It seems to be an unwritten declaration that warm weather means blasting your music loud enough for pedestrians to enjoy. I mean, there’s no need to be selfish, right? This year I’ve vowed to take my love for music one step further and attend a minimum of two festivals. They are such a great way to be adventurous with your friends, see multiple artists at once (and save a ton of money), meet fellow music lovers, discover new artists and act a little bizarre without being judged. I made a list of some cool festivals that are worth the trip.
Coachella
Coachella is the largest and most famous festival in the United States! The annual music and arts festival is held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, located in the Inland Empire’s Coachella Valley in the Colorado Desert. The event features all genres of music, including rock, hip-hop and electronic dance music, and also hosts amazing art installations and sculptures. For two weekends straight, the stage is graced by some of the most accomplished musicians as well as emerging artists. Past notables include Jay Z, Amy Winehouse, Madonna, Prince, etc. This year’s lineup is sure to impress!
Date: April 10-12 and April 17-19
Location: Indio, California
Bumbershoot
Here’s another festival that is great for the entire family. It features music, dance performances and art installations. At any age, you are sure to have fun!
Date: Sept. 5-7 (Labor Day weekend)
Location: Seattle Center, Seattle, Washington
Beale Street
Each year the Beale Street Music Festival attracts music enthusiasts from around the world. The historical city is where rock ‘n’ roll and blues music all began. The festival is best known for its mix of contemporary rock, blues and soul, and is held in a beautiful 25-acre riverfront park at the foot of historic Beale Street, overlooking the mighty Mississippi River. Like every festival, it hosts a slew of vendors. This year’s lineup includes Lenny Kravitz, Ed Sheeran, John Fogerty, The Avett Brothers, Hozier and more.
Date: May 1-3
Location: Tom Lee Park in Downtown Memphis, Tennessee
The Hangout
OK, so this festival seems more like a crazy spring break trip to me. Not really my style, but I know some of you love that kind of party! Basically you’ll be right on the beach and probably running around in a bathing suit from sunup to sundown. The lineup is worth the visit. Entertainers such as Sam Smith, Beck (you know, the one Kanye said had no talent), Paramore, Jenny Lewis, Lupe Fiasco and a ton more will be performing this year.
Date: May 15-17
Location: Gulf Shores, Alabama
Sasquatch
Sasquach is primarily a music festival, but what makes it unique is that some pretty cool and well-established comedians grace the stage too! The music is mostly rock, experimental rock, electronica and underground hip-hop. This year’s lineup includes Kendrick Lamar, Woods, Milo Greene and comedian Pete Davidson (along with other SNL comedians). Click here to see the full lineup.
Date: May 22-25
Location: The Gorge Amphitheatre in George, Washington
CounterPoint Festival
CounterPoint Festival is a three-day event celebrating the best in today’s music and arts. With three stages, art installations, activities and plenty of food and drinks, there’s so much to take in and experience! There is an option to camp out as well. Oh, and there’s yoga too! This year’s lineup includes Lettuce (my favorite funk band), The Soul Rebels and Travis Scott. For the full lineup, click here.
Date: May 22-24
Location: Kingston Downs, Georgia
Bonnaroo
OK, so this music festival truly reminds me of the historic Woodstock. Be prepared, there will be many people sleeping in tents and rolling in mud, as well as women walking around topless. This year’s lineup includes Billy Joel, Mumford & Sons, Kendrick Lamar, Childish Gambino and Earth, Wind & Fire. Click here for the full lineup.
Date: June 11-14
Location: Great Stage Park, Manchester, Tennessee
Summer Fest
For 11 days, more than 800 acts play across the 11 stages featured on the grounds. On any given day, attendees can enjoy alternative, rock, country, R&B, pop and reggae headliners and more. There are over 45 food, beverage, clothing and art vendors. The festival takes place on beautiful Lake Michigan at Henry Maier Festival Park. Click here for full music lineup.
Date: June 24-28 and June 30-July 5
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
GrassRoots Festival
The GrassRoots Festival is more family oriented. It’s such a good place to bring your kids out to enjoy eclectic music, culture, face-painting and delicious food. Check out the music lineup here.
Date: July 16-19
Location: Trumansburg Fairgrounds, Trumansburg, New York
Newport Folk Festival
Yes, that is Zooey Deschanel performing in 2008! The Newport Folk Festival is an annual American folk-oriented music festival in Newport, Rhode Island. It began in 1959 as a counterpart to the previously established Newport Jazz Festival. The festival features performances by folk, blues, country, bluegrass, folk rock, indie folk and folk punk musicians. This year’s lineup includes the The Lone Bellow, Brandi Carlile, First Aid Kit, Leon Bridges and more!
Date: July 24-26
Location: Fort Adams State Park in Newport, Rhode Island
Lollapalooza
Lollapalooza is an annual three-day music festival that takes place at the historic Grant Park in Chicago. Some great musicians and DJs grace the stage, but the great thing about Lolla is that it’s more than music. It features over 30 food stations serving local goodies throughout the entire day.
Date: July 31-Aug. 2
Location: Grant Park, Chicago, Illinois
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