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: 311
Updated continuously throughout the year with new acts, dates, festivals & coverage
| January & February | March | April | May | June |
| July | August | September | October | November & December |
View QRO Magazine 2014 Festival Guide in a larger map
January & February
What: Holy Ship
Where: Miami, FL to two private islands in Bahamas
When: January 9-12
Who: Skrillex, Pharrell Williams, Diplo, Duck Sauce, Boys Noize, Zedd, Laidback Luke, A-Trak, Zeds Dead, Dillon Francis, Baauer, Chromeo, Disclosure, Flosstradamus, Flume, RL Grime, Skream, Destructo, Griz, Gramatik, Ryan Hemsworth, and more
Why: Holy ship that’s a lot of DJs – and two private islands!
Web: holyship.com
What: Todos Santos
Where: Todos Santos, Mexico
When: January 16-25
Who: Peter Buck, The Minus 5, Ed Kowalcyzk, Joseph Arthur, Chuck Prophet, Drivin’ and Cryin’, and more
Why: Peter Buck of R.E.M. curates & performs a festival with friends like Scott McCaughey down Mexico way at the tip of Baja California, all to benefit The Palapa Society of Todos Santos, AC. Read QRO’s interview with Scott McCaughey at Todos Santos last year here
Web: todossantosmusicfestival.com
What: American Songbook
Where: Lincoln Center, New York, NY
When: January 22 – April 5
Who: Jason Isbell, Beth Orton, Deer Tick, Sarah Jarosz, Mark Mulcahy, Hurray for the Riff Raff, and more
Why: Pretty much the classiest venue out there, Lincoln Center celebrates American songwriting, now in the first four months of 2014 at Allen Room (and the Atrium & Penthouse). See our venue review & photos of Lincoln Center’s Allen Room here
Web: www.americansongbook.org
What: Shivering Songs
Where: Fredericton, NB, Canada
When: January 23-26
Who: Wintersleep, Thom Swift, Steve Poltz, Ron Sexsmith, Kathleen Edwards, and more
Why: The Olymphic Symphonium’s hometown festival returns for a fourth year.
Web: shiveringsongs.com
What: Shiprocked
Where: Miami, FL to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas
When: January 26-30
Who: Five Finger Death Punch, Papa Roach, Three Days Grace, Sevendust, Candlebox, Living Colour, Black Stone Cherry, Nonpoint, Crash Kings, Wilson, and more
Why: A hard rock cruise.
Web: www.shiprocked.com
What: Ecstatic
Where: Merkin Concert Hall, New York, NY
When: January 31 – March 29
Who: Glenn Kotche, Saul Williams, Mirah, Colin Stetson, So Percussion, Buke and Gase, Hospitality, Dawn of Midi, Bright Wave, People Get Ready, and more
Why: The burgeoning indie-classical genre gets Ecstatic with the third year of this two month series of events at Merkin Concert Hall.
Web: www.ecstaticmusicfestival.com
What: Tuscon Gem & Jam
Where: Tuscon, AZ
When: February 7-9
Who: Mimosa, The Motet, Purity Ring, Boombox, Eliot Lipp, and more
Why: Spin some beats while you look at some gems.
Web: gemandjamfestival.com
What: Wavelength
Where: Toronto, ON, Canada
When: February 13-16
Who: Colin Stetson, Marnie Stern, DIANA, Odonis Odonis, and more
Why: Wavelength brings some music to downtown Toronto.
Web: www.wavelengthtoronto.com
What: Sunset Sessions
Where: San Francisco, CA
When: February 20-22
Who: Jeremy Messersmith, Ziggy Marley, Kodaline, Augustana, Vance Joy, Robert DeLong, NEEDTOBREATHE, John Butler Trio, and more
Why: KFOG brings Michele Clark’s Sunset Sessions to The Grand Hyatt in Union Square.
Web: sunsetsessions.org
What: Noise Pop
Where: San Francisco, CA
When: February 25 – March 2
Who: Dr. Dog, Real Estate, Mark Kozelek, Bob Mould, Lord Buron, Throwing Muses, Cold Cave, No Age, Bleached, Mark Mulcahy, Night Beds, Bottomless Pit, and many more
Why: Venues across San Francisco have a nice line-up of acts from the hottest in today’s indie-rock to ultra-vets & in between.
