Crop tops, flower crowns, hula-hoops and polaroids. Mix those ingredients together and it can only mean one thing: It’s summer. With the summertime comes late night star gazing, creating your perfect playlist and figuring out which concerts to attend. There are so many fantastic music festivals this time of year that it can be a bit overwhelming deciphering which one best fits your style. To make it a bit easier, check out my recap of a few of America’s top festivals!
1. Bonnaroo, June 9-12
Located in Manchester, TN, this festival lures in over 85 thousand people each year. For four days straight, festival-goers can camp out and surround themselves in 700 acres of beautiful Tennessee nature that was purchased by Bonnaroo creators, specifically for the event. This four-day concert series features over 150 performers, dozens of comedians and even a mini film fest. Compared to other festivals, Bonnaroo tends to have a more “laid-back” feel and music enthusiasts will be pleased to know that it also tends to have some of the cheapest tickets!
2. Spring Awakening, June 10-12
Spring Awakening is celebrating its five-year anniversary in Chicago this summer and claims to be bigger and better than ever before. With a theme of electronic and House Music, Spring Awakening has had headliners such as Skrillex, Tiesto and Clavin Harris. As of 2015, the festival is age restricted to those who are 18 and older. While this is only a one-day concert, it is one that locals will not want to miss.
3. Summerfest, June 29 – July 10
Perhaps one of the longest festivals, Summerfest lasts for 11 days along the lakefront in Milwaukee. It is primarily a country music festival with a few pop artists sprinkled into the lineup as well. Summerfest is the largest music festival in the world, boasting over ten stages for entertainment. This year’s lineup features artists such as Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Hunter Hayes and Selena Gomez.
4. Lollapalooza, July 28-31
Affectionately called “Lolla,” this festival is one that we all know and love. It is located in Grant Park in Chicago and has been attracting music lovers for 25 years. The festival features alternative and punk rock, hip-hop, heavy metal, EDM and dance music. Lolla has traditionally been a three-day fest, but this year the party will continue on for a fourth day. What’s cool about this event is that local Chicago artists and food vendors will be selling their products, so you can experience multiple cultures all in one place. Lollapalooza is definitely one of a kind.
5. Outside Lands, August 5-7
Held in San Francisco at Golden Gate Park, Outside Lands brings in between 40 and 50 thousand attendees per day. Not only is it a music festival, but it also features art, food and a comedy and improv fest as well. Outside Lands prides itself in its eco-friendly environment where they focus on making the world more green. They feature a refillable water bottle program, a farmer’s market and public transportation for carpooling.
