North America welcomes festivals from the first days of January to the last day of December – and QRO’s got them all in our massive, constantly-updated year-round guide. See last year’s Festival Guide
Total festivals with full line-ups: 345
Updated continuously throughout the year with new acts, dates, festivals & coverage
| January & February | March | April | May | June |
| July | August | September | October | November & December |
January & February
What: Holy Ship – January
Where: Miami, FL to Nassau, Bahamas to Coco Cay, Bahamas
When: January 3-6
Who: Kaskade, Dillon Francis, Flosstradamus, ODESZA, Steve Aoki, Robin Schulz, Tommy Trash, GRiZ, Rudimental, Gorgon City, Hudson Mohawke, Brodinski, Justin Martin, Destructon, GTA, Skeam, and more
Why: Holy ship that’s a lot of DJs!
Web: holyship.com
What: Todos Santos
Where: Todos Santos, Mexico
When: January 14-23
Who: Peter Buck, Death Cab for Cutie, Jeff Tweedy, Drive-By Truckers, The Jayhawks, Old 97’s, The Autumn Defense, Scott McCaughey, Joseph Arthur, Steve Wynn, and more
Why: Peter Buck of R.E.M. curates & performs a festival with friends like Scott McCaughey down Mexico way at the tip of Baja California, all to benefit The Palapa Society of Todos Santos, AC.
Web: todossantosmusicfestival.com
What: Shiprocked
Where: Miami, FL to Costa Maya, Mexico
When: January 18-22
Who: Five Finger Death Punch, Seether, Halestorm, Nonpoint, Helmet, We Are Harlot, and more
Why: A hard rock cruise.
Web: www.shiprocked.com
What: American Songbook
Where: Lincoln Center, New York, NY
When: January 19 – April 5
Who: Vanessa Williams, Loudon Wainwright III, Rita Moreno, Craig Finn, Todd Almond w/ Courtney Love & Sherie Rene Scott, Foreigner, Laura Jane Grace, Rhiannon Giddens, Luluc, and more
Why: Pretty much the classiest venue out there, Lincoln Center celebrates American songwriting at Appel Room (and the Atrium & Penthouse). See our venue review & photos of Lincoln Center’s Appel Room here
Web: www.americansongbook.org
What: Shivering Songs
Where: Fredericton, NB, Canada
When: January 21-24
Who: Joel & Bill Plaskett, Shane Koyczan, Jenn Grant, The Weather Station, and more
Why: The Olymphic Symphonium’s hometown festival returns.
Web: shiveringsongs.com
What: Timbrrr
Where: Leavenworth, WA
When: January 29-30
Who: Strand of Oaks, Fruit Bats, Hibou, and more
Why: Timbrr!
Web: www.timbermusicfest.com
What: Ecstatic
Where: New York, NY
When: January 29 – March 19
Who: Yo La Tengo, Lee Ranaldo, Man Forever, Pharoahe Monch, Rachel Grimes, and more
Why: The burgeoning indie-classical genre gets Ecstatic with the latest series of events at Merkin Concert Hall.
Web: www.ecstaticmusicfestival.com
What: Megaphono
Where: Ottawa, ON, Canada
When: February 2-6
Who: Pipahauntas, The Acorn, High Waters, Andy Shauf, Chris Page, U.S. Girls & Slim Twig, and more
Why: The Canadian capital gets a Megaphono.
Web: www.megaphono.tv
What: Supercity 50
Where: Oakland, CA
When: February 6
Who: Alesso, Diplo, The Chainsmokers, Chromeo, and more
Why: EDM comes to Oakland.
Web: www.supercity50.com
What: Holy Ship – February
Where: Miami, FL to Nassau, Bahamas to Coco Cay, Bahamas
When: February 10-13
Who: DJ Snake, Chromeo, Porter Robinson, RL Grime, Baauer, Boys Noize, Flux Pavilion, What So Not, Cashmere Cat, Justin Martin, Thomas Jack, Destructo, Gramatik, Gaslamp Killer, and more
Why: Holy ship that’s a lot of DJs!
Web: holyship.com
What: Tuscon Gem & Jam
Where: Tuscon, AZ
When: February 12-14
Who: Beats Antique, Lettuce, The Polish Ambassador, Tycho, Nahko & Medicine For the People, Minnesota, Lyrics Born, Michal Menert, Eliot Lipp, and more
Why: Spin some beats while you look at some gems.
Web: gemandjamfestival.com
What: Winter Wondergrass Colorado
Where: Avon, CO
When: February 19-21
Who: Greensky Bluegrass, Leftover Salmon, The Wood Brothers, Nahko & Medicine For the People, The Travelin’ McCourys, Fruition, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, and more
Why: Embrace the Wonderful bluegrass sounds in Colorado.
Web: www.winterwondergrass.com/landing
What: Noise Pop
Where: San Francisco, CA
When: February 19-28
Who: Metric, American Football, Drive Like Jehu, The Mountain Goats, Carly Rae Jepson, Neon Indian, Parquet Courts, Vince Staples, Bill Callahan, Gardens & Villa, Ringo Deathstarr, Hamilton Leithauser & Paul Maroon, The Thermals, La Sera, Cayucas, Film School, and more
Why: Venues across San Francisco have a nice line-up of acts from the hottest in today’s indie-rock to ultra-vets & in between.
Web: noisepop.com/2016
What: Axes & Anchors Cruise
Where: Miami, FL-Key West, FL-Nassau, Bahamas
When: February 20-24
Who: Breaking Benjamin, Zakk Wylde, Yngwie Malmsteen, Michael Schenker, Motionless In White, and more
Why: Guitars take to the sea.
Web: axesandanchors.com
What: Air + Style L.A.
Where: Los Angeles, CA
When: February 21-22
Who: J. Cole, Incubus, HAIM, Big Grams, All Time Low, Action Bronson, Rudimental, A-Trak, Travis Barker, A$AP Ferg, Flatbush Zombies, The Struts, Migos, and more
Why: Head to Los Angeles to grab some air – and some style. See more in our 2015 photo gallery here
Web: airandstyle.com/los-angeles-2
What: Wanderlust Oahu
Where: Oahu, HI
When: February 25-28
Who: MC Yogi, Trevor Hall, Citizen Cope, and more
Why: Yoga + music fest Wanderlust wanders all the way to Hawaii. See more in our photo gallery of Wanderlust Squaw Valley here
Web: wanderlust.com/festivals/oahu/
March
What: American Songbook
Where: Lincoln Center, New York, NY
When: January 19 – April 5
Who: Vanessa Williams, Loudon Wainwright III, Rita Moreno, Craig Finn, Todd Almond w/ Courtney Love & Sherie Rene Scott, Foreigner, Laura Jane Grace, Rhiannon Giddens, Luluc, and more
Why: Pretty much the classiest venue out there, Lincoln Center celebrates American songwriting at Appel Room (and the Atrium & Penthouse). See our venue review & photos of Lincoln Center’s Appel Room here
Web: www.americansongbook.org
What: Ecstatic
Where: New York, NY
When: January 29 – March 19
Who: Yo La Tengo, Lee Ranaldo, Man Forever, Pharoahe Monch, Rachel Grimes, and more
Why: The burgeoning indie-classical genre gets Ecstatic with the latest series of events at Merkin Concert Hall.
Web: www.ecstaticmusicfestival.com
What: Musink
Where: Costa Mesa, CA
When: March 4-6
Who: Snoop Dogg, Deftones, Circa Survive, Taking Back Sunday, Atreyu, and more
Why: Punk meets tattoos in a pretty apt festival from Travis Barker.
Web: www.musink.org
What: Okeechobee
Where: Okeechobee, FL
When: March 4-6
Who: Mumford & Sons, Kendrick Lamar, Skrillex, Bassnectar, Robert Plant, ODESZA, Hall & Oates, The Avett Brothers, Future, Miguel, Fetty Wap, Ween, Big Grams, Mac Miller, Joey Bada$$, Grace Potter, Jason Isbell, Big Gigantic, RL Grime, Portugal. The Man, Kill the Noise, Bonobo, Gramatik, Shpongle, Dr. Dog, Lotus, Nahko & Medicine For the People, Youth Lagoon, Deer Tick, The Heavy, Lettuce, X Ambassadors, Hundred Waters, Givers, White Denim, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, The Soul Rebels, Shabazz Palaces, The London Souls, Brownout!, and more
Why: A new, popular, and diverse festival down in warm Florida.
Web: okeechobeefest.com
What: Levitation Chicago
Where: Chicago, IL
When: March 10-12
Who: Faust, Royal Trux, Chelsea Wolfe, Oneohtrix Point Never, Earthless, Night Beats, Blanck Mass, and more
Why: Austin’s The Black Angels (QRO spotlight on) bring their Levitation Festival north to Chicago’s Thalia Hall. Read & see much more in our 2015 Levitation recap here
Web: thaliahallchicago.com/?event_id=6391055
What: Paradise Lost
Where: Ocho Rios, Jamaica
When: March 10-12
Who: Tiësto, Bassnectar, Alunageorge, Big Gigantic, and more
Why: Get Lost in Paradise.
Web: paradiselostjamaica.com
What: The Buku Project
Where: New Orleans, LA
When: March 11-12
Who: Pretty Lights, Kid Cudi, CHVRCHES, Future, Above & Beyond, Miike Snow, NERO, Fetty Wap, GRiZ, Crystal Castles, A$AP Ferg, Baauer, What So Not, Cashmere Cat, Earl Sweatshirt, Alunageorge, BØRNS, Kehlani, Tokimonsta, Givers, Donovan Wolfington, and more
Why: The Buku Project brings electronica & more to the Big Easy. Read & see much more in our 2015 recap here
Web: thebukuproject.com
What: McDowell Mountain
Where: Phoenix, AZ
When: March 11-13
Who: Beck, Kid Cudi, The Avett Brothers, Animal Collective, Bloc Party, Gary Clark Jr., GRiZ, Porter Robinson, St. Lucia, and more
Why: Phoenix gets a better jam-band festival.
Web: mmmf.com
What: Gasparilla
Where: Tampa, FL
When: March 12-13
Who: Erykah Badu, Stephen Marley, Greensky Bluegrass, MS MR, Lucero, Houndmouth, Charles Bradley, Talib Kweli, Futurebirds, SAVOY, Antibalas, Blitzen Trapper, and more
Why: Southern Florida gets a nice early fest.
Web: gasparillamusic.com
What: Savannah Stopover
Where: Savannah, GA
When: March 10-12
Who: Ra Ra Riot, Yuck, Futurebirds, Hiss Golden Messenger, No BS! Brass Band, White Reaper, Christopher Paul Stelling, Rathborne, Mass Gothic, French Horn Rebellion, Porches, Alex G, Big Ups, and more
Why: Before heading to SXSW (see below), stopover in Savannah. Read & see much more in our 2014 recap here
Web: www.savannahstopover.com
What: Nrmal
Where: Mexico City, Mexico
When: March 12-13
Who: Slowdive, Deerhunter, Battles, HEALTH, L0w, Acid Mothers Temple, A Place To Bury Strangers, Empress Of, Jenny Hval, Blanck Mass, jj, and more
Why: Head down Mexico way for Festival Nrmal.
Web: www.festivalnrmal.net
What: South-by-Southwest
Where: Austin, TX
When: March 15-20
Who: More than you count
Why: Still the bar by which all other of the multiplying indie music industry expos are judged by – and still the best. Read & see much, much more in our big recap here
Web: sxsw.com
What: Ultra
Where: Miami, FL
When: March 18-20
Who: Afrojack, Armin Van Buuren, Avicii, Caribou, Carl Cox, Chet Faker, David Guetta, Hardwell, Kaskade, Knife Party, Kygo, Miike Snow, Nero, Pendulum, The Prodigy, Purity Ring, Seth Troxler, Tiësto, Tycho, Zedd, Alunageorge, The Chainsmokers, Duke Dumont, Fedde LeGrand, Icona Pop, and more
Why: Downtown Miami throws down the beats with America’s best electro-dance festival. See more in our 2012 photo gallery here
Web: www.ultramusicfestival.com
What: Self Help
Where: San Bernardino, CA
When: March 19
Who: A Day To Remember, Underøath, The Wonder Years, The Story So Far, August Burns Red, Yelawolf, and more
Why: Help yourself.
Web: www.selfhelpfest.com
What: So What?
Where: Grand Prairie, TX
When: March 19-20
Who: New Found Glory, Underøath, The Devil Wears Prada, Saosin with Anthony Green, Dance Gavin Dance, Bayside, State Champs, Escape the Fate, and more
Why: If you like emo instead of indie, go to Grand Prairie instead of Austin.
Web: www.southbysowhat.com
What: Never Say Never
Where: Mission, TX
When: March 20-21
Who: The Devil Wears Prada, Bless the Fall, Neck Deep, State Champs, and more
Why: Has the temerity to overlap with South-by-Southwest (see above), in the same state, and share the same name as an emo band & Justin Bieber song/’movie’.
Web: www.nsnfestival.com
What: Treefort
Where: Boise, ID
When: March 23-27
Who: Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires, Built To Spill, Thee Oh Sees, Chelsea Wolfe, Youth Lagoon, YACHT, Aesop Rock, Oddisee, White Denim, HINDS, French Horn Rebellion, Alex G, Wax Idols, San Fermin, Mimicking Birds, Radiation City, Porches, Leftover Salmon, and more
Why: Go to your own private Idaho for Treefort.
Web: treefortmusicfest.com
What: Big Ears
Where: Knoxville, TN
When: March 31 – April 2
Who: Knoxville Symphony Orchestra with Steve Schick, Laurie Anderson & Philip Glass, Andrew Bird, Yo La Tengo, Sun Ra Arkestra, Unn 0))), Nicholas Jaar, Vijay Iyer & Wadada Leo Smith, eight blackbird w/ Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy & Bryce Dessner, Shabazz Palaces, Angel Olsen, Wolf Eyes, Faust, Bombino, Lambchop, and more
Why: Knoxville’s super-classy high art music festival returns. Read & see more in our 2015 recap here
Web: www.bigearsfestival.com
April
What: American Songbook
Where: Lincoln Center, New York, NY
When: January 19 – April 5
Who: Vanessa Williams, Loudon Wainwright III, Rita Moreno, Craig Finn, Todd Almond w/ Courtney Love & Sherie Rene Scott, Foreigner, Laura Jane Grace, Rhiannon Giddens, Luluc, and more
Why: Pretty much the classiest venue out there, Lincoln Center celebrates American songwriting at Appel Room (and the Atrium & Penthouse). See our venue review & photos of Lincoln Center’s Appel Room here
Web: www.americansongbook.org
What: Big Ears
Where: Knoxville, TN
When: March 31 – April 2
Who: Knoxville Symphony Orchestra with Steve Schick, Laurie Anderson & Philip Glass, Andrew Bird, Yo La Tengo, Sun Ra Arkestra, Unn 0))), Nicholas Jaar, Vijay Iyer & Wadada Leo Smith, eight blackbird w/ Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy & Bryce Dessner, Shabazz Palaces, Angel Olsen, Wolf Eyes, Faust, Bombino, Lambchop, and more
Why: Knoxville’s super-classy high art music festival returns. Read & see more in our 2015 recap here
Web: www.bigearsfestival.com
What: Hogs For a Cause
Where: New Orleans, LA
When: April 1-2
Who: Shovels & Rope, Greensky Bluegrass, Deer Tick, and more
Why: Some hogs (and music) for a cause.
Web: www.hogsforthecause.org
What: March Madness
Where: Houston, TX
When: April 1-3
Who: Fall Out Boy, Jason Derulo, Maroon 5, Panic! At the Disco, Pitbull, Flo Rida, and more
Why: Celebrate March Madness – in April – with music.
Web: www.ncaa.com/marchmadness/musicfest
What: Winter Wondergrass California
Where: Squaw Valley, CA
When: April 1-3
Who: Greensky Bluegrass, Railroad Earth, Leftover Salmon, Les Claypool’s Duo de Twang, Elephant Revival, The Travelin’ McCourys, and more
Why: Embrace the Wonderful bluegrass sounds in California.
Web: www.winterwondergrasstahoe.com/landing
What: Safety Harbor Song
Where: Safety Harbor, FL
When: April 2-3
Who: Otis Taylor, Love & Theft, Ben Sollee, Matt the Electrician, Daphne Willis, Chris Gelbuda, Joe Craven, Anne Harris, The Vespers, The Shook Twins, Honey Honey, Dan Rodriguez, David Jacob Strain, Tall Heights, The Brothers Landreth, The Mastersons, and more
Why: Singers find Safe Harbor.
Web: www.safetyharborartandmusiccenter.com
What: Mission Creek
Where: Iowa City, IA
When: April 5-10
Who: Kurt Vile & The Violators, Marc Maron, Saul Williams, Faust, Tyondai Braxton, San Fermin, Son Lux, Noveller, Quilt, and more
Why: Iowa City kicks if off early with some interesting names.
Web: missionfreak.com
What: Euphoria
Where: Austin, TX
When: April 7-10
Who: Bassnectar, Above & Beyond, Dillon Francis, STS9, Tycho, Lettuce, GRiZ, Com Truise, Nahko & Medicine For the People, The Motet, Lettuce, Waka Flocka Flame, and more
Why: EDM comes to TEX. See much more in our 2015 photo gallery here
Web: www.euphoriafest.com
What: French Quarter
Where: New Orleans, LA
When: April 7-10
Who: The Breton Sound, Travis Matte & The Kingpins, James Andrews, Doug Kershaw & Steve Riley, Irvin Mayfield, George Porter Jr. & The Runnin’ Pardners, and more
Why: Nobody does music or festivals like the French Quarter. Read & see more in our recap here
Web: fqfi.org/frenchquarter
What: Maverick
Where: San Antonio, TX
When: April 8-9
Who: The Flaming Lips, Public Enemy, The Church, The Drums, Young Fathers, Bright Light Social hour, The Octopus Project, Wild Child, The Reverend Horton Heat, Mother Falcon, Javier Escovedo, The Last Bandoleros, and more
Why: Some more mavericks of the Lone Star State. See much more in our 2015 photo gallery here
Web: maverickmusicfestival.com
What: Telus
Where: Whistler, BC, Canada
When: April 8-17
Who: Chromeo, A Tribe Called Red, BADBADNOTGOOD, Bear Mountain, Modern Space, and more
Why: In addition to the snow, come for the sounds at Telus World Ski & Snowboard Festival.
Web: www.wssf.com
What: California Roots – Carolina Sessions
Where: Myrtle Beach, CA
When: April 9
Who: 311, SOJA, Steel Pulse, The Movement, Dustin Thomas, and more
Why: California Roots expands to Carolina. See more in our photo gallery from 2015 California Roots here
Web: californiarootscarolina.com
What: Wanee
Where: Live Oak, FL
When: April 14-16
Who: Widespread Panic, Gregg Allman, Gov’t Mule, Warren Haynes, Umphrey’s McGee, Bruce Hornsby, North Mississippi Allstars, Anders Osborne, Conspirator, Soulive, and more
Why: Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Florida hosts a jam-band festival.
Web: www.waneefestival.com
What: Old Settler’s
Where: Driftwood, TX
When: April 14-17
Who: Dawes, Del McCoury Band, The Wood Brothers, Bob Schneider, Sarah Jarosz, Hayes Carll, The Milk Carton Kids, The Jayhawks, Jay Farrar, The Suffers, The Band of Heathens, and more
Why: As American as the Old Settler’s.
Web: oldsettlersmusicfest.org
What: Rites of Spring
Where: Nashville, TN
When: April 15-16
Who: Future, Porter Robinson, Lil Dicky, Bad Suns, Kat Dahlia, and more
Why: Vanderbilt University knows how to book ’em for its Rites of Spring (fling).
Web: www.vanderbilt.edu/ros
What: Tortuga
Where: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
When: April 15-17
Who: Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, Dierks Bentley, Sam Hunt, Thomas Rhett, Kip Moore, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Michael Franti & Spearhead, JJ Grey & Mofro, Elle King, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, and more
Why: For spring break, go country in Ft. Lauderdale. Read & see much more in our 2013 recap here
Web: www.tortugamusicfestival.com
What: Coachella
Where: Indio, CA
When: April 15-17 & 22-24
Who: Guns n’ Roses, LCD Soundsystem, Calvin Harris, Ellie Goulding, Sia, Ice Cube, Sufjan Stevens, Major Lazer, Disclosure, Jack Ü, Zedd, Flume, M83, Beach House, A$AP Rocky, Underworld, CHVRCHES, The 1974, The Kills, Rancid, Halsey, Foals, James Bay, Miike Snow, Of Monsters and Men, Grimes, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Matt & Kim, G-Eazy, Courtney Barnett, Purity Ring, Run the Jewels, Cold War Kids, The Arcs, Death Grips, Rae Sremmurd, RL Grime, Lord Huron, The Chainsmokers, Gary Clark Jr., Savages, Baauer, Silversun Pickups, Joey Bada$$, Wolf Alice, Lush, Pete Yorn, BØRNS, Deerhunter, Robert Delong, Hudson Mohawke, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Years & Years, Deafheaven, Bat For Lashes, HEALTH, The Vandals, The Damned, Mavis Staples, Vince Staples, Joywave, Goldroom, Alunageorge, The Heavy, The Front Bottoms, BADBADNOTGOOD, Tei Shi, Skepta, SZA, Girlpool, Ex Hex, Alvvays, Zella Day, Matthew Dear, DMA’s, and many, many more
Why: The biggest & best festival has grown so big as to have a second weekend, repeating it’s once again amazing line-up (including the reunions of LCD Soundsystem and Axl & Slash Gun n’ Roses!). See much more in our 2012 photo gallery here
Web: www.coachella.com
What: Buzzfest
Where: The Woodlands, TX
When: April 16
Who: Cage the Elephant, The Offspring, Blue October, Toadies, AWOLNATION, Fitz & The Tantrums, Everclear, Big Data, and more
Why: 94.5 The Buzz brings its thirty-fifth Buzzfest.
Web: www.thebuzz.com/pages/bf35/index2.html
What: Norman
Where: Norman, OK
When: April 21-23
Who: Cloud Nothings, Small Black, The Coathangers, Nikki Lane, Nobunny, and more
Why: Norman Oklahoma’s own free festival & QRO favorite stays sweet. Read & see more in 2010 our recap here
Web: www.normanmusicfestival.com
What: Double Decker
Where: Oxford, MS
When: April 22-23
Who: Cory Branan, Riverside Voodoo, Delta Springs, Leo ‘Bud’ Welch, The Nightowls, Orgone, Lettuce, Michael Franti & Spearhead, and more
Why: Take the Double Decker to Oxford – Mississippi.