Web: www.noisepop.com/2014
What: Wanderlust Oahu
Where: Oahu, HI
When: February 27 – March 2
Who: Moby, Donavon Frankenreiter, MC Yogi, and more
Why: Yoga + music fest Wanderlust wanders all the way to Hawaii. Read & see more in our recap of Wanderlust Squaw Valley here
Web: oahu.wanderlustfestival.com
March
What: American Songbook
Where: Lincoln Center, New York, NY
When: January 22 – April 5
Who: Jason Isbell, Beth Orton, Deer Tick, Sarah Jarosz, Mark Mulcahy, Hurray for the Riff Raff, and more
Why: Pretty much the classiest venue out there, Lincoln Center celebrates American songwriting, now in the first four months of 2014 at Allen Room (and the Atrium & Penthouse). See our venue review & photos of Lincoln Center’s Allen Room here
Web: www.americansongbook.org
What: Ecstatic
Where: Merkin Concert Hall, New York, NY
When: January 31 – March 29
Who: Glenn Kotche, Saul Williams, Mirah, Colin Stetson, So Percussion, Buke and Gase, Hospitality, Dawn of Midi, Bright Wave, People Get Ready, and more
Why: The burgeoning indie-classical genre gets Ecstatic with the third year of this two month series of events at Merkin Concert Hall.
Web: www.ecstaticmusicfestival.com
What: Noise Pop
Where: San Francisco, CA
When: February 25 – March 2
Who: Dr. Dog, Real Estate, Mark Kozelek, Bob Mould, Lord Buron, Throwing Muses, Cold Cave, No Age, Bleached, Mark Mulcahy, Night Beds, Bottomless Pit, and many more
Why: Venues across San Francisco have a nice line-up of acts from the hottest in today’s indie-rock to ultra-vets & in between.
Web: www.noisepop.com/2014
What: Wanderlust Oahu
Where: Oahu, HI
When: February 27 – March 2
Who: Moby, Donavon Frankenreiter, MC Yogi, and more
Why: Yoga + music fest Wanderlust wanders all the way to Hawaii. Read & see more in our recap of Wanderlust Squaw Valley here
Web: oahu.wanderlustfestival.com
What: Nrmal – Mexico City
Where: Mexico City, Mexico
When: March 1
Who: Blood Orange, Hidrogenesse, Kelela, Silver Apples, Destroyer, Rancho Shampoo, Wolf Eyes, Anika, Merchandise, Pional, and more
Why: Head down Mexico way with now two Festival Nrmals, Mexico City & Monterrey (see below).
Web: www.festivalnrmal.net
What: Nrmal – Monterrey
Where: Monterrey, Mexico
When: March 5-9
Who: Matias Aguayo X Mostro, Pional, Poolside, DJ Rashad, Death, Extraperlo, Kelela, Hidrogenesse, and more
Why: Head down Mexico way with now two Festival Nrmals, Monterrey & Mexico City (see above).
Web: www.festivalnrmal.net
What: Savannah Stopover
Where: Savannah, GA
When: March 6-8
Who: Wye Oak, Small Black, Future Islands, J. Roddy Walston & The Business, Oberhofer, Kylesa, Speedy Ortiz, Those Darlins, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Wild Child, The Weeks, Miniature Tigers, Caitlin Rose, Public Service Broadcasting, Bear Hands, Weekend, Magic Man, Black Taxi, Bleeding Rainbow, Peelander-Z, The Mary Onettes, Milagres, TEEN, Incan Abraham, Christopher Paul Stelling, Heliotropes, Sean Nicholas Savage, Total Slacker, this mountain, The Teen Age, Weekender, and more
Why: Before heading to SXSW (see below), stopover in Savannah. Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: savannahstopover.com
What: Paste Untapped – Ft. Worth
Where: Ft. Worth, TX
When: March 8
Who: The Joy Formidable, Kate Nash, Allen Stone, The Felice Brothers, and more
Why: Paste brings indie music & beer to Ft. Worth.
Web: untapped-festival.com
What: South-by-Southwest
Where: Austin, TX
When: March 11-15
Who: More than you count
Why: Still the bar by which all other of the multiplying indie music industry expos are judged by – and still the best. Read & see much, much more in our big recap here
Web: sxsw.com
What: Never Say Never
Where: Mission, TX
When: March 12
Who: Asking Alexandria, Bring Me the Horizon, Of Mice & Men, We Came As Romans, and more
Why: Has the temerity to overlap with South-by-Southwest (see above), in the same state, and share the same name as an emo band & Justin Bieber song/’movie’.
