2018 Festival Guide

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....
2014 Festival Guide

2018 Festival Guide

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 dates: 326

Total festivals with full line-ups: 308

 

Updated continuously throughout the year with new acts, dates, festivals & coverage

 


January & February

Voices On the Hudson

What: Voices On the Hudson
Where: New York, NY
When: January 4 – March 19
Who: Teddy Thompson, Peter Yarrow, Charlie Mars, Hollis Brown, Sean Rowe, Kevin Kinney, Ryan Montbleau, Kat Edmonson, Mary Gauthier, Michelle Shocked, Eleanor Friedberger, Nellie McKay, Laura Cantrell, Robbie Fulks, and more
Why: City Winery (QRO venue review) sister venue City Vineyard brings Voices to the Hudson.
Web: www.cityvineyardnyc.com/voicesonthehudson.html

 

Holy Ship!

What: Holy Ship!
Where: Port Canaveral, FL to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas to Nassau, Bahamas
When: January 6-10
Who: A-Trak, Baauer, Claude Von Stroke, Gorgon City, Justin Martin, Kaskade, Kill the Noise, Louis the Child, Tchami, AC Slater, Soul Clap, Wolf + Lamb, and more
Why: Holy ship that’s a lot of DJs!
Web: holyship.com

 

Holy Ship!

What: Holy Ship!
Where: Port Canaveral, FL to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas to Nassau, Bahamas
When: January 10-13
Who: Alison Wonderland, The Black Madonna, Excision, GTA, Jauz, Justin Martin, NGHTMRE, What So Not, 12th Planet, AC Slater, Cookie Monsta, and more
Why: Holy ship that’s a lot of DJs!
Web: holyship.com

 

Shivering Songs

What: Shivering Songs
Where: Fredericton, NB, Canada
When: January 18-21
Who: Tim Baker, Sandro Perri, Fiver, Catherine Maclellan, The Olympic Symphonium, Timber Timbre, and more
Why: The Olympic Symphonium’s hometown festival returns.
Web: shiveringsongs.com

 

Shiprocked

What: Shiprocked
Where: Miami, FL to Nassau, Bahamas
When: January 21-25
Who: Stone Sour, Seether, In This Moment, Black Label Society, P.O.D., Nothing More, Starset, Beartooth, and more
Why: A hard rock cruise.
Web: www.shiprocked.com

 

American Songbook

What: American Songbook
Where: Lincoln Center, New York, NY
When: January 24 – March 27
Who: John Paul White, Cloud Cult, Shelby Lynne & Allison Moorer, Rachel Bloom & Adam Schlesinger, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Jalen N’Gonda, Randy Newman, Rosanne Cash, and more
Why: Pretty much the classiest venue out there, Lincoln Center celebrates American songwriting at Appel Room (as well as David Rubenstein Atrium & Rose Theatre). See our venue review & photos of Lincoln Center’s Appel Room here
Web: www.americansongbook.org

 

Tuscon Gem & Jam

What: Tuscon Gem & Jam
Where: Tuscon, AZ
When: January 25-28
Who: STS9, Lettuce, Greensky Bluegrass, Railroad Earth, Emancipator, Breaking Biscuits, Papadosio, and more
Why: Spin some beats & groove some james while you look at some gems.
Web: gemandjamfestival.com

 

Timbrrr Winter

What: Timbrrr Winter
Where: Leavenworth, WA
When: January 26-27
Who: Ra Ra Riot, Cave Singers, Hobosexual, Y La Bamba, and more
Why: Timbrr!
Web: www.timbermusicfest.com

 

EcstaticWhat: Ecstatic
Where: New York, NY
When: January 27 – April 26
Who: Xenia Rubinos, Kronos Quartet, Glasser, Juliana Barwic, Adam Schatz and more
Why: The burgeoning indie-classical genre gets Ecstatic with the latest series of events at Merkin Concert Hall.
Web: www.ecstaticmusicfestival.com

 

Girlschool LA

What: Girlschool LA
Where: Los Angeles, CA
When: February 2-4
Who: Shirley Manson, The Girlschool Choir, Jay Som, Kristin Kontrol, Amber Coffman, and more
Why: To benefit WriteGirl.org.
Web: girlschoolla.com

 

Megaphono

What: Megaphono
Where: Ottawa, ON, Canada
When: February 8-10
Who: Lido Pimienta, Silla and Rise, Above Top Secret, Eric Landry, Nap Eyes, and more
Why: The Canadian capital gets a Megaphono.
Web: www.megaphono.tv

 

Monsters of Rock Cruise

What: Monsters of Rock Cruise
Where: Miami, FL to Falmouth, Jamaica
When: February 11-16
Who: Tesla, Queensrÿche, Thunder, Lita Ford, Winger, British Lion, LA Guns, and more
Why: Aging Rock Monsters take a Cruise.
Web: monstersofrockcruise.com

 

Noise Pop

What: Noise Pop
Where: San Francisco, CA and Oakland, CA
When: February 19-25
Who: tUnE-yArDs, Built To Spill, Ty Dolla $ign, Real Estate, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Jay Electronica, Parquet Courts, San Fermin, Why?, Superchunk, Waxhatchee, Toro y Moi, Bahamas, Rostam, Shabazz Palaces, Japanese Breakfast, The Album Leaf, Langhorne Slim, Jay Som, Tei Shi, Bully, Alex Cameron, Girlpool, Dengue Fever, No Age, Shamir, Mount Eeri, The Coathangers, The Fresh & Onlys, Jeff Rosenstock, Enter Shikari, The Hotelier, Night Beats, Ha Ha Tonka, The Weather Station, Death Valley Girls, and more
Why: Venues across San Francisco (and now Oakland!) have a nice line-up of acts from the hottest in today’s indie-rock to ultra-vets & in between.
Web: noisepop.com/2018

 

Winter Wondergrass Colorado

What: Winter Wondergrass Colorado
Where: Steamboat Springs, CO
When: February 23-25
Who: Greensky Bluegrass, Elephant Revival, Yonder Mountain String Band, Leftover Salmon, Fruition, Travelin’ McCourys, and more
Why: Embrace the Wonderful bluegrass sounds in Colorado.
Web: www.winterwondergrass.com/colorado-home

 


March

Voices On the Hudson

What: Voices On the Hudson
Where: New York, NY
When: January 4 – March 19
Who: Teddy Thompson, Peter Yarrow, Charlie Mars, Hollis Brown, Sean Rowe, Kevin Kinney, Ryan Montbleau, Kat Edmonson, Mary Gauthier, Michelle Shocked, Eleanor Friedberger, Nellie McKay, Laura Cantrell, Robbie Fulks, and more
Why: City Winery (QRO venue review) sister venue City Vineyard brings Voices to the Hudson.
Web: www.cityvineyardnyc.com/voicesonthehudson.html

 

American Songbook

What: American Songbook
Where: Lincoln Center, New York, NY
When: January 24 – March 27
Who: John Paul White, Cloud Cult, Shelby Lynne & Allison Moorer, Rachel Bloom & Adam Schlesinger, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Jalen N’Gonda, Randy Newman, Rosanne Cash, and more
Why: Pretty much the classiest venue out there, Lincoln Center celebrates American songwriting at Appel Room (as well as David Rubenstein Atrium & Rose Theatre). See our venue review & photos of Lincoln Center’s Appel Room here
Web: www.americansongbook.org

 

EcstaticWhat: Ecstatic
Where: New York, NY
When: January 27 – April 26
Who: Xenia Rubinos, Kronos Quartet, Glasser, Juliana Barwic, Adam Schatz and more
Why: The burgeoning indie-classical genre gets Ecstatic with the latest series of events at Merkin Concert Hall.
Web: www.ecstaticmusicfestival.com

 

Okeechobee

What: Okeechobee
Where: Okeechobee, FL
When: March 1-4
Who: Arcade Fire, Bassnectar, Halsey, Travis Scott, Snoop Dogg, Khalid, Foster the People, Leon Bridges, The Flaming Lips, Zeds Dead, Slightly Stoopid, Tipper, Big Gigantic, STS9, Local Natives, Gramatik, Illenium, Trombone Short & Orleans Avenue, Thievery Corporation, Tycho, Lil Dicky, Sylvan Esso, Judah & The Lion, SuperDuperKyle, MisterWives, Sofi Tukker, Lettuce, Billie Eilish, Denzel Curry, Allah-Las, Nightmares On Wax, Chicano Batman, Hippo Campus, Tukuaz, Hiss Golden Messenger, The Districts, Basia Bulat, and more
Why: A new, popular, and diverse festival down in warm Florida.
Web: okeechobeefest.com

 

Wanderlust Oahu

What: Wanderlust Oahu
Where: Oahu, HI
When: March 1-4
Who: Xavier Rudd, DJ Drez and Good Crush, 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/

 

McDowell Mountain

What: McDowell Mountain
Where: Phoenix, AZ
When: March 2-4
Who: Nick Murphy, Big Gigantic, Griz, Father John Misty, The Revivalists, Gorgon City, Cut Copy, O.A.R., Mura Masa, Dr. Dog, Jai Wolf, Washed out, Anderson East, The Motet, White Denim, Com Truise, Seratones, and more
Why: Phoenix gets a better jam-band festival.
Web: mmmf.com

 

Nrmal

What: Nrmal
Where: Mexico City, Mexico
When: March 3
Who: Explosions In the Sky, Mac DeMarco, Sleep, and more
Why: Head down Mexico way for Festival Nrmal.
Web: www.festivalnrmal.net

 

Air + Style L.A.

What: Air + Style L.A.
Where: Los Angeles, CA
When: March 3-4
Who: Phoenix, Zedd, Gucci Mane, Cashmere Cat, Cut Copy, DRAM, GRiZ, Mura Masa, Phantogram, Washed Out, Cloud Nothings, Twin Peaks, and more
Why: Head to Los Angeles to grab some air – and some style. See more in our 2015 photo gallery here
Web: https://airandstyle.com/

 

CRSSD - Spring

What: CRSSD – Spring
Where: San Diego, CA
When: March 3-4
Who: Empire of the Sun, Gorgon City, Bonobo, Little Dragon, Gryffin, The Presets, SNBRN, Tchami, Jai Wolf, Nora En Pure, Wax Motif, and more
Why: Spinning up a strong electronic festival at San Diego’s Waterfront Park. Read much more in our 2017 recap here
Web: crssdfest.com

 

Savannah Stopover

What: Savannah Stopover
Where: Savannah, GA
When: March 8-10
Who: of Montreal, Nikki Lane, Wild Child, Larkin Poe, The Cave Singers, Yonatan Gat, Public Access TV, Caroline Rose, Shopping, Vundabar, Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics, Liz Cooper & The Stampede, David Barbe, Honduras, 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

 

The Buku Project

What: The Buku Project
Where: New Orleans, LA
When: March 9-10
Who: Bassnectar, Migos, MGMT, SZA, A Day To Remember, Alison Wonderland, Isaiah Rashad, Borgore, Flatbush Zombies, Sylvan Esso, Bonobo, Mura Masa, Little Dragon, Green Velvet, Jay Electronica, Snakehips, Gryffin, Bishop Briggs, Jai Wolf, Princess Nokia, and more Read more in our preview here
Why: The Buku Project brings electronica & more to the Big Easy. Read & see much more in our 2015 recap here
Web: thebukuproject.com

 

Gasparilla

What: Gasparilla
Where: Tampa, FL
When: March 10-11
Who: Break Science, The Roots, Father John Misty, Spoon, Break Science, Mondo Cozmo, and more
Why: Southern Florida gets a nice early fest.
Web: gasparillamusic.com

 

SXSW

What: South-by-Southwest
Where: Austin, TX
When: March 12-18
Who: More than you count
Why: Still the bar by which all other of the multiplying music industry expos are judged by – and still the best. Read & see much, much more in our big recap here
Web: sxsw.com

 

Musink

What: Musink
Where: Costa Mesa, CA
When: March 16-18
Who: Blink-182, Descendents, Lil Yachty, Machine Gun Kelly, Fear, Good Charlotte, Strung Out, and more
Why: Blink 182’s Travis Barker brings music together with a tattoo convention.
Web: musinkfest.com

 

Pot of Gold

What: Pot of Gold
Where: Chandler, AZ
When: March 16-18
Who: Russ, Phil Lesh, Rebelution, Big Head Todd & The Monsters, BoomBox, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Con Brio, Dirty Heads, Donovan Frankenreiter, G. Love & Special Sauce, Pepper, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Sturgill Simpson, Tauk, The Infamous Stringdusters, and more
Why: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Arizona.
Web: www.potofgoldaz.com

 

Treefort

What: Treefort
Where: Boise, ID
When: March 21-25
Who: George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic, Andrew W.K., Zola Jesus, Oddisee & Good Company, Connan Mockasin, Built To Spill, Galactic, Twin Peaks, Cindy Wilson, Hanni El Khatib, Antibalas, U.S. Girls, Treepeople, The Distriks, Mirah, Titus Andronicus, The Suffers, Kelly Lee Owens, PUJOL, Field Medic, Vundabar, Ed Scharder, Skating Polly, Robin Bacior, and more
Why: Go to your own private Idaho for Treefort.
Web: treefortmusicfest.com

 

Big Ears

What: Big Ears
Where: Knoxville, TN
When: March 22-25
Who: Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Algiers, Bang On a Can All Stars, Diamanda Galas, Four Tet, Jenny Hval, Jon Gibson, Julie Byrne, Kelly Lee Owens, Kid Koala, Lightning Bolt, Lucius, Medeski Martin & Mood, Nels Cline, Rostam, Sam Amidon, Steve Gunn, Suuns, and more
Why: Knoxville’s super-classy high art music festival returns. Read & see more in our 2015 recap here
Web: www.bigearsfestival.com

 

Hogs For a Cause

What: Hogs For a Cause
Where: New Orleans, LA
When: March 23-24
Who: North Mississippi Osbourne, The Band of Heathens, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Sweet Spirit, Samantha Fish, Son Little, and more
Why: Some hogs (and music) for a cause.
Web: www.hogsforthecause.org

 

Ultra

What: Ultra
Where: Miami, FL
When: March 23-25
Who: Afrojack, Armin Van Buuren, Axwell Ingrosso, Carl Cox, The Chainsmokers, David Guetta, Hardwell, J.E.S.U.S, Kaskade, Maceo Plex, Marshmello, RL Grime, Nicky Romero, Sasha John Digweed, Steve AOki, Tiesto, Azealia Banks, Crystal Method, Empire of the Sun, The Wailers, Audien, Keys N Krates, Matoma, What So Not, Sub Focus, 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

 

In Bloom

What: In Bloom
Where: Houston, TX
When: March 24-25
Who: Beck, Queens of the Stone Age, Incubus, Martin Garrix, Lil Uzi Vert, 21 Savage, Explosions In the Sky, Broken Social Scene, Grizzly Bear, Lil Dicky, Sylvan Esso, Highly Suspect, DRAM, T-Pain, Gramatik, Moon Taxi, Houndmouth, Broods, Twin Shadow, Wolf Alice, Ying Yang Twins, Craig Finn, Dhani Harrison, Son Little, Mikky Ekko, and more
Why: Check this new cheap & winning festival. Read much more in our recap here
Web: www.inbloomfestival.com

 


April

American Songbook

What: American Songbook
Where: Lincoln Center, New York, NY
When: January 24 – March 27
Who: John Paul White, Cloud Cult, Shelby Lynne & Allison Moorer, Rachel Bloom & Adam Schlesinger, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Jalen N’Gonda, Randy Newman, Rosanne Cash, and more
Why: Pretty much the classiest venue out there, Lincoln Center celebrates American songwriting at Appel Room (as well as David Rubenstein Atrium & Rose Theatre). See our venue review & photos of Lincoln Center’s Appel Room here
Web: www.americansongbook.org

 

EcstaticWhat: Ecstatic
Where: New York, NY
When: January 27 – April 26
Who: Xenia Rubinos, Kronos Quartet, Glasser, Juliana Barwic, Adam Schatz and more
Why: The burgeoning indie-classical genre gets Ecstatic with the latest series of events at Merkin Concert Hall.
Web: www.ecstaticmusicfestival.com

 

 

Mission Creek
What: Mission Creek
Where: Iowa City, IA
When: April 3-8
Who: Built To Spill, Wye Oak, Jamila Woods, Carrie Brownstein & Roxane Gay & Amber Tamblyn, Bassem Yousseh, Julien Baker, Margaret Glaspy, Algiers, Xylouris White, Laurel Halo, S. Carey, Horse Feathers, Gordi, and more
Why: Iowa City kicks if off early with some interesting names.
Web: missioncreekfestival.com

 

Emerge

What: Emerge
Where: Las Vegas, NV
When:
April 6-8
Who: Andrew Gibson, Downtown Boys, Hamell On Trial, Hurray For the Riff Raff, Jeff Rosenstock, Kevin Morby, Liz Cooper, Lower Dens, Madame Gandhi, Michael Blume, OK Go, Sir the Baptist, Starcrawler, Warbly Jets, Waxahatchee, and more
Why: A “music + impact” conference on the Las Vegas Strip.
Web:
www.emergelv.com

 

Minus Zero

What: Minus Zero
Where: Somerset, VT
When:
April 6-8
Who: ODESZA, Zeds Dead, Claude Vonstroke, Tipper, Jai Wolf, Rezz, and more
Why: DJs & snow.
Web:
www.minuszerofestival.com

 

Tortuga

What: Tortuga
Where: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
When: April 6-8
Who: Florida Georgia Line, Keith Urban, Eric Church, Snoop Dogg, Brothers Osborne, Dwight Yoakam, Kip More, Cheap Trick, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Shaggy, and more
Why: For spring break, go country in Ft. Lauderdale. Read & see much more in our 2013 recap here
Web: www.tortugamusicfestival.com

 

Winter Wondergrass California

What: Winter Wondergrass California
Where: Lake Tahoe, CA
When: April 6-8
Who: The Devil Makes Three, Railroad Earth, The Infamous Stringdusters, The California Honeydrops, Elephant Revival, Steep Canyon Rangers, Fruition, Lil Smokies, and more
Why: Embrace the Wonderful bluegrass sounds on Lake Tahoe.
Web: www.winterwondergrasstahoe.com

 

Parahoy

What: Parahoy
Where: Miami, FL to Nassau, Bahamas
When: April 6-10
Who: Paramore, Local Natives, Judah & The Lion, mewithoutyou, Now Now, and more
Why: Paramore sets sail.
Web: www.parahoy.com

 

Breakaway – Dallas

What: Breakaway – Dallas
Where: Dallas, TX
When: April 7
Who: Lil Dicky, Rich the Kid, Whethan, and more
Why: After a successful first two year, Breakaway expands to yet another city.
Web: www.breakawayfestival.com

 

Safety Harbor Song

What: Safety Harbor Song
Where: Safety Harbor, FL
When: April 7-8
Who: Fantastic Negrito, Josh Ritter, Larkin Poe, and more
Why: Singers find Safe Harbor.
Web: www.safetyharborsongfest.com

 

World Ski & Snowboard

What: World Ski & Snowboard
Where: Whistler, BC, Canada
When: April 10-15
Who: Jazzy Jeff, Electric Six, Miami Horror, Five Alarm Funk, DJ Mija, A Tribe Called Red, and more
Why: In addition to the snow, come for the sounds at World Ski & Snowboard Festival.
Web: wssf.com

 

French Quarter

What: French Quarter
Where: New Orleans, LA
When: April 12-15
Who: Alfred Banks with Cool Nasty, Alvin Youngblood, Anais St. John, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Calvin Johnson, Cryil Neville, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Irma Thomas, Jon Cleary, Lost Bayou Ramblers, Zachary Richard, and more
Why: Nobody does music or festivals like the French Quarter. Read & see more in our 2016 recap here
Web: frenchquarterfest.org

 

Launch

What: Launch
Where: Lancaster, PA
When: April 12-15
Who: August Burns Red, Megaweapon, Big Fat Meanies, Almond & Olive, and more
Why: Music conference & festival in Lancaster, PA.
Web: www.launchmusicconference.com

 

Marfa Myths

What: Marfa Myths
Where: Marfa, TX
When: April 12-15
Who: Wire, Ryley Walker, Jessica Pratt, Omar-S, Allah-Las, and more
Why: Home of the Marfa Mystery Lights & other Myths.
Web: shop.mexicansummer.com/product/marfa-myths

 

Coachella

What: Coachella
Where: Indio, CA
When: April 13-15 & 20-22
Who: The Weeknd, Beyoncé, Eminem, ODESZA, HAIM, SZA, Kygo, Tyler the Creator, Portugal. The Man, Migos, David Byrne, St. Vincent, The War On Drugs, alt-J, A Perfect Circle, Cardi B, Post Malone, Vince Staples, Fleet Foxes, Miguel, King Krule, Chromeo, Soulwax, Jean-Michel Jarre, Kali Uchis, Chic feat. Nile Rodgers, Illenium, Kamasi Washington, BØRNS, Louis the Child, French Montana, 6LACK, Angel Olsen, MØ, Vance Joy, Russ, LANY, The Drums, Brockhampton, Maceo Plex, The Neighbourhood, Marian Hill, Aminé, Jessie Ware, First Aid Kit, Alison Wonderland, Kelela, Snakehips, Kamaiyah, FIDLAR, Highly Suspect, Bleachers, Ibeyi, LP, Princess Nokia, ALvvays, SuperDuperKyle, Justin Martin, The Black Madonna, Aurora, Noname, Django Django, TroyBoi, X Japan, Jacob Banks, Jidenna, Benjamin Booker, Perfume Genius, PVRIS, Flastbush Zombies, Moses Sumney, Tank & The Bangas, Ekali, Giraffage, Nothing But Thieves, Big Thief, Cash Cash, Whethan, Oh Sees, Sigrid, Benjamin Clementine, The Bronx, AC Slater, Jackmaster, John Maus, Japanese BreakfastSir Sly, Slow Magic, Hundred Waters, Magic Giant, Cherry Glazerr, Moon Boots, Helado Negro, Mild High Club, Snail Mail, Priests, Boogarins, Ron Gallo, Declan McKenna, 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. See much more in our 2012 photo gallery here
Web: www.coachella.com

