific Ocean in the heart of Huntington Beach, Back to the Beach Festival’s line-up includes blink-182 and Goldfinger with special guests, Reel Big Fish, The Story So Far, and Anthony Green. This family-friendly festival on Huntington State Beach boasts great food and drinks, with local artisans selling their finest products and the Lil’ Punk Kidzone, an all-inclusive play zone for kids to engage in the festival experience. www.surfcityusa.com

Telluride Bluegrass Festival – Telluride, Colorado [20 - 23 June]                                                              

The 46th annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival returns for four unforgettable days of music, hiking and laughter. Fans of bluegrass music will see Jim James, Kacey Musgraves and Sam Bush Band perform beneath the Colorado sunshine. There are also workshops, circus performances and music contests to enjoy. www.colorado.com

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Heiva I Tahiti – The Islands of Tahiti [4 – 20 July]                                                                    

 Summer is a time for celebration and no one does either quite like the Islands of Tahiti. The festival of life, Heiva I Tahiti, is where tradition takes centre stage. Locals honour ancestral customs and dancers prepare for the festival six months ahead of time. Participants make costumes, select music, and choreograph their dances thematically, accompanied by live music from ukuleles, nasal flutes and marine shells, all enjoyed to the backdrop of palm trees and pristine white sand. tahititourisme.uk/en-gb

Fuji Rock - Niigata, Japan [26 – 29 July]                                                                                                            

 Now in its 22nd year, Fuji Rock Festival is indisputably the largest and most exciting outdoor music festival in Japan. With seven stages and powerhouse headliners like the SIA, The Cure, and The Chemical Brothers, this festival draws over 100,000 attendees to Niigata every summer. www.seejapan.co.uk

Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza – Mammoth Lakes, California [1 – 4 August]        Hosted in one of the most naturally beautiful venues in western America, Mammoth Lakes Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza is nestled beside the azure Mammoth Lake. With over 60 craft breweries pouring more than 150 beers and ciders from around the country, this festival is the largest of its kind in the region. The mountainous location offers festival-goers the chance to participate in outdoor experiences such as skiing, kayaking, mountain biking and fishing. www.visitmammoth.com

Outside Lands - San Francisco, California [9 – 11 August]                                                                

 Outside Lands returns to San Francisco for a glorious weekend, as Golden Gate Park plays host to the Bay Area's finest celebration of music, food and wine, beer, art and comedy. The main headline acts are yet to be announced, but previous years’ line ups have included Florence + The Machine, Janet Jackson, Bon Iver and Portugal. The Man. www.sftravel.com

Back to the Beach Festival - Huntington Beach, California [27 – 28 April]                                                    

A weekend in the sand next to the beautiful Pacific Ocean in the heart of Huntington Beach, Back to the Beach Festival’s line-up includes blink-182 and Goldfinger with special guests, Reel Big Fish, The Story So Far, and Anthony Green. This family-friendly festival on Huntington State Beach boasts great food and drinks, with local artisans selling their finest products and the Lil’ Punk Kidzone, an all-inclusive play zone for kids to engage in the festival experience. www.surfcityusa.com