Every year, there are diverse festivals to celebrate music, food, art, and community. This killer combination has attracted countless individuals, perhaps most significantly, college students, and thus caused a surge in the number of musical festivals nationwide. With only so much time to spend checking them out, here are the festivals that you really don't want to miss!
1. Coachella
Next Date: April 15 to April 22, 2016
Where: Indio, CA
Coachella is the ultimate music and arts festival for anyone who wants to spend a weekend in Coachella Valley, soaking up the sun, while taking in amazing music performances in genres from indie and rock to hip-hop and EDM.
2. Lollapalooza
Next Date: Aug. 5 to Aug. 7, 2016
Where: Grand Park in Chicago, Illinois
Lollapalooza is a festival that takes place around the world from Santiago, Chile to Chicago, USA. Lollapalooza has hosted performances from musicians such as Nine Inch Nails and Muse, to Coldplay and Red Hot Chili Peppers. To compliment the A-list, diverse music performances, Lollapalooza has fun booths, dance and comedy performances, making it the ultimate mid-summer festival experience.
3. Outside Lands
Next Date: Aug. 7 to Aug. 9, 2016
Where: Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California
With popular hip-hop, indie, alternative, and Electronica artists, arcades, sports lounges, and numerous food and art vendors in beautiful San Francisco, Outside Lands is the best way to round out your summer!
4. South by Southwest
Next Date: March 15 to March 20, 2016
Where: Austin, Texas
South by Southwest is unique and appealing in that it combines a music festival with a film conference and interactive festival in the cool and growing city of Austin, Texas. Not only does the festival have performances from James Vincent McMorrow to Kanye West, but also appearances from actors such as Amy Schumer and Ryan Gosling to SpaceX CEO, Elon Musk.
5. Ultra
Next Date: March 18 to March 20, 2016
Where: Miami, Florida
Ultra is, hands down, the best EDM festival in North America. If you’re an EDM-fan looking for a spring break destination next year, check out this wild music festival in sunny Florida.
6. Sasquatch!
Next Date: May 20 to May 22, 2016
Where: Gorge Amphitheatre in George, Washington
Sasquatch! is the Coachella of the Pacific Northwest. It has music for eclectic tastes with a special interest in showcasing indie rock bands and singer-songwriters.
7. Governors Ball
Next Date: June 3 to June 5, 2016
Where: Randall’s Island in New York City
Governors Ball, hosted in one of the most interesting and alluring cities in the world, showcases the best artists from Lana Del Rey and Modest Mouse to Kanye West and Drake, as well as the best activities and food trucks NYC has to offer.
8. Bonnaroo
Next Date: June 9 to June 12, 2016
Where: 700-acre farm in Manchester, Tennessee
What originated as a festival oriented around folk rock has grown into wildly popular festival with diverse musical performers. Annually committed to donating to charities including Doctors Without Borders, the American Red Cross, and Rock the Earth as well as continually committing to its continuation as a sustainable festival, Bonnaroo is a legendary experience committed to bringing together amazing musicians from every genre and making positive change in the United States and around the world.