Web: www.doubledeckerfestival.com
What: Move
Where: Albany, NY
When: April 22-24
Who: SKATERS, Arkells, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, New Beat Fund, New Madrid, and more
Why: Be like Andrew Cuomo and Move up to the town’s that played host to David Patterson, Elliott Spitzer, and late papa Cuomo.
Web: www.movemusicfest.com
What: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage
Where: New Orleans, LA
When: April 22 – May 1
Who: Stevie Wonder, Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Neil Young, Promise of the Real, Snoop Dogg, Paul Simon, Steely Dan, Beck, Van Morrison, Nick Jonas, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Julio Iglesias, J. Cole, Elvis Costello, Flo Rida, My Morning Jacket, Gary Clark Jr., Bonnie Raitt, Maxwell, Janelle Monáe, Herbie Hancock, Gov’t Mule, Dr. John, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Arlo Guthrie, Mavis Staples, Boz Scaggs, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Buddy Guy, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, The Isley Brothers, Aaron Neville, Grace Potter, Elle King, Galactic, Brandi Carlile, Rhiannon Giddens, Jon Batiste, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Better Than Ezra, Los Lobos, Hurray For the Riff Raff, Punch Brothers, Taj Mahal, Maze, Anders Osborne, The Lone Bellow, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Big Freedia, The Soul Rebels, The Revivalists, and many, many more
Why: The Big Easy’s big festival gets some big names.
Web: www.nojazzfest.com
What: SunFest
Where: West Palm Beach, FL
When: April 27 – May 1
Who: Duran Duran, Alabama Shakes, Meghan Trainor, Train, Jason Derulo, Steve Aoki, Death Cab for Cutie, G-Eazy, Slightly Stoopid, ZZ Top, B∆stille, Walk the Moon, The Roots, Fitz & The Trantrums, Capital Cities, Evanescnce, Flogging Molly, Andy Grammer, Rick Springfield, Salt N Pepa, Goldfinger, Shovels & Rope, Lukas Graham, The Joy Formidable, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, The Bright Light Social Hour, Dylan LeBlanc, and more
Why: The sun always shines on Palm Beach with this diverse festival. Read & see much more in our 2010 recap here
Web: www.sunfest.com
What: Middle of the Map
Where: Kansas City, MO
When: April 27 – May 7
Who: Cold War Kids, Manchester Orchestra, Aimee Mann, Vince Staples, Charles Bradley, The Struts, The Besnard Lakes, The Good Life, Com Truise, STRFKR, Fred Armisen, Son Little, San Fermin, Big Black Delta, La Sera, Foxes In Fiction, Peelander-Z, and more
Why: Head to the middle of the Google Map. See more in our 2015 photo gallery here
Web: middleofthemapfest.com
What: MerleFest
Where: Wilkesboro, NC
When: April 28 – May 1
Who: John Prine, Old Crow Medicine Show, Jason Isbell, Dave Rawlings Machine, Brandi Carlile, Steep Canyon Rangers, Nicki Bluhm, and more
Why: Wilkes Community College welcomes MerleFest.
Web: www.merlefest.org
What: Texas Crawfish
Where: Spring, TX
When: April 29 – May 1 & May 6-8
Who: Reckless Kelly, Asleep At the Wheel, and more
Why: Celebrate the southern crawfish & much more at this long-running music festival.
Web: texascrawfishfestival.com
What: Beale Street
Where: Memphis, TN
When: April 29 – May 1
Who: Neil Young, Beck, Paul Simon, Weezer, Zedd, Train, Meghan Trainor, Jason Derulo, Modest Mouse, Panic! At the Disco, Grace Potter, Young the Giant, Cold War Kids, Cypress Hill, Nathaniel Rateliff, Barenaked Ladies, The Arcs, B∆stille, Violent Femmes, Courtney Barnett, Gin Blossoms, Trampled by Turtles, Moon Taxi, Lucinda Williams, Better Than Ezra, Houndmouth, Los Lobos, The Joy Formidable, Indigo Girls, The Front Bottoms, The Struts, The Lone Bellow, and more
Why: Beale Street is alive with music.
Web: www.memphisinmay.org/beale-street-music-festival
What: Red Bull Music Academy
Where: New York, NY
When: April 29 – May 22
Who: Spike Lee, Dizzee Rascal, Kamasi Washington, Daimanda Galas, Anohni, and more
Why: Red Bull’s Music Academy returns to NYC. Read more in 2015 event review here
Web: www.redbullmusicacademy.com
What: Fort Rock
Where: Fort Myers, FL
When: April 30 – May 1
Who: Rob Zombie, Disturbed, Five Finger Death Punch, Shinedown, A Day To Remember, Megadeth, Bring Me the Horizon, Lamb of God, 3 Doors Down, Anthrax, Pennywise, Sevendust, Ghost, and more
Why: Fort Myers Fort Rocks.
Web: www.fortrockfestival.com
What: Moonstone
Where: Orlando, FL
When: April 30 – May 1
Who: KISS, Def Leppard, Sebastian Bach, Kansas, The Flaming Lips, Evanescence, AWOLNATION, Best Coast, Buckcherry, Wolf Alice, Kansas, Queensryche, Scott Stapp, Stone Foxes, Sebastian Bach, White Buffalo, Vintage Trouble, Live, Girlpool, Eternal Summers, Civil Twilight, The Coathangers, Surfer Blood, Hollis Brown, Judah Friedlander, and more
Why: A better breed of Florida hard rock festival.
Web: moonstonemusicfestival.com
What: Rockville
Where: Jacksonville, FL
When: April 30 – May 1
Who: Rob Zombie, Disturbed, ZZ Top, Five Finger Death Punch, Shinedown, A Day To Remember, Megadeth, Filter, Cypress Hill, Candlebox, Bring Me the Horizon, Lamb of God, 3 Doors Down, Anthrax, Pennywise, Sevendust, Ghost, and more
Why: Unfortunately, the festival named ‘Rockville’ is just about what you’d expect from that name (and not the R.E.M. song…).
Web: www.welcometorockvillefestival.com
May
What: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage
Where: New Orleans, LA
When: April 22 – May 1
Who: Stevie Wonder, Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Neil Young, Promise of the Real, Snoop Dogg, Paul Simon, Steely Dan, Beck, Van Morrison, Nick Jonas, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Julio Iglesias, J. Cole, Elvis Costello, Flo Rida, My Morning Jacket, Gary Clark Jr., Bonnie Raitt, Maxwell, Janelle Monáe, Herbie Hancock, Gov’t Mule, Dr. John, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Arlo Guthrie, Mavis Staples, Boz Scaggs, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Buddy Guy, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, The Isley Brothers, Aaron Neville, Grace Potter, Elle King, Galactic, Brandi Carlile, Rhiannon Giddens, Jon Batiste, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Better Than Ezra, Los Lobos, Hurray For the Riff Raff, Punch Brothers, Taj Mahal, Maze, Anders Osborne, The Lone Bellow, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Big Freedia, The Soul Rebels, The Revivalists, and many, many more
Why: The Big Easy’s big festival gets some big names.
Web: www.nojazzfest.com
What: SunFest
Where: West Palm Beach, FL
When: April 27 – May 1
Who: Duran Duran, Alabama Shakes, Meghan Trainor, Train, Jason Derulo, Steve Aoki, Death Cab for Cutie, G-Eazy, Slightly Stoopid, ZZ Top, B∆stille, Walk the Moon, The Roots, Fitz & The Trantrums, Capital Cities, Evanescnce, Flogging Molly, Andy Grammer, Rick Springfield, Salt N Pepa, Goldfinger, Shovels & Rope, Lukas Graham, The Joy Formidable, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, The Bright Light Social Hour, Dylan LeBlanc, and more
Why: The sun always shines on Palm Beach with this diverse festival. Read & see much more in our 2010 recap here
Web: www.sunfest.com
What: Middle of the Map
Where: Kansas City, MO
When: April 27 – May 7
Who: Cold War Kids, Manchester Orchestra, Aimee Mann, Vince Staples, Charles Bradley, The Struts, The Besnard Lakes, The Good Life, Com Truise, STRFKR, Fred Armisen, Son Little, San Fermin, Big Black Delta, La Sera, Foxes In Fiction, Peelander-Z, and more
Why: Head to the middle of the Google Map. See more in our photo gallery here
Web: middleofthemapfest.com
What: MerleFest
Where: Wilkesboro, NC
When: April 28 – May 1
Who: John Prine, Old Crow Medicine Show, Jason Isbell, Dave Rawlings Machine, Brandi Carlile, Steep Canyon Rangers, Nicki Bluhm, and more
Why: Wilkes Community College welcomes MerleFest.
Web: www.merlefest.org
What: Texas Crawfish
Where: Spring, TX
When: April 29 – May 1 & May 6-8
Who: Reckless Kelly, Asleep At the Wheel, and more
Why: Celebrate the southern crawfish & much more at this long-running music festival.
Web: texascrawfishfestival.com
What: Levitation
Where: Austin, TX
When: April 29 – May 1
Who: Brian Wilson’s Pet Sounds, Animal Collective, Caribou, Flying Lotus, Slowdive, Sleep, Nicolas Jaar, Brian Jonestown Massacre, The Black Angels, Ty Segall, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Super Furry Animals, Sunn 0))), Boris, Royal Trux, Thurston Moore Band, Black Mountain, Allah-Las, Parquet Courts, Dungen, Oneohtrix Point Never, Shabazz Palaces, Woods, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Lee Ranaldo, Twin Peaks, Boogarins, Delicate Steve, and more Read much more in our preview here
Why: Carson Creek Ranch plays host to a mixture of indie & psych, thanks to The Black Angels (QRO spotlight on). Read & see much more in our 2015 recap here
Web: levitation-austin.com
What: Beale Street
Where: Memphis, TN
When: April 29 – May 1
Who: Neil Young, Beck, Paul Simon, Weezer, Zedd, Train, Meghan Trainor, Jason Derulo, Modest Mouse, Panic! At the Disco, Grace Potter, Young the Giant, Cold War Kids, Cypress Hill, Nathaniel Rateliff, Barenaked Ladies, The Arcs, B∆stille, Violent Femmes, Courtney Barnett, Gin Blossoms, Trampled by Turtles, Moon Taxi, Lucinda Williams, Better Than Ezra, Houndmouth, Los Lobos, The Joy Formidable, Indigo Girls, The Front Bottoms, The Struts, The Lone Bellow, and more
Why: Beale Street is alive with music.
Web: www.memphisinmay.org/beale-street-music-festival
What: Red Bull Music Academy
Where: New York, NY
When: April 29 – May 22
Who: Spike Lee, Dizzee Rascal, Kamasi Washington, Daimanda Galas, Anohni, and more
Why: Red Bull’s Music Academy returns to NYC. Read more in 2015 event review here
Web: www.redbullmusicacademy.com
What: Fort Rock
Where: Fort Myers, FL
When: April 30 – May 1
Who: Rob Zombie, Disturbed, Five Finger Death Punch, Shinedown, A Day To Remember, Megadeth, Bring Me the Horizon, Lamb of God, 3 Doors Down, Anthrax, Pennywise, Sevendust, Ghost, and more
Why: Fort Myers Fort Rocks.
Web: www.fortrockfestival.com
What: Moonstone
Where: Orlando, FL
When: April 30 – May 1
Who: KISS, Def Leppard, Sebastian Bach, Kansas, The Flaming Lips, Evanescence, AWOLNATION, Best Coast, Buckcherry, Wolf Alice, Kansas, Queensryche, Scott Stapp, Stone Foxes, Sebastian Bach, White Buffalo, Vintage Trouble, Live, Girlpool, Eternal Summers, Civil Twilight, The Coathangers, Surfer Blood, Hollis Brown, Judah Friedlander, and more
Why: A better breed of Florida hard rock festival.
Web: moonstonemusicfestival.com
What: Rockville
Where: Jacksonville, FL
When: April 30 – May 1
Who: Rob Zombie, Disturbed, ZZ Top, Five Finger Death Punch, Shinedown, A Day To Remember, Megadeth, Filter, Cypress Hill, Candlebox, Bring Me the Horizon, Lamb of God, 3 Doors Down, Anthrax, Pennywise, Sevendust, Ghost, and more
Why: Unfortunately, the festival named ‘Rockville’ is just about what you’d expect from that name (and not the R.E.M. song…).
Web: www.welcometorockvillefestival.com
What: Canadian Music Week
Where: Toronto, ON, Canada
When: May 2-8
Who: Tegan & Sara, Eagles of Death Metal, Holy Holy, X Ambassadors, Wild Nothing, The Black Lips, Tori Kelly, Bob Mould, Tommy Stinson, Fat White Family, Skepta, Alberta Cross, Anna Rose, Baroness, Brass Bed, Collective Soul, Holy Holy, La Sera, Laura Stevenson, Max Frost, Mothers, Public Access T.V., Royal Canoe, Savoir Adore, Sunflower Bean, Tori Kelly, Twin Peaks, White Lung, Yngwie J. Malmsteen, Zakk Wylde, and more
Why: Toronto has it’s own multi-venue music industry fest (not to be confused with North-by-Northeast – see below). See more in our 2014 photo gallery here
Web: canadianmusicfest.com
What: Carolina Rebellion
Where: Rockingham, SC
When: May 6-8
Who: Scorpions, Five Finger Death Punch, Disturbed, ZZ Top, Rob Zombie, Shinedown, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Deftones, A Day To Remember, Megadeth, Alice Cooper, 3 Doors Down, Antrax, Bring Me the Horizon, Pop Evil, Ghost, Cypress Hill, Between the Buried and Me, Pennywise, Bullet For My Valentine, Escape the Fate, Yelawolf, Clutch, Black Stone Cherry, Sevendust, Filter, The Sword, Candlebox, Wilson, New Years Day, and more
Why: Carolina rebels with hard rock.
Web: www.carolinarebellion.com
What: Waking Windows
Where: Winooski, VT
When: May 6-8
Who: YACHT, Mac McCaughan, Speedy Ortiz, Lady Lamb, Plants and Animals, Waxahatchee, The Besnard Lakes, Protomartyr, Hop Along, Essex Green, and more
Why: Bands head to Vermont to wake up some windows. See much more in our photo gallery here
Web: www.wakingwindows.com
What: Laid Back – Atlanta
Where: Atlanta, GA
When: May 7
Who: Gregg Allman, ZZ Top, Kevin Kinney, and more
Why: Gregg Allman gets Laid Back across five cities.
Web: laidbackfestival.com
What: Form
Where: Arcosanti, AZ
When: May 13-15
Who: Hundred Waters, Skrillex, Bonobo, Four Tet, Tortoise, Thundercat, Perfume Genius, Julia Holter, Bill Callahan, Saul Williams, Dan Deacon, Julianna Barwick, Empress Of, BRAIDS, Ryan Hemsworth, Son Lux, The Range, Tyondai Braxton, LNZNDRF, Autre Ne Veut, Big & Ruth, and more
Why: Hundred Waters holds a festival in the Arizona desert.
Web: formarcosanti.com
What: Shaky Knees
Where: Atlanta, GA
When: May 13-15
Who: Florence & The Machine, My Morning Jacket, Jane’s Addiction, At the Drive-In, The 1975, Deftones, Walk the Moon, The Decemberists, Young the Giant, The Head and The Heart, Huey Lewis & The News, Foals, Silversun Pickups, Bloc Party, The Kills, Explosions In the Sky, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Cold War Kids, Ghost, Phosphorescent, Shakey Graves, Houndmouth, The Black Angels, Savages, Atlas Genius, Against Me!, The Sword, Eagles of Death Metal, Baroness, Crystal Fighters, JJ Grey & Mofro, Frightened Rabbit, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Wolf Alice, Parquet Courts, Brian Fallon, Wild Nothing, The Front Bottoms, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, The Dear Hunter, The Vaccines, Murder By Death, The Orwells, Strand of Oaks, Hop Along, Son Little, Caveman, Beach Slang, Nothing, Alex G, and many more
Why: Limbs quake for what looks to be another amazing year. Read & see more in our recap here
Web: shakykneesfestival.com
What: Homegrown
Where: Dallas, TX
When: May 14
Who: Ghostland Observatory, Neon Indian, Wild Child, Bright Light Social Hour, and more
Why: A nice little fest in Dallas for cheap.
Web: homegrownfest.com
What: 98.9 The Rock’s Rockfest
Where: Kansas City, MO
When: May 14
Who: Disturbed, Ghost, Seether, Escape the Fate, Sevendust, Pop Evil, and more
Why: About as inventive as the name.
Web: www.rockfestkc.com
What: Sweet Life
Where: Baltimore, MD
When: May 14
Who: The 1975, Halsey, Flume, Grimes, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Blondie, Eagles of Death Metal, Mac DeMarco, Thundercat, Shamir, Wolf Alice, DIIV, Vince Staples, and more
Why: A sweet festival comes to Merriweather Post Pavilion.
Web: sweetlifefestival.com
What: Untapped – Austin
Where: Austin, TX
When: May 14
Who: Atlas Genius, Deltron 3030, Lady Lamb, and more
Why: Indie music & beer comes to a city that loves both. See more in our 2015 Untapped San Antonio photo gallery
Web: untapped-festival.com
What: Northern Invasion
Where: Somerset, WI
When: May 14-15
Who: Disturbed, Rob Zombie, Korn, Shinedown, Chevelle, A Day To Remember, Bring Me the Horizon, Seether, Lamb of God, Ghost, Pop Evil, Sevendust, P.O.D., Clutch, Babymetal, Yelawolf, Black Stone Cherry, Asking Alexandria, Butcher Babies, Turbowolf, Enter Shikari, and more
Why: Hard rock Invades the North.
Web: northerninvasion.com
What: Electric Daisy Carnival New York
Where: Queens, NY
When: May 14-16
Who: Adventure Club, Afrojack, Dada Life, David Gueta, Dillon Francis, Eric Prydz, Excision, Giraffage, Kaskade, Madeon, Paul Van Dyk, and more
Why: The massive Electric Daisy Carnival returns to CitiField (QRO inaugural year recap). See much more in our 2013 photo gallery at CitiField here
Web: electricdaisycarnival.com/NewYork
What: Together
Where: Boston, MA
When: May 15-22
Who: The Black Madonna, Fatima Yamaha, Floating Points, Jon Hopkins, and more
Why: The Together New England Electronic Music Festival goes into its seventh year.
Web: togetherboston.com
What: SummerStage
Where: New York, NY
When: May 16 – September 23
Who: Ryan Adams, Flight of the Conchords, Cage the Elephant, Rudimental, Barenaked Ladies, Phillip Phillips, Jerry Garcia Symphony, The Go-Go’s, Lucius, Portugal. The Man, Gorgon City, OMD, JD McPherson, Chairlift, Blonde Redhead, Public Enemy, Ginuwine, Trevor Noah, Indigo Girls, The Feelies, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Neon Indian, Mbongwana Star, Saul Williams, Goldlink, Empress Of, Beach Fossils, and more
Why: A mixture of paid benefit shows and free shows receiving those benefits are a staple every summer in the Big Apple at the iconic Central Park – as well as other parks in all five boroughs! See our venue review & photos of Central Park SummerStage here
Web: www.summerstage.org
What: Moogfest
Where: Durham, NC
When: May 19-22
Who: ODESZA, Grimes, Miike Snow, Gary Numan, GZA, Laurie Anderson, Explosions In the Sky, Blood Orange, sunn O))), Oneohtrix Point Never, The Orb, Ben Frost, Daniel Lanois, Grouper, HEALTH, Julia Holter, Julianna Barwick, Reggie Watts, Tyondai Braxton, YACHT, and more
Why: Moogest returns to celebrate Bob Moog and his wonderful instrument. See much more in our 2011 photo gallery here
Web: www.moogfest.com
What: NYC Popfest
Where: New York, NY
When: May 19-22
Who: Allo Darlin’, Bent Shapes, The Chills, The Hairs, Free Cake for Every Creature, and more
Why: Artists from around the world come to NYC to go pop.
Web: www.nycpopfest.org
What: Vans House Parties
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When: May 19 – July 6
Who: Neon Indian, Sleep, Rae Sremmurd, Shannon & The Clams, DIIV, Danny Brown, Jon Hopkins, Battles, BADBADNOTGOOD, and more
Why: Vans hosts a great series of free Brooklyn house parties at the House of Vans. See our venue review & photos of House of Vans here
Web: http://www.vans.com/house-of-vans.html
What: The Hangout
Where: Gulf Shores, AL
When: May 20-22
Who: The Weeknd, Calvin Harris, Florence & The Machine, Alabama Shakes, Ellie Goulding, Lenny Kravitz, Flume, Haim, Cage the Elephant, Panic! At the Disco, Grimes, The Chainsmokers, Walk the Moon, Leon Bridges, Miike Snow, Jason Isbell, Big Grams, Run the Jewels, Foals, Fetty Wap, The Neighbourhood, Portugal. The Man, Moon Taxi, Courtney Barnett, Silversun Pickups, X Ambassadords, Kurt Vile & The Violators, BØRNS, Alessia Cara, Mayer Hawthorne, Atlas Genius, Nahko & Medicine For the People, Vince Staples, Magic Man, HEALTH, The Griswolds, The Revivalists, GIVERS, Coasts, Bully, Bass Drum of Death, and many more
Why: Hangout on the Shores with a very strong line-up. Read & see much more in our 2014 recap here
Web: www.hangoutmusicfest.com
What: Pouzza
Where: Montreal, PQ, Canada
When: May 20-22
Who: Less Than Jake, Sick Of It All, The Sainte Catherines, The Suicide Machines, Dead To Me, Night Birds, and more
Why: Have some punk with your poutine.
Web: www.pouzzafest.com
What: Rock On the Range
Where: Columbus, OH
When: May 20-22
Who: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Deftones, Disturbed, Rob Zombie, Shinedown, Five Finger Death Punch, A Day To Remember, Bring Me the Horizon, Megadeth, At the Drive-In, Lamb of God, Pennywise, Ghost, Wolfmother, Death From Above 1979, Bullet For My Valentine, Machine Gun Kelly, Clutch, Pop Evil, Sevendust, Between the Buried and Me, The Sword, Enter Shikari, New Years Day, Wilson, Memphis May Fire, and more
Why: How is Columbus, Ohio “where rock lives” (or a “range”, for that matter?)? Thought that was Cleveland’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame…
Web: www.rockontherange.com
What: Rockn’ Derby
Where: Schaghticoke, NY
When: May 20-22
Who: Five Finger Death Punch, A Day To Remember, Shinedown, Halestorm, Lamb of God, Clutch, Anthrax, Coheed and Cambria, Megadeth, Wolfmother, Sebastian Bach, Ghost, Collective Soul, Sevendust, Memphis May Fire, Enter Shikari, and more
Why: This Derby is a-Rockn’.
