After a very long and cold winter, it’s finally here, the much-awaited summer festival season!
Attending Music festivals is an incredible way to enjoy summer, have a fun time with your friends, make memories and get some awesome Instagram worthy pictures. So prepare yourself and dress up in comfortable clothes, put your dancing shoes on, and adorn yourself with some flashy tattoos. There are so many music festivals to choose from that cater all kinds of music genres; there is something for everyone from laid-back beachfront music performances to Electric Carnivals and even volunteering and art!
Dates: April, 13-22
Location: Indio, California
Headliners: Eminem, The Weeknd, Beyoncé
Yes! Beyoncé is going to be gracing Coachella with a performance that’ll certainly be worth the wait. Coachella is one of the most anticipated music festivals, especially popular among young crowds.
Dates: May 18-20
Location: Gulf Shores, Alabama
Headliners: The Killers, Kendrick Lamar, Halsey, The Chainsmokers
If you are looking to just chill out this summer, hangout is for you! In addition to a great lineup, it also takes places in an amazing location—the public beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama. There are plenty of things that will keep you entertained here- beach volleyball, a puppy kissing booth, and a wedding chapel. General admission is $299; you could also go for Super VIP which has hot tubs to make your experience even more enjoyable!
Dates: May 18-20
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Headliners: DJ Mustard, Afrojack, Diplo, Tiesto
If you are an electric fan and are into carnival rides, art, dancers, aerialists, circus performers, you will love EDC! According to EDC you are guaranteed to have an enjoyable time as there is so much to do! “Under the Electric Sky, we come together to celebrate life, love, art, and music. From the stages and the sound to the pyrotechnics and the performers, so many unique elements go into bringing this world to life. We invite you to wander, explore, interact, and connect. Imagination and positive energy are the currency of this place.”
Dates: May 25-27
Location: George, Washington
Headliners: The national, Bon Iver, Spoon, Modest Mouse
This festival has a stunning outdoor venue with views of the foothills of the Cascade mountain range and Columbia River. They have many camping options that are sure to give you some great memories! Tickets start from $129.
Dates: June 1-3
Location: Randall’s Island, New York City
Headliners: Jack White, Travis Scott, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Eminem
You’ll see Eminem everywhere this summer! Governors Ball is a highly anticipated NYC event with bars, food trucks, and mini-golf. Tickets start from $115.
Dates: June 7-10
Location: Manchester, Tennessee
Headliners: The Killers, Muse, Future, Eminem
Another camping music festival but this one’s in a farm! After a long winter, this is a perfect place to soak up the sun! This festival also hosts some comedy performances so get ready to get some laughs in! Tickets start from $190.
Dates: June 21 - August 5
Location: Across the Country
Headliners: Simple plan, 3OH!3, All Time Low, Bowling for Soup
Not a big fan of road trips? That’s okay because this festival come to you! It sets up a makeshift festival in Toronto, Mountainview, Tampa, and Las Vegas (to name a few). So color your hair and get ready to dance in the sun!
Dates: July 5-8
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Headliners: Erykah Badu, Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige
The essence festival known as the “party with the purpose” is the largest event celebrating African-American music and culture in the United States. Grab your tickets now for an unforgettable night at the Superdome to see performances from biggest names in the music industry like Mary j Blige to intimate performances by today's hottest stars in their Super lounges.
Dates: July 20-22
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Headliners: Tame Impala, Lauryn Hill, Fleet Foxes, Chaka Khan
Celebrating its 13th year, this internationally recognized festival presents over 40 performances over the course of 3 days each summer in Chicago’s Union Park. If you are interested in exploring some new and emerging music, look no further! This festival is welcoming, reasonable priced, and comfortable for most.
Dates: July 27-29
Location: Randall’s Island, New York City
Headliners: The Weeknd, The killers, Cardi B, Janet Jackson
Another New York festival, with even better performances! With All-time legend Janet Jackson and a legend in the making Cardi B. Hurry! Get your ticket before they’re all sold out.
Dates: August 2-5
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Headliners: Bruno Mars, Arctic Monkeys, The Weeknd, Jack White, Vampire Weekend
This lineup has got Bruno Mars! That’s enough reason for me to attend it. This festival also includes an art market so everyone with an artistic and creative soul, Lollapalooza calls you! The tickets start at $120.
Dates: August 25-26
Location: Brooklyn, New York City
Headliners: Tyler, Erykah Badu, Miguel, The Creator, Janelle Monae
This music festival is extra special. With live music performances, it also features non-profit organizations that find solutions for urgent community problems. And, you can score the tickets to the festival by volunteering! You get to enjoy and do a good deed! Talk about killing two birds with one stone. As per Afropunk Brooklyn’s site - “We encourage interested festival-goers to volunteer their time, passion and talents to give back to their communities in exchange for tickets to attend AFROPUNK.” Bonus: This is probably the only summer festival with Jaden Smith in its lineup!
Dates: September TBA
Location: Queens, New York City
Headliners: Lineup TBA
The Meadows is a great way to end your summer! Over 60 artists are scheduled to perform this year, with various food stalls and a ball pit. Keep an eye out for the dates and lineup!
It’s the season for fun road-trips, delicious food and partying all day long. Whichever festival you choose - you are going to have the time of your life!