Festival season might be on pause, but your summer doesnāt have to be boring. Whether youāre into live music, art, photography or just vibing out with good tunes, thereās a whole world of virtual fun waiting for you. Letās dive into the best alternatives to festivals this summerāwithout leaving your living room.
Virtual Festivals and Online Music Events
United We Stream: Berlinās Virtual Nightlife
If you’re craving the electric buzz of dance floors and live DJs, United We Stream is your go-to. Straight out of Berlinās iconic club scene, this global streaming platform brings top-tier sets from Europeās best DJs directly to your screen. Itās your ultimate virtual music festivalāno wellies or queues required.
Crowdcast: Watch or Perform
Looking for something more interactive? Explore Crowdcast eventsis packed with live gigs, workshops, artist Q&As and cultural events. You can tune in or even broadcast your own performance. Whether you want to join a debate, stream a song or support your favourite indie artist, Crowdcast is one of the top online concert platforms this summer.
Creative Projects and Workshops
FORMAT Festival: Join a Global Photo Project
Got a camera (or just a phone)? FORMAT International Photography Festival invites people worldwide to document their daily lives. This powerful creative project is building a visual archive of how different cultures experience the world. Join in, share your view, and maybe even see your photo featured.
Donāt know where to start? Try apps like Snapseed or Lightroom for editing, or check out free tutorials on YouTube to improve your photography game.
Online Guitar Lessons: Strum Your Way Through Summer
Always wanted to learn an instrument? This is the perfect time. Sites like Musician Authority offer free and beginner-friendly guitar lessons. Youāll find tutorials for popular songs, chord charts and tips on technique. Who knows? By the end of summer, you could be the one hosting a mini gig online.
Learn to Draw (Yes, You!)
Donāt let your creativity gather dust. Platforms like Skillshare and YouTube offer free art classes for all levels. Whether youāre sketching your view or experimenting with digital art, itās a brilliant way to unwind. Even betterājoin an online art community to showcase your work or swap inspiration with others.
Top platforms for art classes:
Other Fun Things to Do Instead of Festivals
- Start a blog or YouTube channel about your favourite artists or events
- Host a garden gig with your household or neighbours (social distancing, of course)
- Try virtual reality concerts like those on Oculus or Wave
- Join TikTok challenges inspired by your favourite bands
You Donāt Need a Festival to Feel the Vibe
Missing festivals is validābut thereās no shortage of ways to create your own cultural experience from home. Whether you’re dancing solo, jamming with friends online or snapping creative shots of your world, thereās magic in making the most of the moment.
Summer 2025 is what you make it. So grab that paintbrush, tune your guitar, or blast your favourite set on full volume. The stage is yours.