Web: www.rocknderby.com
What: Shaky Beats
Where: Atlanta, GA
When: May 20-22
Who: ODESZA, Major Lazer, Big Gigantic, Nas, Porter Robinson, Carnage, Duke Dumont, Yellow Claw, Chromeo, A$AP Ferg, Cherub, MØ, Alunageorge, Years & Years, Yeasayer, Classixx, STRFKR, Com Truise, !!!, Small Black, and more
Why: Just after Shaky Knees (see above), it’s Beats that Shake Atlanta.
Web: www.shakybeatsfestival.com
What: Project Pabst – Denver
Where: Denver, CO
When: May 21
Who: Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Courtney Barnett, Charles Bradley & The Extraordinaires, Violent Femmes, Big K.R.I.T., FIDLAR, Baroness, METZ, K. Flay, Small Black, and more
Why: The beer of choice for hipsters (and Dennis Hopper in Blue Velvet) throws festivals across the country. Read & see more in our 2016 Portland recap here
Web: projectpabst.com/event
What: Vulture
Where: New York, NY
When: May 21-22
Who: The Muppets, Fred Armisen, Sharon Van Etten, Trevor Noah, Difficult People, Shonda Rhimes, Ethan Hawke, Mr. Robot, Gary Clark Jr., Albert Hammond Jr., Sarah Silverman, and more
Why: Entertainment website Vulture throws it’s own festival.
Web: vulturefestival.com
What: Surf Lodge Summer Concert Series
Where: Montauk, NY
When: May 21 – September 3
Who: Chromeo, Porches, St. Lucia, Lucius, Sunflower Bean, Mayer Hawthorne, Miike Snow, The Arcs, Oh Wonder, Milky Chance, G Love, Donavon Frankenreiter, The London Souls, Wild Belle, Beach Slang, Bombino, Hurray For the Riff Raff, Brazilian Girls, Bebel Gilberto, Gary Clark Jr., and more
Why: Get out of the city and head to the Surf at Montauk.
Web: thesurflodge.com/concert-series
What: Hop Jam
Where: Tulsa, OK
When: May 22
Who: Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Albert Hammond Jr., X Ambassadors, and more
Why: Hanson bring music & brews to Tulsa – mmm… hop.
Web: www.thehopjam.com
What: Lightning In a Bottle
Where: Bradley, CA
When: May 25-30
Who: Chet Faker, Cashmere Cat, Four Tet, Grimes, Tokimonsta, Guy Gerber, Jami xx, The Polish Ambassador, John Wink, Big Gigantic, Moderat, Nahko & Medicine For the People, Emancipator, Rubblebucket, and more
Why: Trance/electronica captures lightning in a bottle on Lake Skinner. See much more in our 2013 photo gallery here
Web: lightninginabottle.org
What: Punk Rock Bowling – Las Vegas
Where: Las Vegas, NV
When: May 26-30
Who: Descendents, Flag, Flogging Molly, The Exploited, Buzzcocks, Subhumans, Dag Nasty, The Bronx, Dillinger Four, The Dwarves, Off With Their Heads, and more
Why: Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall takes the punks bowling.
Web: www.punkrockbowling.com
What: Boston Calling
Where: Boston, MA
When: May 27-28
Who: Sia, Disclosure, Robyn, ODESZA, Sufjan Stevens, Haim
Miike Snow, Janelle Monáe, City and Colour, Courtney Barnett, Elle King, The Front Bottoms, BØRNS, Charles Bradley and his Extraordinaires, The Vaccines, Vince Staples, Battles, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Christine & The Queens, Lisa Hannigan & Aaron Dessner, Lizzo, and more
Why: Boston is seriously Calling – wicked pissah! Read & see much more in our 2015 Spring recap here Read & see much more in our 2015 Fall recap here
Web: bostoncalling.com
What: California Roots
Where: Monterey, CA
When: May 27-29
Who: Damian Marley, Slightly Stoopid, Rebelution, Atmosphere, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Stephen Marley, Pepper, and more
Why: Get in touch with your Cali Roots. See more in our 2015 photo gallery here
Web: californiarootsfestival.com
What: Rocklahoma
Where: Pryor, OK
When: May 27-29
Who: Scorpions, Disturbed, Five Finger Death Punch, Rob Zombie, Chevelle, Megadeth, 3 Doors Down, Collective Soul, Sebastian Bach, Bullet For My Valentine, Sevendust, Pop Evil, The Sword, Wilson, and more
Why: A bunch of hard rock acts? At least the name’s good (though it doesn’t pronounce right…).
Web: www.rocklahoma.com
What: Summer Camp
Where: Chillicothe, IL
When: May 27-29
Who: moe., Umphrey’s McGee, Mudcrutch, Big Grizmatik, STS9, The Roots, Thievery Corporation, Excision, Ani DiFranco, Cherub, Emancipator, EOTO, Fishbone, Greensky Bluegrass, George Clinton & P-Funk, Greensky Bluegrass, Keller Williams, Lettuce, Lotus, The London Souls, The Motet, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, Zoogma, and more
Why: Summer Camp usually mixes a little something more into its jam.
Web: www.summercampfestival.com
What: Sasquatch!
Where: George, WA
When: May 27-30
Who: Florence & The Machine, The Cure, Disclosure, Major Lazer, Alabama Shakes, A$AP Rocky, Sufjan Stevens, M83, Grimes, Chet Faker, Leon Bridges, Jamie xx, Purity Ring, Tycho, Allen Stone, Mac DeMarco, Lord Huron, Kurt Vile, Big Grams, Rudimental, Caribou, X Ambassadors, Four Tet, Digable Planets, The Internet, Yo La Tengo, Yeasayer, Andra Day, BØRNS, Oh Wonder, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, M. Ward, Ty Segall, Savages, Frightened Rabbit, Wolf Alice, Vince Staples, Baauer, Houndmouth, Baroness, Vic Mensa, Wet, Chelsea Wolfe, Julia Holter, Titus Andronicus, Telekinesis, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Protomartyr, The Twilight Sad, Speedy Ortiz, Son Little, Tamaryn, Bully, Hop Along, Natasha Leggero, Todd Barry, and many, many more
Why: Bring it on Memorial Day Weekend for this top-tier festival. Read much more in our 2013 recap here
Web: www.sasquatchfestival.com
What: 97X BBQ
Where: St. Petersburg, FL
When: May 28
Who: Young the Giant, The Strumbellas, Bear Hands, Joywave, Jr. Jr., The Wombats, Never Shout Never, and more
Why: 97X holds a BBQ.
Web: www.97xonline.com/s/97xbbq
What: Neon Desert
Where: El Paso, TX
When: May 28-29
Who: Tiësto, Deftones, Future, Daddy Yankee, Carnage, Ludacris, Tyler the Creator, A$AP Ferg & Tory Lanez, Duke Dumont, Wolfgang Gartner, MUTEMATH, STRFKR, Cults, AlunaGeorge, Brazilian Girls, G Herbo, and more
Why: The Desert glows in Neon.
Web: www.neondesertmusicfestival.com
What: Movement Electronic
Where: Detroit, MI
When: May 28-30
Who: Kraftwerk, Caribou, Four Tet, Art Department, Boys Noise, Carl Craig, and more
Why: Electronic music returns to the city where techno (and much more in music) was born.
Web: www.movement.us
What: River City Rockfest
Where: San Antonio, TX
When: May 29
Who: Disturbed, Scorpions, Megadeth, Bullet For My Valentine, Pop Evil, Sevendust, P.O.D., The Sword, and more
Why: The River City rocks. See more in our 2014 photo gallery here
Web: www.rivercityrockfest.com
What: BottleRock
Where: Napa Valley, CA
When: May 29-31
Who: Florence & The Machine, Stevie Wonder, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Lumineers, Death Cab for Cutie, Lenny Kravitz, Walk the Moon, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Ziggy Marley, Grouplove, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Gogol Bordello, Cold War Kids, Misterwives, Buddy Guy, Atlas Genius, X Ambassadors, Andrew McMahon, Houndmouth, The Orwells, The Joy Formidable, Shovels & Rope, Ozomatli, Jamestown Revival, The Suffers, Langhorne Slim, San Fermin, Son Little, Until the Ribbon Breaks, Black Pistol Fire, WATERS, Deap Vally, Ivan & Alyosha, Moonalice, and many more
Why: The Napa Valley welcomes another year of a great new festival (to go with its great old wine). See much more in our inaugural year 2013 photo gallery here
Web: bottlerocknapavalley.com
What: 102.9 Rock the River
Where: Jacksonville, FL
When: May 30
Who: Young the Giant, The Strumbellas, Bear Hands, Joywave, Jr. Jr., The Wombats, Never Shout Never, and more
Why: 102.9 Rocks the River.
Web: www.x1029.com/s/rotr7
June
What: SummerStage
Where: New York, NY
When: May 16 – September 23
Who: Ryan Adams, Flight of the Conchords, Cage the Elephant, Rudimental, Barenaked Ladies, Phillip Phillips, Jerry Garcia Symphony, The Go-Go’s, Lucius, Portugal. The Man, Gorgon City, OMD, JD McPherson, Chairlift, Blonde Redhead, Public Enemy, Ginuwine, Trevor Noah, Indigo Girls, The Feelies, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Neon Indian, Mbongwana Star, Saul Williams, Goldlink, Empress Of, Beach Fossils, and more
Why: A mixture of paid benefit shows and free shows receiving those benefits are a staple every summer in the Big Apple at the iconic Central Park – as well as other parks in all five boroughs! See our venue review & photos of Central Park SummerStage here
Web: www.summerstage.org
What: Vans House Parties
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When: May 19 – July 6
Who: Neon Indian, Sleep, Rae Sremmurd, Shannon & The Clams, DIIV, Danny Brown, Jon Hopkins, Battles, BADBADNOTGOOD, and more
Why: Vans hosts a great series of free Brooklyn house parties at the House of Vans. See our venue review & photos of House of Vans here
Web: http://www.vans.com/house-of-vans.html
What: Surf Lodge Summer Concert Series
Where: Montauk, NY
When: May 21 – September 3
Who: Chromeo, Porches, St. Lucia, Lucius, Sunflower Bean, Mayer Hawthorne, Miike Snow, The Arcs, Oh Wonder, Milky Chance, G Love, Donavon Frankenreiter, The London Souls, Wild Belle, Beach Slang, Bombino, Hurray For the Riff Raff, Brazilian Girls, Bebel Gilberto, Gary Clark Jr., and more
Why: Get out of the city and head to the Surf at Montauk.
Web: thesurflodge.com/concert-series
What: Mutek
Where: Montréal, QC, Canada
When: June 1-5
Who: Atom, Jeremy Gara, Julia Kent, Tim Hecker, and more
Why: Montréal gets even more artsy with Mutek.
Web: www.mutek.org
What: Mountain Jam
Where: Hunter Mountain, NY
When: June 2-5
Who: Beck, Wilco, The Avett Brothers, Gov’t Mule, Umphrey’s McGee, Thievery Corporation, Brandi Carlile, Jason Isbell, Gary Clark Jr., Michael Franti & Spearhead, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Courtney Barnett, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Lettuce, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, Son Little, The London Souls, and more
Why: Despite the name, the festival at Hunter Mountain is more than just another jam-fest.
Web: mountainjam.com
What: Nelsonville
Where: Nelsonville, OH
When: June 2-5
Who: Gary Clark Jr., Randy Newman, Courtney Barnett, The Tallest Man On Earth, Mac DeMarco, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, BADBADNOTGOOD, Angel Olsen, Fruit Bats, Twin Peaks, Marco Benevento, Son Little, and more
Why: Ohio needs more music – especially southeastern Ohio.
Web: www.nelsonvillefest.org
What: UNTZ
Where: Mariposa, CA
When: June 3-4
Who: Phutureprimitive, The Werks, Desert Dwellers, Kaminanda, Wick-It the Instigator, and more
Why: Party right near Yosemite.
Web: www.theuntzfestival.com
What: Country Summer
Where: Santa Rosa, CA
When: June 3-5
Who: Lady Antebellum, The Band Perry, Billy Currington, Craig Morgan, and more
Why: Have some Country in a warm northern California Summer. See much more in our 2015 photo gallery here
Web: countrysummer.com
What: Governors Ball
Where: New York, NY
When: June 3-5
Who: Kanye West, The Strokes, The Killers, Beck, Robyn, Death Cab for Cutie, M83, Haim, Of Monsters and Men, Chet Faker, CHVRCHES, Two Door Cinema Club, Miike Snow, Father John Misty, Jamie xx, Bloc Party, Gary Clark Jr., Miguel, Matt & Kim, Big Grams, Lord Huron, Action Bronson, Purity Ring, Mac Miller, Courtney Barnett, Joey Bada$$, Duke Dumont, Eagles of Death Metal, De La Soul, Cold War Kids, Years & Years, Vince Staples, Catfish & The Bottlemen, MisterWives, Against Me!, Christine & The Queens, Vic Mensa, Albert Hammond Jr., Bat For Lashes, FIDLAR, Elle King, Thundercat, The Knocks, Bully, Circa Waves, Black Pistol Fire, The London Souls, Public Access T.V., Nothing, Holly Miranda, and many, many more
Why: After debuting on Governors Island as a one-day electronica fest in 2011 (QRO recap), Governors Ball moved up to Randalls Island & to two days indie/electronic the next year (QRO recap), before going huge and wide with three days in 2013, only to suffer torrential rain (QRO recap). But last two years it has stayed big & was dry (QRO 2014 recap & QRO 2015 recap), so here’s hoping for more this year…
Web: governorsballmusicfestival.com
What: Wanderlust Snowshoe
Where: Snowshoe, WV
When: June 3-5
Who: Michael Franti, Beats Antique, Steel Pulse, Xavier Rudd, Nahko & Medicine For the People, Son Little, and more
Why: Yoga + music fest Wanderlust wanders into West Virginia. See more in our photo gallery of Wanderlust Squaw Valley here
Web: wanderlust.com/festivals/snowshoe
What: BFD
Where: Mountain View, CA
When: June 4
Who: The Offspring, Fitz & The Tantrums, Silversun Pickups, The Naked and Famous, BØRNS, Bad Religion, Wolfmother, The Wombats, Jake Bugg, Broods, Lucius, Claude Vonstroke, Joywave, and more
Why: Live 105 makes a Big Fucking Deal.
Web: live105.cbslocal.com/show/bfd
What: Blaze ‘n’ Glory
Where: San Bernardino, CA
When: June 4
Who: Nas, Atmosphere, The Growlers, GRiZ, Stephen Marley, and more
Why: Rap & jam comes to Blaze & Glory.
Web: www.blazenglory.com
What: Roots Picnic
Where: Philadelphia, PA
When: June 4
Who: The Roots, Usher, Future, Leon Bridges, The Roots, Blood Orange, Kehlani, Kaytranada, Swizz Beatz, Jidenna, Ibeyi, DMX, Migos, Willow Smith, Lolawolf, and more
Why: Tonight Show band (and more) brings their annual picnic to Penns Landing.
Web: rootspicnic.com
What: Do-Division
Where: Chicago, IL
When: June 4-5
Who: Peanut Butter Wolf, A Place To Bury Strangers, Beach Fossils, Nikki Lane, Doomtree, BADBADNOTGOOD, Fruit Bats, and more
Why: Held on ten blocks of Chicago’s Division Street, Ashland to Leavitt, the Do-Division Street Fest and Sidewalk Sale features Chicago indie rock thanks to local music clubs The Empty Bottle & Subterranean.
Web: do-divisionstreetfest.com
What: Field Trip
Where: Toronto, ON, Canada
When: June 4-5
Who: The National, Robyn, July Talk, of Montreal, Santigold, DIIV, Charles Bradley, Plants & Animals, Bully, Basia Bulat, Holy Fuck, Ra Ra Riot, Tei Shi, Jason Collett, and more
Why: Toronto’s Arts & Crafts Records takes a Field Trip. See much more in our 2014 photo gallery here
Web: fieldtriplife.com
What: Hot 97 Summer Jam
Where: East Rutherford, NJ
When: June 5
Who: Big Sean, Future, Pusha T & G.O.O.D. Music, Terror Squad, DJ Khaled & Friends, Travi$ Scott, A$AP Rocky & A$AP Ferg, Bryson Tiller, Young Thug, Kid Ink, Chance the Rapper, Curren$y, Desiigner, Post Malone, and more
Why: Radio station Hot 87 puts on a hip-hop Summer Jam at MetLife Stadium.
Web: www.hot97.com/summerjam
What: Northside
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When: June 6-12
Who: Brian Wilson, Conor Oberst, HINDS, Kacey Musgraves, King Khan & The Shrines, PC Worship, ?uestlove, Rostam, Steve Gunn, Subhumans, The Felice Brothers, Wolf Parade, Bad History Month, D∆WN, HINDS, PC Worship, and more
Why: Northside Festival returns for a sixth year, taking place in venues across the Williamsburg & Greenpoint neighborhoods, with showcases curated by all sorts of New York City music industry players. Read & see much more in our big recap here
Web: www.northsidefestival.com
What: Twangfest
Where: St. Louis, MO
When: June 8-11
Who: James McMurtry, Hurray For the Riff Raff, JD McPherson, Alejandro Escovedo, Nikki Lane, and more
Why: 88.1 KDHX brings some twang to Middle America.
Web: twangfest.com
What: BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When: June 8 – August 13
Who: Tame Impala, Ray LaMontagne, Beirut, case/lang/veirs, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Baaba Maal, Violent Femmes, Alvvays, Red Baraat, Josh Ritter, The Wood Brothers, Femi Kuti, Jon Batiste & Stay Human, Angelique Kidjo, Digable Planets, Dr. Dog, Andra Say, Kristin Hersh, Ducktails, Martha Redbone, Bombino, Son Little, and more
Why: Once again, Prospect Park Bandshell’s Celebrate Brooklyn! delivers all summer long. See our venue review & photos of Prospect Park Bandshell here
Web: www.bricartsmedia.org/performing-arts/bric-celebrate-brooklyn
What: Blue Ox
Where: Eau Claire, WI
When: June 9-11
Who: Leftover Salmon, Greensky Bluegrass, Railroad Earth, Horses & Hand Grenades, Pert Near Sandstone, Béla Fleck & The Flecktones, Sam Bush, The Cactus Blossoms, Del McCourt Band, The Wood Brothers, Shovels & Rope, Blitzen Trapper, Nikki Lane, and more
Why: Country jam comes to Wisconsin. Read more in our 2015 recap here
Web: blueoxmusicfestival.com
What: Bonnaroo
Where: Manchester, TN
When: June 9-12
Who: Pearl Jam, Dead & Company, LCD Soundsystem, J. Cole, Ellie Goulding, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Tame Impala, Death Cab for Cutie, M83, Haim, Halsey, Ween, Jason Isbell, CHVRCHES, Miguel, Chris Stapleton, Judd Apatow, The Chainsmokers, Big Grams, Band of Horses, Leon Bridges, Grace Potter, Father John Misty, Adam Devine, Purity Ring, The Claypool Lennon Delirium, Two Door Cinema Club, Flosstradamus, Zeds Dead, Tyler the Creator, GRiZ, Mavis Staples, Lamb of God, Nathaniel Rateliff, Kurt Vile, Blood Orange, Lord Huron, RL Grime, Ed Helms, X Ambassadors, Lucius, Vince Staples, Third Eye Blind, Misterwives, Clutch, Lettuce, St. Lucia, Cashmere Cat, FIDLAR, BØRNS, Shamir, Allen Stone, Oh Wonder, Dungen, Steep Canyon Rangers, The Internet, Andra Day, Anderson East, Twin Peaks, Natalie Prass, Givers, Hermitude, Papadosio, The Knocks, Waxahatchee, Beach Fossils, Hundred Waters, The London Souls, Civil Twilight, and many, many more
Why: The granddaddy of indie-meets-jam & more music festivals celebrates another genre-crossing year.
Web: www.bonnaroo.com
What: Bonanza
Where: Heber, UT
When: June 10-11
Who: Big Gigantic, Cold War Kids, Emancipator, SAVOY, Jr. Jr., Milo Greene, Ryan Hemsworth, Joywave, Vacationer, and more
Why: Of course a festival in Utah would be named “Bonanza”.
Web: bonanzacampout.com
What: Huichica
Where: Sonoma, CA
When: June 10-11
Who: Allah Las, Amen Dunes, Sonny & The Sunsets, Shannon & The Clams, The Fresh & Onlys, and more.
Why: Gundlach Bundschu Winery gives you some music to go with you wine-tasting. See much more in our 2013 photo gallery here
Web: huichica.com
What: Mysteryland
Where: Bethel, NY
When: June 10-13
Who: ODESZA, Skrillex, Bassnectar, The Chainsmokers, Zeds Dead, GRiZ, Gramatik, Emancipator, Hercules & Love Affair, Hudson Mohawke, Matthew Dear, and more
Why: On the grounds of the original Woodstock is a DJ fest – kind of says it all…
Web: www.mysteryland.us
What: Punk Rock Bowling – Asbury Park
Where: Asbury Park, NJ
When: June 10-12
Who: Descendents, Cock Sparer, Dag Nasty, Flag, Subhumans, Agnostic Front, H2O, The Slackers, Off With Their Heads, and more
Why: Asbury Park takes the punks bowling.
Web: www.punkrockbowling.com
What: Ann Arbor Summer
Where: Ann Arbor, MI
When: June 10 – July 3
Who: Bebel Gilberto, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers, Mayer Hawthorne, and more
Why: Home of the University of Michigan (and The Dharma Initiative…), all those kind of guys who are hailing from Ann Arbor get a much-needed reason to smile with this three-week Summer Fest.
Web: www.annarborsummerfestival.org
What: Make Music Pasadena
Where: Pasadena, CA
When: June 11
Who: Atlas Genius, Bear Hands, The Mowgli’s, Small Black, Nahko & Medicine For the People, Hunny, Annuals, and more
Why: Pasadena’s free fest mixes indie, world & more.
Web: www.makemusicpasadena.org
What: Untapped – Fort Worth
Where: Fort Worth, TX
When: June 11
Who: Built To Spill, Hayes Carll, Grupo Fantasma, White Reaper, and more
Why: Indie music & beer comes to Fort Worth. See more in our 2015 Untapped San Antonio photo gallery
Web: untapped-festival.com
What: Bestival Toronto
Where: Toronto, ON, Canada
When: June 11-12
Who: The Cure, Tame Impala, Grimes, ODESZA, Jamie xx, Porter Robinson, Daughter, Madeon, The Wombats, Classixx, The Twilight Sad, and more
Why: British fest Bestival crosses the pond but stays in the Commonwealth.
