As the temperature starts to heat up, so does the festival scene. And with Memorial Day weekend behind us, summer music festival season has kicked into full gear. Expect to see your favorites artists like ODESZA, Cardi B, Florence + The Machine on main stages across the country — plus newer acts like Maggie Rogers joining in on the fun.
With so many festivals to choose from, and let’s face it – not a big enough budget to go around – the predicament can get real. Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. Whether you want to sing along to rock songs of your childhood or dance the night away to some current hits, this summer is full of festivals that will adequately quench your music thirsts. We’ve listed seven of the hottest music festivals you need to see this summer.
Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival
Who: Post Malone, Cardi B, The Lumineers, Phish, Kacey Musgraves, Solange and Brandi Carlile and more
Perhaps one of the largest and most impactful music festivals in the US, Bonnaroo should be included on any music fan’s bucket list. The music and arts festival presents some of the biggest artists from a wide range of genres. Aside from the carefully-curated lineup, the Tennessee fest also boasts over 10 stages and entertainment that are guaranteed to keep you anything but bored all night long! With its friendly vibe and inclusive atmosphere, this event is a throwback to the free love days of the 60s.
When & where: June 13 to 16, Manchester Farm – Manchester, TN
Snag your passes here.
Firefly Music Festival
Festival lineup: Panic! At The Disco, Post Malone, Travis Scott, Tyler The Creator, Zedd, Louis The Child, Kygo, Death Cab For Cutie, Brockhampton, Vampire Weekend, DJ Snake, Griz and more
You may be a seasoned Coachella-veteran, but if you are planning to up your festival game, Firefly Music Festival is the way to go! This year’s lineup features every type of music from alternative rock to EDM, attracting thousands of fans from all over the country. Expect over a hundred bands perform across seven unique stages throughout the four-day event. From a hammock hangout under the trees to a luxurious glamping set-up, and of course some big names in the music and entertainment scene, Firefly is every festival enthusiasts dream.
When & where: June 21 to 23, The Woodlands of Dover International Speedway – Dover, DE
Grab your singe and 3-day passes here.
Electric Forest
Festival lineup: Odesza, Kygo, Bassnectar, Zeds Dead, Alison Wonderland, Ganja White Night, Gramatik and more
Entering its ninth year, Electric Forest is known for its unparalleled and astonishing integration of art, music, and community into one jam-packed weekend. The natural beauty of Sherwood Forest, the creatively themed environments, and the colorful interactive characters all blend so well with the eclectic performing artists and musicians of the Michigan festival. Truly, Electric Forest creates a vibe so thick with “camaraderie and freedom…it must be experienced to be appreciated.”
When & where: June 27 to 30, Electric Forest Festival Grounds – Montague, MI
Grab your 4-day passes here.
Essence Music Festival
Festival lineup: Michelle Obama, Missy Elliott, Mary J. Blige, H.E.R, Nas, Pharrell Williams, Brandy, RBRM, Anthony Hamilton, Timbaland and more
Having brought in over half a million attendees to New Orleans over the 4th of July weekend in 2018, Essence Festival is undoubtedly one of the largest festivals in the US. This year, the festival is returning to NOLA to celebrate its silver anniversary and it is doing so by having the “Forever First Lady” Michelle Obama as one of its major acts (along with 75+ others who are as equally as exciting). Moreover, Essence Fest will be featuring a celebration of prolific albums from 1994 including Mary J Blige’s “My Life,” Nas critically acclaimed “Illmatic,” and Brandy’s self-titled debut. You can also expect a number of interesting gimmicks like the Wellness House, Fashion House, and the Food and Wine Festival.
When & where: July 5 to 7, Mercedes-Benz Superdome – New Orleans, LA
Score some great deals on tickets here.
Pitchfork Music Festival
Festival lineup: HAIM, The Isley Brothers (celebrating their 60th anniversary), Robyn, Mavis Staples, Belle & Sebastian, Charli XCX, Earl Sweatshirt and more
Now on the eve of its 15th outing, the widely recognized Pitchfork Music Festival is featuring 40+ bands from a wide variety of genre over the course of its three-day run. As always, the festival will be highlighting the buzz-worthy up and comers in the music and entertainment industry. Beyond the music, this Chicago festival will also feature a craft fair, poster fair, and a book fort, among others. Since 2006, Pitchfork Music Fest has proven to be one of the most enjoyable, inclusive, reasonably priced and gratifying weekends of music.
When & where: July 19 to 2, Union Park – Chicago, IL
Grab your 3-day passes here.
Lollapalooza
Festival lineup: Ariana Grande, Childish Gambino, Twenty One Pilots, The Strokes, Tame Impala, Flume and more
An annual alternative and electronic dance music festival, Lollapalooza is much, much more than your typical three-day music fest. With 8 stages, and 170+ bands from all over the world, every Lolla lineup makes hands wave, heads nod, and crowds holler. Aside from the music, the Chicago fest is also known for having the most scrumptious festival food from local restaurants as well as photogenic spots, interactive areas and even a mini-fest for the kids. So whether it’s your first or 10th time at Lolla, you will never get enough of this spectacular weekend event.
When & where: August 1 to 4, Hutchinson Field Grant Park – Chicago, IL
Grab your single and 4-day passes here.
Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival
Festival lineup: Paul Simon, Childish Gambino, Twenty One Pilots, The Lumineers, Blink 182, Flume, Hozier, Kygo, Anderson .Paak and more
More than a music festival, Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival is a celebration for all five senses, combining eclectic music with world-class art, food and more! The festival combines a stunning venue, fantastic summer weather and a very chill and friendly vibe that San Francisco is known for. A culinary and culture extravaganza, Outside Lands pointedly celebrates all that is the Bay Area, from what happens onstage to what transpires to its rolling landscapes. Outside Lands is, undoubtedly, a force to be reckoned with.
When & where: August 9 to 11, Golden Gate Park – San Francisco, CA
Snag your tickets here before they’re gone.