 

Wanee

What: Wanee
Where: Live Oak, FL
When: April 19-21
Who: Widespread Panic, Phil Lesh, As the Crow Flies, Dark Star Orchestra, St. Paul & The broken Bones, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, North Mississippi Allstars, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Soul Rebels, and more
Why: Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Florida hosts a jam-band festival.
Web: www.waneefestival.com

 

Old Settler's

What: Old Settler’s
Where: Tilmon, TX
When: April 19-22
Who: Greensky Bluegrass, Railroad Earth, I’m With Her, The Grateful Ball, Calexico, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Donna the Buffalo, The Travelin’ McCours, Steve Poltz, Jeff Austin, and more
Why: As American as the Old Settler’s.
Web: oldsettlersmusicfest.org

 

Tecate Pa'l Norte

What: Tecate Pa’l Norte
Where: Monterrey, Mexico
When: April 20-21
Who: Muse, Queens of the Stone Age, Zoé, Bunbury, Justice, Richard Ashcroft, Franz Ferdinand, Natalia LaFourcade, Band of Horses, Cheat Codes, Nothing But Thieves, The Last Internationale, The Knocks, Jillionaire, Gryffin, and more Read more in our preview here
Why: Rock Fundidora Park in Monterrey, Mexico (and have beer…).
Web: www.palnorte.com.mx

 

Rites of Spring

What: Rites of Spring
Where: Nashville, TN
When: April 20-21
Who: Gucci Mane, DNCE, Cheat Codes, H.E.R., Goldlink, and more
Why: Vanderbilt University knows how to book ’em for its Rites of Spring (fling).
Web: www.vanderbilt.edu/ros

 

Las Rageous

What: Las Rageous
Where: Las Vegas, NV
When: April 20-21
Who: A Perfect Circle, Five Finger Death Punch, Judas Priest, Ghost, Clutch, In This Moment, Underøath, Saxon, Beartooth, Pop Evil, Hollywood Undead, and more
Why: Rage in Vegas with this strong, heavy line-up. Read & see much more in our 2017 recap here
Web: www.lasrageous.com

 

420 On the Block

What: 420 On the Block
Where: Denver, CO
When: April 20-22
Who: Action Bronson, Matisyahu, Break Science, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Washed Out, and more
Why: 4-20 festival in the Mile High City – and yet weed is not allowed…
Web: 420ontheblock.com

 

Sweetwater 420

What: Sweetwater 420
Where: Atlanta, GA
When: April 20-22
Who: The String Cheese Incident, Umphrey’s McGree, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Sturgill Simpson, Vulfpeck, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Greensky Bluegrass, Soja, Ghostland Observatory, Papadosio, The Motet, The Record Company, The Infamous Stringdusters, Anders Osborne, Tauk, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Brids, Marco Benevento, Durand Jones, and more
Why: 4-20 – Sweet!
Web: www.sweetwater420fest.com

 

Norman

What: Norman
Where: Norman, OK
When: April 26-28
Who: tUnE-yArDs, Parquet Courts, Japanese Breakfast, Snail Mail, The Men, and more
Why: Norman Oklahoma’s own free festival & QRO favorite stays sweet. Read & see more in 2010 our recap here
Web: normanmusicfestival.com

 

Levitation

What: Levitation
Where: Austin, TX
When: April 26-29
Who: Slowdive, The Black Angels, Electric Wizard, Ministry, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Ty Segall, Panda Bear, Thee Oh Sees, Parquet Courts, OM, S U R V I V E, Chelsea Wolfe, Dan Deacon, Baths, Dead Meadow, Waxahatchee, Hurray For the Riff Raff, The Men, Golden Dawn Arkestra, Acid Mothers Temple, Omni, A Giant Dog, and more
Why: Levitation returns to Austin, to play host to a mixture of indie & psych, thanks to The Black Angels (QRO spotlight on). Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: levitation-austin.com

 

MerleFest

What: MerleFest
Where: Wilkesboro, NC
When: April 26-29
Who: Steep Canyon Rangers with Steve Martin, Kris Kristofferson, Jamey Johnson, The Mavericks, Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn, Robert Earl Keen, Rhiannon Giddens, Sam Bush, The Devil Makes Three, Jim Lauderdale, Mandolin Orange, Elephant Revival, The Mavericks, Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn, Mandolin Orange, and more
Why: Wilkes Community College welcomes MerleFest.
Web: merlefest.org

 

Double Decker

What: Double Decker
Where: Oxford, MS
When: April 27-28
Who: The Delta Saints, Cold War Kids, Houndmouth, Whitney Morgan, Tank & The Bangas, Squirrel Nut Zippers, and more
Why: Take the Double Decker to Oxford – Mississippi.
Web: www.doubledeckerfestival.com

 

Move

What: Move
Where: Albany, NY
When: April 27-28
Who: Diet Cig, Jouska, Late Sea, 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

 

Rockville

What: Rockville
Where: Jacksonville, FL
When: April 27-29
Who: Foo Fighters, Ozzy Osbourne, Avenged Sevenfold, Queens of the Stone Age, Godsmack, Five Finger Death Punch, Stone Sour, Billy Idol, Breaking Benajmin, Stone Temple Pilots, Halestorm, The Used, Bullet For My Valentine, Black Veil Brides, Asking Alexandria, Underøath, Killswitch Engage, Clutch, Thrice, Baroness, Hollywood Undead, Sevendust, Pop Evil, Quicksand, Trivium, Andrew W.K., Wolf Alice, The Sword, Red Fang, the Bronx, Texas Hippie Coalition, Black Foxxes, 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

 

Stagecoach

What: Stagecoach
Where: Indio, CA
When: April 27-29
Who: Dwight Yoakam, Kenny Rogers, Jason Isbell, Molly Hatche, Gordon Lightfoot, Lukas Nelson, Joshua Hedley, Jade Bird, Florida Georgia Line, Keith Urban, Garth Brooks, Kacey Musgraves, Jake Owen, Brothers Osborne, Kelsea Ballerini, Brett Young, Midland, and more
Why: California’s premiere country music festival.
Web: stagecoachfestival.com

 

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage

What: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage
Where: New Orleans, LA
When: April 27 – May 6
Who: Aerosmith, Aretha Franklin, Sting, Jimmy Buffett, Jack White, Beck, Lionel Ritchie, David Byrne, Anita Baker, Bonnie Raitt, Khalid, Sturgill Simpson, Jack Johnson, Sheryl Crow, Common, Cage the Elephant, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, The Revivalists, Steve Miller Band, Jason Isbell, Smokey Robinson, Lyle Lovett, Aaron Neville, Toots & The Maytals, Charlie Wilson, Irma Thomas, Steel Pulse, John Batist with The Dap-Kings, Big Freedia, Buddy Guy, John Mayall, Old Crow Medicine Show, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Blind Boys of Alabama, Galactic, Better Than Ezra, Tank & The Bangas, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Anders Osborne, Lukas Nelson, Samantha Fish, GIVERS, and many more
Why: The Big Easy’s big festival gets some big names.
Web: www.nojazzfest.com

 

Back To the Beach

What: Back To the Beach
Where: Huntington Beach, CA
When: April 28-29
Who: 311, Sublime with Rome, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Goldfinger with Travis Barker, Fishbone, The Aquabats, Save Ferris, Hepcat, Less Than Jake, Mustard Plug, Madd Caddies, The Suicide Machines, and more
Why: Head Back To the Beach.
Web: backtothebeachfest.com

 

Fort Rock

What: Fort Rock
Where: Fort Myers, FL
When: April 28-29
Who: Ozzy Osbourne, Godsmack, Five Finger Death Punch, Breaking Benjamin, Stone Sour, Shinedown, Stone Temple Pilots, Halestorm, Bullet For My Valentine, Underøath, Killswitch Engage, Hollywood Undead, Sevendust, Pop Evil, Trivium, Hatebreed, Red Sun Rising, Texas Hippie Coalition, and more
Why: Fort Myers Fort Rocks.
Web: www.fortrockfestival.com

 

Fortress

What: Fortress
Where: Ft. Worth, TX
When: April 28-29
Who: Father John Misty, Courtney Barnett, De La Soul, RZA, Chicano Batman, tUnE-yArDs, The Voidz, Rapsody, Hurray For the Riff Raff, Waxahatchee, Shabazz Palaces, Lee Fields, Jay Som, and more
Why: Fort Worth is a Fortress.
Web: fortressfestival.com

 

Homecoming

What: Homecoming
Where: Cincinnati, OH
When: April 28-29
Who: The National, Father John Misty, Feist, Future Islands, The Breeders, Lord Huron, Julien Baker, Moses Sumney, Alvvays, Big Thief, Sam Amidon, Mouse On Mars, Spank Rock, Lisa Hannigan, and more
Why: Hometown boys The National (QRO spotlight on) return to Cincinnati.
Web: ntlhomecoming.com

 

Kaya

What: Kaya
Where: San Bernardino, CA
When: April 28-29
Who: Stephen Marley, Ziggy Marley, Damian Marley, Julian Marley, Ky-Mani Marley, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Cypress Hill, Soja, Chronixx, Action Bronson, Toots & The Maytals, and more
Why: Celebrate Bob Marley, mon.
Web: kayafestivals.com

 


May

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage

What: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage
Where: New Orleans, LA
When: April 27 – May 6
Who: Aerosmith, Aretha Franklin, Sting, Jimmy Buffett, Jack White, Beck, Lionel Ritchie, David Byrne, Anita Baker, Bonnie Raitt, Khalid, Sturgill Simpson, Jack Johnson, Sheryl Crow, Common, Cage the Elephant, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, The Revivalists, Steve Miller Band, Jason Isbell, Smokey Robinson, Lyle Lovett, Aaron Neville, Toots & The Maytals, Charlie Wilson, Irma Thomas, Steel Pulse, John Batist with The Dap-Kings, Big Freedia, Buddy Guy, John Mayall, Old Crow Medicine Show, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Blind Boys of Alabama, Galactic, Better Than Ezra, Tank & The Bangas, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Anders Osborne, Lukas Nelson, Samantha Fish, GIVERS, and many more
Why: The Big Easy’s big festival gets some big names.
Web: www.nojazzfest.com

 

Mutek - San Francisco

What: Mutek – San Francisco
Where: San Francisco, CA
When: May 3-6
Who: Tim Hecker, Roche, Telefon Tel Aviv, and more
Why: Montréal gets even more artsy with Mutek.
Web: www.mutek.org

 

SunFest

What: SunFest
Where: West Palm Beach, FL
When: May 3-6
Who: Pitbull, Zedd, Logic, Rae Sremmurd, Incubus, Nick Jonas, Sublime with Rome, 311, Partynextdoor, Billy Idol, SOJA, Nathaniel Rateliff, Cake, Third Eye Blind, Grouplove, Girl Talk, DNCE, KC & The Sunshine Band, Toots & The Maytals, Sir Sly, Dreamers, Living Colour, Lukas Nelson, and more
Why: The sun always shines on Palm Beach with this festival. Read & see much more in our 2010 recap here
Web: www.sunfest.com

 

Red Bull Music Festival New York

What: Red Bull Music Festival New York
Where:
New York, NY
When:
May 3-25
Who:
Harry Belafonte, Robyn, Fever Ray, Oneohtrix Point Never, John Maus, serpentwithfeet, and more
Why: Red Bull’s Music Festival returns to New York. See more in 2017 event photo gallery here
Web: www.redbullmusicacademy.com

 

Beale Street

What: Beale Street
Where:
Memphis, TN
When:
May 4-6
Who: Jack White, Queens of the Stone Age, ODESZA, Erykah Badu, Post Malone, Logic, Incubus, Alanis Morissette, Tyler the Creator, David Byrne, Kaleo, Ludacris, Vance Joy, Cake, D.R.A.M., The Flaming Lips, Juicy J, Luke Combs, Third Eye Blind, Gov’t Mule, Dashboard Confessional, Chevelle, Action Bronson, Franz Ferdinand, Clutch, All Time Low, Oh Wonder, Margo Price, Delbert McClinton, Misterwives, Robert Randolph, Andrew W.K., Tank & The Bangas, Calexico, Wilderado, Amasa Hines, and more
Why: Beale Street is alive with music.
Web:
www.memphisinmay.org/beale-street-music-festival

 

Carolina Rebellion

What: Carolina Rebellion
Where: Concord, NC
When: May 4-6
Who: Alice In Chains, Godsmack, Muse, Queens of the Stone Age, Five Finger Death Punch, Shinedown, Stone Sour, Breaking Benjamin, Incubus, Billy Idol, Halestorm, Stone Temple Pilots, Bullet For My Valentine, In This Moment, The Struts, Clutch, The Used, Underøath, Trivium, Thrice, Baroness, Black Veil Brides, Pop Evil, Sevendust, Asking Alexandria, Quicksand, The Sword, Hatebreed, Red Fang, The Bronx, Andrew W.K., Texas Hippie Coalition, Black Foxxes, and more
Why: Carolina rebels with hard rock.
Web: www.carolinarebellion.com

 

 

Shaky Knees

What: Shaky Knees
Where: Atlanta, GA
When: May 4-6
Who: Jack White, Queens of the Stone Age, The National, David Byrne, Tenacious D, Fleet Foxes, The War On Drugs, Vance Joy, Cake, Courtney Barnett, Nathaniel Rateliff, Lord Huron, Manchester Orchestra, Matt & Kim, The Distillers, Japandroids, Franz Ferdinand, Jimmy Eat World, The Voidz, All Time Low, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Black Angels, Alvvays, Parquet Courts, Circa Survive, Rival Sons, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Sir Sly, The Menzingers, Chicano Batman, Andrew W.K., Jacob Banks, Waxahatchee, Ezra Furman, Torres, Broncho, The Frights, Bully, Lukas Nelson, Charly Bliss, Mikky Ekko, Mt. Joy, Bayonne, Frankie Rose, L.A. Witch, and many more
Why: Limbs quake for what looks to be another amazing year. Read & see more in our recap here
Web: shakykneesfestival.com

 

Waking Windows - Vermont

What: Waking Windows – Vermont
Where:
Winooski, VT
When:
May 4-6
Who: Deer Tick, Noname, Bully, The Districts, Anais Mitchell, Steve Gunn, Leif Vollebekk, and more
Why: Bands head to Vermont to wake up some windows. See much more in our 2016 photo gallery here
Web:
www.wakingwindows.com/winooski

 

Canadian Music Week

What: Canadian Music Week
Where: Toronto, ON, Canada
When: May 7-13
Who: Alice Glass, Anna Mae, Annie Hart, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Blackberries, Crystal Cities, Dear Child, Hinds, Jess Williamson, Keys N Krates, Lindi Ortega, Little Boxer, Mad Caddies, Pictureplane, Sloan, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, The Dirty Nil, This Will Destroy You, Yonathan Gat, 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: cmw.net/music

 

Flyover

What: Flyover
Where: Columbus, OH
When: May 10-12
Who: Open Mike Eagle, Milo, Mothers, Nnamdi Ogbonnaya, and more
Why: Flyover to Wexner Center for the Arts.
Web: www.theflyoverfest.com

 

Form

What: Form
Where: Arcosanti, AZ
When: May 11-13
Who: Hundred Waters, Beach House, Bing & Ruth, The Black Madonna, Blood Orange, Bombino, Chance the Rapper, Charli XCX, Courtney Barnett, Dirty Projectors, Empress Of, Fleet Foxes, Grouper, HO99O9, Jay Som, Jenny Hval, Julianna Barwick, Julie Byrne, Mija, Mitski, Mount Kimbie, Skrillex, Willow Smith, Zola Jesus, and more
Why: Hundred Waters holds a festival in the Arizona desert.
Web: experienceform.com

 

Rolling Loud

What: Rolling Loud
Where:
Miami, FL
When: May 11-13
Who: J. Cole, Travis Scott, Future, Lil Uzi Vert, Migos, Post Malone, N.E.R.D, Wiz Khalifa, Lil Wayne, Young Thug, Cardi B, 21 Savage, Tory Lanez, Gucci Mane, Rick Ross, Russ, Kevin Gates, Juicy J, The Diplomats, Metro Boomin, Lil Yachty, A$AP Ferg, Fetty Wap, Action Bronson, Playboi Carti, Belly, Machine Gun Kelly, Jaden Smith, Princess Nokia, Big K.R.I.T., Dreezy, and more
Why: Miami is Rolling Loud.
Web: www.rollingloud.com

 

Shaky Beats

What: Shaky Beats
Where:
Atlanta, GA
When: May 11-13
Who: Kygo, Marshmello, Zedd, Excision, Dillon Francis, Ludacris, Louis the Child, Playboi Carti, Borgore, Troyboi, Tokimonsta, Whethan, Quinn XCII, Wolfgang Gartner, Manic Focus, and many more
Why: Just after Shaky Knees (see above), it’s Beats that Shake Atlanta.
Web: www.shakybeatsfestival.com

 

Homegrown

What: Homegrown
Where: Dallas, TX
When: May 12
Who: Explosions In the Sky, The Black Angels, Alvvays, Roky Erickson, Ume, and more
Why: A nice little fest in Dallas for cheap.
Web: homegrownfest.com

 

Pointfest

What: Pointfest
Where: Maryland Heights, MO
When: May 12
Who: Alice In Chains, Shinedown, Stone Temple Pilots, The Struts, Candlebox, Blue October, and more
Why: 105.7 The Point throws a fest.
Web: www.1057thepoint.com/pointfest

 

Powerhouse

What: Powerhouse
Where: San Bernardino, CA
When: May 12
Who: N.E.R.D., Logic, Nipsey Hussle, Miguel, DJ Carnage, A$AP Ferg, Yo Gotti, Lil Jon, Tinashe, Lil Dicky, and more
Why: Power 108 FM throws a fest.
Web: www.power106.com/powerhouse

 

Blurry Vision

What: Blurry Vision
Where: Oakland, CA
When: May 12-13
Who: SZA, Migos, Brockhampton, NxWorries, Majid Jordan, DVSN, Isaiah Rashad, Kamaiyah, Roy Wood$, and more
Why: Goldenvoice expands to Oakland. Read much more in our recap here
Web: blurryvisionfest.com

 

Northern Invasion

What: Northern Invasion
Where: Somerset, WI
When: May 12-13
Who: Tool, Avenged Sevenfold, Alice In Chains, A Perfect Circle, Breaking Benjamin, Stone Temple Pilots, The Used, Black Veil Brides, Asking Alexandria, Andrew W.K., Anti-Flag, We Came As Romans, The Bronx, Hawthorne Heights, Senses Fail, Miss May I, Wilson, Black Foxxes, and more
Why: Hard rock Invades the North.
Web: northerninvasion.com

 

SummerStage

What: SummerStage
Where: New York, NY
When: May 16 – September 26
Who: Liam Gallagher, O.A.R., Richard Ashcroft, Mac DeMarco, Jake Paul, Dispatch, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Jason Mraz, Blood Orange, Broken Social Scene, Oh Wonder, Gregory Porter, Rhiannon Giddens, Kool & The Gang, Big Daddy Kane, Talib Kweli, Ginuwine, Femi Kuti, Porches, Mura Masa, Joakim, San Fermin, Galactic, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Brett Dennen, Nahko & Medicine For the People, Matt Nathanson, Son Little, The Weather Station, Sunflower Bean, 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

 

Moogfest

What: Moogfest
Where: Durham, NC
When:
May 17-20
Who: Mouse on Mars, Kelela, KRS-One, Jon Hopkins, Annie Hart, Chelsea Manning, Nadia Sirota, Jamila Woods, 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

 

Electric Daisy Carnival

What: Electric Daisy Carnival
Where: Las Vegas, NV
When: May 18-20
Who: 12th Planet, Kill the Noise, A-Trak, AC Slater, Afrojack, Armin Van Buuren, Black Tiger Sex Machine, Borgore, Boys Noize, Cheat Codes, Claude VonStroke, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Diplo, DJ Mustard, Don Diablo, Elephante, Eric Prydz, Excision, Flux Pavilion, Gorgon City, Green Vevlet, Gryffin, GTA, Hardwell, Illenium, Jack Beats, Jai Wolf, John Digweed, Joyryde, Kaskade, Khalid, Kygo, Lauren Lane, Maceo Plex, Marshmello, Martin Garrix, Matt Medved, Mike Will Made-It, NGHTMRE, Paul Van Dyk, Pendulum, r3HAB, Sna Holo, Slushii, Tiësto, Whethan, Yellow Claw, Zedd, Zeds Dead, and more
Why: Electric Daisy Carnival comes to Vegas for three days. See much more in our photo gallery of 2013 EDC NY here
Web: lasvegas.electricdaisycarnival.com

 

The Hangout

What: The Hangout
Where: Gulf Shores, AL
When: May 18-20
Who: Kendrick Lamar, The Killers, The Chainsmokers, Zedd, Halsey, ODESZA, Portugal. The Man, Logic, SZA, Galantis, Anderson .Paak, Foster the People, St. Vincent, Cold War Kids, AWOLNATION, Grouplove, Oh Wonder, Slightly Stoopid, Bleachers, Anderson East, The Struts, Manchester Orchestra, Pussy Riot, NF, Tank & The Bangas, Nothing But Thieves, Whethan, Cashmere Cat, Ron Gallo, Hippo Campus, Bahamas, Alex Lahey, Noname, Sunflower Bean, Son Little, Mikky Ekko and more
Why: Hangout on the Shores with a very strong line-up. Read much more in our 2017 recap here
Web: www.hangoutmusicfest.com

 

Pouzza

What: Pouzza
Where: Montreal, PQ, Canada
When: May 18-20
Who: Reel Big Fish, Face To Face, Anti-Flag, Dead Fucking Last, MU330, A Wilhelm Scream, Cancer Bats, We Are Wolves, Mutoid Man, Pkew Pkew Pkew, and more
Why: Have some punk with your poutine.
Web: www.pouzzafest.com

 

Rock On the Range

What: Rock On the Range
Where: Columbus, OH
When: May 18-20
Who: Tool, Avenged Sevenfold, Alice In Chains, Godsmack, A Perfect Circle, Stone Sour, Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace, Stone Temple Pilots, Machine Gun Kelly, Bullet For My Valentine, The Used, Underøath, Babymetal, Black Veil Brides, Asking Alexandria, Yelawolf, Trivium, Body Count, Quicksand, Baroness, Andrew W.K., Anti-Flag, We Came As Romans, The Bronx, Senses Fail, Hawthorne Heights, Miss May I, Wilson, Black Foxxes, 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

 

Santa Teresa

What: Santa Teresa
Where: Sainte-Therese, QC, Canada
When: May 18-20
Who: Feist, Stars, San Fermin, Essaie Pas, Nick Murphy, July Talk, The Voidz, Wolf Parade, Todd Terje, Alice Glass, Lil Uzi Vert, Oh Wonder, Mount Kimbie, Charly Bliss, (Sandy) Alex G, Fucked Up, and more
Why: Santa Teresa – ooh-la-la
Web: www.santateresa.ca/en

 

David Lynch’s Festival of Disruption

What: David Lynch’s Festival of Disruption
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When:
May 19-20
Who: Angel Olsen, Au Revoir Simone, Flying Lotus, Animal Collective, Hudson Mohawke, Jim James, Jon Hopkins, Nancy Whang, David Lynch, Isabella Rossellini, and more
Why: David Lynch Disrupts Brooklyn Steel.
Web: festivalofdisruption.com/#festival

 

Vulture

What: Vulture
Where:
New York, NY
When: May 19-20
Who:
Maggie Gyllenhaal, John Leguizamo, Samantha Bee, Tracy Morgan, GLOW, Amber Tamblyn, Roxane Gay, Ray Donovan, Wild Horses, Younger, Star Trek Discovery, Bo Burnham, Throwing Shade, and more
Why: Entertainment website Vulture throws it’s own festival.
Web:
vulturefestival.com

 

Hop Jam

What: Hop Jam
Where: Tulsa, OK
When: May 20
Who: Hanson, Manchester Orchestra, Nada Surf, Ra Ra Riot, and more
Why: Hanson + beer – mmm… Hop.
Web: www.thehopjam.com

 

Love Street

What: Love Street
Where: Houston, TX
When: May 20
Who: Bleachers, Cold War Kids, Everclear, and more
Why: Karbach Brewing throws a street fest.
Web: karbachbrewing.com/lsmf

 

Lightning In a Bottle

What: Lightning In a Bottle
Where: Bradley, CA
When: May 23-28
Who: Anderson .Paak, ZHU, GRiZ, Fever Ray, The Glitch Mob, Sofi Tukker, tUnE-yArDs, Nao, Beats Antique, Tokimonsta, Modeselektor, Emancipator, Giraffage, 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

 

Soul Beach

What: Soul Beach
Where: Aruba
When: May 23-29
Who: Alicia Keys, Maxwell, Marlon Wayans, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and more
Why: Sweet soul comes to the beaches of Aruba.
Web: soulbeach.net/2018

 

Delfest

What: Delfest
Where: Cumberland, MD
When: May 24-27
Who: Del McCoury Band, The Travelin’ McCourys, The Bluegrass Congress, Old Crow Medicine Show, Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, Sam Bush, Béla Fleck & ABigail Washburn, Elephant Revival, Fruition, Billy Strings, and more
Why: Del McCoury rolls out the bluegrass red carpet.
Web: delfest.com

 

Boston Calling

What: Boston Calling
Where: Boston, MA
When: May 25-27
Who: Eminem, The Killers, Jack White, Queens of the Stone Age, The National, Paramore, Tyler the Creator, Khalid, Bryson Tiller, Portugal. The Man, Fleet Foxes, St. Vincent, The Decemberists, Brockhampton, Maggie Rogers, Royal Blood, Manchester Orchestra, Dirty Projectors, Stormzy, Thundercat, Belly, Pussy Riot, Julien Baker, Alvvays, The Menzingers, Thee Oh Sees, Perfume Genius, Noname, (Sandy) Alex G, Big Thief, Mount Kimbie, Citizen, Pond, Zola Jesus, Charly Bliss, Field Report, Tauk, This Is the Kit, Natalie Portman, Jenny Slate, Bridget Everett, and more
Why: Boston is seriously Calling – wicked pissah! See much more in our photo gallery here
Web: bostoncalling.com

 

BottleRock

What: BottleRock
Where:
Napa Valley, CA
When:
May 25-27
Who: Bruno Mars, The Killers, Muse, The Chainsmokers, Halsey, Snoop Dogg, Incubus, Earth Wind & Fire, The Head and The Heart, Billy Idol, Thievery Corporation, Phantogram, The Revivalists, Bleachers, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Mike D, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Oh Wonder, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, SOJA, Shakey Graves, Lake Street Dive, LANY, Manchester Orchestra, Nahko & Medicine For the People, Bomba Estéreo, The Record Company, The Struts, New Politics, Allen Stone, Tank & The Bangas, Jacob Banks, J. Roddy Walston & The Business, The Motet, Mondo Cozmo, Missio, Lukas Nelson, Pokey LaFarge, Jukebox the Ghost, Dhani Harrison, The Districts, Magic Giant, ALex Lahey, Moonalice, Low Cut Connie, and many, many more
Why: The Napa Valley welcomes another year of a great new festival (to go with its great old wine). Read much more in our recap here
Web:
bottlerocknapavalley.com

 

California Roots

What: California Roots
Where: Monterey, CA
When: May 25-27
Who: Rebelution, Iration, Slightly Stoopid, Atmosphere, Dispatch, 311, Steel Pulse, Stephen Marley, Chronixx, Xavier Rudd, The Original Wailers, Brother Ali, and more
Why: Get in touch with your Cali Roots. See more in our 2015 photo gallery here
Web: californiarootsfestival.com

 

Elements Lakewood

What: Elements Lakewood
Where: Northeast PA
When: May 25-27
Who: Claude Vonstroke, Jamie Jones, Jai Wolf, Maceo Plex, Shpongle, Troyboi, Mount Kimbie, and more
Why: Dance on a campground somewhere in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Web: www.elementsfest.us

 

Riverfest

What: Riverfest
Where: Little Rock, AZ
When: May 25-27
Who: Young the Giant, Young Thug, Kip Moore, Highly Suspect, LANY, Margo Price, Echosmith, and more
Why: Festival on the river in Little Rock.
Web: www.riverfestarkansas.com

 

Rocklahoma

What: Rocklahoma
Where: Pryor, OK
When: May 25-27
Who: A Perfect Circle, Godsmack, Poison, Cheap Trick, Ghost, The Cult, Halestorm, Vince Neil, Stone Temple Pilots, Clutch, The Used, Underøath, Machine Gun Kelly, Sevendust, Pop Evil, Trivium, Yelawolf, Candlebox, Andrew W.K., Powerman 5000, 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

 

Sasquatch!

What: Sasquatch!
Where: George, WA
When: May 25-27
Who: Bon Iver, The National, Modest Mouse, David Byrne, Tyler the Creator, Ray LaMontagne, Anderson .Paak, Spoon, Grizzly Bear, Explosions In the Sky, Neko Case, Vince Staples, TV On the Radio, Slowdive, Thundercat, Shakey Graves, tUnE-yArDs, Wolf Parade, Japandroids, Snakehips What So Not, Jai Wolf, Perfume Genius, Noname, Margo Price, Hippo Campus, Lizzo, Tokimonsta, Julien Baker, Pedro the Lion, Whitney, Pup, Pond, Tank & The Bangs, Girlpool, Big Thief, Hurray For the Riff Raff, Japanese Breakfast, (Sandy) Alex G, Curtis Harding, Rostam, Chastity Belt, Jeff Rosenstock, Jacob Banks, Dhani Harrison, Son Little, Typhoon, Benjamin Clementine, The Suffers, Phoebe Bridgers, White Reaper, Alex Lahey, Escort, Charly Bliss, and 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

 

Summer Camp

What: Summer Camp
Where: Chillicothe, IL
When: May 25-27
Who: moe., Umphrey’s McGee, Phil Lesh, Diplo, Slightly Stoopid, Cypress Hill, STS9, Tipper, RL Grime, Tycho, Greensky Bluegrass, Action Bronson, Beats Antique, Cherub, EOTO, Guster, Jai Wolf, JJ Grey & Mofro, Keller Williams, Keys N Krates, Leftover Salmon, Lettuce, Los Lobos, Marco Benevento, Mija, Motet, Papadosio, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Soja, Tokimonsta, Twiddle, Yonder Mountain String Band, Zomboy, Z-Trip, Break Science, Con Brio, and more
Why: Summer Camp usually mixes a little something more into its jam.
Web: summercampfestival.com

 

Punk Rock Bowling

What: Punk Rock Bowling
Where: Las Vegas, NV
When: May 25-28
Who: Rise Against, NOFX, At the Drive-In, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, X, Suicidal Tendencies, Against Me!, Turbonegro, L7, GBH, Slaves, Swingin Utters, D.O.A., and more
Why: Las Vegas takes the punks bowling.
Web: www.punkrockbowling.com

 

Hoagie Nation

What: Hoagie Nation
Where: Philadelphia, PA
When: May 26
Who: Hall & Oates, Train, Fitz & The Tantrums, and more
Why: Hall & Oates celebrate all things Philly – including hoagies.
Web: hoagienation.com

 

Neon Desert

What: Neon Desert
Where: El Paso, TX
When: May 26-27
Who: Martin Garrix, At the Drive In, Gucci Mane, Dillon Francis, Cardi B, Café Tacvba, Third Eye Blind, Playboi Carti, GTA, The Drums, Bomba Estéreo, LANY, Cults, and more
Why: The Desert glows in Neon.
Web: www.neondesertmusicfestival.com

 

Movement

What: Movement
Where: Detroit, MI
When: May 26-28
Who: Claude Von Stroke, Loco Dice B2B The Martinez Brothers, Wu-Tang 25th Anniversary, BADBADNOTGOOD, Carl Craig, Diplo, Dubfire, Eats Everything, Ellen Allien, John Digweed, Justin Martin, Kenny Larkin, Maceo Plex, Mija, Seth Troxler, Shigeto, Tiga, and more
Why: Electronic music returns to the city where techno (and much more in music) was born. Read much more in our recap here
Web: www.movement.us

 

Surf Lodge Summer Concert Series

What: Surf Lodge Summer Concert Series
Where: Montauk, NY
When: May 26 – September 1
Who: Parson James, Jessie J, Kimbra, Kelela, Jaden Smith, Lupe Fiasco, Bishop Briggs, Bob Moses, Naked and Famous, White Denim, G. Love, James Murphy, St. Lucia, Noname, Xavier Omär, Lukas Nelson, Durand Jones, Mondo Cozmo, Ron Gallo, Gary Clark Jr., Atlas Genius, Donovan Frankenreiter, AlunaGeorge, and more
Why: Get out of the city and head to the Surf at Montauk.
Web: www.thesurflodge.com/concerts

 

Soundset

What: Soundset
Where: St. Paul, MN
When: May 27
Who: Logic, Migos, Atmosphere, Erykah Badu, Tyler the Creator, Russ, Wu-Tang Clan, Brockhampton, Ice-T, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Jaden Smith, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Murs, Kamaiyah, and more
Why: Minnesota State Fairgrounds gets some hip-hop.
Web: soundsetfestival.com

 

Nelsonville

What: Nelsonville
Where: Nelsonville, OH
When: May 31 – June 3
Who: George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic, The Decemberists, Ani DiFranco, The Black Angels, Deer Tick, Alvvays, Kevin Morby, Nick Waterhouse, The Gories, Middle Kids, Earthless, Antibalas, Wooden Shjips, Sunflower Bean, and more
Why: Ohio needs more music – especially southeastern Ohio.
Web: www.nelsonvillefest.org

 

Vans House Parties - Chicago

What: Vans House Parties – Chicago
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When:
May 31 – August 8
Who: Vic Mensa, Princess Nokia, Iceage, Dead Milkmen, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and more
Why: Vans hosts a great series of free Chicago house parties at the city’s House of Vans.  See our venue review & photos of Brooklyn House of Vans here 
Web:
http://www.vans.com/house-of-vans.html

 


June

SummerStage

What: SummerStage
Where: New York, NY
When: May 16 – September 26
Who: Liam Gallagher, O.A.R., Richard Ashcroft, Mac DeMarco, Jake Paul, Dispatch, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Jason Mraz, Blood Orange, Broken Social Scene, Oh Wonder, Gregory Porter, Rhiannon Giddens, Kool & The Gang, Big Daddy Kane, Talib Kweli, Ginuwine, Femi Kuti, Porches, Mura Masa, Joakim, San Fermin, Galactic, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Brett Dennen, Nahko & Medicine For the People, Matt Nathanson, Son Little, The Weather Station, Sunflower Bean, 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

 

Surf Lodge Summer Concert Series

What: Surf Lodge Summer Concert Series
Where: Montauk, NY
When: May 26 – September 1
Who: Parson James, Jessie J, Kimbra, Kelela, Jaden Smith, Lupe Fiasco, Bishop Briggs, Bob Moses, Naked and Famous, White Denim, G. Love, James Murphy, St. Lucia, Noname, Xavier Omär, Lukas Nelson, Durand Jones, Mondo Cozmo, Ron Gallo, Gary Clark Jr., Atlas Genius, Donovan Frankenreiter, AlunaGeorge, and more
Why: Get out of the city and head to the Surf at Montauk.
Web: www.thesurflodge.com/concerts

 

Nelsonville

What: Nelsonville
Where: Nelsonville, OH
When: May 31 – June 3
Who: George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic, The Decemberists, Ani DiFranco, The Black Angels, Deer Tick, Alvvays, Kevin Morby, Nick Waterhouse, The Gories, Middle Kids, Earthless, Antibalas, Wooden Shjips, Sunflower Bean, and more
Why: Ohio needs more music – especially southeastern Ohio.
Web: www.nelsonvillefest.org

 

Vans House Parties - Chicago

What: Vans House Parties – Chicago
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When:
May 31 – August 8
Who: Vic Mensa, Princess Nokia, Iceage, Dead Milkmen, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and more
Why: Vans hosts a great series of free Chicago house parties at the city’s House of Vans.  See our venue review & photos of Brooklyn House of Vans here 
Web:
http://www.vans.com/house-of-vans.html

 

Bunbury

What: Bunbury
Where: Cincinnati, OH
When: June 1-3
Who: Jack White, The Chainsmokers, Blink-182, Post Malone, Incubus, Foster the People, Young the Giant, GRiZ, Dropkick Murphys, Royal Blood, Third Eye Blind, Coheed and Cambria, Manchester Orchestra, Fitz & The Tantrums, Misterwives, Andrew McMahon, LANY, The Front Bottoms, Bishop Briggs, A R I Z O N A, Everything Everything, Sir Sly, Black Pistol Fire, Peter Bjorn and John, Magic Giant, Gang of Youths, and many more
Why: Nice mix of mainstream & alternative – and no bees!
Web: bunburyfestival.com

 

Camp Punk In Drublic

What: Camp Punk In Drublic
Where: Thornville, OH
When: June 1-3
Who: Descendents, Rancid, Pennywise, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, The Vandals, Goldfinger, Sick Of It All, Lagwagon, Strung Out, The Bouncing Souls, Jello Biafra, Mad Caddies, and more
Why: NOFX brings the punks to camp. UPDATE: founders NOFX have been dropped after joking about the Las Vegas country music festival shooting
Web: punkindrublicfest.com/camp

 

Cluster

What: Cluster
Where: San Francisco, CA
When: June 1-3
Who: Jon Stewart, Amy Schumer, The Lonely Island, Trevor Noah, Tiffany Haddish, Jim Jefferies, Third Eye Blind, David Cross, Michael Che, Salt-n-Pepa, Desus & Mero, Maria Bamford, Action Bronson, Reggie Watts, Roy Wood Jr., Drunk History, Nikki Glaser, This Is Not Happening, and more
Why: Comedy Central brings a cluster of comedians & musicians to San Francisco.
Web: www.clusterfest.com

 

Do-Division

What: Do-Division
Where: Chicago, IL
When: June 3-4
Who: Ted Leo & The Pharmacists, Deerhoof, Frankie Rose, Holy Wave, Wooden Shjips, Martin Rev, Antibalas, Bad Veins, La Luz, 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.
Web: do-divisionstreetfest.com

 

Governors Ball

What: Governors Ball
Where: New York, NY
When: June 1-3
Who: Eminem, Jack White, Travis Scott, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Halsey, N.E.R.D., Khalid, CHVRCHES, The Gaslight Anthem, Post Malone, James Blake, Silk City, Lil Uzi Vert, Damian Marley, Cut Copy, Sylvan Esso, 2 Chainz, Galantis, The Glitch Mob, Maggie Rogers, Dirty Projectors, Russ, Manchester Orchestra, 6LACK, DRAM, Margo Price, Japandroids, Kelela, Vic Mensa, Third Eye Blind, Kali Uchis, Brockhampton, Aminé, LANY, Goldlink, Alvvays, The Menzingers, Wolf Alice, Jay Electronica, Billie Eilish, Moses Sumney, The Struts, Pond, Sir Sly, Slaves, Mikky Ekko, and many, many more
Why: Governors Ball has become one of the country’s biggest music festivals – and it’s in New York City! Read & see much more in our 2015 recap here
Web: governorsballmusicfestival.com

 

Field Trip

What: Field Trip
Where: Toronto, ON, Canada
When: June 2-3
Who: Metric, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Damian Marley, Alvvays, Bahamas, Japandroids, Noname, Jacob Banks, The Barr Brothers, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Deer Tick, Middle Kids, Charlotte Cardin, Reuben & The Dark, HAERTS, Liza Anne, and more
Why: Toronto takes a Field Trip. See much more in our 2014 photo gallery here
Web: fieldtriplife.com

 

Roots Picnic

What: Roots Picnic
Where: Philadelphia, PA
When: June 2
Who: The Roots, Dave Chappelle, Lil Uzi Vert, Dirty Projectors, The Diplomats, 2 Chainz, 6LACK, DVSN, Brandy, Goldlink, BADBADNOTGOOD, and more
Why: Tonight Show band (and more) brings their annual picnic to Penns Landing.
Web: rootspicnic.com

 

UNTZ

What: UNTZ
Where: Mariposa, CA
When: June 2-3
Who: Caspa, Koan, Mala, and more
Why: Party right near Yosemite.
Web: www.theuntzfestival.com

 

Celebrate Brooklyn!