Web: www.bestival.ca
What: Radio 104.5 Birthday
Where: Camden, NJ
When: June 11 & 17
Who: Florence & The Machine, Twenty One Pilots, The Lumineers, AWOLNATION, Silversun Pickups, Catfish & The Bottlemen, Cold War Kids, The Front Bottoms, Elle King, MUTEMATH, Violent Femmes, and more
Why: Philadelphia’s Radio 104.5 celebrates its ninth birthday.
Web: www.radio1045.com/features/9th-birthday-celebration-1819
What: Laconia
Where: Laconia, NH
When: June 11-19
Who: Ted Nugent, Bret Michaels, Buckcherry, Sevendust, Fuel, Saving Abel, P.O.D., Warrant, Lita Ford, LA Guns, and more
Why: Laconia, New Hampshire welcomes a motorcycle & music festival.
Web: laconiafest.com
What: KCRW’s World Festival
Where: Hollywood, CA
When: June 11 – September 25
Who: Seth MacFarlane, Janelle Monáe, Jon Batiste & Stay Human, Steely Dan, Garrison, Keillor, Sarah Jarosz, Sara Watkins, Chicago, Brian Wilson, M. Ward, Diana Ross, Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, Galactic, Weird Al Yankovic, Gladys Knight, Kurt Vile, Jeff Beck, Beth Hart, Buddy Guy, Sergio Mendes, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Maceo Parker, Ben Harper, Brandi Carlile, Old Crow Medicine Show, Yo-Yo Ma, Herbie Hancock, Culture Club, Jeff Lynne’s ELO, Kraftwerk, Sigur Ros, Bloc Party, MS MR, and more
Why: Celebrate the best of world music at the famed Hollywood Bowl. See more in our photo galleries from Hollywood Bowl here
Web: www.hollywoodbowl.com
What: North by Northeast
Where: Toronto, ON, Canada
When: June 15-19
Who: Schoolboy Q, Kamasi Washington, The Joy Formidable, Father John Misty, Ghostface Killah, Pere Ubu, Screaming Females, Eagulls, Moving Units, Pere Ubu, King Khan & The Shrines, The So So Glos, BIG UPS, and more
Why: State support has given Canada a ton of great alternative acts, and even their own version of South by Southwest (see above) in North by Northeast. See much more in our 2014 photo gallery here
Web: www.nxne.com
What: G Fest
Where: Muskogee, OK
When: June 16-18
Who: The Avett Brothers, Old Crow Medicine Show, Kavey Musgraves, Robert Randolph, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and more
Why: Okies from Muskogee welcome country.
Web: gfestmuskogee.com
What: Burlington Steamboat Days
Where: Burlington, IA
When: June 16-19
Who: Jake Owen, Five Finger Death Punch, Styx, Brothers Osborne, and more
Why: Burlington Steamboat Days is past fifty years old – and so are its acts.
Web: www.steamboatdays.com
What: Firefly
Where: Dover, DE
When: June 16-19
Who: Mumford & Sons, Kings of Leon, Florence & The Machine, deadmau5, Ellie Goulding, Disclosure, Blink-182, Death Cab for Cutie, Tame Impala, M83, A$AP Rocky, Major Lazer, The 1975, Of Monsters and Men, CHVRCHES, Two Door Cinema Club, Ludacris, The Neighbourhood, Earth Wind & Fire, Grouplove, Porter Robinson, Fitz & The Tantrums, Fetty Wap, Flogging Molly, Vince Staples, Trombone Short & Orleans Avenue, MØ, Catfish & The Bottlemen, St. Lucia, Atlas Genius, Alunageorge, Guster, Elle King, The Wombats, Robert Delong, The Staves, Oh Wonder, Wet, Chairlift, Circa Waves, Arkells, Civil Twilight, Son Little, Laura Stevenson, Hollis Brown, and many, many more
Why: A recent entry into the festival game was a strong one in Firefly – and it’s in Delaware?!?!
Web: fireflyfestival.com
What: Mad Tea Party Jam
Where: Hedgesville, WV
When: June 16-19
Who: Desert Dwellers, Big Something, and more
Why: Make your Jam a Mad Tea Party.
Web: www.themadteapartyjam.com
What: Telluride Bluegrass
Where: Telluride, CO
When: June 16-19
Who: Sam Bush Band, Neil Finn, Emmylou Harris, John Prine, Béla Fleck & The Flecktones, Yonder Mountain String Band, Del McCoury, Leftover Salmon, Punch Brothers, Greensky Bluegrass, Infamous Stringdusters, and more
Why: The ski resort of Telluride’s bluegrass festival always brings some big names in along with the jam.
Web: www.bluegrass.com/telluride
What: Wanderlust Stratton
Where: Stratton, VT
When: June 16-19
Who: Michael Franti, Beats Antique, Steel Pulse, Xavier Rudd, Nahko & Medicine For the People, Son Little, and more
Why: Yoga + music fest Wanderlust wanders into Vermont. See more in our photo gallery of Wanderlust Squaw Valley here
Web: wanderlust.com/festivals/stratton-2
What: Destination Moon
Where: Wurtsboro, NY
When: June 17-19
Who: Antibalas, Porches, Moon Hooch, Delicate Steve, Buke and Gase, Mrs. Adam Schatz, and more
Why: To the moon, Alice…
Web: destinationmoon.us
What: Electric Daisy Carnival
Where: Las Vegas, NV
When: June 17-19
Who: Zedd, Hardwell, Martin Garrix, Alesso, Axwell ^ Ingrosso, Dada Life, Tiesto, Flux Pavilion, Knife Party, and more
Why: After NYC, Electric Daisy Carnival comes back to Vegas for three days. See much more in our photo gallery of 2013 EDC NY here
Web: electricdaisycarnival.com/LasVegas
What: What The Festival
Where: Dufur, OR
When: June 17-20
Who: Thievery Corporation, Bonobo, Lettuce, Claude Vonstroke, Tourist, and more
Why: Head to the Wolf Run Ranch to ask, “WTF?”.
Web: whatthefestival.com
What: Shadow of the City
Where: Asbury Park, NJ
When: June 18
Who: The 1975, Carly Rae Jepsen, BØRNS, Steel Train, Shamir, and more
Why: Jack Antonoff of Bleachers & fun. brings a festival to the Stone Pony in Jersey – in the Shadow of the City.
Web: shadowofthe.city
What: Burger Beach Bash
Where: Coney Island, NY
When: June 18
Who: GZA, Andrew W.K., Har Mar Superstar, Fucked Up, Pentagram, Mr. Twin Sister, and more
Why: Burger Records throws a Beach Bash on Coney Island. See our photo gallery here
Web: burgerbeachbashnyc.com
What: Green Music
Where: Chicago, IL
When: June 18-19
Who: Black Joe Lewis, King Khan & The Shrines, Langhorne Slime, Waxahatchee, and more
Why: The eco-friendly Green Music fest comes to Damen Ave for only a five dollar donation.
Web: www.greenmusicfestchicago.com
What: River to River
Where: Downtown Manhattan, NY
When: June 18-26
Who: Olga Bell and more
Why: Every year, River to River brings free art to downtown Manhattan, with free shows at World Financial Center and more. See our venue review & photos of World Financial Center here
Web: www.rivertorivernyc.com
What: Stern Grove
Where: San Francisco, CA
When: June 19 – August 21
Who: Janelle Monae, George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic, San Francisco Symphony, Joan Osborne’s Soul Revue, The O’Jays, The New Pornographers, Atomic Bomb! The Music of William Onyeabor, and more
Why: The oldest free-admission festival of its kind in America is of course in San Francisco.
Web: www.sterngrove.org
What: Sled Island
Where: Calgary, AB, Canada
When: June 22-26
Who: Guided by Voices, Peaches, Deafheaven, The Sonics, Angel Olsen, Built To Spill, Julia Holter, HEALTH, Tortoise, Protomartyr, SUUNS, Chastity Belt, Land of Talk, New Bomb Turks, Oneida, Tortoise, and more
Why: The mammoth & varied Sled Island returns to Calgary.
Web: www.sledisland.com
What: Amnesia Rock
Where: Montebello, PQ, Canada
When: June 23-26
Who: System of a Down, Linkin Park, The Offspring, Slayer, Snoop Dogg, Pixies, Rob Zombie, Sublime with Rome, Deftones, Rancid, Tenacious D, Bad Religion, Flogging Molly, Gogol Bordello, Refused, Coheed and Cambria, Thrice, Ministry, Skinny Puppy, Down, Atreyu, Melvins, Goldfinger, Less Than Jake, The Bouncing Souls, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Descendents, All, Buzzcocks, The Exploited, GBH, Tom Green, Steve-O, Unwritten Law, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Sick of It All, Cro-Mags, Snapcase, and many more
Why: Canada’s biggest rock fest.
Web: www.amnesiarockfest.com
What: Electric Forest
Where: Rothbury, MI
When: June 23-26
Who: The String Cheese Incident, Bassnectar, Major Lazer, Adventure Club, Baauer, Beats Antique, Bonobo, Duke Dumont, Fetty Wap, Flosstradamus, Gorgon City, Greensky Bluegrass, GRiZ, Nahko & Medicine For the People, Porter Robinson, STS9, The Disco Biscuits, 12th Planet, Alunageorge, and more
Why: Double JJ Resort in Rothbury gets its own music festival, as nature meets technology. Read much more in our 2015 recap here
Web: www.electricforestfestival.com
What: Kate Wolf
Where: Laytonville, CA
When: June 23-26
Who: Eric Bibb, Harry Belafonte, The Head and The Heart, Mavis Staples, and more
Why: Ladies & gents are welcome at Kate Wolf.
Web: katewolfmusicfestival.com
What: Frendly Gathering
Where: Windham, VT
When: June 23-25
Who: Twiddle, Trevor Hall, Turkuaz, Moon Hooch, GIVERS, Marco Benevento, Sinkane, Son Little, and more
Why: Gather some frends for a Frendly Gathering.
Web: frendlygathering.com
What: Rockland-Bergen
Where: Tappan, NY
When: June 24-26
Who: Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes, Willie Nile, and more
Why: Rockland & Bergen are crossing county (and state) lines.
Web: www.rocklandmusicfestival.com
What: Saskatchewan Jazz
Where: Saskatoon, SK, Canada
When: June 24 – July 3
Who: Metric, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Lee Fields, Built To Spill, Ben Caplan, The Lytics, City and Colour, and more
Why: (Sa)Skat it up, jazz-cat.
Web: saskjazz.com
What: Laid Back – Nashville
Where: Nashville, TN
When: June 25
Who: Gregg Allman, Shovels & Rope, Brothers Osborne, and more
Why: Gregg Allman gets Laid Back across five cities.
Web: laidbackfestival.com
What: Burger Boogaloo
Where: Oakland, CA
When: June 25-26
Who: John Waters, Traci Lords, The Trashwomen, The Mummies, Real Kids, King Khan & The Shrines, Thee Oh Sees, Spits, Shannon & The Clams, The Dwarves, and more
Why: Burger Records holds a Boogaloo.
Web: www.burgerboogaloo.com
What: Summerfest
Where: Milwaukee, WI
When: June 29 – July 3 & July 5-10
Who: Sting & Peter Gabriel, Weezer, Panic! At the Disco, Selena Gomez, Blake Shelton, The Avett Brothers, Andrew McMahon, Alabama Shakes, Def Leppard, REO Speedwagon, Tim McGraw, Kacey Musgraves, Ryan Adams, Martin Garrix, Willie Nelson, Rise Against, Passion Pit, Hollywood Vampires, Death Cab for Cutie, Jason Derulo, Garbage, The Decemberists, The Roots, Ray LaMontagne, Fitz & The Tantrums, Gavin DeGraw, Mike D, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Nelly, Neil Finn, Rachel Platten, The Fray, Barenaked Ladies, Billy Idol, Elle King, Joan Jett, Andra Day, Young the Giant, Commodores, Weird Al, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Violent Femmes, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Stephen Marley, Cheap Trick, Umphrey’s McGee, Kris Kristofferson, 311, Joe Jackson, Milky Chance, Ben Folds, Indigo Girls, Matisyahu, Kool & The Gang, Bruce Hornsby, The Wombats, Brian Fallon, Peter Bjorn and John, Styx, OMD, Sir Mix-A-Lot, Blue Oyster Cult, Son Little, and many, many more
Why: The biggest music festival in the world is also the most mainstream, but there’s so many bands over so many days, bound to be someone you want to see.
Web: www.summerfest.com
What: High Sierra
Where: Quincy, CA
When: June 30 – July 3
Who: Ben Harper, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Thievery Corporation, Joe Russo, Dr. Dog, Greensky Bluegrass, Femi Kuti, JJ Grey & Mofro, Xavier Rudd, Leftover Salmon, Lettuce, North Mississippi Allstars, The California Honeydrops, The Motet, Elephant Revival, The Soul Rebels, Jamestown Revival, and more
Why: California’s High Sierra Music Festival, up in the mountains, is stocked with festival staples. See much more in our 2014 photo gallery here
Web: www.highsierramusic.com
What: Tall Tree
Where: Port Renfrew, BC, Canada
When: June 30 – July 3
Who: Mother Mother, Current Swell, Nahko & Medicine For the People, Shad, Hollerado, and more
Why: Enjoy Canadian music among the Tall Trees of British Columbia.
Web: www.talltreemusicfestival.com
What: Wanderlust Aspen-Snowmass
Where: Aspen, CO
When: June 30 – July 3
Who: Michael Franti, Beats Antique, Steel Pulse, Xavier Rudd, Nahko & Medicine For the People, Son Little, and more
Why: Yoga + music fest Wanderlust wanders into Aspen. See more in our photo gallery of Wanderlust Squaw Valley here
Web: wanderlust.com/festivals/aspen-snowmass
July
What: SummerStage
Where: New York, NY
When: May 16 – September 23
Who: Ryan Adams, Flight of the Conchords, Cage the Elephant, Rudimental, Barenaked Ladies, Phillip Phillips, Jerry Garcia Symphony, The Go-Go’s, Lucius, Portugal. The Man, Gorgon City, OMD, JD McPherson, Chairlift, Blonde Redhead, Public Enemy, Ginuwine, Trevor Noah, Indigo Girls, The Feelies, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Neon Indian, Mbongwana Star, Saul Williams, Goldlink, Empress Of, Beach Fossils, and more
Why: A mixture of paid benefit shows and free shows receiving those benefits are a staple every summer in the Big Apple at the iconic Central Park – as well as other parks in all five boroughs! See our venue review & photos of Central Park SummerStage here
Web: www.summerstage.org
What: Vans House Parties
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When: May 19 – July 6
Who: Neon Indian, Sleep, Rae Sremmurd, Shannon & The Clams, DIIV, Danny Brown, Jon Hopkins, Battles, BADBADNOTGOOD, and more
Why: Vans hosts a great series of free Brooklyn house parties at the House of Vans. See our venue review & photos of House of Vans here
Web: http://www.vans.com/house-of-vans.html
What: Surf Lodge Summer Concert Series
Where: Montauk, NY
When: May 21 – September 3
Who: Chromeo, Porches, St. Lucia, Lucius, Sunflower Bean, Mayer Hawthorne, Miike Snow, The Arcs, Oh Wonder, Milky Chance, G Love, Donavon Frankenreiter, The London Souls, Wild Belle, Beach Slang, Bombino, Hurray For the Riff Raff, Brazilian Girls, Bebel Gilberto, Gary Clark Jr., and more
Why: Get out of the city and head to the Surf at Montauk.
Web: thesurflodge.com/concert-series
What: Celebrate Brooklyn!
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When: June 8 – August 13
Who: Tame Impala, Ray LaMontagne, Beirut, case/lang/veirs, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Baaba Maal, Violent Femmes, Alvvays, Red Baraat, Josh Ritter, The Wood Brothers, Femi Kuti, Jon Batiste & Stay Human, Angelique Kidjo, Digable Planets, Dr. Dog, Andra Say, Kristin Hersh, Ducktails, Martha Redbone, Bombino, Son Little, and more
Why: Once again, Prospect Park Bandshell’s Celebrate Brooklyn! delivers all summer long. See our venue review & photos of Prospect Park Bandshell here
Web: www.bricartsmedia.org/performing-arts/bric-celebrate-brooklyn
What: Ann Arbor Summer
Where: Ann Arbor, MI
When: June 10 – July 3
Who: Bebel Gilberto, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers, Mayer Hawthorne, and more
Why: Home of the University of Michigan (and The Dharma Initiative…), all those kind of guys who are hailing from Ann Arbor get a much-needed reason to smile with this three-week Summer Fest.
Web: www.annarborsummerfestival.org
What: KCRW’s World Festival
Where: Hollywood, CA
When: June 11 – September 25
Who: Seth MacFarlane, Janelle Monáe, Jon Batiste & Stay Human, Steely Dan, Garrison, Keillor, Sarah Jarosz, Sara Watkins, Chicago, Brian Wilson, M. Ward, Diana Ross, Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, Galactic, Weird Al Yankovic, Gladys Knight, Kurt Vile, Jeff Beck, Beth Hart, Buddy Guy, Sergio Mendes, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Maceo Parker, Ben Harper, Brandi Carlile, Old Crow Medicine Show, Yo-Yo Ma, Herbie Hancock, Culture Club, Jeff Lynne’s ELO, Kraftwerk, Sigur Ros, Bloc Party, MS MR, and more
Why: Celebrate the best of world music at the famed Hollywood Bowl. See more in our photo galleries from Hollywood Bowl here
Web: www.hollywoodbowl.com
What: Stern Grove
Where: San Francisco, CA
When: June 19 – August 21
Who: Janelle Monae, George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic, San Francisco Symphony, Joan Osborne’s Soul Revue, The O’Jays, The New Pornographers, Atomic Bomb! The Music of William Onyeabor, and more
Why: The oldest free-admission festival of its kind in America is of course in San Francisco.
Web: www.sterngrove.org
What: Saskatchewan Jazz
Where: Saskatoon, SK, Canada
When: June 24 – July 3
Who: Metric, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Lee Fields, Built To Spill, Ben Caplan, The Lytics, City and Colour, and more
Why: (Sa)Skat it up, jazz-cat.
Web: saskjazz.com
What: Summerfest
Where: Milwaukee, WI
When: June 29 – July 3 & July 5-10
Who: Sting & Peter Gabriel, Weezer, Panic! At the Disco, Selena Gomez, Blake Shelton, The Avett Brothers, Andrew McMahon, Alabama Shakes, Def Leppard, REO Speedwagon, Tim McGraw, Kacey Musgraves, Ryan Adams, Martin Garrix, Willie Nelson, Rise Against, Passion Pit, Hollywood Vampires, Death Cab for Cutie, Jason Derulo, Garbage, The Decemberists, The Roots, Ray LaMontagne, Fitz & The Tantrums, Gavin DeGraw, Mike D, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Nelly, Neil Finn, Rachel Platten, The Fray, Barenaked Ladies, Billy Idol, Elle King, Joan Jett, Andra Day, Young the Giant, Commodores, Weird Al, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Violent Femmes, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Stephen Marley, Cheap Trick, Umphrey’s McGee, Kris Kristofferson, 311, Joe Jackson, Milky Chance, Ben Folds, Indigo Girls, Matisyahu, Kool & The Gang, Bruce Hornsby, The Wombats, Brian Fallon, Peter Bjorn and John, Styx, OMD, Sir Mix-A-Lot, Blue Oyster Cult, Son Little, and many, many more
Why: The biggest music festival in the world is also the most mainstream, but there’s so many bands over so many days, bound to be someone you want to see.
Web: www.summerfest.com
What: High Sierra
Where: Quincy, CA
When: June 30 – July 3
Who: Ben Harper, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Thievery Corporation, Joe Russo, Dr. Dog, Greensky Bluegrass, Femi Kuti, JJ Grey & Mofro, Xavier Rudd, Leftover Salmon, Lettuce, North Mississippi Allstars, The California Honeydrops, The Motet, Elephant Revival, The Soul Rebels, Jamestown Revival, and more
Why: California’s High Sierra Music Festival, up in the mountains, is stocked with festival staples. See much more in our 2014 photo gallery here
Web: www.highsierramusic.com
What: Tall Tree
Where: Port Renfrew, BC, Canada
When: June 30 – July 3
Who: Mother Mother, Current Swell, Nahko & Medicine For the People, Shad, Hollerado, and more
Why: Enjoy Canadian music among the Tall Trees of British Columbia.
Web: www.talltreemusicfestival.com
What: Wanderlust Aspen-Snowmass
Where: Aspen, CO
When: June 30 – July 3
Who: Michael Franti, Beats Antique, Steel Pulse, Xavier Rudd, Nahko & Medicine For the People, Son Little, and more
Why: Yoga + music fest Wanderlust wanders into Aspen. See more in our photo gallery of Wanderlust Squaw Valley here
Web: wanderlust.com/festivals/aspen-snowmass
What: Waterfront Blues
Where: Portland, OR
When: July 1-4
Who: Curtis Salgado, Jimmie Vaughan, JJ Grey and Mofro, Maceo Parker, Tedeschi Trucks Band, ZZ Ward, Los Straitjackets, The California Honeydrops, The Record Company, The Soul Rebels, and more
Why: Head to Tom McCall Waterfront Park for some Blues.
Web: www.waterfrontbluesfest.com
What: Bunbury
Where: Cincinnati, OH
When: July 3-5
Who: The Killers, Florence & The Machine, Mudcrutch, Tears For Fears, Ice Cube, Of Monsters and Men, Grimes, Big Grams, Umphrey’s McGree, The Neighbourhood, X Ambassadors, Elle King, G. Love & Special Sauce, Charles Bradley, J Roddy Walston & The Business, Bayside, The Wombats, The Mowgli’s, The Dear Hunter, Grizfolk, Conner Youngblood, Diarrhea Planet, and more
Why: Nice mix of mainstream & alternative – and no bees!
Web: bunburyfestival.com
What: Common Ground
Where: Lansing, MI
When: July 5-10
Who: Dierks Bentley, A$AP Rocky, Mick Jenkins, and more
Why: At this lengthy festival, find some Common Ground.