Web: www.neversayneverfestival.com
What: Valley of the Vapors
Where: Hot Springs National Park, AR
When: March 13-18
Who: Oberhofer, Diarrhea Planet, Radkey, Water Liars, Fenster, Schwervon, Vadaat Charigim, My Gold Mask, All Eyes West, and more
Why: Those traveling from Austin’s SXSW (see above) can go to to the northeast for The Valley of the Vapors, ‘America’s most humble rock festival’, at Hot Springs National Park.
Web: www.valleyofthevapors.com
What: South-by-So-What?
Where: Grand Prairie, TX
When: March 14-16
Who: The Used, Bring Me the Horizon, The Devil Wears Prada, Between the Buried & Me, Of Mice & Men, Taking Back Sunday, Asking Alexandria, August Burns Red, and more
Why: If you like emo instead of indie, go to Grand Prairie instead of Austin.
Web: www.southbysowhat.com
What: Electric Daisy Carnival Mexico
Where: Mexico City
When: March 15-16
Who: AVICII, Axwell, Steve Angello, Kaskade, Borgore, Boys Noize, Zeds Dead, Destructo, Flux Pavilion, The Bloody Beetroots, Baauer, and more
Why: The massive Electric Daisy Carnival crosses the border to start 2014. See much more in our photo gallery of 2013 EDC NY here
Web: electricdaisycarnival.com/Mexico/en
What: Treefort
Where: Boise, ID
When: March 20-23
Who: Run the Jewels, The Joy Formidable, RJD2, Poliça, Built To Spill, Dan Deacon, This Will Destroy You, Rubblebucket, The Budos Band, The Dwarves, Iamsu!, SubRosa, Odesza, Cody ChesnuTT, Horse Feathers, Perfect Pussy, Sallie Ford, Breton, THEESatisfaction, Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt!, Roadkill Ghost Choir, Pontiak, AU, The Entrance Band, Milagres, Mimicking Birds, and more
Why: Go to your own private Idaho for Treefort.
Web: treefortmusicfest.com
What: The Buku Project
Where: New Orleans, LA
When: March 21-22
Who: The Flaming Lips, David Guetta, Ellie Goulding, Kaskade, Zedd, Nas, Chromeo, Explosions In the Sky, Zeds Dead, Tyler the Creator, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Sleigh Bells, The Glitch Mob, Pusha T, Baauer b2b RL Grime, Schoolboy Q, Beats Antique, Chance the Rapper, Phantogram, Danny Brown, Skream, Wavves, Paper Diamond, Lotus, Miami Horror, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Dan Deacon, Classixx, Smallpools, Big Freedia, Generationals, and more
Why: The Buku Project brings electronica & more to the Big Easy. Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: thebukuproject.com
What: Maverick
Where: San Antonio, TX
When: March 21-22
Who: Psychedelic Furs, Phantogram, Washed Out, Twin Shadow, The Joy Formidable, Roky Erickson, Run the Jewels, SZA, Candlebox, The Black Angels, YACHT, Tamaryn, and more
Why: Some more mavericks of the Lone Star State. See much more in our photo gallery here
Web: maverickmusicfestival.com
What: Music Now
Where: Cincinnati, OH
When: March 21-22
Who: Bryce Dessner, Aaron Dessner, Jonny Greenwood, Nico Muhly, and more
Why: One of the classiest music festivals out there.
Web: www.musicnowfestival.org
What: Slingshot
Where: Athens, GA
When: March 21-22
Who: Tinariwen, Kishi Bashi, Washed Out, Peelander Z, Wild Moccasins, Circulatory System, Eternal Summers, Doug Benson, and more
Why: Slingshot over to Athens.
Web: www.athensslingshot.com
What: Musink
Where: Costa Mesa, CA
When: March 21-23
Who: The Descendents, Gorilla Biscuits, Tech N9ne, The Vandals, and more
Why: Punk meets tattoos in a pretty apt festival.
Web: www.musink.org
What: Winter Music Conference
Where: Miami, FL
When: March 21-30
Who: R3HAB, Nile Rodgers, Carl Cox, and more
Why: The Winter Music Conference hosts parties, panels & more – often pool-side.