What: BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When: June 5 – August 11
Who: The Decemberists, Vance Joy, Grizzly Bear, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Courtney Barnett, Jason Mraz, Common, Los Lobos, The Jayhawks, Aimee Mann, Fischerspooner, Branford Marsalis, Ricky Skaggs, Rhye, Antibalas, Kronos Quartet, Brandi Carlile, Tinariwen, BADBADNOTGOOD, Noname, Gary Clark Jr., Godspeed You! Black Emperor, The Breeders, M. Ward, Spoon, Julien Baker, Mandolin Orange, Superchunk, Speedy Ortiz, Jonathan Coulton, Natalie Prass, and more
Why: Once again, Prospect Park Bandshell’s BRIC 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

 

Twangfest

What: Twangfest
Where: St. Louis, MO
When: June 6-9
Who: The Cactus Blossoms, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Nikki Lane, Luke Winslow-King, and more
Why: 88.1 KDHX brings some twang to Middle America.
Web: twangfest.com

 

Bonnaroo

What: Bonnaroo
Where: Manchester, TN
When: June 7-10
Who: Eminem, The Killers, Muse, Future, Bassnectar, Sturgill Simpson, Bon Iver, Khalid, Paramore, Kaskade, alt-J, Dua Lipa, Sheryl Crow, Anderson .Paak, Sylvan Esso, Rebelution, The Revivalists, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Rüfüs Du Sol, Chromeo, STS9, Alison Wonderland, Moon Taxi, Old Crow Medicine Show, Glitch Mob, Rag’n’Bone Man, Broken Social Scene, First Aid Kit, Jungle, T-Pain, Manchester Orchestra, Brothers Osborne, Gryffin, What So Not, Trombone Short & Orleans Avenue, Billie Eilish, Kali Uchis, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, LANY, Thundercat, Mavis Staples, Big Wild, Sir Sly, Denzel Curry, Moses Sumney, Snakehips, Amadou & Mariam, Midland, Japanese Breakfast, Lissie, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Alex Lahey, Ron Gallo, Everything Everything, Frenship, Mikky Ekko, Dreamers, Michael Blume, and many, many more
Why: The granddaddy of indie-meets-jam & more music festivals celebrates another genre-crossing year.
Web: www.bonnaroo.com

 

Northside

What: Northside
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When: June 7-10
Who: Active Bird Community, Bush Tetras, Caspian, Deerhoof, Dirty Fences, Holy Wave, La Luz, Liz Phair, Lou Barlow, Parquet Courts, Pissed Jeans, Protomartyr, Snail Mail, Soccer Mommy, and more
Why: Northside Festival returns for a seventh 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

 

Huichica

What: Huichica
Where: Sonoma, CA
When: June 8-9
Who: Boogarins, Allah Las, Cass McCombs & Dan Horne, Dean Wareham, Robyn Hitchcock, Christopher Owens, Heron Oblivion, Beachwood Sparks, Mattson 2, Britta Phillips, Joe Pug, Tim Cohen, William Tyler, 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

 

Spring Awakening

What: Spring Awakening
Where: Chicago, IL
When: June 8-10
Who: Afrojack, Borgore, Carnage, Dmitri Vegas, Hardwell, Kaskade, Steve Aoki, Tiesto, 3LAU, Tritonal, Alison Wonderland, Big Gigantic, deadmau5, Flux Pavilion, Nghtmre, Slushii, Tchami, Zeds Dead, Baauer, Joyryde, Matoma, Minnesota, and more
Why: Spring awakens (in June?) in Chicago with electrodance at Addams-Medill Park.
Web: springawakeningfestival.com

 

Wanderlust Snowshoe

What: Wanderlust Snowshoe
Where: Snowshoe, WV
When: June 8-10
Who: Southern Avenue, The Harmaleighs, Druminyasa, October’s Child, Roothub, SuperTallPaul, 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

 

North by Northeast

What: North by Northeast
Where: Toronto, ON, Canada
When: June 8-17
Who: More than you can count, eh
Why: Canada’s North-by-Northeast shifts to a traditional weekend festival arrangement, with acts from both sides of the border & more. See much more in our 2014 photo gallery here
Web: www.nxne.com

 

Ann Arbor Summer

What: Ann Arbor Summer
Where: Ann Arbor, MI
When: June 8 – July 1
Who: Ani DiFranco, Jazzmeia Horn, The Capitol Steps, Haley Heynderickx, 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

 

Hot 97 Summer Jam

What: Hot 97 Summer Jam
Where: East Rutherford, NJ
When: June 10
Who: Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, A$AP Ferg, Tory Lanez, Swizz Beatz, Meek Mill, and more
Why: Radio station Hot 87 puts on a hip-hop Summer Jam at MetLife Stadium.
Web: www.hot97.com/summerjam

 

Montebello Rock

What: Montebello Rock
Where: Montebello, PQ, Canada
When: June 14-16
Who: Prophets of Rage, Weezer, Five Finger Death Punch, Godsmack, Tenacious D, A Day To Remember, Lamb of God, Jimmy Eat World, Stone Temple Pilots, Sum 41, Rancid, Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly, All Time Low, The Used, Lagwagon, Millencolin, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Streetlight Manifesto, Steel Panther, Venom, Cannibal Corpse, Motionless In White, Atreyu, Propagandhi, Henry Rollins, The Exploited, GBH, Story of the Year, We Came As Romans, The Story So Far, Municipal Waste, Mustard Plug, and more
Why: Canada’s biggest rock fest.
Web: www.montebellorockfest.com

 

Burlington Steamboat Days

What: Burlington Steamboat Days
Where: Burlington, IA
When: June 14-17
Who: Charlie Daniels, Adam Cunningham, Survivor, Jefferson Starship, Fuel, Soul Asylum, Craig Morgan, Sister Hazel, and more
Why: Burlington Steamboat Days is past fifty years old – and so are its acts.
Web: www.steamboatdays.com

 

Firefly

What: Firefly
Where: Dover, DE
When: June 14-17
Who: Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Arctic Monkeys, The Killers, ODESZA, Lil Wayne, Logic, Martin Garrix, SZA, alt-J, Portugal. The Man, Foster the People, MGMT, Mike D, Vance Joy, Big Gigantic, Jimmy Eat World, Chromeo, Cold War Kids, Lord Huron, Royal Blood, Cheat Codes, Rudimental, Marian Hill, Lizzo, Warren G, Rag’n’Bone Man, Betty who, Smallpools, Chicano Batman, Whethan, Everything Everything, Middle Kids, Lukas Nelson, Ron Gallo, Chet Porter, Alex Lahey, Mikky Ekko, Flint Eastwood, and many, many more more
Why: Delaware delivers in the festival game. Read & see much more in our 2018 recap here
Web: fireflyfestival.com

 

Mad Tea Party Jam

What: Mad Tea Party Jam
Where: Hedgesville, WV
When: June 14-17
Who: The Werks, Tauk, LITZ, Electric Love Machine, and more
Why: Make your Jam a Mad Tea Party.
Web: www.themadteapartyjam.com

 

Sound of Music

What: Sound of Music
Where: Burlington, ON, Canada
When: June 14-17
Who: Sublime with Rome, Simple Plan, The All-American Rejects, Everclear, Rainbow Butt Monkeys, Tonic, Eve 6, Kip Moore, Elijah Woods x Jamie Fine, Kongos, Tokyo Police Club, Born Ruffians, and more
Why: It’s about time that Tim Horton’s sponsored a Canadian festival.
Web: soundofmusic.ca

 

Blue Ox

What: Blue Ox
Where: Eau Claire, WI
When: June 14-18
Who: Greensky Bluegrass, The Devil Makes Three, Sam Bush, Del McCoury Band, Margo Price, The Infamous Stringdusters, The Steeldrivers, Steep Canyon Rangers, Mandolin Orange, Pert Near Sandstone, Jeff Austin, Lil Smokies, and more
Why: Country jam comes to Wisconsin. Read more in our 2015 recap here
Web: blueoxmusicfestival.com

 

Vans House Parties - Brooklyn

What: Vans House Parties – Brooklyn
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When:
June 14 – August 24
Who: Interpol, Blondie, Deerhunter, Pennywise, Against Me!, Suicidal Tendencies, Action Bronson, Liz Phair, and more
Why: Vans hosts a great series of free Brooklyn house parties at the last year of the borough’s House of Vans.  See our venue review & photos of House of Vans here 
Web:
http://www.vans.com/house-of-vans.html

 

Country Summer

What: Country Summer
Where: Santa Rosa, CA
When: June 15-17
Who: Florida Georgia Line, Little Big Town, Toby Keith, Maren Morris, Granger Smith, and more
Why: Have some Country in a warm northern California Summer. See much more in our 2017 photo gallery here
Web: countrysummer.com

 

Mountain Jam

What: Mountain Jam
Where: Hunter Mountain, NY
When: June 15-17
Who: Jack Johnson, Sturgill Simpson, alt-J, The War On Drugs, Portugal. The Man, Father John Misty, The Decemberists, Jenny Lewis, Kurt Vile, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Rag’n’Bone Man, Turkuaz, Chicano Batman, The Record Company, Anderson East, The Felice Brothers, Mondo Cozmo, Son Little, Everything Everything, Woods, Andry Frasco, The Stone Foxes, Larkin Poe, Jocelyn & Chris Arndt, and more
Why: Despite the name, the festival at Hunter Mountain is more than just another jam-fest.
Web: mountainjam.com

 

Clearwater

What: Clearwater
Where: Croton Point Park, NY
When: June 16-17
Who: Jeff Tweedy, The Mavericks, Ani DiFranco, Rhiannon Giddens, Dan Zanes, Margaret Glaspy, Jalen N’Gonda, Beth Orton, Langhorne Slim, Parker Milsap, and more
Why: Head upstate for the Clearwater of the Hudson River and all the folk you can shake a stick at – and celebrate the life of Pete Seeger. See much more in our 2013 photo gallery here
Web: www.clearwaterfestival.org

 

Stern Grove

What: Stern Grove
Where: San Francisco, CA
When: June 17 – August 19
Who: Ziggy Marley, M. Ward, Femi Kuti, The Revolution, Ronnie Spector, Thao & The Get Down Stay Down, and more
Why: The oldest free-admission festival of its kind in America is of course in San Francisco.
Web: www.sterngrove.org

 

Sled Island

What: Sled Island
Where: Calgary, AB, Canada
When: June 20-24
Who: The Flaming Lips, Dirty Projectors, Deerhoof, Thundercat, Mount Kimbie, Wye Oak, Shabazz Palaces, John Maus, Cherry Glazerr, Mount Eerie, Grouper, Tyondai Braxon, and more
Why: The mammoth & varied Sled Island returns to Calgary.
Web: www.sledisland.com

 

Telluride Bluegrass

What: Telluride Bluegrass
Where: Telluride, CO
When: June 21-24
Who: Sam Bush Band, Sturgill Simpson, Emmylou Harris, Del McCoury, Yonder Mountain String Band, Greensky Bluegrass, Leftover Salmon, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, I’m With Her, Punch Brothers, Béla Fleck, The Infamous Stringdusters, The Wood Brothers, Chris Thile, 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

 

Wanderlust Stratton

What: Wanderlust Stratton
Where: Bondville, VT
When: June 21-24
Who: Wanderlust House Band of Eric Krasno, Danny Mayer, Louis Cato, Mary Corso, Jesse Murphy, Marc Broussard, Jennifer Hartswick, James Casey, and Eric Finland, Garth Stevenson, Kuinka, October’s Child, Roothub, Christopher Hawley, Beautiful Chorus, Thunderstorm Artis, 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

 

Electric Forest

What: Electric Forest
Where: Rothbury, MI
When: June 21-24 & June 28 – July 1
Who: The String Cheese Incident, Bassnectar, GRiZ, Marshmello, Galantis, Rüfüs Du Sol, ZHU, Bonobo, Chromeo, Cut Copy, Datsik, Green Velvet, Gryffin, Keys N Krates, Louis the Child, Marian Hill, The Glitch Mob, Washed Out, Xavier Rudd, !!!, A Tribe Called Red, Andy Frasco, Bishop Briggs, Betty Who, Devin the Dude, Emancipator, EOTO, Fruition, G Jones, Great Good Fine OK, Hayden James, Hiss Golden Messenger, Karl Denson, Manic Focus, Mija, Misterwives, Savoir Adore, The Werks, Toubab Krewe, Turkuaz, and many more
Why: Nature meets technology as Electric Forest expands to a second weekend. Read much more in our 2017 recap here
Web: www.electricforestfestival.com

 

Rockland-Bergen

What: Rockland-Bergen
Where: Tappan, NY
When: June 22-24
Who: Bobby DiBlasio, David Frye, Joe D’Urso & Stone Caravan, Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes, and more
Why: Rockland & Bergen are crossing county (and state) lines.
Web: www.rocklandmusicfestival.com

 

Saskatchewan Jazz

What: Saskatchewan Jazz
Where: Saskatoon, SK, Canada
When: June 22 – July 1
Who: Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite, Bonobo, Cherry Glazerr, City and Colour, Deerhoof, John Butler Trio, Kamasi Washington, Moon Hooch, Red Baraat, Shabazz Palaces, The Flaming Lips, and more
Why: (Sa)Skat it up, jazz-cat.
Web: saskjazz.com

 

Bonanza

What: Bonanza
Where: Heber, UT
When: June 22-24
Who: Halsey, Wiz Khalifa, ZHU, Phantogram, Local Natives, Rüfüs Du Sol, BØRNS, Oh Wonder, Moon Taxi, Snakehips, Quinn XCII, The Aces, and more
Why: Of course a festival in Utah would be named “Bonanza”.
Web: bonanzacampout.com

 

Beer X

What: Beer X
Where: San Diego, CA
When: June 23
Who: Slightly Stoopid, Stick Figure, Pepper, Fishbone, and more
Why: 91X has a beer festival.
Web: www.beerxsandiego.com

 

Three Stacks

What: Three Stacks
Where: Lansing, MI
When: June 23
Who: Against Me!, Murder By Death, Pup, mewithoutyou, and more
Why: Three Stacks in Michigan.
Web: www.threestacksfest.com/welcome

 

Arroyo Seco Weekend

What: Arroyo Seco Weekend
Where: Pasadena, CA
When: June 23-24
Who: Neil Young, Kings of Leon, Jack White, Robert Plant, Gary Clark Jr., Alanis Morissette, Third Eye Blind, The Pretenders, Belle and Sebastian, Kamasi Washington, The Specials, Seu Jorge, Shakey Graves, Violent Femmes, Capital Cities, The Bangles, The Revolution, Trampled by Turtles, Aaron Neville, Los Lobos, Allen Stone, Dorothy, Margo Price, Hurray For the Riff Raff, North Mississippi Allstars, Gomez, Pharoah Sanders, Typhoon, Fantastic Negrito, Jeff Goldblum, and more
Why: Have a weekend next to the Rose Bowl. Read much more in our 2017 recap here
Web: www.arroyosecoweekend.com

 

Mamby On the Beach

What: Mamby On the Beach
Where: Chicago, IL
When: June 23-24
Who: Common, Russ, Spoon, Grizzly Bear, Cold War Kids, Duke Dumont, Richie Hawtin, St. Lucia, Roy Wood$, Oh Wonder, Whethan, Snakehips, Gorgon City, AJR, tUnE-yArDs, Jai Wolf, Dixon, Towkio, Moon Boots, Léon, Honne, Jamila Woods, and more
Why: Go to the Beach in Chicago.
Web: www.mambybeach.com

 

Summerfest

What: Summerfest
Where: Milwaukee, WI
When: June 27 – July 1 & July 3-8
Who: Imagine Dragons, James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Florida Georgia Line, Dave Matthews Band, J. Cole, Journey, Shawn Mendes, Blake Shelton, Arcade Fire, Def Leppard, Halsey, Logic, Bebe Rexha, Marshmello, Lil Uzi Vert, Steven Tyler, Kesha, Jason Isbell, Alesso, The Flaming Lips, Pixies, Greta Van Fleet, Foster the People, Janelle Monae, Jethro Tull, Louis the Child, Phantogram, Tory Lanez, Kip Moore, Kaleo, The Neighbourhood, Rachel Platten, Cheap Trick, Grizzly Bear, Spoon, BØRNS, Social Distortion, Yonder Mountain String Band, The Fray, Buddy Guy, Slightly Stoopid, Maze, Cheat Codes, Chromeo, O.A.R., Jon Batiste with The Dap-Kings, Goldlink, Machine Gun Kelly, Timeflies, Nelly, Brett Young, Benjamin Booker, Capital Cities, Judah & The Lion, George Thorogood & The Destroyer, Gavin DeGraw, Echosmith, Rick Springfield, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Mayer Hawthorne, Trace Adkins, Buckcherry, P.O.D., Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Trample by Turtles, Gin Blossoms, Boz Scaggs, Bishop Briggs, Anderson East, Lukas Nelson, Sugar Hill Gang, Michael Frani & Spearhead, The Soul Rebels, The Crystal Method, Plain White T’s, Hurray For the Riff Raff, Lissie, The Wild Feathers, Joywave, Candlebox, Matthew Sweet, Pop Evil, Nick Lowe with Los Straitjackets, The Posies, Lit, Molly Hatchet, Meat Puppets, Fastball, A Flock of Seagulls, Alien Ant Farm, The Wombats, Soccer Mommy, Sunflower Bean, Dorothy, 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

 

Kate Wolf

What: Kate Wolf
Where: Laytonville, CA
When: June 28 – July 1
Who: Los Lobos, Indigo Girls, Keb’ Mo’, Martha Reeves, Ani DiFranco, Joan Osborne, Leftover Salmon, The Infamous Stringdusters, Mandolin Orange, and more
Why: Ladies & gents are welcome at Kate Wolf.
Web: katewolfmusicfestival.com

 

Montreal Jazz Fest

What: Montreal Jazz Fest
Where: Montreal, QC, Canada
When: June 28 – July 7
Who: Béla Fleck, Bombino, Herbie Hancock, Kamasi Washington, Kimbra, Max Richter, Metronomy, Moon Hooch, Olafur Arnalds, Snarky Puppy, Thundercat, and more
Why: Of course Montreal has a big, classy jazz festival.
Web: www.montrealjazzfest.com/en-CA

 

Frendly Gathering

What: Frendly Gathering
Where: Sugarbush, VT
When: June 29-30
Who: Twiddle, Greensky Bluegrass, Kamasi Washington, Kevin Morby, The Suffer, Algiers, and more
Why: Gather some frends for a Frendly Gathering. See much more in our 2017 photo gallery here
Web: frendlygathering.com

 

Middle of the Map

What: Middle of the Map
Where:
Kansas City, MO
When:
June 29-30
Who: Grizzly Bear, Spoon, Greta Van Fleet, Social Distortion, Built To Spill, Nikki Lane, Aaron Lee Tasjan, and more
Why: Head to the middle of the Google Map. See more in our 2015 photo gallery here
Web: middleofthemapfest.com

 

Full Moon

What: Full Moon
Where: Maspeth, NY
When: June 30
Who: Metronomy, James Murphy, Whitney, Jackmaster, and more
Why: A full moon shines in New York. See much more in our 2017 photo gallery here
Web: fullmoonfest.com

 

Burger Boogaloo

What: Burger Boogaloo
Where: Oakland, CA
When: June 30 – July 1
Who: John Waters, DEVO, The Damned, Mudhoney, Hunx & His Punx, The Dwarves, The Dickies, Quintron & Miss Pussycat, and more
Why: Burger Records holds a Boogaloo.
Web: www.burgerboogaloo.com

 


July

SummerStage

What: SummerStage
Where: New York, NY
When: May 16 – September 26
Who: Liam Gallagher, O.A.R., Richard Ashcroft, Mac DeMarco, Jake Paul, Dispatch, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Jason Mraz, Blood Orange, Broken Social Scene, Oh Wonder, Gregory Porter, Rhiannon Giddens, Kool & The Gang, Big Daddy Kane, Talib Kweli, Ginuwine, Femi Kuti, Porches, Mura Masa, Joakim, San Fermin, Galactic, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Brett Dennen, Nahko & Medicine For the People, Matt Nathanson, Son Little, The Weather Station, Sunflower Bean, 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

 

Surf Lodge Summer Concert Series

What: Surf Lodge Summer Concert Series
Where: Montauk, NY
When: May 26 – September 1
Who: Parson James, Jessie J, Kimbra, Kelela, Jaden Smith, Lupe Fiasco, Bishop Briggs, Bob Moses, Naked and Famous, White Denim, G. Love, James Murphy, St. Lucia, Noname, Xavier Omär, Lukas Nelson, Durand Jones, Mondo Cozmo, Ron Gallo, Gary Clark Jr., Atlas Genius, Donovan Frankenreiter, AlunaGeorge, and more
Why: Get out of the city and head to the Surf at Montauk.
Web: www.thesurflodge.com/concerts

 

Vans House Parties - Chicago

What: Vans House Parties – Chicago
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When:
May 31 – August 8
Who: Vic Mensa, Princess Nokia, Iceage, Dead Milkmen, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and more
Why: Vans hosts a great series of free Chicago house parties at the city’s House of Vans.  See our venue review & photos of Brooklyn House of Vans here 
Web:
http://www.vans.com/house-of-vans.html

 

Celebrate Brooklyn!