Web: www.commongroundfest.com
What: Winnipeg Folk
Where: Winnipeg, MB, Canada
When: July 7-10
Who: Andy Shauf, Basia Bulat, Colin Hay, Coeur de Pirate, Lord Huron, Loudon Wainwright III, Lucius, Milky Chance, Possessed by Paul James, Ryan Adams, Ryley Walker, Sam Roberts Band, San Fermin, Son Little, The Head and The Heart, The Infamous Stringdusters, The Staves, The Wainwright Sisters,, Twin Peaks, Wild Child, and more
Why: Every city in the Great White North has a folk festival – this one’s at Winnipeg’s Birds Hill Park, and is pretty damn good.
Web: www.winnipegfolkfestival.ca
What: Ottawa Blues
Where: Ottawa, ON, Canada
When: July 7-17
Who: John Fogerty, Duran Duran, The Monkees, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nelly, Billy Idol, The Decemberists, Brad Paisley, Future, Bryan Ferry, AWOLNATION, Zeds Dead, Schoolboy Q, Joe Jackson, Noel Gallagher, Brandi Carlile, Thomas Rhett, San Fermin, The Cult, Wolf Parade, Ben Harper, Madeon, Peter Bjorn and John, Lindsey Stirling, The Head and the Heart, Half Moon Run, Alessia Cara, Holy Fuck, Earl Sweatshirt, Jeff Ross, City and Colour, The Lumineers, Son Little, The Tallest Man On Earth, Yukon Blonde, The London Souls, DZ Deathrays, XXYYXX, Coeur de Pirate, and more
Why: Cisco Systems & RBC Royal Bank treat the capital of Canada to a wide span of acts over a wide span of days at a wide span of stages.
Web: www.ottawabluesfest.ca
What: Québec City Summer
Where: Québec City, QC, Canada
When: July 7-17
Who: Sting, Peter Gabriel, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rammstein, Bryan Ferry, Duran Duran, The Decemberists, Ice Cube, The Tallest Man on Earth, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Peter Bjorn and John, Kaskade, Selena Gomex, Brad Paisley, Ice Cube, City and Colour, Sheryl Crow, The Lumineers, Adventure Club, The Cult, Neil Finn, George Thorogood & The Destroyers, X Ambassadors, Fetty Wap, Mac Miller, Couer de Pirate, Brandi Carlile, Alessia Cara, Charlie Musselwhite, Half Moon Run, Brian Fallon, Flo Rida, and many, many more
Why: The capital of Francophone America hosts a wide but odd collection of acts, from old to young, mainstream to indie, jazz to metal, folk to electronica.
Web: www.infofestival.com/?lang=en-CA
What: Basilica Block Party
Where: Minneapolis, MN
When: July 8-9
Who: Death Cab For Cutie, The Fray, American Authors, Phillip Phillips, Gary Clark Jr., Ryan Adams, X Ambassadors, Matt Nathanson, Cold War Kids, Milky Chance, Ron Pope, Craig Finn, and more
Why: Minneapolis holds a music festival – praise the loud.
Web: basilicablockparty.org
What: Evolve
Where: Antigonish, NS, Canada
When: July 8-10
Who: Danny Brown, Keys n Krates, and more
Why: Ever-imperiled by being cut off from the rest of Anglophone Canada by Quebec independence, Atlantic provinces like Nova Scotia have to jump at what they can, like Evolve.
Web: www.evolvefestival.com
What: Green River
Where: Greenfield, MA
When: July 8-10
Who: Dawes, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Peter Wolf, Shakey Graves, Los Lobos, Shovels and Rope, North Mississippi Allstars, The Suffers, The Felice Brothers, Charles Neville, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, Winterpills, Amy Helm, The Soul Rebels, and more
Why: This lighter jam-folk fest has hot air balloon rides.
Web: www.greenriverfestival.com
What: Northern Lights Festival Boréal
Where: Sudbury, ON, Canada
When: July 8-10
Who: Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy, Union Duke, and more
Why: Sudbury’s Northern Lights Festival Boréal is basically a few Canadian heavy-hitters and others only Canadians have ever even heard of.
Web: nlfbsudbury.com
What: 80/35
Where: Des Moines, IA
When: July 10-11
Who: NAS, The Decemberists, Lotus, Wolf Parade, Black Lips, Thao & The Get Down Stay Down, Craig Finn, and more
Why: Better known for corn & presidential primaries, Iowa has also been holding hold a sweet & diverse 80/35 festival. Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: www.80-35.com
What: West Fest
Where: Chicago, IL
When: July 8-10
Who: Luna, Craig Finn, Bully, Cloud Nothings, Mild High Club, Natural Child, and more
Why: Chicago’s West Town has its own free fest.
Web: westfestchicago.com
What: 4Knots
Where: New York, NY
When: July 9
Who: Guided by Voices, The Strumbellas, Protomartyr, Car Seat Headrest, Girlpool, Bayonne, and more
Why: The Village Voice returns to South Street Seaport (QRO venue review) – and 4Knots returns to being free… Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: microapp.villagevoice.com/4knots
What: Ride
Where: Telluride, CO
When: July 11-12
Who: Pearl Jam, Cage the Elephant, The Dirty Knobs, The Temperance Movement, The Sheepdogs, Little Hurricane, Band of Heathens, and more
Why: Ride into Telluride.
Web: www.ridefestival.com
What: Lowdown Hudson Blues
Where: Downtown Manhattan, NY
When: July 12-13
Who: The Roots, Drive-By Truckers, Antibalas, and more
Why: The Blues comes down the Hudson to downtown Manhattan. See more in our photo gallery here
Web: www.artsbrookfield.com/event/lowdown
What: Brooklyn Hip-Hop
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When: July 13-16
Who: Nas, Fabolous, Talib Kweli, Rapsody, and more
Why: The most name-checked place in the world justly deserves its own hip-hop festival. Read & see more in our 2012 recap here
Web: www.bkhiphopfestival.com
What: Camp Bisco
Where: Scranton, PA
When: July 14-16
Who: The Disco Biscuits, ODESZA, Big Grizmatik, GRiZ, Lotus, RL Grime, STS9, Zeds Dead, 12th Planet, Destructo, Hermitude, Keys N Krates, Lettuce, Papadosio, and more
Why: Electro-jam festival regulars The Disco Biscuits revive Camp Bisco, now in Scranton. Read & see more in our 2013 recap here
Web: campbisco.com
What: Rock Fest
Where: Cadott, WI
When: July 14-16
Who: Slipknot, Hollywood Vampires, Alice In Chains, Five Finger Death Punch, Marilyn Manson, Breaking Benjamin, Rise Against, Bullet For My Valentine, Queensryche, Hollywood Undead, All That Remains, Scott Stapp, Escape the Fate, New Years Day, Wilson, and more
Why: Hard rock comes to Wisconsin.
Web: www.rock-fest.com
What: Great South Bay
Where: Patchogue, NY
When: July 14-17
Who: Graham Nash, Third Eye Blind, Umphreys McGee, Blues Traveler, Railroad Earth, Dopapod, Colin Hay, Manchester Orchestra, Minus the Bear, NRBQ, and more
Why: Jam fest on Long Island.
Web: www.greatsouthbaymusicfestival.com
What: Grey Fox Bluegrass
Where: Oak Hill, NY
When: July 14-17
Who: Bela Fleck & Chris Thile, The Del McCoury Band, The Wood Brothers, The Steep Canyon Rangers, Sara Watkins, and more
Why: Blue or Grey is welcome in the Catskills.
Web: www.greyfoxbluegrass.com
What: Timber
Where: Carnation, WA
When: July 14-16
Who: Langhorne Slim & The Law, Telekinesis, Deep Sea Diver, Chastity Belt, The Moondoggies, and more
Why: Timber!
Web: www.timbermusicfest.com
What: Wanderlust Squaw Valley
Where: North Lake Tahoe, CA
When: July 14-17
Who: Michael Franti, Beats Antique, Steel Pulse, Xavier Rudd, Nahko & Medicine For the People, Son Little, and more
Why: Yoga + music fest Wanderlust wanders into Lake Tahoe. See more in our photo gallery of here
Web: wanderlust.com/festivals/squaw-valley-2
What: Chicago Open Air
Where: Bridgeview, IL
When: July 15-17
Who: Rammstein, Disturbed, Slipknot, Chevelle, Korn, Five Finger Death Punch, Ministry, Breaking Benjamin, Marilyn Manson, Of Mice & Men, Deafheaven, The Devil Wears Prada, Helmet, Miss May I, and more
Why: Breathe in the Open Air of Chicago (well, Bridgeview…).
Web: www.chicagoopenair.com
What: Folk On the Rocks
Where: Yellowknife, NT, Canada
When: July 15-17
Who: Corb Lund, Dan Mangan & Blacksmith, Shane Koyczan, Tanya Tagaq, and more
Why: Head all the way up to the Northwest Territories to get your Folk On the Rocks.
Web: folkontherocks.com
What: Forecastle
Where: Louisville, KY
When: July 15-17
Who: The Avett Brothers, Alabama Shakes, Ryan Adams, Death Cab for Cutie, Walk the Moon, Ben Harper, Grouplove, Brandi Carlile, Gary Clark Jr., Big Gigantic, Ghostland Observatory, The Arcs, Glass Animals, Dr. Dog, Sylvan Esso, Moon Taxi, Danny Brown, Phosphorescent, Shakey Graves, Washed Out, Andrew McMahon, Pokey LaFarge, Baauer, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Hudson Mohawke, AlunaGeorge, White Denim, Heartless Bastards, Patrick Watson, Bully, Speedy Ortiz, Caveman, Anderson East, The Suffers, Wild Child, Nothing, Alex G, Black Pistol Fire, and more
Why: Forecastle comes with a vengeance and a top-tier line-up.
Web: www.forecastlefest.com
What: Home County Folk
Where: London, ON, Canada
When: July 15-17
Who: Elliott BROOD, The Sadies and more
Why: Victoria Park in London, Canada, has its own festival.
Web: www.homecounty.ca
What: Pitchfork
Where: Chicago, IL
When: July 15-17
Who: Beach House, Broken Social Scene, Carly Rae Jepsen, Twin Peaks, Anderson .Paak, BJ the Chicago Kid, Blood Orange, Brian Wilson, Car Seat Headrest, Digable Planets, Savages, Sufjan Stevens, Super Furry Animals, Empress Of, FKA Twigs, Holy Ghost!, Kamasi Washington, Neon Indian, Porches, Sun Ra Arkestra, Thundercat, Woods, and more
Why: The mother of all online indie music magazines returns for another festival with all the bands they’ve been telling you that you have to hear. Read more in our recap here
Web: pitchforkmusicfestival.com
What: PromoWest
Where: Columbus, OH
When: July 15-17
Who: Walk the Moon, Modest Mouse, Snoop Dogg, Brand New, Ryan Adams, LL Cool J, Tears For Fears, Mac Miller, The Decemberists, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Fitz & The Tantrums, Milky Chance, All Time Low, Garbage, Lindsey Stirling, X Ambassadords, J. Roddy Walston & The Business, Atlas Genius, The Wombats, The Black Lips, AlunaGeorge, RJD2, The Dear Hunter, Black Pistol Fire, Grizfolk, and more
Why: Pepsi presents a new festival in the center of Ohio.
Web: www.promowestfest.com
What: Laid Back – Chicago
Where: Chicago, IL
When: July 16
Who: Gregg Allman, Peter Frampton and more
Why: Gregg Allman gets Laid Back across five cities.
Web: laidbackfestival.com
What: Taste of Chaos
Where: San Bernadino, CA
When: July 16
Who: Dashboard Confessional, Taking Back Sunday, Quicksand, The Get Up Kids, Saosin, The Early November, and more
Why: Rockstar Energy Drink brings a Taste of Chaos.
Web: festival.tasteofchaos.com
What: Float
Where: San Marcos, TX
When: July 16-17
Who: Chromeo, Rick Ross, Santigold, Big Gigantic, Metric, Bleachers, Yeasayer, Bone Thugs n Harmony, Rooney, Fat Tony, Wild Moccasins, and more
Why: Totally tubular. See much more in our photo gallery here
Web: floatfest.net
What: Out In the Streets
Where: Queens, NY
When: July 16-17
Who: The So So Glos, Frankie Rose, Potty Mouth, TEEN, Guerilla Toss, BIG UPS, Future Punx, BOYTOY, Weekender, The Teen Age, Dead Stars, and more
Why: Head Out In the Streets of Queens.
Web: outinthestreets.com
What: Sloss
Where: Birmingham, AL
When: July 16-17
Who: Ryan Adams, Death Cab for Cutie, Ray Lamontagne, The Flaming Lips, Ben Harper, The Arcs, Grouplove, Fitz & The Tantrums, Glass Animals, Dr. Dog, Shovels & Rope, Sylvan Esso, Ghostland Observatory, Washed Out, Danny Brown, The Joy Formidable, Betty Who, White Denim, Hudson Mohawke, Anderson East, Steve Gunn, Seratones, Dylan LeBlanc, The Bright Light Social Hour, and more
Why: A new festival in Birmingham.
Web: slossfest.com
What: Pemberton
Where: Pemberton, BC, Canada
When: July 16-19
Who: Pearl Jam, J. Cole, Kaskade, Snoop Dogg, Bassnectar, Wiz Khalifa, Ice Cube, Halsey, FKA Twigs, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, The Chainsmokers, Billy Idol, Steve Angello, Flosstradamus, Miguel, Purity Ring, Die Antwoord, Tyler the Creator, Mac Miller, Cypress Hill, Mastodon, Arkells, Wolf Parade, Cold War Kids, Thievery Corporation, Girl Talk, Baauer, Big Gigantic, Grace Potter, BØRNS, Method Man & Redman, Rae Sremmurd, Kehlani, Ra Ra Riot, Wintersleep, Savages, Joey Bada$$, Hudson Mohawke, GIVERS, DIIV, White Denim, Allen Stone, BRAIDS, Miami Horror, The London Souls, Cheech & Chong, Craig Robinson, Maria Bamford, Doug Benson, Eugene Mirman, Kyle Kinane, and more
Why: Head to the high hills of British Columbia for this stocked line-up.
Web: pembertonmusicfestival.com
What: Lincoln Center Out of Doors
Where: New York, NY
When: July 20 – August 7
Who: Patti Smith, Daniel Lanois, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Darlene Love, Eli ‘Paperboy’ Reed, M. Ward, and more
Why: The famed venue heads Out of Doors at Damrosch Park Bandshell.
Web: lcoutofdoors.org
What: Calgary Folk
Where: Calgary, AB, Canada
When: July 21-24
Who: Bonnie Prince Billy, Kathleen Edwards, Tallest Man On Earth, Lord Huron, José González, Cate Empire, The New Pornographers, Cat Power, San Fermin, BRAIDS, The Cave Singers, Gregory Alan Isakov, Foy Vance, Adia Victoria, Bry Webb, and more
Why: Another Canadian folk festival, this time in the country’s prairie heartland with some surprisingly big acts.
Web: www.calgaryfolkfest.com
What: Capitol Hill Block Party
Where: Seattle, WA
When: July 22-24
Who: ODESZA, CHVRCHES, Washed Out, Crystal Castles, STRFKR, MØ, Goldlink, Emancipator, Thundercat, The Joy Formidable, Car Seat Headrest, Mild High Club, Laura Gibson, Cardiknox, and more
Why: Seattle throws a block party.
Web: capitolhillblockparty.com
What: Divide
Where: Winter Park, CO
When: July 22-24
Who: Bleachers, Blondie, Cake, Cold War Kids, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Fray, Kid Cudi, Jr Jr, Miike Snow, Passion Pit, Saint Motel, and more
Why: Divide unites in Colorado.
Web: dividemusicfestival.com
What: Hillside
Where: Guelph, ON, Canada
When: July 22-24
Who: Buffy Sainte-Marie, Holy Fuck, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Land of Talk, Son Little, The Milk Carton Kids, Old Man Luedecke, Andy Shauf, SUUNS, and more
Why: While many Canadian festivals have flamed out, Hillside has passed its quarter century mark and is still going strong.
Web: www.hillsidefestival.ca
What: Panorama
Where: Randall’s Island, New York
When: July 22-24
Who: Arcade Fire, Kendrick Lamar, LCD Soundsystem, Alabama Shakes, Major Lazer, The National, Sufjan Stevens, Sia, A$AP Rocky, Kurt Vile, FKA Twigs, Silversun Pickups, Flosstradamus, Blood Orange, Foals, Run the Jewels, Grace Potter, Schoolboy Q, Broken Social Scene, Mike D, Daughter, AlunaGeorge, Flatbush Zombies, The Front Bottoms, Lindsey Stirling, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, The Julie Ruin, SZA, Nathaniel Rateliff, Holy Ghost!, Here We Go Magic, Oh Wonder, Ex Hex, Classixx, Caveman, and many, many more
Why: The people behind Coachella & bring a big festival to the Big Apple.
Web: www.panorama.nyc
What: PDX Pop Now!
Where: Portland, OR
When: July 22-24
Who: 1939 Ensemble, Tender Age, Landlines, The Scribes, and more
Why: Portland celebrates its music scene with this free event.
Web: www.pdxpopnow.com
What: Rock the Shores
Where: Colwood, BC, Canada
When: July 22-24
Who: Metric, City and Colour, Arkells, Eagles of Death Metal, The Cat Empire, The New Pornographers, Yukon Blonde, and more
Why: Rock the (western) Shores of Canada.
Web: rocktheshores.com
What: WayHome
Where: Oro-Medonte, ON, Canada
When: July 22-24
Who: LCD Soundsystem, Arcade Fire, The Killers, Major Lazer, M83, HAIM, CHVRCHES, Ray LaMontagne, FKA Twigs, Future, Chet Faker, Arkells, Beirut, Gary Clark Jr., Mac DeMarco, Wolf Parade, Stars, The Last Shadow Puppets, Foals, The Arcs, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Matt & Kim, Kurt Vile, Glass Animals, Third Eye Blind, X Ambassadords, Bahamas, BØRNS, A Tribe Called Red, Half Moon Run, MØ, Phosphorescent, BADBADNOTGOOD, Lucius, Patrick Watson, Vince Staples, Alunageorge, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Savages, The Struts, Lindsey Stirling, Oh Wonder, Robert Delong, White Denim, FIDLAR, Black Mountain, Bombino, and more
Why: Find you Way Home to Canada and this impressive new festival.
Web: wayhome.com
What: XPoNential
Where: Camden, NJ
When: July 22-24
Who: Ryan Adams, Alabama Shakes, Brandi Carlile, Gary Clark Jr., Old Crow Medicine Show, Kurt Vile, case/lang/viers, Tommy Stinson, Father John Misty, Colvin & Earle, Josh Ritter, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, The Felice Brothers, The Districts, Femi Kuti, The Revivalists, White Denim, The Suffers, and more
Why: WXPN 88.5 holds an Americana alt-country fest at Camden’s Waterfront.
Web: xpnfest.org
What: Laid Back – New York
Where: Wantagh, NY
When: July 23
Who: Gregg Allman, Jason Isbell, America and more
Why: Gregg Allman gets Laid Back across five cities.
Web: laidbackfestival.com
What: Lost Highway
Where: Wantagh, NY
When: July 23
Who: Brantley Gilbert, Foghat, Social Distortion, Eagles of Death Metal, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, and more
Why: Motorcycles + music.
Web: www.losthighwayfest.com
What: OzyFest
Where: Central Park, NY
When: July 23
Who: Will.I.Am, Wyclef Jean, Andra Day, Malcolm Gladwell, Sen. Cory Booker, Bill Gates, Karl Rove and more
Why: OZY and Fusion Media Group team up for music & talks in Central Park (QRO venue review).
Web: www.ozy.com/ozyfest2016
What: Wicker Park Fest
Where: Chicago, IL
When: July 23-24
Who: The Mountain Goats, Antibalas, Rocket From the Crypt, Com Truise, Alvvays, Alex G, Quilt, Diet Cig, and more
Why: Way better than the crappy movie of the same name (though it did have a good soundtrack)… See more in our 2011 photo gallery here
Web: www.wickerparkfest.com
What: FloydFest
Where: Floyd, VA
When: July 24-27
Who: Gregg Allman, Warren Haynes, Bruce Hornsby, Leftover Salmon, Nathaniel Rateliff, Railroad Earth, Nahko & Medicine For the People, Keller Williams, Elephant Revival, Anders Osborne, Pimps of Joytime, Bombino, and more
Why: Americana-jam at FloydFest.
Web: www.floydfest.com
What: Newport Folk
Where: Newport, RI
When: July 24-26
Who: Flight of the Conchords, Norah Jones, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Ray LaMontagne, Father John Misty, Middle Brother, case/lang/viers, Nathaniel Rateliff, Glen Hansard, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, The Staves, Radical Face, Amy Helm, Villagers, Fruit bats, Son Little, Songhoy Blues, and more
Why: The festival where Bob Dylan was called “Judas” for going electric is still going strong. See much more in our photo gallery here
Web: www.newportfolkfest.net
What: Woodsist
Where: Point Reyes, CA
When: July 26-27
Who: Jonathan Richman, Steve Gunn, Woods, White Fence, Jessica Pratt, Kevin Morby, and more
Why: Woodsist Records has a little festival (with many of the same acts as prior years) – moved from Big Sur to Point Reyes due to wildfires.
Web: www.folkyeah.com
What: Lollapalooza
Where: Chicago, IL
When: July 28-31
Who: Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers, LCD Soundsystem, J. Cole, Lana Del Rey, Future, Ellie Goulding, Major Lazer, Disclosure, Jane’s Addiction, Flume, G-Eazy, The 1975, HAIM, M83, Two Door Cinema Club, Halsey, Chris Stapleton, Flosstradamus, Hardwell, Martin Garrix, Die Antwoord, Grimes, B∆stille, Leon Bridges, Miike Snow, Bloc Party, Big Grams, The Last Shadow Puppets, Excision, Big Gigantic, GRiZ, Local Natives, Foals, Nathaniel Rateliff, Vic Mensa, Adventure Club, The Arcs, City and Colour, Ghost, Mac Miller, Kurt Vile, Daughter, Silversun Pickups, MUTEMATH, Frightened Rabbit, Vince Staples, St. Lucia, A$AP Ferg, Duke Dumont, Years & Years, Danny Brown, Alessia Cara, Lindsey Stirling, Cashmere Cat, Third Eye Blind, Yeasayer, MØ, Houndmouth, Lettuce, Kehlani, X Ambassadors, The Front Bottoms, Frank Turner, The Joy Formidable, FIDLAR, Wolf Alice, Chairlift, AlunaGeorge, Jack Garratt, Wavves, Classixx, Aurora, Flatbush Zombies, Modern Baseball, Skepta, Baio, Nothing, Sunflower Bean, Arkells, and many, many more
Why: The granddaddy of today’s indie fests still brings a hell of a line-up right to Chicago’s Grant Park – and this year it expands to a fourth day. Read much more in our big recap here
Web: www.lollapalooza.com
What: Underground Music Showcase
Where: Denver, CO
When: July 28-31
Who: Poliça, Thee Oh Sees, Allah Las, Lee Fields & The Expressions, San Fermin, The Bright Light Social Hour, and more
Why: Go underground in the Mile High City.