Web: www.wintermusicconference.com
What: Self Help
Where: San Bernardino, CA
When: March 22
Who: A Day To Remember, Bring Me the Horizon, Of Mice & Men, The Story So Far, Memphis May Fire, and more
Why: Help yourself to the festival thrown by A Day To Remember.
Web: www.selfhelpfest.com
What: JunoFest
Where: Winnipeg, MB, Canada
When: March 28-29
Who: Ron Sexsmith, Born Ruffians, A Tribe Called Red, Rich Aucoin, Hollerado, The Flatliners, Royal Canoe, The Darcys, Imaginary Cities, The Wilderness of Manitoba, NO, and more
Why: Venues around Winnipeg celebrate the Great White North’s Grammy, the Juno.
Web: junoawards.ca/events/juno-week-events/junofest
What: Big Ears
Where: Knoxville, TN
When: March 28-30
Who: Steve Reich, Ensemble Signal, Jonny Greenwood, John Cale, Television, Marc Ribot, Tim Hecker, Oneohtrix Point Never, So Percussion, Low, Body/Heard, Julia Holter, Dean & Britta, Colin Stetson, Glenn Kotche, Buke and Gase, Dawn of Midi, Son Lux, and more
Why: Knoxville’s super-classy high art music festival finally returns (QRO photos from last Big Ears).
Web: www.bigearsfestival.com
What: McDowell Mountain
Where: Phoenix, AZ
When: March 28-30
Who: Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite, Dwight Yoakam, STS9, Gramatik, Disco Biscuits, G. Love and Special Sauce, Slightly Stoopid, Dispatch, Allen Stone, Lettuce, Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers, and more
Why: Phoenix gets a better jam-band festival.
Web: mmmf.com
What: Ultra
Where: Miami, FL
When: March 28-30
Who: MGMT, Tiësto, Armin Van Buuren, M.I.A., AVICII, Empire of the Sun, David Guetta, Basement Jaxx, Diplo, Cut Copy, Kaskade, Dizzee Rascal, Diplo, Zedd, Afrojack, Chase and Status, Alesso, 2manyDJs, Eric Prydz, Example, The Glitch Mob, Pusha T, Carl Cox, Sub Focus, trentemøller, Above & Beyond, and more
Why: Downtown Miami throws down the beats with America’s best electro-dance festival. See much more in our 2012 photo gallery here
Web: www.ultramusicfestival.com
What: Extreme Thing
Where: Las Vegas, NV
When: March 29
Who: Taking Back Sunday, The Used, Killswitch Engage, Bring Me the Horizon, Finch, Of Mice & Men, and more
Why: ‘Extreme Thing’ is seriously it’s name – how much more UNextreme can you get?
Web: www.extremething.com
What: iHeartCountry
Where: Austin, TX
When: March 29
Who: Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line, Eric Church, Lady Antebellum, Carrie Underwood, and more
Why: iHeartRadio, the conglomeration of 750+ radio stations streaming online (and host of events at their own iHeartRadio Theater – QRO venue review) goes exclusively country at Austin’s Frank Erwin Center.
Web: news.iheart.com/countryfestival
April
What: Mission Creek
Where: Iowa City, IA
When: April 1-6
Who: Philip Glass, Jason Isbell, Oneohtrix Point Never, Weekend, Wolf Eyes, The Pines, and more
Why: Iowa City kicks if off early with some interesting names.
Web: missionfreak.com
What: Moody Blues Cruise
Where: Grand Turk Island to Nassau, Bahamas
When: April 2-7
Who: The Moody Blues, Roger Daltrey, The Zombies, Starship, and more
Why: The Moody Blues get in on the ‘music festival cruise circuit’, and it makes more sense than any of the other ones.
Web: moodiescruise.com
What: Middle of the Map
Where: Kansas City, MO
When: April 3-5
Who: The Get Up Kids, of Montreal, Kate Nash, Gary Numan, Del the Funky Homosapien, J. Roddy Walston & The Business, !!!, Kishi Bashi, Fanfarlo, William Elliott Whitemore, Reggie & The Full Effect, WHY?, The Colourist, Shabazz Palaces, S. Carey, Those Darlins, Har Mar Superstar, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Small Black, Peelander-Z, Wolf Eyes, Dosh, