Summer’s right around the corner, and for many people that means one thing: music festivals. Summer is the perfect season to hit the road and see incredible bands play at exciting new venues. But places like Coachella tend to get real crowded, real fast. Now’s the perfect time to explore some different options and discover music festivals you might not of heard of but will totally want to check.
We’ve got all the must-see music festivals you won’t want to miss come summer. After all, Coachella is so last summer.
Electric Zoo – New York
If you’re a fan of electronic music, Electric Zoo should be your must-see summer music festival. Located in New York, Electric Zoo is a massive celebration of all styles of electronic music. This event lasts all through Labor Day weekend, promising three days of nonstop fun, excitement, and killer dance music. With headliners like Kaskade, Virtual Self, and Marshmello, this is the ideal festival for those who love to dance and explore new music.
Stagecoach – California
For those who love everything about country music, there’s only one music festival you need to worry about this summer. Stagecoach prides itself on being the premiere country festival, and with good reason: every year it invites luminaries of the field to come rock out and wow an enthusiastic crowd. This years’ lineup includes the likes of Garth Brooks, Keith Urban, and Kacey Musgraves to name just a few. So if country music is your jam, head to Indio, California (which is also where Coachella takes place) for an unforgettable good time.
Governors Ball – New York
Governors Ball is rapidly becoming an essential stop on the summer music festival tour. Located on Randall’s Island Park in New York City, Gov Ball is a place to see and be seen. Hipsters are wild about this three-day festival, and one look at the lineup makes it easy to see why. Everyone from Travis Scott to Jack White is in attendance. Check out which artists are appearing on which days, and plan accordingly. If you’re just not into mainstream music, never fear; Gov Ball makes sure to feature rising artists who are on their way to being the next big thing. So grab some tickets and make sure you’re ahead of the music curve.
Sasquatch! – Washington
For those that favor mellow music set against a breathtaking background, Sasquatch! Music Festival in George, Washington is a dream come true. It’s got a gorgeous campground where you can set up shop for the long weekend, and truly embrace the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Even those who don’t go gaga for the outdoors will be hard-pressed to miss this lineup; with Bon Iver, Modest Mouse, and the National are all scheduled to make appearances. Indie music lovers, get ready to embrace the perfect combination of killer music and natural beauty.
Welcome to Rockville – Florida
For those about to rock, we salute you — especially if you’re heading to Florida for one of the best rock festivals on the east coast. Welcome to Rockville is the ideal festival to cut loose and have fun, while rocking out to some of your all-time favorite bands. Rockville has an impressive mix of classic artists (Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol, and the Foo Fighters are all headliners this year) alongside newer groups like Avenge Sevenfold, Halestorm, and Five Finger Death Punch. Whatever your particular brand of rock, you’re sure to find it here.
Firefly – Delaware
It’s hard to get much cooler than the Firefly festival; it’s basically a hipster’s dream come true (and we mean that in the very best way possible). Besides having killer musical acts like Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, and the Killers, Firefly has created its very own miniature city. Visitors can enjoy specially made craft beers, or sip local coffee while listening to musicians. Small businesses from all over the state show up to sell their wares, from delicious foods to fun accessories. There’s a section where you can set up a hammock in the woods and chill out to some amazing tunes. And don’t forget to stick around after sundown; the light displays set up in the Delaware woods are a sight you won’t soon forget.