Web: www.theums.com
What: Wanderlust Whistler
Where: Whistler, BC, Canada
When: July 28 – August 1
Who: Michael Franti, Beats Antique, Steel Pulse, Xavier Rudd, Nahko & Medicine For the People, Son Little, and more
Why: Yoga + music fest Wanderlust wanders into Whistler. See more in our photo gallery of Wanderlust Squaw Valley here
Web: wanderlust.com/festivals/whistler-
What: Newport Jazz
Where: Newport, RI
When: July 29-31
Who: Galactic, Gregory Porter, Kamasi Washington, Nils Cline, Angelique Kidjo, The Bad Plus, José James, and more
Why: While best known for its storied folk festival (see above), little Newport in little Rhode Island has a jazz fest the following weekend to boot!
Web: www.newportjazzfest.net
What: Osheaga
Where: Montréal, QC, Canada
When: July 29-31
Who: Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lana Del Rey, Disclosure, The Lumineers, M83, HAIM, Future, Half Moon Run, Grimes, Flume, Beirut, B∆stille, Walk the Moon, Leon Bridges, The Last Shadow Puppets, Bloc Party, Mac Miller, The Arcs, Cypress Hill, Silversun Pickups, Foals, Kurt Vile, Wolf Parade, The Cat Empire, Nathaniel Rateliff, Daughter, The Barr Brothers, Boys Noize, Elle King, Years & Years, Gramatik, St. Lucia, Oh Wonder, Vince Taples, MØ, Skepta, Keys N Krates, Frightened Rabbit, BØRNS, Lucius, Misterwives, The Struts, The Wombats, Elephant Stone, and many, many more
Why: Osheaga will stay in the top-tier with another killer line-up. Read & see much more in our 2013 recap here
Web: www.osheaga.com
August
What: SummerStage
Where: New York, NY
When: May 16 – September 23
Who: Ryan Adams, Flight of the Conchords, Cage the Elephant, Rudimental, Barenaked Ladies, Phillip Phillips, Jerry Garcia Symphony, The Go-Go’s, Lucius, Portugal. The Man, Gorgon City, OMD, JD McPherson, Chairlift, Blonde Redhead, Public Enemy, Ginuwine, Trevor Noah, Indigo Girls, The Feelies, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Neon Indian, Mbongwana Star, Saul Williams, Goldlink, Empress Of, Beach Fossils, and more
Why: A mixture of paid benefit shows and free shows receiving those benefits are a staple every summer in the Big Apple at the iconic Central Park – as well as other parks in all five boroughs! See our venue review & photos of Central Park SummerStage here
Web: www.summerstage.org
What: Surf Lodge Summer Concert Series
Where: Montauk, NY
When: May 21 – September 3
Who: Chromeo, Porches, St. Lucia, Lucius, Sunflower Bean, Mayer Hawthorne, Miike Snow, The Arcs, Oh Wonder, Milky Chance, G Love, Donavon Frankenreiter, The London Souls, Wild Belle, Beach Slang, Bombino, Hurray For the Riff Raff, Brazilian Girls, Bebel Gilberto, Gary Clark Jr., and more
Why: Get out of the city and head to the Surf at Montauk.
Web: thesurflodge.com/concert-series
What: Celebrate Brooklyn!
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When: June 8 – August 13
Who: Tame Impala, Ray LaMontagne, Beirut, case/lang/veirs, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Baaba Maal, Violent Femmes, Alvvays, Red Baraat, Josh Ritter, The Wood Brothers, Femi Kuti, Jon Batiste & Stay Human, Angelique Kidjo, Digable Planets, Dr. Dog, Andra Say, Kristin Hersh, Ducktails, Martha Redbone, Bombino, Son Little, and more
Why: Once again, Prospect Park Bandshell’s Celebrate Brooklyn! delivers all summer long. See our venue review & photos of Prospect Park Bandshell here
Web: www.bricartsmedia.org/performing-arts/bric-celebrate-brooklyn
What: KCRW’s World Festival
Where: Hollywood, CA
When: June 11 – September 25
Who: Seth MacFarlane, Janelle Monáe, Jon Batiste & Stay Human, Steely Dan, Garrison, Keillor, Sarah Jarosz, Sara Watkins, Chicago, Brian Wilson, M. Ward, Diana Ross, Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, Galactic, Weird Al Yankovic, Gladys Knight, Kurt Vile, Jeff Beck, Beth Hart, Buddy Guy, Sergio Mendes, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Maceo Parker, Ben Harper, Brandi Carlile, Old Crow Medicine Show, Yo-Yo Ma, Herbie Hancock, Culture Club, Jeff Lynne’s ELO, Kraftwerk, Sigur Ros, Bloc Party, MS MR, and more
Why: Celebrate the best of world music at the famed Hollywood Bowl. See more in our photo galleries from Hollywood Bowl here
Web: www.hollywoodbowl.com
What: Stern Grove
Where: San Francisco, CA
When: June 19 – August 21
Who: Janelle Monae, George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic, San Francisco Symphony, Joan Osborne’s Soul Revue, The O’Jays, The New Pornographers, Atomic Bomb! The Music of William Onyeabor, and more
Why: The oldest free-admission festival of its kind in America is of course in San Francisco.
Web: www.sterngrove.org
What: Lincoln Center Out of Doors
Where: New York, NY
When: July 20 – August 7
Who: Patti Smith, Daniel Lanois, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Darlene Love, Eli ‘Paperboy’ Reed, M. Ward, and more
Why: The famed venue heads Out of Doors at Damrosch Park Bandshell.
Web: lcoutofdoors.org
What: Edmonton Folk
Where: Edmonton, AB, Canada
When: August 4-7
Who: Amy Helm, The Barr Brothers, Calexico, The Cat Empire, The Head and The Heart, Jason Isbell, Lisa Hannigan & Aaron Dessner, LP, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Sarah Harmer, Songhoy Blues, The Staves, Steep Canyon Rangers, The Tallest Man On Earth, and more
Why: Some nice names come to Edmonton.
Web: www.edmontonfolkfest.org
What: Satchmo
Where: New Orleans, LA
When: August 4-7
Who: Preservation Hall Brass Band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Kermit Ruffins, and more
Why: Satchmo – comin’ through with the music.
Web: fqfi.org/satchmo
What: This Is Hardcore
Where: Philadelphia, PA
When: August 4-7
Who: Turning Point, Youth of Today, Integrity, and more
Why: Philadelphia’s Electric Factory holds four days of hardcore.
Web: thisishardcorefest.com
What: Hinterland
Where: St. Charles, IA
When: August 5-6
Who: Willie Nelson, Ray LaMontagne, Cold War Kids, Grace Potter, Lake Street Dive, Shovels & Rope, Houndmouth, Hayes Carll, Pokey LaFarge, William Elliott Whitmore, San Fermin, and more
Why: Head to America’s Hinterland for this nice new festival. See much more in our photo gallery here
Web: hinterlandiowa.com
What: Secret Stages
Where: Birmingham, AL
When: August 5-6
Who: Vulture Whale, Little Tybee, Ancient Warfare, Sun Seeker, Caddywhompus, and more
Why: A mostly free event in Birmingham’s Historic Loft District.
Web: www.secretstages.net
What: Arise
Where: Loveland, CO
When: August 5-7
Who: Ziggy Marley, Jurassic 5, Papadosio, Elephant Revival, Hardworking Americans, The New Mastersounds, Del the Funky Homosapien, The Travelin’ McCourys, Govinda, and more
Why: Arise in Loveland.
Web: arisefestival.com
What: Outside Lands
Where: San Francisco, CA
When: August 5-7
Who: Radiohead, LCD Soundsystem, Lionel Richie, Dr. Teeth & The Electric Mayhem, Lana Del Rey, J. Cole, Duran Duran, Zedd, Ryan Adams, Major Lazer, Air, Sufjan Stevens, Chance the Rapper, Beach House, Miguel, Halsey, Big Grams, Grimes, Jason Isbell, Miike Snow, Third Eye Blind, Kehlani, The Last Shadow Puppets, GRiZ, Brandi Carlile, Nathaniel Rateliff, Foals, Lord Huron, Claypool Lennon Delirium, St. Lucia, Years & Years, Vince Staples, Poliça, Lettuce, Peaches, Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, Oh Wonder, Jack Garratt, Ra Ra Riot, The Knocks, Wet, DIIV, The Wombats, Rogue Wave, Kevin Morby, Caveman, and more
Why: San Francisco’s gorgeous Golden Gate Park plays host to another year of Outside Lands, with three days of an incredible line-up. See more in our 2015 photo gallery here
Web: www.sfoutsidelands.com
What: Pickathon
Where: Happy Valley, OR
When: August 5-7
Who: Jeff Tweedy, Wolf Parade, Yo La Tengo, Beach House, Mac DeMarco, Ty Segall, Black Mountain, The Oh Hellos, Patrick Watson, Thao & The Get Down Stay Down, Thee Oh Sees, Ibeyi, Fruit Bats, Dan Deacon, BADBADNOTGOOD, Julia Holter, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Alvvays, Protomartyr, Moon Duo, Futurebirds, Ezra Furman, and more
Why: Pick an instrument at Pickathon. See more in our recap here
Web: pickathon.com
What: Vertex
Where: Buena Vista, CO
When: August 5-7
Who: ODESZA, Alabama Shakes, Trey Anastasio Band, Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, BADBADNOTGOOD, Classixx, Dawes, Dopapod, Duke Dumont, Fruition, Graham Nash, Houndmouth, Robert DeLong, The Claypool Lennon Delirium, The Revivalists, Emancipator Ensemble, Buckwheat Zydeco, and more
Why: Electronica & more at the Vertex.
Web: www.vertexfestival.com
What: Shambhala
Where: Salmo, BC, Canada
When: August 5-8
Who: Cut Chemist, Justin Martin, AlunaGeorge, Beats Antique, Boys Noize, Rusko, Chali 2na, Destructo, Emancipator, Excision, Gorgon City, Keys N Krates, Nightmares On Wax, ?uestlove, Sub Focus, The Gaslamp Killer, Z-Trip, and more
Why: Electro-DJs come to Canada – Shambhala!
Web: www.shambhalamusicfestival.com
What: Petaluma
Where: Petaluma, CA
When: August 6
Who: Jackie Greene, Steve Kimock, The Mother Hips, Moonalice, and more
Why: Get down in Petaluma. See more in our 2014 photo gallery here
Web: www.petalumamusicfestival.org
What: Heavy Montreal
Where: Montreal, PQ, Canada
When: August 6-7
Who: Five Finger Death Punch, Disturbed, Nightwish, Volbeat, Mastodon, Breaking Benjamin, Killswitch Engage, Black Label Society, Ghost, Zakk Wylde, Biohazard, and more
Why: Montreal gets Heavy metal.
Web: heavymontreal.com
What: Mile of Music
Where: Appleton, WI
When: August 6-9
Who: The Milk Carton Kids, Dreamers, Julia Jacklin, Steelism, Son Little, Andrew Combs, Roadkill Ghost Choir, T. Hardy Morris, Lily & Madeleine, Cory Chisel, Water Liars, Tim Barry, Hubby Jenkins, and more
Why: A Mile of Music comes to Appleton. Read & see much more in our 2014 recap here
Web: mileofmusic.com
What: Moonrise
Where: Baltimore, MD
When: August 6-7
Who: Bassnectar, Tiësto, Zedd, The Chainsmokers, Flosstradamus, Flux Pavilion, Gramatik, GRiZ, STS9, Emancipator, Tyler the Creator, and more
Why: The moon rises over Baltimore. Read much more in our 2014 recap here
Web: www.moonrisefestival.com
What: Peach
Where: Scranton, PA
When: August 11-14
Who: Trey Anastasio Band, Gregg Allman, The String Cheese Incident, Umphrey’s McGee, moe., Joe Russo, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Anders Osborne, The Motet, The Werks, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, Black Pistol Fire, and more
Why: Bringing the jam to the home of Joe Biden & Dunder-Mifflin.
Web: www.thepeachmusicfestival.com
What: Wanderlust Tremblant
Where: Mont Tremblant, QC, Canada
When: August 11-14
Who: Michael Franti, Beats Antique, Steel Pulse, Xavier Rudd, Nahko & Medicine For the People, Son Little, and more
Why: Yoga + music fest Wanderlust wanders into Quebec. Read & see more in our 2014 recap of Wanderlust Squaw Valley here
Web: wanderlust.com/festivals/tremblant
What: Eaux Claires
Where: Eaux Claire, WI
When: August 12-13
Who: Bon Iver, Erykah Badu, James Blake, Beach House, Vince Staples, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers, ‘Day of the Dead’, Buke & Gase, Deafheaven, Francis & The Lights, Har Mar Superstar, Jenny Lewis, Jon Hopkins, Lisa Hannigan, Lucius, Mavis Staples, My Brightest Diamond, Phosphorescent, Richard Reed Parry, S. Carey, Sarah Neufeld, Shabazz Palaces, So Percussion, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, yMusic, and more
Why: Justin Vernon of Bon Iver (and much more) gets his friends together for a hometown fest. See more in our inaugural 2015 photo gallery here
Web: eauxclaires.com
What: Summer Set
Where: Somerset, WI
When: August 12-14
Who: Skrillex, Bassnectar, Chance the Rapper, Atmosphere, Steve Aoki, Grimes, STS9, CHERUB, Gramatik, Flux Pavilion, Marshmello, Alice Wonderland, St. Lucia, Flatbush Zombies, RÜFÜS Du Sol, Classixx, Emancipator, and more
Why: More than just another electro-jam festival.
Web: www.summersetfestival.com
What: Wrecking Ball
Where: Atlanta, GA
When: August 12-14
Who: Quicksand, L7, Dinosaur Jr, Drive Like Jehu, Thursday, American Football, Deerhunter, The Julie Ruin, Motion City Soundtrack, Gorilla Biscuits, The Bouncing Souls, The Promise Ring, The Joy Formidable, American Nightmare, Deafheaven, Piebald, Touche Amore, Bayside, Anti-Flag, Cold Cave, CIV, The Menzingers, Diarrhea Planet, Mothers, Potty Mouth, Diet Cig, and more
Why: Take a Wrecking Ball to The Masquerade. See more in our photo gallery here
Web: www.wreckingballatl.com
What: Beloved
Where: Tidewater, OR
When: August 12-15
Who: King Sunny Ade, Fatoumata Diawara, Mike Love, and more
Why: The globe comes to Oregon to celebrate The Beloved with sacred music.
Web: belovedfestival.com
What: 90s Fest – New Jersey
Where: Jackson, NJ
When: August 13
Who: Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Lisa Loeb, Smash Mouth, and more
Why: The festival celebrating the last decade we named hits the road for four iterations. See more in our photo gallery from 90s Fest New York here
Web: 90sfest.com
What: Riverfest Elora
Where: Elora, ON, Canada
When: August 14-16
Who: Chromeo, Walk Off the Earth, The Sheepdogs, Hey Rosetta!, Wintersleep, The Rural Alberta Advantage, Yukon Blonde, The Slackers, Rueben & The Dark, and more
Why: Yet another great festival north of the border.
Web: riverfestelora.com
What: Fields
Where: Darlington, MD
When: August 19-21
Who: Deakin, The Sun Ra Arkestra, Juliana Huxtable, TT, Wolf Eyes, Dan Deacon, Deradoorian, Lower Dens, Mild High Club, Prince Rama, Pictureplane, and more
Why: An art-experimental festival in rural Maryland.
Web: fieldsfestival.com
What: Rocky Mt Folks
Where: Lyons, CO
When: August 19-21
Who: The Decemberists, Lucinda Williams, Andrew Bird, Conor Oberst, Mavis Staples, The Lone Bellow, Passenger, Darrell Scott, and more
Why: Folks go up in the Rocky Mt.
Web: www.bluegrass.com/folks
What: Salmon Arm Roots & Blues
Where: Salmon Arm, BC, Canada
When: August 19-21
Who: Matt Anderson, Great Lake Swimmers, Amy Helm & The Handsom Strangers, and more
Why: British Columbia opens its Salmon Arms for artists from around the world.
Web: www.rootsandblues.ca
What: Hot August
Where: Cockeysville, MD
When: August 20
Who: Thievery Corporation, Joe Russo, Railroad Earth, Leftover Salmon, The Revivalists, Samantha Fish, and more
Why: It’s hot in August.
Web: www.hotaugustmusicfestival.com
What: Full Moon
Where: Governors Island, NY
When: August 20-21
Who: SBTRKT, Santigold, Pusha T, Allah-Las, Julia Bashmore, Escort, and more
Why: A full moon shines in New York, now for two days. See much more in our 2015 photo gallery here
Web: fullmoonfest.com
What: Billboard Hot 100
Where: Wantagh, NY
When: August 22-23
Who: Ariana Grande, Calvin Harris, J. Cole, Martin Garrix, Fetty Wap, AWOLNATION, Desiigner, Madeon, Marshmello, Moon Taxi, Nervo, Paper Diamond, Rachel Platten, Rae Sremmurd, Sleigh Bells, Timeflies, Wale, and more
Why: The hottest acts on the Billboard Hot 100 play Nikon at Jones Beach Theater. See much more in our photo gallery here
Web: www.billboard.com/hot-100-music-festival
What: Lockn’
Where: Arrington, VA
When: August 25-28
Who: Phish, Ween, My Morning Jacket, White Denim, Umphrey’s McGee, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Moon Taxi, Lettuce, Keller Williams, Joe Russo, Hard Working Americans, Galactic, Gary Clark Jr., EOTO, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Charles Bradley, Brandi Carlile, and more Read more in our preview here
Why: Lockn’ the jam. See more in our 2015 photo gallery here
Web: www.locknfestival.com
What: Imagine
Where: Atlanta, GA
When: August 26-28
Who: Benny Benassi, The Disco Biscuits, Borgore, Steve Angello, Dillon Francis, Papadosio, Excision, Gramatik, Nero, Zeds Dead, 12th Planet, Beats Antique, The Bloody Beetroots, EOTO, Lotus, Pendulum, and more
Why: Imagine all the DJs…
Web: www.imaginefestival.com
What: Project Pabst – Portland
Where: Portland, OR
When: August 26-28
Who: Duran Duran, Tame Impala, Ice Cube, Ween, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Drive Like Jehu, STRFKR, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, A$AP Ferg, Parquet Courts, Andrew W.K., Sheer Mag, The Coathangers, Diarrhea Planet, and more
Why: The beer of choice for hipsters (and Dennis Hopper in Blue Velvet) throws festivals across the country. Read & see more in our recap here
Web: projectpabst.com/event
What: Moontower
Where: Lexington, KY
When: August 27
Who: Manchester Orchestra, Drive-By Truckers, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Jr. Jr., and more
Why: Music comes to Moontower. See more in our 2015 photo gallery here
Web: www.moontowermusicfestival.com
What: Afropunk
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When: August 27-28
Who: Ice Cube, TV On the Radio, Tyler the Creator, Cee-Lo Green, Flying Lotus, Janelle Monae, The Internet, Bad Brains/Fishbone/Living Colour SuperJam, George Clinton, Earl Sweatshirt, Benjamin Booker, Saul Williams, Angel Haze, Kelela, Trash Talk, Shabazz Palaces, Thundercat, Radkey, Seinabo Sey, The Suffers, and more
Why: Commodore Barry Park is the site for Afropunk. See more in our 2015 photo gallery here
Web: afropunkfest.com
What: FYF Fest
Where: Los Angeles, CA
When: August 27-28
Who: Kendrick Lamar, LCD Soundsystem, Tame Impala, Grace Jones, Air, Beach House, ANOHNI, Grimes, Hot Chip, Father John Misty, Explosions In the Sky, Rae Sremmurd, Blood Orange, Moby, Saves the Day, Vince Staples, Wolf Parade, Charles Bradley, Ty Segall, Junior Boys, Jagwar Ma, The Black Lips, Peter Bjorn and John, DIIV, Chelsea Wolfe, Kelela, Wild Nothing, Gold Panda, Hop Along, Viet Cong, Oneohtrix Point Never, Julia Holter, Alex G, Sheer Mag, and more Read more in our preview here
Why: Another great year for this great fest – fuck yeah! See much more in our 2015 photo gallery here
Web: fyffest.com
What: Ohana
Where: Dana Point, CA
When: August 27-28
Who: Eddie Vedder, Lana Del Rey, Elvis Costello, City and Colour, Band of Horses, Cat Power, Corinne Bailey Rae, X, Mudhoney, Ryan Bingham, White Reaper, and more
Why: Doheny State Beach welcomes some nice sounds to the shore.
Web: www.theohanafest.com
September
What: SummerStage
Where: New York, NY
When: May 16 – September 23
Who: Ryan Adams, Flight of the Conchords, Cage the Elephant, Rudimental, Barenaked Ladies, Phillip Phillips, Jerry Garcia Symphony, The Go-Go’s, Lucius, Portugal. The Man, Gorgon City, OMD, JD McPherson, Chairlift, Blonde Redhead, Public Enemy, Ginuwine, Trevor Noah, Indigo Girls, The Feelies, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Neon Indian, Mbongwana Star, Saul Williams, Goldlink, Empress Of, Beach Fossils, and more
Why: A mixture of paid benefit shows and free shows receiving those benefits are a staple every summer in the Big Apple at the iconic Central Park – as well as other parks in all five boroughs! See our venue review & photos of Central Park SummerStage here
Web: www.summerstage.org
What: Surf Lodge Summer Concert Series
Where: Montauk, NY
When: May 21 – September 3
Who: Chromeo, Porches, St. Lucia, Lucius, Sunflower Bean, Mayer Hawthorne, Miike Snow, The Arcs, Oh Wonder, Milky Chance, G Love, Donavon Frankenreiter, The London Souls, Wild Belle, Beach Slang, Bombino, Hurray For the Riff Raff, Brazilian Girls, Bebel Gilberto, Gary Clark Jr., and more
Why: Get out of the city and head to the Surf at Montauk.