What: BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When: June 5 – August 11
Who: The Decemberists, Vance Joy, Grizzly Bear, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Courtney Barnett, Jason Mraz, Common, Los Lobos, The Jayhawks, Aimee Mann, Fischerspooner, Branford Marsalis, Ricky Skaggs, Rhye, Antibalas, Kronos Quartet, Brandi Carlile, Tinariwen, BADBADNOTGOOD, Noname, Gary Clark Jr., Godspeed You! Black Emperor, The Breeders, M. Ward, Spoon, Julien Baker, Mandolin Orange, Superchunk, Speedy Ortiz, Jonathan Coulton, Natalie Prass, and more
Why: Once again, Prospect Park Bandshell’s BRIC 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

 

Ann Arbor Summer

What: Ann Arbor Summer
Where: Ann Arbor, MI
When: June 8 – July 1
Who: Ani DiFranco, Jazzmeia Horn, The Capitol Steps, Haley Heynderickx, 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

 

Vans House Parties - Brooklyn

What: Vans House Parties – Brooklyn
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When:
June 14 – August 24
Who: Interpol, Blondie, Deerhunter, Pennywise, Against Me!, Suicidal Tendencies, Action Bronson, Liz Phair, and more
Why: Vans hosts a great series of free Brooklyn house parties at the last year of the borough’s House of Vans.  See our venue review & photos of House of Vans here 
Web:
http://www.vans.com/house-of-vans.html

 

Stern Grove

What: Stern Grove
Where: San Francisco, CA
When: June 17 – August 19
Who: Ziggy Marley, M. Ward, Femi Kuti, The Revolution, Ronnie Spector, Thao & The Get Down Stay Down, and more
Why: The oldest free-admission festival of its kind in America is of course in San Francisco.
Web: www.sterngrove.org

 

Electric Forest

What: Electric Forest
Where: Rothbury, MI
When: June 21-24 & June 28 – July 1
Who: The String Cheese Incident, Bassnectar, GRiZ, Marshmello, Galantis, Rüfüs Du Sol, ZHU, Bonobo, Chromeo, Cut Copy, Datsik, Green Velvet, Gryffin, Keys N Krates, Louis the Child, Marian Hill, The Glitch Mob, Washed Out, Xavier Rudd, !!!, A Tribe Called Red, Andy Frasco, Bishop Briggs, Betty Who, Devin the Dude, Emancipator, EOTO, Fruition, G Jones, Great Good Fine OK, Hayden James, Hiss Golden Messenger, Karl Denson, Manic Focus, Mija, Misterwives, Savoir Adore, The Werks, Toubab Krewe, Turkuaz, and many more
Why: Nature meets technology as Electric Forest expands to a second weekend. Read much more in our 2017 recap here
Web: www.electricforestfestival.com

 

Saskatchewan Jazz

What: Saskatchewan Jazz
Where: Saskatoon, SK, Canada
When: June 22 – July 1
Who: Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite, Bonobo, Cherry Glazerr, City and Colour, Deerhoof, John Butler Trio, Kamasi Washington, Moon Hooch, Red Baraat, Shabazz Palaces, The Flaming Lips, and more
Why: (Sa)Skat it up, jazz-cat.
Web: saskjazz.com

 

Summerfest

What: Summerfest
Where: Milwaukee, WI
When: June 27 – July 1 & July 3-8
Who: Imagine Dragons, James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Florida Georgia Line, Dave Matthews Band, J. Cole, Journey, Shawn Mendes, Blake Shelton, Arcade Fire, Def Leppard, Halsey, Logic, Bebe Rexha, Marshmello, Lil Uzi Vert, Steven Tyler, Kesha, Jason Isbell, Alesso, The Flaming Lips, Pixies, Greta Van Fleet, Foster the People, Janelle Monae, Jethro Tull, Louis the Child, Phantogram, Tory Lanez, Kip Moore, Kaleo, The Neighbourhood, Rachel Platten, Cheap Trick, Grizzly Bear, Spoon, BØRNS, Social Distortion, Yonder Mountain String Band, The Fray, Buddy Guy, Slightly Stoopid, Maze, Cheat Codes, Chromeo, O.A.R., Jon Batiste with The Dap-Kings, Goldlink, Machine Gun Kelly, Timeflies, Nelly, Brett Young, Benjamin Booker, Capital Cities, Judah & The Lion, George Thorogood & The Destroyer, Gavin DeGraw, Echosmith, Rick Springfield, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Mayer Hawthorne, Trace Adkins, Buckcherry, P.O.D., Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Trample by Turtles, Gin Blossoms, Boz Scaggs, Bishop Briggs, Anderson East, Lukas Nelson, Sugar Hill Gang, Michael Frani & Spearhead, The Soul Rebels, The Crystal Method, Plain White T’s, Hurray For the Riff Raff, Lissie, The Wild Feathers, Joywave, Candlebox, Matthew Sweet, Pop Evil, Nick Lowe with Los Straitjackets, The Posies, Lit, Molly Hatchet, Meat Puppets, Fastball, A Flock of Seagulls, Alien Ant Farm, The Wombats, Soccer Mommy, Sunflower Bean, Dorothy, 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

 

Kate Wolf

What: Kate Wolf
Where: Laytonville, CA
When: June 28 – July 1
Who: Los Lobos, Indigo Girls, Keb’ Mo’, Martha Reeves, Ani DiFranco, Joan Osborne, Leftover Salmon, The Infamous Stringdusters, Mandolin Orange, and more
Why: Ladies & gents are welcome at Kate Wolf.
Web: katewolfmusicfestival.com

 

Montreal Jazz Fest

What: Montreal Jazz Fest
Where: Montreal, QC, Canada
When: June 28 – July 7
Who: Béla Fleck, Bombino, Herbie Hancock, Kamasi Washington, Kimbra, Max Richter, Metronomy, Moon Hooch, Olafur Arnalds, Snarky Puppy, Thundercat, and more
Why: Of course Montreal has a big, classy jazz festival.
Web: www.montrealjazzfest.com/en-CA

 

 

Burger Boogaloo

What: Burger Boogaloo
Where: Oakland, CA
When: June 30 – July 1
Who: John Waters, DEVO, The Damned, Mudhoney, Hunx & His Punx, The Dwarves, The Dickies, Quintron & Miss Pussycat, and more
Why: Burger Records holds a Boogaloo.
Web: www.burgerboogaloo.com

 

Waterfront Blues

What: Waterfront Blues
Where: Portland, OR
When:
July 4-8
Who: Beth Hart, George Thorogood & The Destroyers, Marc Broussard, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, The Mavericks, The Motet, Commander Cody, Larkin Poe, and more
Why: Head to Tom McCall Waterfront Park for some Blues.
Web:
www.waterfrontbluesfest.com

 

Essence

What: Essence
Where: New Orleans, LA
When: July 5-8
Who: Queen Latifah, Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, The Roots, Snoop Dogg, Roy Wood Jr., and more
Why: Essence Magazine throws a festival in New Orleans.
Web: www.essence.com/festival-2018

 

High Sierra

What: High Sierra
Where: Quincy, CA
When: July 5-8
Who: The String Cheese Incident, Sturgill Simpson, Grace Potter, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Lettuce, The Wood Brothers, The California Honeydrops, Lotus, The Floozies, Turkuaz, Margo Price, The Motet, Antibalas, Hippo Campus, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Twiddle, The Barr Brothers, Billy Strings, Fruition, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, Y La Bamba, 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

 

Common Ground

What: Common Ground
Where: Lansing, MI
When: July 5-8
Who: Logic, Halsey, Gucci Mane, Kip Moore, NF, Kevin Gates, Hunter Hayes, T-Pain, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and more
Why: At this lengthy festival, find some Common Ground.
Web: www.commongroundfest.com

 

Winnipeg FolkWhat: Winnipeg Folk
Where: Winnipeg, MB, Canada
When: July 5-8
Who: A Tribe Called Red, Bahamas, Courtney Barnett, Darlingside, Elle King, Five ALarm Funk, Hiss Golden Messenger, John Butler Trio, Julien Baker, Lee Ranaldo, Mandolin Orange, Passenger, Phoebe Bridgers, Real Estate, Rhye, Scott H. Biram, Sheryl Crow, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Waxahatchee, Whitney, 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

 

Festival d'été de QuébecWhat: Festival d’été de Québec
Where: Québec City, QC, Canada
When: July 5-15
Who: The Weeknd, Neil Young, Future, Shawn Mendes, Foo Fighters, Patrice Michaud, The Chainsmokers, Beck, Lorde, Avenged Sevenfold, Dave Matthews Band, Jethro Tull, Bonobo, Birkin, The War On Drugs, Greta Van Fleet, Charlotte Cardin, Tory Lanez, Phoenix, Cyndi Lauper, 2Fréres, Sturgill Simpson, Chromeo, Passenger, Gainsbourg : Le Symphonique, Jain, Car Seat Headrest, The Skatalites, Galaxie, Sum 41, John Butler Trio, Femi Kuti, Gorgon City, METZ, Oh Wonder, Frank Turner, Busta Rhymes, Lukas Nelson, Brockhampton, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Liza Anne, M. Ward, and 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

 

80/35

What: 80/35
Where: Des Moines, IA
When: July 6-7
Who: Kesha, Phantogram, Courtney Barnett, Atmosphere, Car Seat Headrest, Phoebe Bridgers, Soccer Mommy, 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

 

Eaux Claires

What: Eaux Claires
Where:
Eau Claire, WI
When: July 6-7
Who: The National, Big Red Machine, Pussy Riot, Sharon Van Etten, Julien Baker, Noname, Francis & The Lights, and more
Why: Justin Vernon of Bon Iver (and much more) gets his friends together for a hometown fest – but won’t announce the schedule until the day-of… See much more in our photo gallery here
Web:
eauxclaires.com

 

Northern Lights Festival Boréal

What: Northern Lights Festival Boréal
Where: Sudbury, ON, Canada
When: July 6-8
Who: Lisa LeBlanc, Alvvays, Arkells, Billy & Joel Plaskett, 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: nlfb.ca

 

Evolve

What: Evolve
Where:
Moncton, NB, Canada
When: July 6-9
Who: Michel Menert, Chuurch, Holly, J. Worra and more
Why: Evolve moves from Nova Scotia to New Brunswick, eh?
Web:
www.evolvefestival.com

 

Camp Bisco

What: Camp Bisco
Where: Scranton, PA
When:
July 12-14
Who: The Disco Biscuits, Bassnectar, Excision, Tipper, Bonobo, Illenium, Lotus, STS9, 12th Planet, Big Wild, Boombox, DJ Jazzy Jeff, The Floozies, Ghostface Killah, Jai Wolf, Lettuce, Liquid Stranger, Papdosio, Quinn XCII, Tauk, 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

 

Rock Fest

What: Rock Fest
Where:
Cadott, WI
When: July 12-14
Who: Disturbed, Incubus, Godsmack, Rise Against, A Day To Remember, Halestorm, Seether, Bush, Black Label Society, Dee Snider, Underoath, Nothing More, Sevendust, Ace Frehley, Pop Evil, GWAR, Skid Ro, Trivium, Powerman 5000, and more
Why: Hard rock comes to Wisconsin.
Web:
www.rock-fest.com

 

Great South Bay

What: Great South Bay
Where: Patchogue, NY
When: July 12-15
Who: Umphreys McGee, Sublime with Rome, The Front Bottoms, Dirty Heads, Electric Hot Tuna, Papadosio, Thrice, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, The Get Up Kids, Less Than Jake, and more
Why: Jam fest on Long Island.
Web: www.greatsouthbaymusicfestival.com

 

Forecastle

What: Forecastle
Where: Louisville, KY
When: July 13-15
Who: Chris Stapleton, Arcade Fire, Modest Mouse, Jason Isbell, Houndmouth, The War On Drugs, Father John Misty, Vance Joy, Courtney Barnett, NF, Jimmy Eat World, Kurt Vile, Louis the Child, T-Pain, Jenny Lewis, Margo Price, Vic Mensa, Oh Wonder, Punch Brothers, Lucero, White Reaper, PVRIS, I’m With Her, Jai Wolf, Hiss Golden Messenger, Ron Gallo, and many more
Why: Forecastle comes with a vengeance and a top-tier line-up. Read and see much more in our recap here
Web: forecastlefest.com

 

Green River

What: Green River
Where:
Greenfield, MA
When: July 13-15
Who: Michael Franti & Spearhead, Old Crow Medicine Show, Dr. Dog, Josh Ritter, I’m With Her, Deer Tick, Robert Earl Keen, Femi Kuti, Lucy Dacus, Chuck Prophet, Ana Tijoux, Marco Benevento, and more
Why: This lighter jam-folk fest has hot air balloon rides.
Web:
www.greenriverfestival.com

 

Hillside

What: Hillside
Where:
Guelph, ON, Canada
When: July 13-15
Who: Cadence Weapon, Chad VanGaalen, Destroyer, Elijah Woods x Jamie Fine, Hollerado, Plants and Animals, RHYE, San Fermin, 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

 

Inkcarnation

What: Inkcarnation
Where: Mansfield, OH
When: July 13-15
Who: Rise Against, A Day To Remember, Bush, Black Label Society, Clutch, Our Lady Peace, Of Mice and Men, Lit, Living Colour, Fuel, Alien Ant Farm, Hatebreed, Suicidal Tendencies, Sevendust, Corrosion of Conformity, Soil, and more
Why: Music + Tattoo.
Web: inkcarceration.com

 

XO

What: XO
Where: Antioch, CA
When: July 13-15
Who: T.I., Magic!, Ludacris, Russell Peters, Rev Run, Bone Thugs ‘n’ Harmony, Flavor Flav, The Diplomats, Sugarhill Gang, Biz Markie, Funkmaster Flex, C+C Music Factory, Vanilla Ice, and more
Why: This festival shows some XO love.
Web: xoxomusicfestival.com/home

 

Pleasantville

What: Pleasantville
Where: Pleasantville, NY
When: July 14
Who: The Psychedelic Furs, The Lone Bellow, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Cracker, and more
Why: Making Pleasantville even more pleasant.
Web:
www.pleasantvillemusicfestival.com

 

Ride

What: Ride
Where: Telluride, CO
When: July 14-15
Who: The String Cheese Incident, Sheryl Crow, Grace Potter, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, ZZ Ward, Dhani Harrison, Larkin Poe, Barns Courtney, Futurebirds, and more
Why: Ride into Telluride.
Web:
www.ridefestival.com

 

Sloss

What: Sloss
Where: Birmingham, AL
When:
July 14-15
Who: Chris Stapleton, Arcade Fire, Jason Isbell, GRiZ, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Vance Joy, The War On Drugs, Moon Taxi, Louis the Child, Vic Mensa, LANY, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Margo Price, Jai Wolf, Quinn XCII, PVRIS, Nikki Lane, Big Freedia, Waxhatchee, Brent Cobb, White Reaper, and more
Why: A new festival in Birmingham.
Web:
slossfest.com

 

Grey Fox Bluegrass

What: Grey Fox Bluegrass
Where:
Oak Hill, NY
When: July 19-22
Who: Billy Strings, The Del McCoury Band, Sam Bush Band, Jerry Douglas, The Wood Brothers, Della Mae, and more
Why: Blue or Grey is welcome in the Catskills.
Web:
www.greyfoxbluegrass.com

 

Peach

What: Peach
Where: Scranton, PA
When: July 19-22
Who: Phil Lesh, Gov’t Mule, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Dickey Betts, moe., Warren Haynes, Twiddle, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Blackberry Smoke, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Turkuaz, Leftover Salmon, Anders Osborne & Jackie Greene, Nicki Bluhm, and more
Why: Bringing the jam to the home of Joe Biden & Dunder-Mifflin.
Web: www.thepeachmusicfestival.com

 

Wanderlust Squaw Valley

What: Wanderlust Squaw Valley
Where: North Lake Tahoe, CA
When: July 19-22
Who: Wanderlust House Band of Eric Krasno, Danny Mayer, Louis Cato, Mary Corso, Jesse Murphy, Allen Stone, Robert Randolph and Steve Swatkins, Garth Stevenson, Ron Artis + The Truth, October’s Child, Roothub, SuperTallPaul, and more
Why: Yoga + music fest Wanderlust wanders into Lake Tahoe. See more in our photo gallery here
Web: wanderlust.com/festivals/squaw-valley

 

Capitol Hill Block Party

What: Capitol Hill Block Party
Where:
Seattle, WA
When: July 20-22
Who: Father John Misty, Dillon Francis, Brockhampton, Oh Wonder, Goldlink, Cashmere Cat, Alvvays, Sol, Bettywho, Quinn XCII, Bully, Jamila Woods, Kelly Lee Owens, and more
Why: Seattle throws a block party.
Web: capitolhillblockparty.com

 

Folk On the Rocks

What: Folk On the Rocks
Where:
Yellowknife, NT, Canada
When: July 20-22
Who: Stars, The Weather Station, The Courtneys, Weaves, and more
Why: Head all the way up to the Northwest Territories to get your Folk On the Rocks.
Web:
folkontherocks.com

 

Pitchfork

What: Pitchfork
Where:
Chicago, IL
When: July 20-22
Who: Tame Impala, Fleet Foxes, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Courtney Barnett, The War On Drugs, Chaka Khan, Mount Kimbie, Blood Orange, D.R.A.M., Big Thief, Raphael Saadiq, Noname, Earl Sweatshirt, Moses Sumney, Japandroids, Julien Baker, Kelela, (Sandy) Alex G, Open Mike Eagle, Girlpool, Alex Cameron, Julie Byrne, Zola Jesus, Japanese Breakfast, Lucy Dacus, 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 & see more in our 2016 recap here
Web:
pitchforkmusicfestival.com

 

Float

What: Float
Where: San Marcos, TX
When: July 21-22
Who: Tame Impala, Bassnectar, Snoop Dogg, Modest Mouse, Run the Jewels, Glass Animals, Lil Wayne, Toadies, Cashmere Cat, White Denim, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Bun B, The Suffers, Joywave, Com Truise, and more
Why: Totally tubular. Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: floatfest.net

 

Ozy Fest

What: Ozy Fest
Where: New York, NY
When: July 21-22
Who: Hilary Clinton, Passion Pit, Chelsea Handler, Common, Hasan Minhaj, Laverne Cox, Grouplove, Malcolm Gladwell, Rose McGowan, Padma Lakshmi, Young the Giant, and more
Why: Ozy tries to mash up TED Talks & music festival with some big-name speakers (and some music). Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: www.ozy.com/ozyfest

 

Lincoln Center Out of Doors

What: Lincoln Center Out of Doors
Where:
New York, NY
When:
July 24 – August 12
Who: RZA, Raphael Saadiq, Carly Rae Jepsen, Peter Wolf, Sun Ra Arkestra, and more
Why: The famed venue heads Out of Doors at Damrosch Park Bandshell.
Web:
lcoutofdoors.org

 

FloydFest

What: FloydFest
Where: Floyd, VA
When: July 25-29
Who: Foster the People, Jason Isbell, Old Crow Medicine Show, ZZ Ward, The Infamous Stringdusters, Leftover Salmon, Hiss Golden Messenger, Keller Williams, Lukas Nelson, Antibalas, Langhorne Slim, Nikki Lane, Son Little, and more
Why: Americana-jam at FloydFest.
Web: www.floydfest.com

 

Calgary Folk

What: Calgary Folk
Where: Calgary, AB, Canada
When: July 26-29
Who: The Barr Brothers, Alvvays, Blackalicious, A Tribe Called Red, Damien Jurado, Amy Helm, Bahamas, Chad VanGaalen, Destroyer, Joe Jackson, Land of Talk, Lee Ann Womack, The Milk Carton Kids, Neko Case, Passenger, Reuben and The Dark, Rhye, Saul Williams, Shovels & Rope, Stars, and more
Why: Another Canadian folk festival, this time in the country’s prairie heartland with some surprisingly big acts.
Web: www.calgaryfolkfest.com

 

Newport Folk

What: Newport Folk
Where: Newport, RI
When: July 27-29
Who: Amanda Shires, Bedouine, Brandi Carlilte, Charlie Parr, Courtney Barnett, Curtis Harding, Darlingside, Fantastic Negrito, Gary Clark Jr., Hamilton Leithauser & Rostam, Hiss Golden Messenger, Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, JD McPherson, Khruangbin, Langhorne Slim, Low Cut Connie, Lucius, Lukas Nelson, Moses Sumney, Nicole Atkins, Passenger, Phoebe Bridgers, Sturgill Simpson, Tank & The Bangs, The Lone Bellow, The Weather Station, This Is the Kit, Valerie June, 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.newportfolk.org

 

Panorama

What: Panorama
Where: Randall’s Island, New York
When:
July 27-29
Who: The Weeknd, Janey Jackson, The Killers, The xx, SZA, Lil Wayne, Migos, Father John Misty, Cardi B, ODESZA, David Byrne, Gucci Mane, The War On Drugs, Dua Lipa, St. Vincent, Fleet Foxes, Greta Van Fleet, PVRIS, Jhene Aiko, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Japanese Breakfast, Mount Kimbie, Chicano Batman, Sigrid, Jay Som, Lo Moon, Rex Orange County, Shannon & The Clams, Downtown Boys, and many more
Why: The people behind Coachella & more bring a big festival to the Big Apple. Read & see much more in our recap here
Web:
www.panorama.nyc

 

Wicker Park Fest

What: Wicker Park Fest
Where:
Chicago, IL
When:
July 27-29
Who: Against Me!, Porches, Red Fang, Ezra Furman, Snail Mail, and more
Why: One of Chicago’s many parks has one of its better park festivals. See more in our 2011 photo gallery here
Web:
www.wickerparkfest.com

 

XPoNential

What: XPoNential
Where:
Camden, NJ
When: July 27-29
Who: David Byrne, The War On Drugs, Sturgill Simpson, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Sylvan Esso, Josh Ritter, The Lone Bell0w, Margo Price, Lukas Nelson, Femi Kuti, Tank & The Bangas, JD McPherson, Hiss Golden Messenger, Phoebe Bridgers, Lo Moon, Mondo Cozmo, Sunflower Bean, Courtney Marie Andrews, and more
Why: WXPN 88.5 holds an Americana alt-country fest at Camden’s Waterfront.
Web:
xpnfest.org

 

Loveloud

What: Loveloud
Where: Salt Lake City, UT
When: July 28
Who: Imagine Dragons, Zedd, Mike Shinoda, Grace Vanderwaal, Vagabon, and more
Why: Imagine Dragons’ Dan Reynolds hosts a festival in Utah – to benefit LGBTQ+ charities.
Web: loveloudfest.com

 

Mo Pop

What: Mo Pop
Where: Detroit, MI
When: July 28-29
Who: Bon Iver, The National, Portugal. The Man, St. Vincent, Vince Staples, Highly Suspect, Brockhampton, Billie Eilish, Alvvays, Rex Orange County, Dermot Kennedy, Jeff Rosenstock, S. Carey, and more
Why: A really good festival in the Motor City.
Web: mopopfestival.com

 


August

SummerStage

What: SummerStage
Where: New York, NY
When: May 16 – September 26
Who: Liam Gallagher, O.A.R., Richard Ashcroft, Mac DeMarco, Jake Paul, Dispatch, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Jason Mraz, Blood Orange, Broken Social Scene, Oh Wonder, Gregory Porter, Rhiannon Giddens, Kool & The Gang, Big Daddy Kane, Talib Kweli, Ginuwine, Femi Kuti, Porches, Mura Masa, Joakim, San Fermin, Galactic, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Brett Dennen, Nahko & Medicine For the People, Matt Nathanson, Son Little, The Weather Station, Sunflower Bean, 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

 

Surf Lodge Summer Concert Series

What: Surf Lodge Summer Concert Series
Where: Montauk, NY
When: May 26 – September 1
Who: Parson James, Jessie J, Kimbra, Kelela, Jaden Smith, Lupe Fiasco, Bishop Briggs, Bob Moses, Naked and Famous, White Denim, G. Love, James Murphy, St. Lucia, Noname, Xavier Omär, Lukas Nelson, Durand Jones, Mondo Cozmo, Ron Gallo, Gary Clark Jr., Atlas Genius, Donovan Frankenreiter, AlunaGeorge, and more
Why: Get out of the city and head to the Surf at Montauk.
Web: www.thesurflodge.com/concerts

 

Vans House Parties - Chicago

What: Vans House Parties – Chicago
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When:
May 31 – August 8
Who: Vic Mensa, Princess Nokia, Iceage, Dead Milkmen, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and more
Why: Vans hosts a great series of free Chicago house parties at the city’s House of Vans.  See our venue review & photos of Brooklyn House of Vans here 
Web:
http://www.vans.com/house-of-vans.html

 

Celebrate Brooklyn!

What: BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When: June 5 – August 11
Who: The Decemberists, Vance Joy, Grizzly Bear, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Courtney Barnett, Jason Mraz, Common, Los Lobos, The Jayhawks, Aimee Mann, Fischerspooner, Branford Marsalis, Ricky Skaggs, Rhye, Antibalas, Kronos Quartet, Brandi Carlile, Tinariwen, BADBADNOTGOOD, Noname, Gary Clark Jr., Godspeed You! Black Emperor, The Breeders, M. Ward, Spoon, Julien Baker, Mandolin Orange, Superchunk, Speedy Ortiz, Jonathan Coulton, Natalie Prass, and more
Why: Once again, Prospect Park Bandshell’s BRIC 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

 

Vans House Parties - Brooklyn

What: Vans House Parties – Brooklyn
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When:
June 14 – August 24
Who: Interpol, Blondie, Deerhunter, Pennywise, Against Me!, Suicidal Tendencies, Action Bronson, Liz Phair, and more
Why: Vans hosts a great series of free Brooklyn house parties at the last year of the borough’s House of Vans.  See our venue review & photos of House of Vans here 
Web:
http://www.vans.com/house-of-vans.html

 

Stern Grove

What: Stern Grove
Where: San Francisco, CA
When: June 17 – August 19
Who: Ziggy Marley, M. Ward, Femi Kuti, The Revolution, Ronnie Spector, Thao & The Get Down Stay Down, and more
Why: The oldest free-admission festival of its kind in America is of course in San Francisco.
Web: www.sterngrove.org

 

Lincoln Center Out of Doors

What: Lincoln Center Out of Doors
Where:
New York, NY
When:
July 24 – August 12
Who: RZA, Raphael Saadiq, Carly Rae Jepsen, Peter Wolf, Sun Ra Arkestra, and more
Why: The famed venue heads Out of Doors at Damrosch Park Bandshell.
Web:
lcoutofdoors.org

 

Magic City Blues

What: Magic City Blues
Where: Billings, MT
When: August 2-4
Who: ZZ Top, Phillip Phillips, AJR, Carolyn Wonderland, Madisen Ward, and more
Why: Urban music in the most un-urban of states.
Web: www.magiccityblues.com

 

Lollapalooza

What: Lollapalooza
Where: Chicago, IL
When: August 2-5
Who: The Weekend, Bruno Mars, Jack White, Arctic Monkeys, Travis Scott, The National, Vampire Weekend, ODESZA, Logic, Post Malone, Khalid, Lil Uzi Vert, Portugal. The Man, Tyler, the Creator, CHVRCHES, St. Vincent, Zedd, Excision, Walk the Moon, Dua Lipa, LL Cool J, Gucci Mane, Galantis, Camila Cabello, Perry Farrell, Dillon Francis, James Bay, Brockhampton, Catfish & The Bottlemen, BØRNS, Greta Van Fleet, Illenium, Rezz, Rebelution, Lykke Li, Chromeo, Tycho, Playboi Carti, Franz Ferdinand, Manchester Orchestra, The Neighbourhood, Jungle, Zomboy, Quinn XCII, Goldlink, Billie Eilish, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Kali Uchis, Lizzo, Jessie Ware, What So Not, All Time Low, LANY, Bebe Rexha, Rex Orange County, Cigarettes After Sex, Anderson East, The Wombats, Parquet Courts, Stars, The Vaccines, Bomba Estéreo, Rusko, Dermot Kennedy, Troyboi, Tank & The Bangas, Gang of Youths, Durand Jones, Alex Lahey, Pale Waves, Charlotte Cardin, Superorganism, Curis Harding, Slaves, R.LUM.R, Mikky Ekko, The Aces, 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. Read & see much more in our big recap here
Web: www.lollapalooza.com

 

Mile of Music

What: Mile of Music
Where: Appleton, WI
When: August 2-5
Who: Terra Lightfoot, Luke Winslow-King, JC Brooks Band, Wilderado, Caleb Hawley, Amasa Hines, Sun Seeker, Calliope Musicals, Daniel Ellsworth, and more
Why: A Mile of Music comes to Appleton. Read & see much more in our 2014 recap here
Web: mileofmusic.com

 

Wanderlust Whistler

What: Wanderlust Whistler
Where: Whistler, BC, Canada
When: August 2-5
Who: Stars, MarchFourth, Orgone, Nick Mulvey, Garth Stevenson, Beautiful Chorus, Jordan Waré, Geoffroy, Samuel J, 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

 

Hinterland

What: Hinterland
Where: St. Charles, IA
When: August 3-4
Who: Sturgill Simpson, Band of Horses, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, CHVRCHES, Blackberry Smoke, Margo Price, Anderson East, J Roddy Walston & The Business, Joshua Hedley, and more
Why: Head to America’s Hinterland for this nice new festival. See much more in our photo gallery here
Web: hinterlandiowa.com

 

Secret Stages

What: Secret Stages
Where: Birmingham, AL
When: August 3-4
Who: Daddy Issues, Will Stewart, OSHUN, A Drug Called Tradition, and more
Why: A mostly free event in Birmingham’s Historic Loft District.
Web: www.secretstages.net

 

Arise

What: Arise
Where: Loveland, CO
When: August 3-5
Who: Slightly Stoopid, Thievery Corporation, Pepper, Quixotic, The Lil Smokies, Dumpstaphunk, Con Brio, Family and Friends, and more
Why: Arise in Loveland.
Web: arisefestival.com

 

Newport Jazz

What: Newport Jazz
Where: Newport, RI
When: August 3-5
Who: Sangdam, Charles Lloyd, Pat Metheny, George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic, Jon Batiste, Gregory Porter, BADBADNOTGOOD, Andra Day, Living Colour, 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.newportjazz.org

 

 

Osheaga

What: Osheaga
Where: Montréal, QC, Canada
When: August 3-5
Who: Travis Scott, Arctic Monkeys, Florence & The Machine, The National, Khalid, ODESZA, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Tyler the Creator, Post Malone, James Bay, Anderson .Paak, James Blake, Rae Sremmurd, Portugal. The Man, Blondie, Dua Lipa, Brockhampton, Future Islands, St. Vincent, Lykke Li, Rezz, Franz Ferdinand, Modeselektor, Billie Eilish, LP, Lord Huron, Chromeo, Manchester Orchestra, Jenny Lewis, San Holo, The Neighbourhood, Blood Orange, Bahamas, Sylvan Esso, Cigarettes After Sex, Alvvays, BØRNS, Goldlink, Chronixx, Toro y Moi x Nosaj Thing, Rex Orange County, Kali Uchis, Gorgon City, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, A-Trak, Quinn XCII, Sir Sly, LANY, Tokimonsta, Noname, Dermot Kennedy, Son Little, Alex Cameron, Ron Gallo, Curtis Harding, Alex Lahey, and 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

 

Pickathon

What: Pickathon
Where:
Happy Valley, OR
When: August 3-5
Who: Broken Social Scene, Shakey Graves, Phosphorescent, Built To Spill, I’m With Her, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Tinariwen, Jamila Woods, Sunflower Bean, Ezra Furman, Joshua Hedley, Karl Blau, Lonnie Holley, Low Cut Connie, Sam Amidon, The Weather Station, and more
Why: Pick an instrument at Pickathon. Read & see much more in our 2016 recap here
Web:
pickathon.com

 

Satchmo

What: Satchmo
Where: New Orleans, LA
When: August 3-5
Who: Soul Rebels, Calvin Johnson & Native Son, Irma Thomas, and more
Why: Satchmo – comin’ through with the music.
Web:
satchmosummerfest.org

 

Coney Island

What: Coney Island
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When: August 4
Who: (Sandy) Alex G, The Garden, Shannon Shaw, The Veldt, and more
Why: Coney Island throws a small fest. See more in our photo gallery here
Web: www.cimusicfestival.com

 

Petaluma

What: Petaluma
Where: Petaluma, CA
When: August 4
Who: Railroad Earth, The Brothers Comatose, Melvin Seals & JGB, and more
Why: Get down in Petaluma. See more in our 2014 photo gallery here
Web: www.petalumamusicfestival.org

 

Area 506

What: Area 506
Where: St. Johns, NB, Canada
When: August 4-5
Who: Arkells, July Talk, The Glorious Sons, Big Wreck, The New Pornographers, Whitehorse, Reuben & The Dark, The Olympic Symphonium, and more
Why: Celebrate all things New Brunswick (Canada).
Web: area506.ca

 

HARD SUMMER

What: HARD SUMMER
Where: Fontana, CA
When: August 4-5
Who: Marshmello, Travis Scott, Zeds Dead, Diplo, Dillon Francis, Jauz, Yllow Mystard, Virtual Self, Louis the Child, MØ, Flosstradamus, Troyboi, San Holo, Rick Ross, Snakehips, Slushii, A-Trak, Baauer, Borgore, and more
Why: HARD returns this SUMMER with some hard beats. See more in our 2014 photo gallery here
Web: hardfest.com

 

Travelers’ Rest

What: Travelers’ Rest
Where: Missoula, MT
When: August 4-5
Who: The Decemberists, Death Cab for Cutie, Jeff Tweedy, Mavis Staples, tUnE-yArDs, Whitney, Parquet Courts, Tinariwen, I’m With Her, Waxahatchee, Lucy Dacus, and more
Why: The Decemberists let Travelers Rest in Big Sky Country.
Web: travelersrestfest.com

 

Beach Goth

What: Beach Goth
Where: Los Angeles, CA
When: August 5
Who: The Growlers, The Voidz, The Drums, Doug E. Fresh, GWAR, Starcralwer, Jonathan Richman, and more
Why: The Growlers revive the ‘Beach Goth’ name and hold their seventh festival.
Web: thegrowlers.com

 

Athens Popfest

What: Athens Popfest
Where: Athens, GA
When: August 9-12
Who: Guided By Voices, The Mummies, Ex Hex, Man or Astro-Man?, Dean Wareham, Elf Power, Essex Green, Flasher, and more
Why: Athens (GA) goes Pop.
Web: athenspopfest.com

 

SPF 30

What: SPF 30
Where:
Seattle, WA
When: August 10-11
Who: The Afghan Whigs, Pissed Jeans, Mudhoney, Eugene Mirman, Mass Gothic, Shabazz Palaces, H. Jon Benjamin, Wolf Parade, Kristen Schaal, Beach House, Larry Murphy, METZ, and more
Why: Famed Seattle indie imprint Sub Pop celebrates 30 years.
Web:
spf30.subpop.com

 

Outside Lands

What: Outside Lands
Where:
San Francisco, CA
When: August 10-12
Who: The Weeknd, Florence & The Machine, Janet Jackson, Future, Beck, ODESZA, Bon Iver, DJ Snake, Portugal. The Man, N.E.R.D., CHVRCHES, James Blake, Jamie xx, Huey Lewis & The News, Illenium, Mac DeMarco, Tycho, Father John Misty, Carly Rae Jepsen, Chromeo, The Internet, Jessie Ware, BØRNS, Gryffin, The Growlers, Big Gigantic, Broken Social Scene, Goldlink, Chicano Batman, LP, Rex Orange County, Margo Price, Kelela, The Mountain Goats, Lizzo, Whethan, Quinn XCII, Bahamas, Shannon & The Clams, Dermot Kennedy, Pale Waves, Lucy Dacus, Mikky Ekko, Durand Jones, 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. Read much more in our recap here
Web:
www.sfoutsidelands.com

 

Beloved

What: Beloved
Where:
Tidewater, OR
When: August 10-13
Who: Angelique Kidjo and Femi Kuti, Trio Da Kali, Innov Gnawwa, Novalima, El Búho, Chancha Vía Circuito, Plantrae, and Kaleema, and more
Why: The globe comes to Oregon to celebrate The Beloved with sacred music.
Web:
belovedfestival.com

 

Shambhala

What: Shambhala
Where: Salmo, BC, Canada
When: August 10-13
Who: Adventure Club, Black Tiger Sex Machine, Boogie T, Boombox Cartel, Claude VonStroke, Destructo, Gramatik, Justin Martin, Liquid Stranger, Machinedrum, The Glitch Mob, Z-Trip, and more
Why: Electro-DJs come to Canada – Shambhala!
Web: www.shambhalamusicfestival.com

 

Elements

What: Elements
Where: New York, NY
When: August 11
Who: Bassnectar, Emancipator, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, Snakehips, SNBRN, and more
Why: The moon rises over Baltimore. Read much more in our 2014 recap here
Web: www.elementsfest.nyc

 

Moonrise

What: Moonrise
Where: Baltimore, MD
When: August 11-12
Who: Diplo, DJ Snake, Kaskade, Marshmello, NGHTMRE, Zeds Dead, 3LAU, Audien, Elephante, Joyrde, SNBRN, Excision, Galantis, GRiZ, Illenium, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Action Bronson, Cashmere Cat, Phantogram, Vince Staples, Emancipator Ensemble, Manic Focus, Ganja White Night, REZZ, Liquid Stranger, Mustard, Rusko, Mija, Golf Clap, and more
Why: The moon rises over Baltimore. Read much more in our 2014 recap here
Web: www.moonrisefestival.com

 

The Big What?

What: The Big What?
Where: Pittsboro, NC
When: August 16-18
Who: Big Something, Sunsquabi, Tauk, Consider the Source, Mr. What?, Big Who?, and more
Why: Big What? comes to Pittsboro.
Web: thebigwhat.com

 

Salmon Arm Roots & Blues

What: Salmon Arm Roots & Blues
Where: Salmon Arm, BC, Canada
When: August 16-19
Who: Michael Franti & Spearhead, The Family Stone, Lil Smokies, Cindy Church, Colin James, Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage, and more
Why: British Columbia opens its Salmon Arms for artists from around the world.
Web: www.rootsandblues.ca

 

Psycho Vegas

What: Psycho Vegas
Where: Las Vegas, NV
When: August 17-19
Who: Andrew W.K., Nicke Andersson, Johanna Sadonis, Witchcraft, sunn O))), High On Fire, Red Fang, Rocket From the Crypt, Boris, Tinariwen, Mutoid Man, Wolves In the Throne Room, Danzig, and more
Why: Vegas goes Psycho.
Web: www.vivapsycho.com

 

Riverfest Elora

What: Riverfest Elora
Where: Elora, ON, Canada
When: August 17-19
Who: The Flaming Lips, Carly Rae Jepsen, Blue Rodeo, July Talk, Wolf Parade, Dear Rouge, Born Ruffians, Cuff the Duke, Moon Hooch, Weaves, The Flatliners, Land of Talk, Rich Aucoin, and more
Why: Yet another great festival north of the border.
Web: riverfestelora.com

 

Rocky Mt Folks

What: Rocky Mt Folks
Where: Lyons, CO
When: August 17-19
Who: Indigo Girls, Jeff Tweedy, Los Lobos, Martin Sexton Trio, Penny & Sparrow, Steve Poltz, and more
Why: Folks go up in the Rocky Mt.
Web: www.bluegrass.com/folks

 

Hot August

What: Hot August
Where:
Cockeysville, MD
When:
August 18
Who: The Revivalists, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, The Marcus King Band, Whiskey Shivers, and more
Why: It’s hot in August.
Web:
www.hotaugustmusicfestival.com

 

All My Friends

What: All My Friends
Where: Los Angeles, CA
When:
August 18-19
Who: M.I.A., RL Grime, Gucci Mane, Jamie xx, Jhené Aiko, Destructo, Yo Gotti, Abra, Barcaly Crenshaw, Pete Tong, Soul Clap, Cut Chemist, Golf Clap, Little Boots, Justin Martin, and more
Why: All My Friends are headed to downtown Los Angeles.
Web:
amfdtla.com

 

Billboard Hot 100

What: Billboard Hot 100
Where: Wantagh, NY
When:
August 18-19
Who: DJ Snake, Future, Rae Sremmurd, Andrew McMahon In the Wilderness, Bad Royale, Cheat Codes, French Montana, Justine Sky, Kehlani, The Knocks, Krewella, Machine Gun Kelly, Matoma, Matt Medved, BNGTMRE, and more
Why: The hottest acts on the Billboard Hot 100 play Long Island. See much more in our 2017 photo gallery here
Web:
www.billboard.com/hot-100-music-festival

 

Mutek - Montréal

What: Mutek – Montréal
Where: Montréal, QC, Canada
When: August 22-26
Who: Clap! Clap!, Lawrence English, Acid Pauli, and more
Why: Montréal gets even more artsy with Mutek.
Web: www.mutek.org

 

Lockn'

What: Lockn’
Where: Arrington, VA
When: August 23-26
Who: Umphrey’s McGee, Widespread Panic, Dead & Co., Lettuce, George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Umphrey’s McGee, Sheryl Crow, Toots & The Maytals, Blues Traveler, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Turkuaz, Matisyahu, Lukas Nelson, Joe Russo, The Suffers, and more
Why: Lockn’ the jam. Read & see much more in our 2018 recap here
Web: www.locknfestival.com

 

Wanderlust Tremblant

What: Wanderlust Tremblant
Where: Mont Tremblant, QC, Canada
When: August 23-26
Who: Tank & The Bangas, Alice Phoebe Lou, Lakes of Canada, Beautiful Chorus, October’s Child, Tavana, Sweet Crude, The Bergamot, and more
Why: Yoga + music fest Wanderlust wanders into Quebec. See more in our photo gallery of Wanderlust Squaw Valley here
Web: wanderlust.com/festivals/tremblant

 

Breakaway – Grand Rapids

What: Breakaway – Grand Rapids
Where: Grand Rapids, MI
When: August 24-25
Who: ODESZA, Khalid, Borgeous, Flosstradamus, Jaden Smith, and more
Why: Now in its third year, Breakaway expands to five cities.
Web: www.breakawayfestival.com

 

Breakaway – Columbus

What: Breakaway – Columbus
Where: Columbus, OH
When: August 24-26
Who: Halsey, ODESZA, Migos, Kaskade, Khalid, Gryffin, Jai Wolf, and more
Why: Now in its third year, Breakaway expands to five cities.
Web: www.breakawayfestival.com

 

Jam In the Trees

What: Jam In the Trees
Where: Black Mountain, NC
When: August 24-25
Who: The Travelin’ McCourys, Jerry Douglas, Shooter Jennings, Gangstagrass, Jim Lauderdale, and more
Why: Jam In the Trees – couldn’t be more straightforward.
Web: jaminthetrees.com

 

Huichica East

What: Huichica East
Where: Pine Plains, NY
When: August 24-26
Who: Allah-Las, Bettye LaVette, Mercury Rev, Amen Dunes, Robyn Hitchcock, Vetiver, Ryley Walker, Robert Earl Keen, and more
Why: Huichica Festival (see above) comes East. See much more in our 2013 Huichica photo gallery here
Web: huichica.com/#huichica-east-home

 

Shadow of the City

What: Shadow of the City
Where: Asbury Park, NJ
When: August 25
Who: Bleachers, Hayley Kiyoto, Julien Baker, Beach Slang, 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

 

Afropunk

What: Afropunk
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When: August 25-26
Who: Erykah Badu, Miguel, Janelle Monae, Lolawolf, Twin Shadow, Ibeyi, Willow Smith, Lion Babe, Jacob Banks, Jamila Woods, Tyler the Creator, Kaytranada, The Internet, Jaden Smith, and more
Why: Commodore Barry Park is the site for Afropunk. See more in our 2015 photo gallery here
Web: afropunkfest.com

 

Incuya

What: Incuya
Where: Cleveland, OH
When: August 25-26
Who: New Order, Avett Brothers, SZA, AWOLNATION, The Revivalists, Cake, K.Flay, Earl Sweatshirt, Yuna, Daniel Caesar, J. Roddy Walston & The Business, Bahamas, Tank & The Bangas, Arkells, and more
Why: Head to downtown Cleveland for this festival.
Web: incuya.com

 

