10 US Music Festivals You Can't Miss This Summer Summertime is the time for baseball, backyard barbecues and road trips. Summer is also the best time of year to attend a music festival. When the temperature goes up, music devotees don their funky festival garb and converge on music parks and openair arenas to soak up the sounds of their favorite artists and dance in the cool grass. Here’s a rundown of 10 must-see music festivals scattered about the US this summer. With a bit of luck, there’s one near you.
Sasquatch! Music Festival. Held at The Gorge Amphitheater in George, Washington, this annual Memorial Day festival embraces diverse acts such as Margo Price and David Byrne. Now in its 17th year, organizers continue to listen to the feedback of festival patrons as they build upon the successes of previous years.
Movement Music Festival. Downtown Detroit is home to this Memorial Day Festival with headliners Wu-Tang Clan, Claude Vonstroke and many other house and techno artists. Now in its 18th year, Movement is an electronic music lover’s dream.
Governor’s Ball. The first week of June will see 60-plus artists performing on four stages at Randall’s Island Park in New York City. Music lovers will enjoy delicious food as they soak up performances by the likes of Jack White, James Blake and Eminem.
Bonnaroo. After the Governor’s Ball, take a road trip to Manchester, TN for the laid-back summer stylings of Bonnaroo. The Killers and Sturgill Simpson are just a couple of the acts who will be bringing the music. You just have to bring the sunscreen, mosquito repellant and a sense of adventure.
Pitchfork Music Festival. Now in its 13th year, Pitchfork is a music festival that embraces cult favorites and experimental artists. Fleet Foxes headlines at this July festival held at Union Park in Chicago.
Newport Folk Festival. Music renegades Brandi Carlile and Sturgill Simpson will perform at this traditional festival now in its 58th year. Fort Adams State Park is the setting and features four stages and a host of food and craft vendors.
Lollapalooza. In August, Chicago beckons more than 150,000 music lovers as Lollapalooza presents Bruno Mars, The Artic Monkeys and The Weeknd. Now in its 27th year, Lollapalooza has something for everyone.
Outside Lands. Janet Jackson and Florence and the Machine will be front and center at Golden Gate Park in August. This environmentally-friendly festival offers a comedy tent when you need a break from all of the fantastic music.
Eaux Claires Music and Arts Festival. Taking a rather risky approach, the festival organizer doesn’t announce the musical artists in advance. There’s a really good chance The National will perform as one of its members, Aaron Dessner, is a festival cofounder.
Riot Fest. Another Chicago festival, Riot Fest is a multi-day festival with a focus on punk, rock, metal, alternative and hip-hop genres. Carnival rides and side-show performers add some flair to this independent music festival held in September.
--Combatant Gentlemen, Premium quality without designer markup.