Web: thesurflodge.com/concert-series
What: KCRW’s World Festival
Where: Hollywood, CA
When: June 11 – September 25
Who: Seth MacFarlane, Janelle Monáe, Jon Batiste & Stay Human, Steely Dan, Garrison, Keillor, Sarah Jarosz, Sara Watkins, Chicago, Brian Wilson, M. Ward, Diana Ross, Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, Galactic, Weird Al Yankovic, Gladys Knight, Kurt Vile, Jeff Beck, Beth Hart, Buddy Guy, Sergio Mendes, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Maceo Parker, Ben Harper, Brandi Carlile, Old Crow Medicine Show, Yo-Yo Ma, Herbie Hancock, Culture Club, Jeff Lynne’s ELO, Kraftwerk, Sigur Ros, Bloc Party, MS MR, and more
Why: Celebrate the best of world music at the famed Hollywood Bowl. See more in our photo galleries from Hollywood Bowl here
Web: www.hollywoodbowl.com
What: Backwoods
Where: Stroud, OK
When: September 1-5
Who: Nero, Big Gigantic, moe., Nahko & Medicine For the People, Tauk, Conner Youngblood, and more
Why: Jam & electronics mix in Oklahoma.
Web: backwoodsmusicfestival.com
What: North Coast
Where: Chicago, IL
When: September 2-4
Who: Umphrey’s McGee, The Floozies, Matt & Kim, Baauer, Tauk, and more
Why: ‘Summer’s last stand’ returns to Chicago’s Union Park. Read & see much more in our recap of the inaugural 2010 edition here
Web: www.northcoastfestival.com
What: Electric Zoo
Where: Randall’s Island, NY
When: September 2-4
Who: Bassnectar, Tiesto, Hardwell, Carnage, Porter Robinson, The Chainsmokers, Flux Pavilion, Borgore, Big Gigantic, Datsik, Steve Aoki, Juicy J, and more
Why: Electric Zoo is managing to bring European-style electronic craziness on New York City’s Randall’s Island for another year.
Web: electriczoofestival.com
What: Meltasia
Where: Catskill, NY
When: September 2-4
Who: Shannon & The Clams, Pentagram, Natural Child, Kool Keith, Sheer Mag, Bloodshot Bill, Murphy’s Law, Dirty Fences, White Mystery, Mystery Lights, and more
Why: Meltasia comes to an old game farm in the Catskills.
Web: meltasia01.businesscatalyst.com/index.html
What: Riot Fest Denver
Where: Denver, CO
When: September 2-4
Who: The Original Misfits, Ween, Death Cab For Cutie, Jane’s Addiction, Sleater-Kinney, NAS, Deftones, Fitz & The Tantrums, Descendents, NOFX, Underoath, Bad Religion, Thursday, Tyler the Creator, Pepper, Jake Bugg, Motion City Soundtrack, Wolf Parade, Gogol Bordello, DeVotchKa, The Hold Steady, Yo La Tengo, Sleigh Bells, The Dandy Warhols, Vince Staples, Suicidal Tendencies, Flatbush Zombies, Hatebreed, Lagwagon, The Aquabats, Glassjaw, The Wonder Years, Me First & The Gimme Gimmes, Danny Brown, Against Me!, Meat Puppets, Leftöver Crack, Dan Deacon, Murder By Death, Rogue Wave, Converge, Billy Talent, Fucked Up, Juliette Lewis & The Licks, Touché Amoré, White Lung, People Under the Stairs, Violent Soho, Bleached, Diarrhea Planet, Diet Cig, and more
Why: Riot Fest collects punks & more, old & young, starting in Denver. Read and see much more in our big Riot Fest Chicago recap here
Web: www.riotfest.org
What: Cukui
Where: Santa Clara, CA
When: September 3
Who: J Boog, Iamsu, Tribal Seeds, Ozomatli, and more
Why: California’s Great America holds a global festival.
Web: www.cukuimusicfestival.com
What: Made In America
Where: Philadelphia, PA
When: September 3-4
Who: Rihanna, Coldplay, 2 Chainz & Lil Wayne, Jamie xx, Chance the Rapper, Martin Garrix, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Grimes, DJ Khaled, Madeon, Gary Clark Jr., Travi$ Scott, SZA, A$AP Ferg, St. Lucia, Desiigner, Banks & Steelz, Kevin Garrett, Bibi Bourelly, Fat White Family, Touché Amoré, Honduras, Car Seat Headrest, Kevin Devine, Cherry Glazerr, Porches, Denzel Curry, Into It. Over It., and more
Why: Jay-Z’s doing everything from sports agenting to festivals, such as Philadelphia’s Made In America.
Web: www.madeinamericafest.com
What: Hopscotch
Where: Raleigh, NC
When: September 8-10
Who: Erykah Badu, Beach House, Young Thug, Andrew Bird, Gary Clark Jr., Sylvan Esso, Wolf Parade, Vince Staples, Television, Converge, Anderson .Paak, Baroness, Wye Oak, Big Freedia, Kelela, Twin Peaks, Lambchop, The Coathangers, Julien Baker, Beach Slang, Quilt, Car Seat Headrest, Diet Cig, and more
Why: The Independent Weekly throws a great fest at venues across Raleigh.
Web: hopscotchmusicfest.com
What: Prog Power USA
Where: Atlanta, GA
When: September 9-10
Who: Circus Maximus, Gloryhammer, Refuge, Vanishing Point, and more
Why: Progressive & metal meet in Altanta, USA.
Web: progpowerusa.com
What: Dancefestopia
Where: Kansas City, MO
When: September 9-11
Who: Adventure Club, Borgore, Excision, Gramatik, GRiZ, RL Grime, EOTO, and more
Why: Get your dance on in the middle of the country.
Web: www.dancefestopia.com
What: High Elevation
Where: Denver, CO
When: September 10
Who: Avenged Sevenfold, Volbeat, Chevelle, Pierce the Veil, Ministry, Killswitch Engage, Sevendust, and more
Why: Get High (Elevation) in Denver with hard rock.
Web: highelevationfestival.com
What: 90s Fest – New York
Where: Governors Island, NY
When: September 10
Who: Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, C&C Music Factory, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Sugar Ray, and more
Why: The festival celebrating the last decade we named hits the road for four iterations.See more in our photo gallery here
Web: 90sfest.com
What: One Music Fest
Where: Atlanta, GA
When: September 10
Who: Ice Cube, Erykah Badu, Dungeon Family, Big Boi, Killer Mike, Cee Lo, Andra Day, A$AP Ferg, Anderson .Paak, BJ the Chicago Kid, Busta Rhyme, Gary Clark Jr., and more
Why: One big Fest at Atlanta’s Lakewood Amphitheatre.
Web: www.onemusicfest.com
What: LouFest
Where: St. Louis, MO
When: September 10-11
Who: LCD Soundsystem, Chris Stapleton, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Band of Horses, Big Gigantic, The Kills, Buddy Guy, Shakey Graves, St. Lucia, Vince Staples, Greensky Bluegrass, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires, Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, Frightened Rabbit, The Heavy, Wild Belle, Twin Peaks, Caveman, Diarrhea Planet, Mothers, and more
Why: Not a celebration of the bassist from Dinosaur Jr. (though they’ve played it…), LouFest celebrates the spirit of St. Louis. Read and see much more in our 2012 recap here
Web: www.loufest.com
What: Harvest Jazz & Blues
Where: Fredericton, NB, Canada
When: September 13-18
Who: Drive-By Truckers, Metric, Robert Cray, Levon Helm’s Midnight Ramble Celebration, The Sheepdogs, The Revivalists, Justin Townes Earle, Wintersleep, Stars, Plants and Animals, The Besnard Lakes, and more
Why: New Brunswick’s Harvest mixes the folk festivals of Canada with the jazz & blues of Acadia’s lineal descendants, Cajun country.
Web: www.harvestjazzandblues.com
What: Mondo
Where: New York, NY
When: September 14-18
Who: A Valley Son, Chromatic, Del Caesar, Hollis Brown, Little Racer, The Jaguar Club, and more
Why: From the creators of CMJ (QRO 2015 recap) comes this latest NYC multi-venue fest. Read & see much more in our big recap here
Web: www.mondo.nyc
What: Turf
Where: Toronto, ON, Canada
When: September 14-19
Who: Death Cab For Cutie, James Bay, Ween, Barenaked Ladies, Jimmy Eat World, Dropkick Murphys, Explosions In the Sky, Jake Bugg, Lush, The Sheepdogs, The Hives, Lake Street Dive, The Hold Steady, The New Pornographers, Guided By Voices, Drive-By Truckers, The Felice Brothers, Okkervil River, Margo Price, The Mekons, Modern Baseball, The Sadies, Julien Baker, Skinny Lister, Julia Jacklin, and more
Why: Toronto’s ‘urban roots fest’ draws from both city & country.
Web: torontourbanrootsfest.com
What: Rifflandia
Where: Victoria, BC, Canada
When: September 15-18
Who: Jurassic 5, Michael Franti, Wolf Parade, X Ambassadors, De La Soul, Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires, Band of Skulls, Lee Scratch Perry, Key n’ Krates, BADBADNOTGOOD, Del the Funky Homosapien, Fruit Bats, We Are the City, JPNSGRLS, and more
Why: Rifflandia returns to the Garden City at Royal Athletic Park.
Web: www.rifflandia.com
What: 90s Fest – Columbus
Where: Columbus, OH
When: September 16
Who: Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Sisqo, and more
Why: The festival celebrating the last decade we named hits the road for four iterations. See more in our photo gallery from 90s Fest New York here
Web: 90sfest.com
What: Basilica SoundScape
Where: Hudson, NY
When: September 16-17
Who: Explosions in the Sky, Wolves in the Throne Room, Angel Olsen, Bell Witch, Youth Code, Angel Deradoorian, Amber Tamblyn, and more
Why: Head up the Hudson for a SoundScape. See more in our 2013 photo gallery here
Web: basilicasoundscape.com
What: Kaaboo
Where: Del Mar, CA
When: September 16-18
Who: Jimmy Buffett, Aerosmith, Jack Johnson, Fall Out Boy, Lenny Kravitz, Hall & Oates, The Avett Brothers, OneRepublic, The Chainsmokers, Steve Aoki, Goo Goo Dolls, Grouplove, Jason Isbell, Third Eye Blind, Capital Cities, Flo Rida, Gavin DeGraw, Rebelution, Atlas Genius, Ludacris, Cypress Hill, Echosmith, Gregg Allman, Andrew McMahon, Citizen Cope, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Shakey Graves, Blues Traveler, G. Love & Special Sauce, The Struts, Sugar Ray, Shvels & Rope, Gin Blossoms, The Wild Feathers, ALO, and more
Why: Kaaboom!
Web: www.kaaboodelmar.com
What: Riot Fest
Where: Chicago, IL
When: September 16-18
Who: The Original Misfits, Morrissey, The Flaming Lips, Sleater-Kinney, Ween, Death Cab For Cutie, Rob Zombie, Social Distortion, Brand New, NAS, The Specials, Deftones, Fitz & The Tantrums, Jimmy Eat World, Descendents, Refused, NOFX, Bad Religion, Pierce The Veil, All Time Low, Underoath, Motion City Soundtrack, Thursday, Jake Bugg, The Hives, Death Grips, Bob Mould, The Hold Steady, Glassjaw, Me First & The Gimme Gimmes, Pepper, Meat Puppets, GZA, The Julia Ruin, The Wonder Years, Method Man & Redman, Dan Deacon, Dee Snider, Andrew W.K., Joey Bada$$, GWAR, Leftöver Crack, Billy Talent, Fucked Up, The Vandals, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Girls Against Boys, The Toasters, Juliette Lewis & The Licks, Swingin’ Utters, Diarrhea Planet, Touché Amoré, People Under the Stairs, White Lung, Violent Soho, Bleached, Off With Their Heads, Laura Stevenson, BIG UPS, and more
Why: Riot Fest collects punks & more, old & young. Read and see much more in our big recap here
Web: www.riotfest.org
What: Telluride Blues & Brew
Where: Telluride, CO
When: September 16-18
Who: Joe Walsh, Gary Clark Jr., The Mick Fleetwood Blues Band, Jason Isbell, Anders Osborne, Shakey Graves, Vintage Trouble, North Mississippi Allstars, Shovels & Rope, Madisen Ward & The Mama Bear, Jamestown Revival, Samantha Fish, The California Honeydrops, and more
Why: Have some blues – and some brews.
Web: www.tellurideblues.com
What: Modern Sky
Where: New York, NY
When: September 17
Who: 马頔 Ma Di, 苏阳 Su Yang , 夜叉 Yaksa, DJ Wordy, The Mystery Lights, Navy Gangs, Breanna Barbara, and more
Why: China’s Modern Sky Festival now comes to Governors Island.
Web: modernskyfestivalnyc.com
What: 90s Fest – Pittsburgh
Where: Pittsburgh, PA
When: September 17
Who: Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Sisqo, Spin Doctors, and more
Why: The festival celebrating the last decade we named hits the road for four iterations. See more in our photo gallery from 90s Fest New York here
Web: 90sfest.com
What: Revolution Rock
Where: Mashantucket, CT
When: September 17
Who: Avenged Sevenfold, Slayer, Volbeat, Chevelle, Of Mice & Men, Anthrax, Ghost, Killswitch Engage, Sevendust, The Amity Affliction, KYNG, Nothing More, Twelve Foot Ninja, Crobot, and Devour The Day, and more
Why: Vermont & Grace Potter do the jam right. See much more in our big 2015 photo gallery here
Web: revolutionrockfestival.com
What: Grand Point North
Where: Burlington, VT
When: September 17-18
Who: Grace Potter, Old Crow Medicine Show, Guster, The Wood Brothers, Kaleo, Blind Pilot, The Record Company, Basia Bulat, and more
Why: Vermont & Grace Potter do the jam right. See much more in our big 2015 photo gallery here
Web: www.grandpointnorth.com
What: Music Midtown
Where: Atlanta, GA
When: September 17-18
Who: The Killers, Twenty One Pilots, Beck, deadmau5, The Lumineers, G-Eazy, Alabama Shakes, Band of Horses, James Bay, Ke$ha, Big Boi, CHVRCHES, Logic, Grouplove, Leon Bridges, Nathaniel Rateliff, City and Colour, Melanie Martinez, St. Lucia, Mayer Hawthrone, Lucius, Corinne Bailey Rae, Pete Yorn, Zella Day, Peter Bjorn and John, The Coathangers, and more
Why: Music comes to Midtown Atlanta.
Web: www.musicmidtown.com
What: The New England Festy Experience
Where: Canton, MA
When: September 17-18
Who: The Infamous Stringdusters, Greensky Bluegrass, Josh Ritter, The Wood Brothers, Justin Townes Earle, Fruition, and more
Why: New England has The Festy Experience. See more in photo gallery from Virginia edition
Web: www.thenewenglandfesty.com
What: Santa Cruz Mountain Sol
Where: Santa Cruz, CA
When: September 17-18
Who: Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic, G Love & Special Sauce, Sheila E, Steve Kimock, Pimps of Joytime, Third World, and more
Why: Head up into the Mountains of Santa Cruz.
Web: www.santacruzmountainsol.com
What: Untapped – San Antonio
Where: San Antonio, TX
When: September 17
Who: Metric, GZA, Tokyo Police Club, and more
Why: Indie music & beer comes to San Antonio. See more in our 2015 Untapped San Antonio photo gallery
Web: untapped-festival.com
What: Rock Allegiance
Where: Chester, PA
When: September 17-18
Who: Avenged Sevenfold, Alice In Chains, Slayer, The Offspring, Breaking Benjamin, Volbeat, Chevelle, The Cult, The Pretty Reckless, Pierce The Veil, Of Mice & Men, Ghost, Anthrax, Killswitch Engage, Baroness, Sevendust, Motionless In White, Buckcherry, Trivium, Jim Breuer and the Loud & Rowdy, Sick Puppies, and more
Why: Pledge Allegiance to the Rock.
Web: rockallegiance.com
What: Outlaw
Where: Scranton, PA
When: September 18
Who: Willie Nelson & Family, Neil Young & Promise of the Real, Sheryl Crow, Chris Robinson Brother, Lee Ann Womack, Brothers Osborne, and more
Why: Outlaw country comes to Montage Mountain.
Web: blackbirdpresents.com/outlaw-music-festival
What: Thrival
Where: Pittsburgh, PA
When: September 20-24
Who: The Chainsmokers, CHVRCHES, Thievery Corporation, Metric, Ty Dolla $ign, Lettuce, Hudson Mohawke, Rubblebucket, Wild Child, and more
Why: A thrilling festival in Pittsburgh.
Web: www.thrivalfestival.com
What: Pop Montréal
Where: Montréal, QC, Canada
When: September 21-25
Who: John Cale, Hayden, Allah-Las, Angel Olsen, Colin Stetson, Diana, Diet Cig, Holy Fuck, John Waters, The Kills, Psychic TV, and more
Why: The artistic alt-CMJ showcases acts based on artistic style, not commercial viability, in the snowy but beautifully European Montreal.
Web: www.popmontreal.com
What: Pygmalion
Where: Champaign-Urbana, IL
When: September 22-24
Who: Future Islands, Vince Staples, Wolf Parade, Frightened Rabbit, Alvvays, Car Seat Headrest, Russian Circles, The Hood Internet, Aloha, Foxing, Mild High Club, Joan of Arc, The World Is a Beautiful Place and I Am No Longer Afraid To Die, Prince Rama, and more
Why: Central Illinois’s Pygmalion Music Festival returns for another year.
Web: www.thepygmalionfestival.com
What: Symbiosis Gathering
Where: Woodward Reservoir, CA
When: September 22-25
Who: Vau De Vire Society, Tourettes Without Regrets, House of Tarot, Fungineers, and more
Why: Central Illinois’s Pygmalion Music Festival returns for another year.
Web: symbiosisgathering.com
What: Cropped Out
Where: Louisville, KY
When: September 23-24
Who: The Dead C, Bitchin’ Bajas & Bonnie Prince Billy, Kool Keith, Bill Callahan, Pissed Jeans, and more
Why: Rock the Catskills!
Web: www.croppedoutmusic.com
What: Catskill Chill
Where: Hancock, NY
When: September 23-25
Who: Mike Gordon, George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic, Greensky Bluegrass, Lettuce, Keller Williams, Break Science, Dopapod, The Werks, Orgone, Tauk, and more
Why: Rock the Catskills!
Web: www.catskillchill.com
What: Desert Stars
Where: Pioneertown, CA
When: September 23-24
Who: Dinosaur Jr., …And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead, Sebadoh, Moon Duo, Sloan, Heron Oblivion, Asteroid No. 4, and more
Why: Be a Pioneer under Desert Stars.
Web: www.desertstarsfestival.com
What: Life Is Beautiful
Where: Las Vegas, NV
When: September 23-25
Who: Mumford & Sons, J. Cole, Major Lazer, The Lumineers, G-Eazy, The Shins, Flume, Jane’s Addiction, Bassnectar, Leon Bridges, Chromeo, Young the Giant, Jimmy Eat World, Die Antwoord, Tegan & Sara, Zhu, Third Eye Blind, Dirty Heads, Bloc Party, The Temper Trap, Crystal Castles, Kehlani, Excision, City and Colour, AlunaGeorge, The Naked and Famous, Gramatik, Pete Yorn, Atlas Genius, Keys N Krates, Warpaint, Band of Skulls, Catfish & The Bottlemen, Kamasi Washington, Oh Wonder, The Wombats, The Heavy, Jess Glynne, Jack Garratt, The Wild Feathers, Hey Marseilles, Coast Modern, and more
Why: Life Is Beautiful in Las Vegas.
Web: lifeisbeautifulfestival.com
What: Midpoint
Where: Cincinnati, OH
When: September 23-25
Who: Band of Horses, Future Islands, JJ Grey & Mofro, Wolf Parade, Reggie Watts, Lucero, Houndmouth, Kamasi Washington, Frightened Rabbit, Bob Mould, Nada Surf, Josh Ritter, Frank Turner, The Mountain Goats, The Wood Brothers, Tokyo Police Club, Car Seat Headrest, Antibalas, Langhorne Slim, The Budos Band, Russian Circles, Aloha, Joan of Arc, and more
Why: Queen City’s festival-cum-industry showcase returns to the Over-the-Rhine district.
Web: www.mpmf.com
What: Global Citizen
Where: New York, NY
When: September 24
Who: Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar, Demi Lovato, Major Lazer, Metallica and more
Why: Some big names fight hunger in Central Park.
Web: www.globalcitizen.org/en/festival/2016/food-hunger
What: Texas Mutiny
Where: Dallas, TX
When: September 24
Who: Avenged Sevenfold, Deftones, Chevelle, Pierce the Veil, Of Mice & Men, Ghost, Candlebox, Skindred and more
Why: Hard rock comes to Texas.
Web: texasmutiny.com
What: Houston Open Air
Where: Houston, TX
When: September 24-25
Who: Avenged Sevenfold, Alice In Chains, Deftones, Slayer, Chevelle, The Cult, Ministry, Ghost, Anthrax, Pierce The Veil, Of Mice & Men, Sevendust, Baroness, Buckcherry, and more
Why: Enjoy the open air of Houston.
Web: www.houstonopenair.com
What: Ozzfest Meets Knotfest
Where: San Bernadino, CA
When: September 24-25
Who: Black Sabbath, Slipknot, Slayer, Disturbed, Megadeth, Opeth, Black Label Society, Anthrax, Trivium, Sabaton, Children of Bodom, Hatebreed, Municipal Waste, Rival Suns, and more
Why: Ozzy Osbourne’s Ozzfest meets Slipknot’s Knotfest
Web: www.ozzfestmeetsknotfest.com
What: Pilgrimage
Where: Franklin, TN
When: September 24-25
Who: Beck, Hall & Oates, Jason Isbell, Grace Potter, Kacey Musgraves, Violent Femmes, The Arcs, CAKE, City and Colour, Shakey Graves, Better Than Ezra, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, The Struts, Margo Price, Brothers Osborne, Blind Pilot, Langhorne Slim & The Law, Wild Belle, The Strumbellas, Son Little, and more
Why: Make a Pilgrimage to Tennessee.
Web: pilgrimagefestival.com
What: Red Bull Music Academy – Montreal
Where: Montreal, QC, Canada
When: September 24 – October 28
Who: Björk, Iggy Pop, Fucked Up, Chilly Gonzales, Tiga, Idgy Dean, Kamron, Parrot Jungle 95, Saniee, Suicideyear, SWISHA, Tide Jewel, and more
Why: Red Bull’s Music Academy comes from NYC to Montreal. Read more in 2015 NYC event review here
Web: www.redbullmusicacademy.com
What: Laid Back – Colorado
Where: Morrison, CO
When: September 25
Who: Gregg Allman, ZZ Top, and more
Why: Gregg Allman gets Laid Back across five cities.