Country Jam

What: Country Jam
Where: Cookeville, TN
When: August 30 – September 1
Who: Sam Hunt, Jon Pardi, Maren Morris, Dan + Shay, Granger Smith, and more
Why: 92.3 WCOL brings country to Ohio.
Web:
https://countryjamcampout.com

 

Muddy Roots

What: Muddy Roots
Where: Cookeville, TN
When: August 30 – September 2
Who: Sleep, X, TSOL, High On Fire, Reagan Youth, Dead Boys, Murphy’s Law, L.A. Witch, and more
Why: Country, punk, and more have Muddy Roots.
Web:
www.muddyrootsrecords.com/index.php

 

Bumbershoot

What: Bumbershoot
Where: Seattle, WA
When: August 31 – September 1
Who: J. Cole, The Chainsmokers, SZA, Fleet Foxes, Lil Wayne, Illenium, Portugal. The Man, RL Grime, Phoenix, Ludacris, Chromeo, Young Thug, Blondie, Cold War Kids, T-Pain, Mura Masa, Gryffin, DVSN, Rhye, AJR, Bishop Briggs, Tinashe, The Revolution, Kelela, Dr. Octagon, Emancipator Ensemble, Marian Hill, Moses Sumney, Superorganism, Bahamas, Towkio, Black Pistol Fire, Cherry Glazerr, Jade Bird, Xavier Omär, Arkells, Mt. Joy, Nothing, Mikky Ekko, Eugene Mirman, and many more
Why: Seattle welcomes the impressive Bumbershoot. See more in our 2017 photo gallery here
Web:
www.bumbershoot.com

 

Electric Zoo

What: Electric Zoo
Where: Randall’s Island, NY
When: August 31 – September 1
Who: Alesso, Kaskade, Marshmello, Martin Garrix, Tiësto, Virtual Self, 12th Planet, 3LAU, AC Slater, Audien, Boombox Cartel, Cash Cash, Destructo, Gramatik, Gryffin, Illenium, Justin Martin, Kill the Noise, San Holo, Troyboi, Zeds Dead, Zomboy, and more
Why: Electric Zoo is managing to bring European-style electronic craziness on New York City’s Randall’s Island for another year. See much more in our photo gallery here
Web:
electriczoofestival.com

 

Appaloosa

What: Appaloosa
Where: Front Royal, VA
When: August 31 – September 2
Who: Gaelic Storm, Mandolin Orange, Town Mountain, Six-String Soldiers, and more
Why: Get out of D.C. and get back to the roots.
Web: appaloosafestival.com

North Coast

What: North Coast
Where: Chicago, IL
When: August 31 – September 2
Who: Miguel, Axwell Ingrosso, Snails DVSN, Barclay Crenshaw, DJ Snake, Vulfpeck, The Revivalists, RL Grime, Cashmere Cat, The Strumbellas, Robert Delong, Tauk, Jamiroquai, Yellow Claw, Gramatik, Mura Masa, Moon Taxi, Jacob Banks, 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

 

Seven Peaks

What: Seven Peaks
Where: Buena Vista, CO
When: August 31 – September 1
Who: Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert, Elle King, Brothers Osborne, Sam Bush, Del McCoury, and more
Why: Dierks Bentley throws his own festival among the Peaks of Colorado.
Web:
sevenpeaksfestival.com

 


September

SummerStage

What: SummerStage
Where: New York, NY
When: May 16 – September 26
Who: Liam Gallagher, O.A.R., Richard Ashcroft, Mac DeMarco, Jake Paul, Dispatch, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Jason Mraz, Blood Orange, Broken Social Scene, Oh Wonder, Gregory Porter, Rhiannon Giddens, Kool & The Gang, Big Daddy Kane, Talib Kweli, Ginuwine, Femi Kuti, Porches, Mura Masa, Joakim, San Fermin, Galactic, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Brett Dennen, Nahko & Medicine For the People, Matt Nathanson, Son Little, The Weather Station, Sunflower Bean, 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

 

 

Surf Lodge Summer Concert Series

What: Surf Lodge Summer Concert Series
Where: Montauk, NY
When: May 26 – September 1
Who: Parson James, Jessie J, Kimbra, Kelela, Jaden Smith, Lupe Fiasco, Bishop Briggs, Bob Moses, Naked and Famous, White Denim, G. Love, James Murphy, St. Lucia, Noname, Xavier Omär, Lukas Nelson, Durand Jones, Mondo Cozmo, Ron Gallo, Gary Clark Jr., Atlas Genius, Donovan Frankenreiter, AlunaGeorge, and more
Why: Get out of the city and head to the Surf at Montauk.
Web: www.thesurflodge.com/concerts

 

Country Jam

What: Country Jam
Where: Cookeville, TN
When: August 30 – September 1
Who: Sam Hunt, Jon Pardi, Maren Morris, Dan + Shay, Granger Smith, and more
Why: 92.3 WCOL brings country to Ohio.
Web:
https://countryjamcampout.com

 

Muddy Roots

What: Muddy Roots
Where: Cookeville, TN
When: August 30 – September 2
Who: Sleep, X, TSOL, High On Fire, Reagan Youth, Dead Boys, Murphy’s Law, L.A. Witch, and more
Why: Country, punk, and more have Muddy Roots.
Web:
www.muddyrootsrecords.com/index.php

 

Bumbershoot

What: Bumbershoot
Where: Seattle, WA
When: August 31 – September 1
Who: J. Cole, The Chainsmokers, SZA, Fleet Foxes, Lil Wayne, Illenium, Portugal. The Man, RL Grime, Phoenix, Ludacris, Chromeo, Young Thug, Blondie, Cold War Kids, T-Pain, Mura Masa, Gryffin, DVSN, Rhye, AJR, Bishop Briggs, Tinashe, The Revolution, Kelela, Dr. Octagon, Emancipator Ensemble, Marian Hill, Moses Sumney, Superorganism, Bahamas, Towkio, Black Pistol Fire, Cherry Glazerr, Jade Bird, Xavier Omär, Arkells, Mt. Joy, Nothing, Mikky Ekko, Eugene Mirman, and many more
Why: Seattle welcomes the impressive Bumbershoot. See more in our 2017 photo gallery here
Web:
www.bumbershoot.com

 

Electric Zoo

What: Electric Zoo
Where: Randall’s Island, NY
When: August 31 – September 1
Who: Kaskade, Marshmello, Martin Garrix, Virtual Self, 12th Planet, 3LAU, AC Slater, Audien, Boombox Cartel, Cash Cash, Gramatik, Gryffin, Illenium, Justin Martin, Kill the Noise, San Holo, Troyboi, Zeds Dead, Zomboy, 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

 

Appaloosa

What: Appaloosa
Where: Front Royal, VA
When: August 31 – September 2
Who: Gaelic Storm, Mandolin Orange, Town Mountain, Six-String Soldiers, and more
Why: Get out of D.C. and get back to the roots.
Web: appaloosafestival.com

North Coast

What: North Coast
Where: Chicago, IL
When: August 31 – September 2
Who: Miguel, Axwell Ingrosso, Snails DVSN, Barclay Crenshaw, DJ Snake, Vulfpeck, The Revivalists, RL Grime, Cashmere Cat, The Strumbellas, Robert Delong, Tauk, Jamiroquai, Yellow Claw, Gramatik, Mura Masa, Moon Taxi, Jacob Banks, 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

 

Seven Peaks

What: Seven Peaks
Where: Buena Vista, CO
When: August 31 – September 1
Who: Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert, Elle King, Brothers Osborne, Sam Bush, Del McCoury, and more
Why: Dierks Bentley throws his own festival among the Peaks of Colorado.
Web:
sevenpeaksfestival.com

 

L.A. Tailgate

What: L.A. Tailgate
Where: Los Angeles, CA
When: September 1
Who: Toby Keith, Randy Houser, Nelly, Joe Nichols, David Nail, and more
Why: Los Angeles Tailgates with some country.
Web:
latailgatefest.com

 

Made In America

What: Made In America
Where: Philadelphia, PA
When:
September 2-3
Who: Nicki Minaj, Post Malone, Meek Mill, Diplo, Zedd, Miguel, Janelle Monáe, Alessia Cara, Fat Joe, 6lack, Belly, Ty Dolla $ign, Rich The Kid, Sabrina Claudio, Jessie Reyez, Louis The Child, Tchami, Lil B, Snakehips, Cashmere Cat, Jai Wolf, TOKiMONSTA, White Reaper, Clairo, Show Me The Body, Code Orange, and more
Why: Jay-Z’s doing everything from sports agenting to festivals, such as Philadelphia’s Made In America.
Web:
www.madeinamericafest.com

 

Prog Power USA

What: Prog Power USA
Where: Atlanta, GA
When: September 5-8
Who: Sons of Apollo, Tarja, Redemption, Labyrinth, Alestorm, and more
Why: Progressive & metal meet in Atlanta, USA.
Web: progpowerusa.com

 

Hopscotch

What: Hopscotch
Where: Raleigh, NC
When:
September 6-8
Who: Miguel, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, The Flaming Lips, Grizzly Bear, MC50, Thundercat, The Revolution, Liz Phair, Real Estate, DVSN, Moses Sumney, The Jayhawks, Red Fang, Waxahatchee, Gang Gang Dance, Body/Head, Grouper, U.S. Girls, Speedy Ortiz, No Age, The Love Language, Julie Byrne, Circuit Des Yeux, Escape-Ism, Ed Schrader, Yamantaka//Sonic Titan, Sneaks, Molly Burch, and more
Why: The Independent Weekly throws a great fest at venues across Raleigh.
Web:
hopscotchmusicfest.com

 

Dancefestopia

What: Dancefestopia
Where: Kansas City, MO
When: September 6-9
Who: Flux Pavilion, Illenium, REZZ, Snails, Zeds Dead, 12th Planet, Black Tiger Sex Machine, and more
Why: Get your dance on in the middle of the country.
Web: www.dancefestopia.com

 

Waterloo

What: Waterloo
Where: Austin, TX
When: September 6-9
Who: The String Cheese Incident, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Oteil & Friends, Railroad Earth, Leftover Salmon, The Motet, Boombox, Perpetual Groove, Tauk, Big SOmething, Marco Benevento, Orgone, Pimps of Joytime, Tea Leaf Green, and more
Why: Jam out at Carson Creek Ranch.
Web: www.waterloofest.com

 

The Breaks

What: The Breaks
Where: Chicago, IL
When: September 8
Who: Wu-Tang Clan, Yasiin Bey, Vic Mensa, Talib Kweli, Curren$y, Freddie Gibbs, and more to be announced
Why: Dem’s The Breaks.
Web: www.thebreakschicago.com

 

Moon River

What: Moon River
Where: Chattanooga, TN
When: September 8-9
Who: The Avett Brothers, The Head and The Heart, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, Judah & The Lion, Trampled By Turtles, Margo Price, Mavis Staples, I’m With Her, Joseph, Mandolin Orange, Penny & Sparrow, Durand Jones, Darlingside, and more
Why: Drew Holcomb brings his Neighbors and more. See much more in our 2015 photo gallery here
Web: moonriverfestival.com

 

Octfest

What: Octfest
Where: New York, NY
When: September 8-9
Who: The Flaming Lips, Vince Staples, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, BADBADNOTGOOD, Yo La Tengo, and more
Why: Beer meets indie music on Governors Island (in a September festival named “Oct”…). Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: www.octfest.co

 

One Music Fest

What: One Music Fest
Where: Atlanta, GA
When: September 8-9
Who: Naz, 2 Chainz, Miguel, Big Sean, Jeezy, H.E.R., T.I., August Greene, Big Krit, Brandy, GoldLink, DVSN, George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic, Kelis, Jessie Reyes, Youngbloodz, Ying Yang Twins, and more
Why: One big Fest at Atlanta’s Lakewood Amphitheatre.
Web: www.onemusicfest.com

 

Harvest Jazz & Blues

What: Harvest Jazz & Blues
Where: Fredericton, NB, Canada
When: September 11-16
Who: Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Steve Earle & The Dukes, Blackberry Smoke, Mavis Staples, The Magpie Salute, Dawes, The Record Company, The Sheepdogs, Blind Boys of Alabama, Turkuaz, Anders Osborne, Elliott Brood, Rich Aucoin, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, 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

 

Rifflandia

What: Rifflandia
Where: Victoria, BC, Canada
When: September 13-16
Who: Daniel Caesar, Jessie Reyez, Adventure Club, Current Swell, Bishop Briggs, Lights, Fucked Up, The JB’s, Blitzen Trapper, Andy Shauf, Chad VanGaalen, METZ, Hey Ocean!, Neon Steve, and more
Why: Rifflandia returns to the Garden City at Royal Athletic Park.
Web: www.rifflandia.com

 

Prime

What: Prime
Where: Urbana, IL
When: September 14-15
Who: To be announced
Why: Even Urbana’s got an EDM fest these days.
Web: www.primemusicfest.com

 

Basilica SoundScape

What: Basilica SoundScape
Where: Hudson, NY
When: September 14-16
Who: Grouper, Haxan Cloak x Nick Zinner, Lightning Bolt, Wax Idols, and more
Why: Head up the Hudson for a SoundScape. See more in our 2013 photo gallery here
Web: basilicahudson.org/soundscape

 

Grandoozy

What: Grandoozy
Where: Denver, CO
When: September 14-16
Who: Kendrick Lamar, Florence & The Machine, Stevie Wonder, The Chainsmokers, Logic, Sturgill Simpson, Miguel, Phoenix, Young the Giant, St. Vincent, The War On Drugs, De La Soul, 6LACK, Mavis Staples, Ty Dolla $ign, Big K.R.I.T., Bishop Briggs, Karl Denson, Tennis, Kelela, Kevin Morby, The Soul Rebels, Jade Bird, Bayonne, and more
Why: The folks behind Bonnaroo & Outside Lands (see above) head to Denver for Grandoozy of a festival.
Web: www.grandoozy.com

 

Kaaboo

What: Kaaboo
Where: Del Mar, CA
When: September 14-16
Who: Foo Fighters, Imagine Dragons, Katy Perry, Robert Plant, Halsey, Post Malone, Wiz Khalifa, N.E.R.D., Incubus, Earth Wind & Fire, Gucci Mane, Slash, Alice In Chains, Billy Idol, Jewel, Blondie, Jimmy Eat World, Cake, Nelly, Big Boi, Melissa Etheridge, Stone Temple Pilots, TLC, Quinn XCII, The All-American Rejects, Bebe Rexha, Better Than Ezra, Robert Delong, The Wailers, Everclear, Soul Asylum, The Zombies, The English Beat, Candlebox, Vanessa Carlton, Drew Holcomb, and more
Why: Kaaboom! Read much more in our recap here
Web: www.kaaboodelmar.com

 

Riot

What: Riot Fest
Where: Chicago, IL
When: September 14-16
Who: Elvis Costello, Beck, Weezer, Run the Jewels, Incubus, Young the Giant, Interpol, Blondie, Alkaline Trio, Father John Misty, Jerry Lee Lewis, Dropkick Murphys, Bleachers, Atmosphere, Flogging Molly, Cypress Hill, Bad Religion, Underoath, Matt & Kim, The Jesus Lizard, Sum 41, The Voidz, The Front Bottoms, Twin Peaks, K.Flay, Suicidal Tendencies, Bullet For My Valentine, Clutch, The Wonder Years, Digable Planets, Liz Phair, Cat Power, Gary Numan, Killing Joke, NOt Snakes, Wolfmother, Johnny Marr, Superchunk, JD McPherson, Reignwolf, Lagwagon, Pussy Riot, Fear, Andrew W.K., GWAR, The Bouncing Souls, Dillinger Four, HEALTH, Kevin Devine, The Districts, Arkells, Speedy Ortiz, Mannequin Pussy, and more
Why: Riot Fest collects punks & more, old & young. Read and see much more in our big recap here
Web: www.riotfest.org

 

Telluride Blues & Brews

What: Telluride Blues & Brews
Where: Telluride, CO
When: September 14-16
Who: Robert Plant, Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite, Gov’t Mule, Booker T, JJ Grey & Mofro, Anders Osborne, Samantha Fish, Marcus King Band, Valerie June, The California Honeydrops, Son Little, Marco Benevento, and more
Why: Have some blues – and some brews.
Web: www.tellurideblues.com

 

Dreamville

What: Dreamville
Where: Raleigh, NC
When: September 15
Who: To be announced
Why: Dream(ing) in Raleigh(ville).
Web: www.dreamvillefest.com

 

Grand Point North

What: Grand Point North
Where: Burlington, VT
When: September 15-16
Who: Grace Potter, Jackson Browne, Nathaniel Rateliff, Ani DiFranco, The Magpie Salute, Caroline Rose, Darlingside, Mt. Joy, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds and more
Why: Vermont & Grace Potter do the jam right. See much more in our 2017 photo gallery here
Web: www.grandpointnorth.com

 

Rolling Loud - Bay Area

What: Rolling Loud – Bay Area
Where:
Oakland, CA
When: September 15-16
Who: Wiz Khalifa, Travis Scott, Lil Uzi Vert, Rae Sremmurd, Gucci Mane, YG, Playboi Carti, Young Thug, Kevin Gates, Rich the Kid, Joey Bada$$, Kamaiyah, Pusha T, Lil Baby, Jaden Smith, Iamsu!, Vic Mensa, and more
Why: Miami’s Rolling Loud (see above) rolls to the West Coast.
Web: www.rollingloud.com/bayarea

 

Lincoln Calling

What: Lincoln Calling
Where: Lincoln, NE
When:
September 17-22
Who: Japanese Breakfast, Parquet Courts, Lion Babe, Waxahatchee, The Nude Party, Leikeli47, Joey Dosik, Ron Gallo, The Kickback, Ought, and more
Why: Lincoln, Nebraska is Calling.
Web: www.lincolncalling.com

 

Thrival

What: Thrival
Where: Pittsburgh, PA
When: September 21
Who: Dillon Francis, Matt & Kim, Brooke Annibale, and more
Why: A thrilling festival in Pittsburgh.
Web: thrivalfestival.com

 

Cayuga Sound

What: Cayuga Sound
Where: Ithaca, NY
When: September 21-22
Who: X Ambassadors, Young the Giant, Matt & Kim, Sofi Tukker, Talib Kweli, Morgxn, and more
Why: X Ambassadors & This Fiction bring a festival to Ithaca.
Web: www.cayugasoundfestival.com

 

Waking Windows – Portland

What: Waking Windows – Portland
Where:
Portland, ME
When: September 21-22
Who: Jaw Gems, Ivy Sole, Vundabar, Teen, M.A.K.U. Soundsystem, Miho Hatori, and more
Why: Waking Windows spreads to Portland, Maine. See much more in our 2016 Waking Windows Vermont photo gallery here
Web:
www.wakingwindows.com

 

Imagine

What: Imagine
Where: Atlanta, GA
When:
September 21-23
Who: Armin Van Buuren, Bassnectar, Kaskade, Alesso, Galantis, RL Grime, Zeds Dead, Adventure Club, 12th Planet, Liquid Stranger, GRiZ, ZHU, Cashmere Cat, Shpongle, EOTO, Lotus, Jai Wolf, Oliver Heldens, Wax Motif, Paul Oakenfold, and more
Why: Imagine all the DJs…
Web: www.imaginefestival.com

 

Life Is Beautiful

What: Life Is Beautiful
Where: Las Vegas, NV
When: September 21-23
Who: The Weeknd, Arcade Fire, Florence & The Machine, Travis Scott, DJ Snake, ODESZA, N.E.R.D., Death Cab for Cutie, Tyler the Creator, Justice, B∆stille, Galantis, CHVRCHES, Miguel, RL Grime, Foster the People, St. Vincent, French Montana, A$AP Ferg, Sylvan Esso, Santigold, The Neighbourhood, Cold War Kids, Daniel Caesar, Goldlink, First Aid Kit, Alison Wonderland, Jungle, T-Pain, What So Not, Blood Orange, Wolfmother, Cashmere Cat, Gramatik, Lizzo, Lauv, Sofi Tukker, The Drums, The Presets, 3LAU, Robert Delong, DVBBS, Superorganism, Sir Sly, Welshly Arms, HINDS, Mt. Joy, Chet Porter, Mikky Ekko, and many more
Why: Life Is Beautiful in Las Vegas. Read much more in our recap here
Web:
lifeisbeautifulfestival.com

 

Farm Aid

What: Farm Aid
Where: Hartford, CT
When: September 22
Who: Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews & Time Reynolds, Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson, Kacey Musgraves, Margo Price, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, and more to be announce
Why: The Redheaded Stranger keeps America growing.
Web: www.farmaid.org/festival

 

River City Rockfest

What: River City Rockfest
Where: San Antonio, TX
When: September 22
Who: Nine Inch Nails, Primus, Stone Temple Pilots, Bush, Chevelle, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Clutch, Yelawolf, Living Colour, Suicidal Tendencies, The Sword, and more
Why: The River City rocks. See more in our 2014 photo gallery here
Web: www.rivercityrockfest.com

 

Trillectro

What: Trillectro
Where: Columbia, MD
When: September 22
Who: SZA, 2 Chainz, RL Grime, Carnage, Young Thug, Playboi Carti, The Internet, and more
Why: It doesn’t get more trill.
Web: trillectro.com

 

Audiotree

What: Audiotree
Where: Kalamazoo, MI
When: September 22-23
Who: Father John Misty, Local Natives, Real Estate, Khruangbin, Basement, Chicano Batman, Diet Cig, Blitzen Trapper, Post Animal, and more
Why: Audiotree brings indie to Kalamazoo-zoo-zoo.
Web: www.audiotreemusicfestival.com

 

Bourbon & Beyond

What: Bourbon & Beyond
Where: Louisville, KY
When:
September 22-23
Who: Sting, John Mayer, Robert Plant, Lenny Kravitz, Counting Crows, David Byrne, Sheryl Crow, Brian Setzer, Kaleo, Gov’t Mule, Keb’ Mo’, Blackberry Smoke, JJ Grey & Mofro, The Record Company, Del McCoury, Joseph, Larkin Poe, The Last Bandoleros, and more See more in our photo gallery here
Why: Bourbon, bands & Beyond.
Web:
bourbonandbeyond.com

 

Holler On the Hill

What: Holler On the Hill
Where: Indianapolis, IN
When:
September 22-23
Who: St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Moon Taxi, Colter Wall, Amanda Shires, Jamestown Revival, Hayes Carll, John Paul White, Blitzen Trapper, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Jade Bird, Detroit Cobras, Billy Strings, Lydia Loveless, Joe Pug, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Israel Nash, and more
Why: Holler On the Hill – pretty straightforward.
Web:
holleronthehill.com

 

Pilgrimage

What: Pilgrimage
Where: Franklin, TN
When: September 22-23
Who: Jack White, Chris Stapleton, Lionel Ritchie, Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds, Hozier, Brandi Carlile, Counting Crows, Amos Lee, Bleachers, Lord Huron, Dawes, Maggie Rogers, Elle King, Mat Kearney, Valerie June, The Struts, Jade Bird, Keb’ Mo’, Pete Yorn, The Record Company, The Infamous Stringdusters, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Low Cut Connie, Courtney Marie Andrews, Caroline Rose, Whitney Rose, Sarah Shook, and many more
Why: Make a Pilgrimage to Tennessee.
Web:
pilgrimagefestival.com

 

Together

What: Together
Where: Boston, MA
When: September 23-30
Who: Jon Hopkins, Palms Trax, Floorplan, and more to be announced
Why: The Together New England Electronic Music Festival goes into its ninth year.
Web: togetherboston.com

 

Pygmalion

What: Pygmalion
Where: Champaign-Urbana, IL
When:
September 26-29
Who: Playboi Carti, Tig Notaro, Last Podcast On the Left, Safiya Noble, Mount Kimbie, Kyle Kinane, Whitney, Diet Cig, Frankie Cosmos, Billy String, Foxing, Post Animal, Anna Burch, and more
Why: Central Illinois’s Pygmalion Music Festival returns for another year.
Web:
www.thepygmalionfestival.com

 

Pop Montreal

What: Pop Montréal
Where: Montréal, QC, Canada
When: September 26-30
Who: SOPHIE, Wanda Jackson, Bill Callahan, Wolf Parade, Daniel Lanois, Kilo Kish, U.S. Girls, King Khan & The Shrines, Bush Tetras, Blitzen Trapper, The Charlatans UK, Leif Vollebekk, No Joy, Nap Eyes, The Proclaimers, and more
Why: The artistic alt-SXSW showcases acts based on artistic style, not commercial viability, in the snowy but beautifully European Montreal.
Web: www.popmontreal.com

 

Goner

What: Goner
Where: Memphis, TN
When:
September 27-29
Who: Oblivians, Carbonas, Robyn Hitchcock, Lydia Lunch, Retrovirus, and more
Why: Goner Fest brings a weekend of rock ‘n’ roll to Memphis for a fifteenth year.
Web:
www.goner-records.com/gonerfest

 

Ohana

What: Ohana
Where: Dana Point, CA
When: September 28-30
Who: Eric Church, Eddie Vedder, Mumford & Sons, Beck, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Norah Jones, Amos Lee, Liz Phair, Young the Giant, Switchfoot, Johnny Marr, Nikki Lane, John Doe, Bahamas, Andrew McMahon, Hiss Golden Messenger, The White Buffalo, Dave Hause, Kevin Devine, Fantastic Negrito, Nick Hakim, and more
Why: Doheny State Beach welcomes some nice sounds to the shore.
Web:
www.theohanafest.com

 

Brooklyn Comes Alive

What: Brooklyn Comes Alive
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When: September 29
Who: Henry Glasper, George Porter Jr., Adam Deitch, and more
Why: Brooklyn is always Alive.
Web: www.brooklyncomesalive.com

 

Global Citizen

What: Global Citizen
Where: New York, NY
When: September 29
Who: The Weeknd, Janet Jackson, Shawn Mendes, Cardi B, Janelle Monae, John Legend, and more
Why: Giant names try to bring awareness to Central Park.
Web: www.globalcitizen.org/en/festival/newyork/2018

 

CRSSD – Fall

What: CRSSD – Fall
Where: San Diego, CA
When: September 29-30
Who: Duke Dumont, Bob Moses, Big Wild, Marian Hill, Sofi Tukker, Kiiara, Mount Kimbie, and more
Why: Spinning up a strong electronic festival at San Diego’s Waterfront Park. Read much more in our Spring 2017 recap here
Web: crssdfest.com

 

Music Tastes Good

What: Music Tastes Good
Where: Long Beach, CA
When: September 29-30
Who: New Order, James Blake, Janelle Monae, The Black Angels, Joey Bada$$, Broken Social Scene, Lizzo, Santigold, Parquet Courts, Lil B, The Church, Princess Nokia, Sun Kil Moon, Blake Mills, Big Thief, Bill Callahan, Cherry Glazerr, Ezra Furman, Quinron & Miss Pussycat, and more
Why: Music Tastes Good.
Web:
mtglb.co

 

Sea.Hear.Now

What: Sea.Hear.Now
Where: Asbury Park, NJ
When: September 29-30
Who: Jack Johnson, Incubus, Social Distortion, Ben Harper, Brandi Carlile, Milky Chance, Blondie, Kaleo, The Front Bottoms, Frank Turner, Highly Suspect, Soja, The Menzingers, Langhorne Slim, G. Love & Special Sauce, Deer Tick, Twin Peaks, Rayland Baxter, Nicole Atkins, Jesse Malin, The Parlor Mob, and more
Why: Music + bourbon + ‘gourmet man food’.
Web:
www.seahearnowfestival.com

 

There's No Leaving New York

What: There’s No Leaving New York
Where: Queens, NY
When: September 29-30
Who: The National, Jason Isbell, Future Islands, Cigarettes After Sex, Cat Power, U.S. Girls, Phoebe Bridgers, and more
Why: Alt-heroes The National (QRO spotlight on) remind us that There’s No Leaving New York.
Web:
americanmary.com

 


October

Mondo

What: Mondo
Where: New York, NY
When: October 2-5
Who: To be announced
Why: From the creators of CMJ (QRO 2015 recap) comes this latest NYC multi-venue fest. Read & see much more in our big 2016 inaugural recap here
Web: www.mondo.nyc

 

Brooklyn Electronic

What: Brooklyn Electronic
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When: October 3-6
Who: Breakbot, Motor City Drum Ensemble, Nina Kraviz, and more to be announced
Why: Electronic music rocks Brooklyn.
Web: brooklynemf.com

 

A3C

What: A3C
Where: Atlanta, GA
When: October 3-7
Who: Wu-Tang Clan, Lil Wayne, The Diplomats, Curren$y, Young MA, PRhyme, and more to be announced
Why: This festival & conference is “Hip-Hop’s Family Reunion”.
Web: www.a3cfestival.com

 

The Big Weekend

What: The Big Weekend
Where: Chicago, IL
When: October 4-6
Who: Umphrey’s McGee, Lettuce, Emancipator Ensemble, Amy Helm, Leftover Salmon, The Motet, Papadosio, The Revolution, and more
Why: The Big Weekend in Chicago.
Web: www.thebigweekend.net

 

Breakaway – Nashville

What: Breakaway – Nashville
Where: Nashville, TN
When: October 5-6
Who: Wiz Khalifa, ILLENIUM, Lil Pump, Russ, and more to be announced
Why: Now in its third year, Breakaway expands to five cities.
Web: www.breakawayfestival.com

 

The Festy Experience

What: The Festy Experience
Where: Arrington, VA
When:
October 5-7
Who: Greensky Bluegrass, Gillian Welch, Railroad Earth, Sam Bush Band, Della Mae, Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, Fruition, Rubblebucket, and more
Why: Have The Festy Experience. Read & see much more in our 2017 recap here
Web: www.thefesty.com

 

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass

What: Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
Where: San Francisco, CA
When: October 5-7
Who: To be announced
Why: Golden Gate Park welcomes big names that may not be strictly bluegrass, but is free!
Web: www.hardlystrictlybluegrass.com

 

Austin City Limits

What: Austin City Limits
Where: Austin, TX
When: October 5-7 & 12-14
Who: Paul McCartney, Metallica, Childish Gambino, Arctic Monkeys, Travis Scott, ODESZA, The National, Khalid, Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello, Hozier, David Byrne, CHVRCHES, Deftones, Justice, St. Vincent, Sylvan Esso, Father John Misty, Brandi Carlile, Brockhampton, Illenium, REZZ, BØRNS, Janelle Monáe, Greta Van Fleet, Shakey Graves, Highly Suspect, Manchester Orchestra, Gryffin, X Ambassadords, Lily Allen, Blood Orange, Jungle, Twin Shadow, The Breeders, Tinashe, Houndmouth, Sharon Van Etten, Trampled by Turtles, The Wombats, The Revolution, Marian Hill, Sofi Tukker, Khruangbin, Rhye, Parquet Courts, Elle King, Noname, Alvvays, Sir Sly, Bishop Briggs, Golden Dawn Arkestra, Japanese Breakfast, Bahamas, Mt. Joy, Moses Sumney, Big Thief, Durand Jones, AMen Dunes, Curtis Harding, Ghost of Paul Revere, Natalie Prass, Shame, Lo Moon, Asleep At the Wheel, Mikky Ekko, Arkells, Nicole Atkins, Naked Giants, 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 big recap here
Web: www.aclfestival.com

 

Cal Jam

What: Cal Jam
Where: San Bernadino, CA
When:
October 6
Who: Foo Fighters, Iggy Pop, Tenacious D, Garbage, Greta Van Fleet, Silversun Pickups, Manchester Orchestra, The Front Bottoms, Black Mountain, Deer Tick, METZ, Anna Von Hausswolff, and more
Why: Foo Fighters throw their own festival.
Web: www.caljamfest.com

 

Rock Allegiance

What: Rock Allegiance
Where: Camden, NJ
When: October 6
Who: Avenged Sevenfold, Limp Bizkit, Papa Roach, Skillet, Bullet For My Valentine, Insane Clown Posse, GWAR, Of Mice & Men, and more
Why: Pledge Allegiance to the Rock.
Web:
rockallegiance.com

 

Adult Swim

What: Adult Swim
Where: Los Angeles, CA
When: October 6-7
Who: Hannibal Buress, Mastodon, Flying Lotus, Neko Case, T-Pain, Chad Van Gaalen, Code Orange, Com Truise, Thundercat, Zola Jesus, Wavves, Big Freedia, Dan Deacon, High On Fire, Jena Friedman, Julianna Barwick, Run the Jewels, Sound of Ceres, and more
Why: Adult Swim holds it’s own festival – which really should feature Captain Murphy.
Web: adultswimfestival.com

 

All Things Go Fall Classic

What: All Things Go Fall Classic
Where: Washington, D.C.
When: October 6-7
Who: Maggie Rogers, MisterWives, Carly Rae Jepsen, Billie Eilish, Betty Who, The Aces, and more
Why: All Things Go holds its Fall Classic at D.C.’s Union Market. See more in our photo gallery here
Web: www.allthingsgofallclassic.com

 

Mempho

What: Mempho
Where: Memphis, TN
When: October 6-7
Who: Beck, Post Malone, Phoenix, Nas, Janelle Monae, Mac DeMarco, Milky Chance, Rich the Kid, George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic, Juicy J, Lucero, Stones Throw, Larkin Poe, and more
Why: A new festival with some top-notch acts.
Web: www.memphofest.com

 

Hillberry

What: Hillberry
Where: Eureka Springs, AR
When:
October 11-14
Who: Railroad Earth, Trampled by Turtles, Sam Bush, Lettuce, The Wood Brothers, The Infamous Stringdusters, Billy Strings, and more
Why: Railroad Earth brings a harvest festival to Arkansas.
Web: hillberryfestival.com

 

Breakaway – Charlotte

What: Breakaway – Charlotte
Where: Nashville, TN
When: October 12-13
Who: Griz, Wiz Khalifa, Lil Pump, Louis the Child, Machine Gun Kelly, and more
Why: Now in its third year, Breakaway expands to five cities.
Web: www.breakawayfestival.com

 

Desert Daze

What: Desert Daze
Where: Joshua Tree, CA
When: October 12-14
Who: Tame Impala, My Bloody Valentine, King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard, Death Grips, Mercury Rev, Warpaint, Jarvis Cocker, Ty Segall & White Fence, Earth, Chelsea Wolfe, Connan Mockasin, BEAK>, HINDS, Preoccupations, A Place To Bury Strangers, King Khan & The Shinres, Shannon & The Clams, Pond, Kevin Morby, Boogarins, True Widow, Mannequin Pussy, and more
Why: Head into the Desert for Daze. Read more in our 2017 recap here
Web: desertdaze.org

 

Afropunk Atlanta

What: Afropunk Atlanta
Where: Atlanta, GA
When: October 13-14
Who: N.E.R.D., The Internet, Benjamin Booker, Noname, Little Simz, serpentwithfeet, Yves Tumor, and more
Why: Afropunk (see above) heads down south. See more in our 2015 Afropunk photo gallery here
Web: afropunkfest.com/atlanta

 

Aftershock

What: Aftershock
Where: Sacramento, CA
When: October 13-14
Who: System Of A Down, Deftones, Alice In Chains, Incubus, Godsmack, Shinedown, 311, Slash with Myles Kennedy, At The Drive-In, Seether, Bullet For My Valentine, Underoath, Black Veil Brides, Asking Alexandria, Sevendust, Everlast, GWAR, Dance Gavin Dance, Dorothy, All Them Witches, Slothrust, and more to be announced
Why: Today’s hard rock comes to the capitol of the Bear Republic.
Web: www.aftershockconcert.com

 

David Lynch’s Festival of Disruption

What: David Lynch’s Festival of Disruption – Los Angeles
Where: Los Angeles, CA
When:
October 13-14
Who: RZA, David Lynch, Jeff Goldblum, Mike Patton, Liminal Soundbath, Amber Tamblyn, Carrie Brownstein, and more
Why: David Lynch’s Festival of Disruption comes to Los Angeles.
Web: festivalofdisruption.com/#festival

 

Treasure Island

What: Treasure Island
Where: Oakland, CA
When:
October 13-14
Who: Tame Impala, A$AP Ferg, Silk City, Lord Huron, Santigold, Courtney Barnett, Jungle, Pusha T, Sharon Van Etten, Aminé, Cigarettes After Sex, Hiatus Kaiyote, Laff Trax, U.S. Girls, Moses Sumney, Alex Cameron, Pond, Soccer Mommy, serpentwithfeet, and more
Why: Treasure Island is rediscovered, now in Oakland. See much more in our 2015 photo gallery here
Web:
www.treasureislandfestival.com

 

Lost Lake

What: Lost Lake
Where: Phoenix, AZ
When:
October 19-21
Who: Imagine Dragons, Future, The Chainsmokers, SZA, Janelle Monáe, Nas, Jimmy Eat World, Cafe Tacvba, Young Thug, Grizzly Bear, A$AP Ferg, Third Eye Blind, Louis the Child, Lil Dicky, T-Pain, Kamasi Washington, Quinn XCII, Maggie Rogers, St. Lucia, Chicano Batman, Cashmere Cat, Whitney, Mija, Ra Ra Riot, Phoebe Bridgers, Colony House, Durand Jones, The Marias, Jared & The Mill, and more
Why: Phoenix has Lost its Lakes, but has this new festival.
Web: www.lostlakefestival.com

 

Demon Dayz LA

What: Demon Dayz LA
Where: Pico Riviera, CA
When:
October 20
Who: Gorillaz, Erykah Badu, The Internet, D.R.A.M., Little Simz, Kilo Kish, Ana Tijoux, Tony Allen, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, and more
Why: Gorillaz bring Demon Dayz to L.A.
Web: demondayzfestla.com

 

Live Out

What: Live Out
Where: Monterrey, Mexico
When:
October 20
Who: The Weeknd, The Chainsmokers, St. Vincent, Vance Joy, Marian Hill, Bishop Briggs, Benjamin Booker, Belly, and more
Why: Head down to Monterrey – Mexico – to Live Out.
Web: liveoutoficial.com.mx

 

Fest 17

What: Fest 17
Where: Gainesville, FL
When: October 26-28
Who: Lagwagon, Cursive, Piebald, Dead To Me, METZ, Tim Barry, Radioactivity, RVIVR, Torche, Lemuria, and more
Why: Punk of all stripes returns to north Florida over Halloween.
Web:
www.thefestfl.com

 

Voodoo Experience

What: Voodoo Experience
Where: New Orleans, LA
When: October 26-28
Who: Mumford & Sons, Childish Gambino, Arctic Monkeys, ODESZA, Martin Garrix, A Perfect Circle, Modest Mouse, Marilyn Manson, The Revivalists, 21 Savage, Janelle Monae, Zeds Dead, Tipper, Third Eye Blind, Rüfüs Du Sol, AWOLNATION, Ty Dolla $ign, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Gryffin, Highly Suspect, Hippie Sabotage, Goldlink, Troyboi, Lettuce, Tinashe, Elle King, Lizzo, Sofi Tukker, Albert Hammond Jr., The Suffers, Big Thief, White Reaper, Frenship, Dorothy, Sunflower Bean, Mt. Joy, Starcrawler, Thunderpussy, and 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 big 2017 recap here
Web: www.voodoofestival.com

 


November & December

 

Utopia

What: Utopia
Where: Burnet, TX
When: November 1-3
Who: STS9, Patty Griffin, Lukas Nelson, Grandmaster Flash, Valerie June, Keller Williams, John Medeski, Rubblebucket, Lisa LeBlanc, Baskery, Calliope Musicals, and more
Why: Head to Utopia: Down In the Oaks. Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: www.utopiafest.com

 

Dia De Los Deftones

What: Dia De Los Deftones
Where: San Diego, CA
When: November 3
Who: Deftones, Future, Mike Shinoda, Rocket From the Crypt, Ho99o9, and more
Why: Deftones bring a whole Dia to Petco Park.
Web: www.deftones.com

 

Big Adventure

What: Big Adventure
Where: Costa Mesa, CA
When: November 3-4
Who: Empire of the Sun, Patton Oswalt, Modest Mouse, Jim Jefferies, Phantogram, Baron Vaughn, Cold War Kids, Emo Philips, Hari Kondabolu, Kristen Schaal, Maria Bamford, Natasha Leggero, Rhys Darby, Ron Funches, Bro Safari, and more
Why: Music meets comedy meets cosplay meets more.
Web: bigadventurefest.com

 

EDC Orlando

What: EDC Orlando
Where: Orlando, FL
When: November 9-10
Who: To be announced
Why: Electric Daisy Carnival is made for South Florida.
Web: orlando.electricdaisycarnival.com

 

Camp Flog Gnaw

What: Camp Flog Gnaw
Where: Los Angeles, CA
When: November 10-11
Who: Tyler, the Creator, Kids See Ghosts, Ms. Lauryn Hill, A$AP Rocky, Post Malone, SZA, Billie Eilish, Jorja Smith, Playboi Carti, Pusha-T, Virgil Abloh, The Internet, Brockhampton, Kali Uchis, Jaden Smith, Earl Sweatshirt, Rex Orange County, Men I Trust, Raphael Saadiq, Majid Jordan, Flatbush Zombies, Little Dragon and more
Why: Tyler, the Creator goes to Camp.
Web: www.campfloggnaw.com

 

M For Montreal

What: M For Montreal
Where: Montreal, PQ, Canada
When:
November 14-17
Who: How to Dress Well, Kero Kero Bonito, Helena Deland, Corridor, Partner, Tess Roby, and more
Why: ‘M’ doesn’t just stand for ‘murder’.
Web:
www.mformontreal.com

 

Closer to the Sun

What: Closer to the Sun
Where: Riviera Maya, Mexico
When:
November 30 – December 4
Who: Slightly Stoopid, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, Astro & Mickey, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Thievery Corporation, Pepper, G. Love & Special Sauce, and more to be announced
Why: Slightly Stoopid head down Mexico way.
Web:
www.closertothesun.com

 

Welcome To Jam Rock

What: Welcome To Jam Rock
Where: Ft. Lauderdale, FL to Montego Bay, Jamaica
When:
December 1-5
Who: To be announced
Why: Go on the high seas.
Web:
welcometojamrockreggaecruise.com

 

Strings & Sol

What: Strings & Sol
Where: Puerto Moreles, Mexico
When:
December 7-11
Who: Yonder Mountain String Band, Greensky Bluegrass, Railroad Earth, Leftover Salmon, The Infamous Stringdusters, Billy Strings, The Lil Smokies, and more
Why: Jam on the Strings in the Sol down Mexico way.
Web:
www.stringsandsol.com

 

Friendship

What: Friendship
Where: Miami, FL to Coco Bay, Bahamas
When:
December 11-15
Who: To be announced
Why: All aboard the Friendship.
Web:
thefriendship.com

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