Main stage acts performing to a sea of fans is all well and good, but often those ‘festival moments’ are made in more intimate surroundings – the tiny stages where you discover new music, or time shared around a campfire. And there are many festivals dedicated to those more humble experiences.
Whether you’re looking to rave alongside 500 people or head into the Welsh woodlands for a long weekend, here are some of the best small festivals taking place in 2026.
ALSO Festival
Festival: ALSO Festival
Location: Warwickshire, UK
Dates: 10-12 July 2026
Acts: Jackson Roy, Sheep, Dog & Wolf, Chris Coull & Imogen Ryall and more.
Much more than just a music festival, ALSO is a place where food can be enjoyed and ideas can be shared. Nestled in the Warwickshire countryside, ALSO hosts talks alongside main stage acts, comedy stages, holistic activities and much more that’s there to be discovered.
Attitude Festival
Festival: Attitude Festival
Location: Bristol, UK
Dates: 3 October
Acts: TBC
A place for everything hardcore and alternative in the heart of Bristol, Attitude is a one-day, one venue festival for punk, rock and much more. While this year’s line-up remains under wraps, past years have seen the likes of Bob Vylan, SNAYX and The Meffs take the stage.
Between the Trees
Festival: Between the Trees
Location: Merthyr Mawr, South Wales
Dates: 27-30 August 2026
Acts: Valtos, Seafret, Rusty Shackle, Oscar Blue and more.
It’s not often you can find big name talks and beats in a beach setting, but that’s what Between the Trees offers. By day, you can find intimate talks spanning science and nature, while at night live acts and DJs take over to offer a weekender that’s truly for everyone and for every age.
Campo Sancho
Festival: Campo Sancho
Location: East Hertfordshire, UK
Dates: 23-26 July 2026
Acts: Laurent Garnier, Greg Wilson, ALFOS, Tonno Disko and more
Curated by DJs and selector extraordinaires Jimmy K-Tel and Matt Brown, Campo Sancho is a friendly gathering for a multi-generation of ravers. Bringing big name DJs to a blissful and intimate festival surrounding, Campo Sancho is a must for anyone looking to let loose (and listen to 90s house music).
Field Maneuvers
Festival: Field Maneuvers
Location: Norfolk, UK
Dates: 21-23 August 2026
Acts: TBC
A long-running dance gathering for a dedicated community of around 1600 ravers across 3-days and nights, Field Maneuvers is a festival that punches far above its weight. Known for house, techno and disco, past acts have included heavyweight acts such as The Blessed Madonna, Ben UFO and Cooly G.
Funk in the Forest
Festival: Funk in the Forest
Location: Welshpool, Wales
Dates: 3 July 2026
Acts: Lumiere, Lola Haro, Martinou and more.
This dance music festival nestled within the countryside of Powys, Wales, Funk in the Forest brings together a host of bubbling DJs and new acts with art and community. This one day escape also features forest bars, an independent market, an on-site record shop and much more to be discovered.
Green Island
Festival: Green Island
Location: Manchester, UK
Dates: 6 June, 25 July and 5 September 2026
Acts: A Guy Called Gerald, DJ Paulette, BCUC, 808 State and more.
Garden centres are usually reserved for Sunday morning diners and avid horticulturists. But have you ever been to a rave in one? Held at the Hulme Community Garden Centre and Niamos Centre in Manchester, Green Island is a coming together of community and big beats that truly showcases why Manchester is so special.
Skye Live Festival
Festival: Skye Live Festival
Location: Isle of Skye, Scotland
Dates: 7-9 May 2026
Acts: Dàna, Josie Duncan, El Sartel, LUSA and more.
Celebrating the best in Scottish contemporary folk music and electronica, the blissful Isle of Skye hosts one of the UK’s premier festivals with Skye Live Festival. From trad sounds to late-night beats, if you fancy a road trip far north then make Skye Live Festival one of your destinations this summer.
Woo Fest
Festival: Woo Fest
Location: Worcester, UK
Dates: 3-4 July 2026
Acts: TBC
A small festival that gives back, Woo Fest combines a village fête vibe with great music, family friendly activities and artisan food. And as a festival with a conscience, Woo Fest dedicates all its proceeds to St Richard’s Hospice, Worcester.
The post Festival Guide 2026: Small Festivals appeared first on Festival Insights.