Web: laidbackfestival.com
What: Utopia
Where: Utopia, TX
When: September 29 – October 1
Who: Ratatat, Victor Wooten, Thao & The Get Down Stay Down, White Denim, Rubblebucket, Givers, Chali 2na, Man Or Astro-Man?, Golden Dawn Arkestra, and more Read more in our preview here
Why: Head to Utopia (TX).
Web: www.utopiafest.com
What: Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
Where: San Francisco, CA
When: September 30 – October 2
Who: Allah-Las, Dropkick Murphys, Cyndi Lauper, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Glen Hansard, Steve Earle & The Dukes, Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin, Willie Watson, T Bone Burnett, Delta Rae, Valerie June, The California Honeydrops, Allen Stone, Rosanne Cash, Pimps of Joytime, Nahko and Medicine for the People, Kris Kristofferson, Mary Chapin Carpenter, John Paul White, The Infamous Stringdusters, Jonathan Richman, Shannon and The Clams, Chris Isaak, Robyn Hitchcock, Yo La Tengo, Hayes Carll, M. Ward, Conor Oberst, mekons, CAKE, KT Tunstall, Jackson Browne, Jamestown Revival, Mavis Staples, and more
Why: Golden Gate Park welcomes big names that may not be strictly bluegrass, but is free!
Web: www.hardlystrictlybluegrass.com
What: Huichica East
Where: Pine Plains, NY
When: September 30 – October 1
Who: Phosphorescent, Bill Callahan, Vetiver, Woods, and more
Why: Huichica Festival (see above) comes East. See much more in our 2013 Huichica photo gallery here
Web: huichica.com
What: Austin City Limits
Where: Austin, TX
When: September 30 – October 2 & 7-9
Who: Radiohead, Mumford & Sons, Kendrick Lamar, LCD Soundsystem, Major Lazer, Kygo, Willie Nelson, The Chainsmokers, Flume, Chris Stapleton, M83, HAIM, Cage the Elephant, Schoolboy Q, Two Door Cinema Club, LL Cool J, Band of Horses, Young the Giant, Local Natives, Foals, Die Antwoord, Nathaniel Rateliff, Cold War Kids, Miike Snow, City and Colour, Andrew Bird, Kacey Musgraves, Catfish & The Bottlemen, The Naked and Famous, AWOLNATION, Flying Lotus, Anderson .Paak, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Conor Oberst, Atlas Genius, Corinne Bailey Rae, Margo Price, St. Lucia, Jack Garratt, The Front Bottoms, Frightened Rabbit, Crystal Fighters, Pete Yorn, Andra Day, Chairlift, Alunageorge, The Struts, Wild Belle, The Wombats, Eliot Sumner, Jess Glynne, Bear Hands, Kevin Devine, Bombino, Asleep At the Wheel, Eagulls, Bayonne, Basia Bulat, and many, many more
Why: ‘The Live Music Capital of the World’ & America’s longest-running live music show bring their festival back to Zilker Park with another ridiculously stocked line-up of both old & new, mainstream & not – for two weekends! Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: www.aclfestival.com
October
What: Red Bull Music Academy – Montreal
Where: Montreal, QC, Canada
When: September 24 – October 28
Who: Björk, Iggy Pop, Fucked Up, Chilly Gonzales, Tiga, Idgy Dean, Kamron, Parrot Jungle 95, Saniee, Suicideyear, SWISHA, Tide Jewel, and more
Why: Red Bull’s Music Academy comes from NYC to Montreal. Read more in 2015 NYC event review here
Web: www.redbullmusicacademy.com
What: Utopia
Where: Utopia, TX
When: September 29 – October 2
Who: Ratatat, Victor Wooten, Thao & The Get Down Stay Down, White Denim, Rubblebucket, Givers, Chali 2na, Man Or Astro-Man?, Golden Dawn Arkestra, and more
Why: Head to Utopia (TX).
Web: www.utopiafest.com
What: Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
Where: San Francisco, CA
When: September 30 – October 2
Who: Allah-Las, Dropkick Murphys, Cyndi Lauper, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Glen Hansard, Steve Earle & The Dukes, Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin, Willie Watson, T Bone Burnett, Delta Rae, Valerie June, The California Honeydrops, Allen Stone, Rosanne Cash, Pimps of Joytime, Nahko and Medicine for the People, Kris Kristofferson, Mary Chapin Carpenter, John Paul White, The Infamous Stringdusters, Jonathan Richman, Shannon and The Clams, Chris Isaak, Robyn Hitchcock, Yo La Tengo, Hayes Carll, M. Ward, Conor Oberst, mekons, CAKE, KT Tunstall, Jackson Browne, Jamestown Revival, Mavis Staples, and more
Why: Golden Gate Park welcomes big names that may not be strictly bluegrass, but is free!
Web: www.hardlystrictlybluegrass.com
What: Huichica East
Where: Pine Plains, NY
When: September 30 – October 1
Who: Phosphorescent, Bill Callahan, Vetiver, Woods, and more
Why: Huichica Festival (see above) comes East. See much more in our 2013 Huichica photo gallery here
Web: huichica.com
What: Austin City Limits
Where: Austin, TX
When: September 30 – October 2 & 7-9
Who: Radiohead, Mumford & Sons, Kendrick Lamar, LCD Soundsystem, Major Lazer, Kygo, Willie Nelson, The Chainsmokers, Flume, Chris Stapleton, M83, HAIM, Cage the Elephant, Schoolboy Q, Two Door Cinema Club, LL Cool J, Band of Horses, Young the Giant, Local Natives, Foals, Die Antwoord, Nathaniel Rateliff, Cold War Kids, Miike Snow, City and Colour, Andrew Bird, Kacey Musgraves, Catfish & The Bottlemen, The Naked and Famous, AWOLNATION, Flying Lotus, Anderson .Paak, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Conor Oberst, Atlas Genius, Corinne Bailey Rae, Margo Price, St. Lucia, Jack Garratt, The Front Bottoms, Frightened Rabbit, Crystal Fighters, Pete Yorn, Andra Day, Chairlift, Alunageorge, THe Struts, Wild Belle, The Wombats, Eliot Sumner, Jess Glynne, Bear Hands, Kevin Devine, Bombino, Asleep At the Wheel, Eagulls, Bayonne, Basia Bulat, and many, many more
Why: ‘The Live Music Capital of the World’ & America’s longest-running live music show bring their festival back to Zilker Park with another ridiculously stocked line-up of both old & new, mainstream & not – for two weekends! Read & see much more in our 205 recap here
Web: www.aclfestival.com
What: Live Out
Where: Monterrey, Mexico
When: October 1
Who: Kings of Leon, Oh Wonder, CHVRCHES, !!!, Twenty One Pilots, Jake Bugg, Kevin Garrett, YACHT, Black Pistol Fire, Foals, and more
Why: Head down to Monterrey – Mexico – to Live Out.
Web: liveoutoficial.com.mx
What: Project Pabst – Atlanta
Where: Atlanta, GA
When: October 1
Who: Run The Jewels, Mastodon, Santigold, NOFX, Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires, The Internet, Real Estate, Titus Andronicus, and more
Why: The beer of choice for hipsters (and Dennis Hopper in Blue Velvet) throws festivals across the country. Read & see more in our 2016 recap here
Web: projectpabst.com/event
What: Louder Than Life
Where: Louisville, KY
When: October 1-2
Who: Slipknot, Avenged Sevenfold, Disturbed, Slayer, The Cult, Korn, Ghost, The Pretty Reckless, Pierce the Veil, Clutch, Cheap Trick, Anthrax, Motionless In White, and more
Why: Music + bourbon + ‘gourmet man food’.
Web: louderthanlifefestival.com
What: Meadows
Where: Queens, NY
When: October 1-2
Who: Kanye West, The Weeknd, Chance the Rapper, Kygo, The 1975, Grimes, Empire of the Sun, Chromeo, Damien Marley, Mac Miller, Cage the Elephant, ZHU, Metric, BØRNS, Savages, Twin Shadow, Sylvan Esso, Post Malone, Pusha T, Kamasi Washington, Jack Garratt, Yeasayer, Frightened Rabbit, Charles Bradley, The Temper Trap, Chairlift, Zella Day, Robert DeLong, Miami Horror, Lolawolf, Coast Modern, Mas Ysa, and more
Why: The folks behind Governors Ball (see above) head to Citi Field.
Web: themeadowsnyc.com
What: Roots Picnic NYC
Where: New York, NY
When: October 1-2
Who: The Roots, Wu-Tang Clan, D’Angelo, David Byrne, John Mayer, Nile Rodgers, X Ambassadors, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Kevin Gates, Deerhoof, Jeremih, Freddie Gibbs, Jerrod Carmichael, Echosmith, DJ ?uestlove, Yuna, Emily Wells, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Neal Brennan, Bibi Bourelly, and more
Why: In addition to their usual outing in their birthplace of Philly (see above), The Roots also hold a picnic in their new digs, New York City.
Web: rootspicnic.com/newyork
What: Lincoln Calling
Where: Lincoln, NE
When: October 6-8
Who: Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires, Real Estate, Kali Uchis, Cloud Nothings, Twin Peaks, Ceremony, Screaming Females, White Mystery, Esmé Patterson, Megafauna, The Kickback, and more
Why: Lincoln, Nebraska is Calling.
Web: www.lincolncalling.com
What: Desert Trip
Where: Indio, CA
When: October 7-9
Who: The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Neil Young, Roger Waters, and The Who
Why: The grounds of Coachella hold six artists that you’ve always wanted to see, no matter your age or theirs.
Web: home.deserttrip.com
What: The Festy Experience
Where: Arrington, VA
When: October 7-9
Who: The Infamous Stringdusters, Lyle Lovett & Robert Earl Keen, Nicki Bluhm, Sam Bush Band, Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn, Mary Chapin Carpenter, North Mississippi Allstars & Anders Osborne, Lee Ann Womack, Rubblebuckt, Elephant Revival, Steep Canyon Rangers, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, Sara Watkins, Nikki Lane, and more
Why: Have The Festy Experience. See much more in our photo gallery here
Web: www.thefesty.com
What: Project Pabst – Philadelphia
Where: Philadelphia, PA
When: October 8
Who: Animal Collective, Hop Along, Mac DeMarco, Guided by Voices, Beach Slang, Diarrhea Planet, and more
Why: The beer of choice for hipsters (and Dennis Hopper in Blue Velvet) throws festivals across the country. Read & see more in our 2016 Portland recap here
Web: projectpabst.com/event
What: David Lynch’s Festival of Disruption
Where: Los Angeles, CA
When: October 8-9
Who: Robert Plant & The Sensational Space Shifters, David Lynch, St. Vincent, ?uestolove, Kyle MacLachlan & Laura Dern, Mel Brooks, Rhye, Jon Hopkins, Frank Gehry, Debbie Harry & Shris Stein, and more
Why: David Lynch Disrupts Ace Hotel in L.A.
Web: festivalofdisruption.com/#festival
What: Hillberry
Where: Eureka Springs, AR
When: October 13-16
Who: Railroad Earth, Greensky Bluegrass, The Infamous Stringdusters, The Travelin’ McCourys, and more
Why: Railroad Earth brings a harvest festival to Arkansas.
Web: hillberryfestival.com
What: Afropunk Atlanta
Where: Atlanta, GA
When: October 14-16
Who: Tyler, the Creator, SZA, Earl Sweatshirt, Saul Williams, Letlive, Goldlink, Big Freedia, Kelela, Gallant, Sir the Baptist, and more
Why: Afropunk (see above) heads down south. See more in our 2015 Afropunk photo gallery here
Web: afropunkfest.com/atlanta
What: Desert Daze
Where: Joshua Tree, CA
When: October 14-16
Who: Primus, Television, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Washed Out, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, The Sonics, Deerhunter, The Black Angels, Andrew W.K., Saul Williams, Thee Oh Sees, Connan Mockasin, Deafheaven, Beach Fossils, Temples, Pond, Suuns, Dead Meadow, Cherry Glazerr, La Luz, Here We Go Magic, Thao & The Get Down Stay Down, Bombino, White Fence, Night Beats, Fat White Family, Deap Vally, Deakin, Lumerians, Ryley Walker, Vinyl Williams, Yonatan Gat, L.A. Witch, and more
Why: Head into the Desert for Daze.
Web: desertdaze.org
What: Treasure Island
Where: San Francisco, CA
When: October 15-16
Who: Sigur Rós, Ice Cub, James Blake, Purity Ring, ZHU, Glass Animals, Tycho, Duke Dumont, Mac DeMarco, Young Thug, Sylvan Esso, Christine & The Queens, Stormzy, Neon Indian, Wild Nothing, Deafheaven, Kelela, How To Dress Well, HINDS, Car Seat Headrest, and more
Why: One of the most interesting festivals, with a Saturday of electronica & a Sunday of indie, continues in one of the most interesting settings. See much more in our 2015 photo gallery here
Web: www.treasureislandfestival.com
What: Untapped – Houston
Where: Houston, TX
When: October 22
Who: Dr. Dog, Neon Indian, Still Corners, and more
Why: Indie music & beer comes to Houston. See more in our 2015 Untapped San Antonio photo gallery
Web: untapped-festival.com
What: Aftershock
Where: Sacramento, CA
When: October 22-23
Who: Tool, Avenged Sevenfold, Korn, Disturbed, Slayer, Puscifer, Primus, Chevelle, Ghost, The Pretty Reckless, Anthrax, Baroness, Deafheaven, Motionless In White, and more
Why: Today’s hard rock comes to the capitol of the Bear Republic.
Web: www.aftershockconcert.com
What: Beach Goth
Where: Santa Ana, CA
When: October 22-23
Who: Bon Iver, The Growlers, Justice, Gucci Mane, James Blake, King Krule, RL Grime, Future Islands, Nicolas Jaar, Violent Femmes, TLC, Patti Smith, The Drums, Devendra Banhart, Melanie Martinez, Kali Uchs, The Faint, Cold Cave, XXYYXX, Tricky, Albert Hammond Jr., Wild Nothing, Chicano Batman, The Pharcyde, Reel Big Fish, HINDS, TSOL, TOPS, Timbre Timbre, Rey Pila, and more
Why: The Growlers bring the goths to the beach.
Web: www.beachgothfest.com
What: Bridge School Benefit
Where: Mountain View, CA
When: October 22-23
Who: Neil Young & Promise of the Real, Metallica, Roger Waters, Dave Matthews, Willie Nelson, My Morning Jacket, Norah Jones, Cage the Elephant, and more
Why: Neil & Pegi Young hold their 30th anniversary benefit for Bridge School at Shoreline Amphitheatre.
Web: www.bridgeschool.org/concert
What: Fest 15
Where: Gainesville, FL
When: October 28-30
Who: Propagandhi, Less Than Jake, The Ergs!, Dillinger Four, Off With Their Heads, Strike Anywhere, Latterman, A Wilhelm Scream, The Flatliners, Braid, Dead To Me, The Menzingers, Mustard Plug, Small Brown Bike, Tim Barry, and more
Why: Punk of all stripes returns to north Florida over Halloween.
Web: www.thefestfl.com
What: Freaky Deaky
Where: Bridgeview, IL
When: October 28-30
Who: Tiësto, Disclosure, DJ Snake, DJ Khaled, ScHoolboy Q, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Travi$ Scott, A$ARP Ferg, Gramatik, Boys Noize, Desiigner, Duke Dumont, ilovemakonnen, Metro Boomin, Paper Diamond, Black Tiger Sex Machine, Destructo, Flatbush Zombies, Nervo, Rudimental, Dubfire, Jamie Jones, and more
Why: Get Freaky Deaky right before Halloween.
Web: www.freakydeakyhalloween.com
What: Voodoo Experience
Where: New Orleans, LA
When: October 28-30
Who: Tool, Arcade Fire, The Weeknd, G-Eazy, The Chainsmokers, Band of Horses, Cage the Elephant, Kevin Gates, Die Antwoord, Porter Robinson, Carnage, Foals, Rebelution, Exicision, Gramatik, Ghost, Tory Lanez, STS9, MUTEMATH, Puscifer, The Flaypool Lennon Delirium, Beats Antique, Melanie Martinez, Anderson .Paak, Reignwolf, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Mayer Hawthorne, Charles Bradley, Shakey Graves, Wild Belle, Oh Wonder, Chairlift, The Pretty Reckless, Bear Hands, Cheat Codes, and many more
Why: Expect sights & sounds that you won’t/can’t forget in the Big Easy just before All Hallow’s Eve. Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: worshipthemusic.com
What: Festival Supreme
Where: Los Angeles, CA
When: October 29
Who: Tenacious D, Flight of the Conchords, Weird Al Yankovic, Patton Oswalt, Mac DeMarco, Sarah Silverman, Will Forte, Fred Armisen, Maya Rudolph, Nancy Whang, Eric Andre, Wet Hot American Summer, Tim Heidecker, Jenny Slate, The Vandals, Garfunkel & Oates, Gelmania, Jonathan Toubin, and more
Why: The greatest band in the world brings a (mostly) comedy festival to Los Angeles.
Web: festivalsupreme.com
November & December
What: EDC Orlando
Where: Orlando, FL
When: November 4-5
Who: 12th Planet, Above & Beyond, Boombox Cartel, The Chainsmokers, Keys N Krates, Nero, Axwell, Bassnectar, Hardwell, Porter Robinson, RL Grime, Tokimonsta, and more
Why: Electric Daisy Carnival is made for South Florida.
Web: orlando.electricdaisycarnival.com
What: Sound on Sound
Where: McDade, TX
When: November 4-6
Who: Beach House, Explosions In the Sky, Phantogram, Run the Jewels, Big Boi, Purity Ring, Descendents, Courtney Barnett, Death Grips, Young Thug, Thursday, Mac DeMarco, Wale, Guided by Voices, FLAG, Boys Noize, A-Trak, Charles Bradley, FIDLAR, The Dead Milkmen, Youth of Today, STRFKR, Jagwar Ma, Thee Oh Sees, Wild Nothing, Aesop Rock, Cursive, Touché Amoré, Bob Mould, Dillinger Escape Plan, Girls Against Boys, Baroness, Thundercat, Empress Of, Car Seat Headrest, Shannon & The Clams, HINDS, METZ, Protomartyr, Baio, Bully, Diarrhea Planet, Alex G, The Range, Beach Slang, Into It. Over It., The Relationship, Diet Cig, and more
Why: Finally renaming itself, formerly Fun Fun Fun Fest (QRO 2015 recap) is now Sound on Sound – but still fun. Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: www.soundonsoundfest.com
What: Brooklyn Electronic
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When: November 4-12
Who: Amtrac, Benji B, Danny Daze, FaltyDL, Kidnap Kid, Róisín Murphy, The Black Madonna, and more
Why: Brooklyn holds it down on the electronics. Read & see much more in our 2009 Brooklyn Electronic Music Festival recap here
Web: brooklynemf.com
What: Untapped – Dallas
Where: Dallas, TX
When: November 12
Who: TV On the Radio, Gogol Bordello, Kaleo, Bishop Briggs, Adia Victoria and more
Why: Indie music & beer comes to Dallas. See more in our 2015 Untapped San Antonio photo gallery
Web: untapped-festival.com
What: Camp Flog Gnaw
Where: Los Angeles, CA
When: November 12-13
Who: Tyler, the Creator, Lil Wayne, Erykah Badu, A$AP Rocky, ScHoolboy Q, Chance the Rapper, Sremmlife Crew, Pretty Lights, Kehlani, Gallant, DJ Mustard, SZA, Death Grips, Action Bronson, Flatbush Zombies, Kamasi Washington, Anderson .Paak, Toro y Moi, Joey Bada$$, The Internet, A$AP Ferg, Sleigh Bells, and more
Why: Tyler, the Creator goes to Camp.
Web: www.campfloggnaw.com
What: Welcome To Jam Rock
Where: Ft. Lauderdale, FL to Montego Bay, Jamaica
When: November 16-19
Who: Damian Marley, Stephen Marley, Toots & The Maytals, Steel Pulse, Sean Paul, Tarrus Riley, Bounty Killer, Mavado, Mr. Vegas, Junior Reid, Collie Buddz, Chaka Demus & Pliers, Romain Virgo, J Boog and Kabaka Pyramid, and more
Why: Go on the high seas.
Web: welcometojamrockreggaecruise.com
What: M Is For Montreal
Where: Montreal, PQ, Canada
When: November 16-19
Who: Martha Wainwright, Brendan Canning, Moonface, NOBUNNY, Caspian, and more
Why: ‘M’ doesn’t just stand for ‘murder’.
Web: www.mformontreal.com/mformontreal
What: Corona Capital
Where: Mexico City, Mexico
When: November 19-20
Who: The Killers, LCD Soundsystem, Lana Del Rey, Air, Kraftwerk, Pet Shop Boys, Animal Collective, HAIM, Grimes, Suede, Galantis, Band of Horses, Fischerspooner, Richard Ashcroft, Yeasayer, Warpaint, Courtney Barnett, Tegan & Sara, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Eagles of Death Metal, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Peter Bjorn and John, Super Furry Animals, AlunaGeorge, Dashboard Confessional, Walk the Moon, Wild Nothing, Wild Beasts, Yuck, Parquet Courts, Allah-Las, The Struts, Bleached, Caveman, and more
Why: Your favorite beer from south of the border gives you a very good reason to go down Mexico way.
Web: www.coronacapital.com.mx
What: Dominican Holidaze
Where: Punta Cana, Dominican Repubic
When: December 1-5
Who: Umphrey’s McGee, STS9, The Disco Biscuits, Joe Russo, Lotus, and more
Why: Jam in the Dominican Republic.
Web: www.dominicanholidaze.com
What: Strings & Sol
Where: Puerto Moreles, Mexico
When: December 9-13
Who: Yonder Mountain String Band, Greensky Bluegrass, Railroad Earth, Leftover Salmon, The Infamous Stringdusters, Keller Williams, Nicki Bluhm, and more
Why: Jam on the Strings in the Sol down Mexico way.
Web: www.stringsandsol.com
What: Day For Night
Where: Houston, TX
When: December 17-18
Who: Aphex Twin, ODESZA, Nick Murphy, Travi$ Scott, Run the Jewels, Butthole Surfers, RZA, Banks, Blood Orange, The Jesus & Mary Chain, Little Dragon, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Blonde Redhead, John Carpenter, Tycho, Lower Dens, Oneohtrix Point Never, Kamasi Washington, Fat Tony, Lightning Bolt, Ariel Pink, Chelsea Wolfe, Wild Moccasins, and more
Why: Art meets music to close out 2016. Read & see more in our recap here
Web: www.dayfornight.io
