20 Feb Our Top 10 Eco-Friendly Festivals to Experience in 2024
These cold winter days have me dreaming of festival season. I would do anything right now to pack my bags, hit the road and celebrate! I’m a festival junkie and have learned the value of supporting gatherings that align with my eco-conscious values over the years. The best news is that in 2024, a myriad of festivals across the globe are setting the stage for experiences that not only entertain but also educate and inspire attendees to live more sustainably. From music and art to food and culture, these ten festivals are leading the charge in eco-conscious celebration.
1. Envision Festival – Costa Rica – March 4-11, 2024.
Set against the backdrop of Costa Rica’s lush rainforests, Envision is a leader in sustainable festival experiences. This seven day “immersive experience” combines music, art, and yoga with workshops on sustainability, proving that fun and eco-consciousness can go hand in hand. Sign up for the Earth Keeper Themed Camp to find your fellow stewards and conscious experiences.
2. Lightning in a Bottle – Buena Vista Lake, California, USA – May 22-27, 2024.
This transformative festival is known for a focus on environmental sustainability, community, and self-expression. With initiatives like water conservation, waste reduction, and educational talks, Lightning in a Bottle sets a high standard for eco-friendly events. Become even more involved by joining the Green Team for an even better LIB experience.
3. California Roots Music and Arts Festival – Monterey, California, USA – May 24-26, 2024.
Blending reggae music with an eco ethos, California Roots Festival incorporates green practices such as composting, recycling, and using sustainable materials, making it a must-visit for environmentally minded music lovers. California Roots also makes a pledge to create a safe space for all who participate. “(They) commit to being active, long term allies to BIPOC, AAPI, Latinx, Women, Disability and LGBTQIIA+ communities, using our platform to spread awareness & encourage systematic change in the oppression of underrepresented groups.”
4. Shambhala Music Festival – British Columbia, Canada – July 26-29, 2024
Nestled in the Canadian wilderness, Shambhala Music Festival is dedicated to leaving a positive environmental footprint. Its green initiatives include the use of biodegradable materials and a ban on single-use plastics. Celebrating it’s 25th birthday, tickets are sold out but there is a wait list just in case!
5. Pickathon – Happy Valley, Oregon, USA – Dates still TBD, but last year was in early August.
Pickathon stands out for its commitment to sustainability, from eliminating plastic waste to utilizing reusable dishware. Its eco-friendly approach extends to energy use, with solar panels powering the stages.
6. Deep Tropics – Nashville Tennessee, USA – August 16-17, 2024.
Deep Tropics merges music, art, style and sustainability, aiming to create a carbon-neutral event. The festival invests in renewable energy and carbon offset projects, making it a pioneer in the green festival movement. Once quoted as “The Greenest Festival in North America… by nurturing a profound connection between people and the environment”. The festival has a non-profit initiative called Deep Culture to further this vision.
7. Sacred Acre – Ninilchik, Alaska, USA – September 6-8, 2024.
Focused on connection and sustainability, Sacred Acre is a newer addition to the eco-friendly festival circuit. It emphasizes land stewardship, community, and sustainability practices in its celebration of music and art. Sacred Acre’s ultimate goal is to regulate destructive bottom trawling fishing of any kind and help to save sea animals and coral reefs that are affected.
8. Farm Aid – Various Locations, USA – Dates Still TBD.
Since 1985, Farm Aid has been supporting American farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture through its annual music festival. It showcases organic farming practices and local food sourcing. Farm Aid is not just a festival, however. The foundation’s work includes advocating for fair farm practices, supporting small American farmers and connecting farms to businesses for sustainable agriculture.
9. Ohana Festival – Dana Point, California, USA – September 27-29, 2024.
Ohana Festival not only offers a lineup of top musical acts but also dedicates itself to ocean conservation efforts. A portion of proceeds goes towards local environmental organizations.
10. Austin City Limits Festival – Austin, Texas, USA – October 4-6 and 11-13, 2024.
With its Rock & Recycle Program and use of renewable energy sources, Austin City Limits Festival encourages attendees to engage in sustainable practices while enjoying a diverse musical lineup. This is one of my favorite festivals of the year and inspired the Green City Series, Austin blog post.
The growing trend of eco-friendly festivals reflects a collective desire for more sustainable forms of entertainment and community engagement. By attending these festivals in 2024, you can be part of a global movement that celebrates the planet just as much as it celebrates amazing food, art and culture. Each festival offers a unique experience, but they all share a common goal: to ensure the party doesn’t come at the expense of the environment.
This post contains affiliate links and Verte Luxe may earn a commission. Verte Luxe promotes brands and products that align with our eco, ethical and sustainable values.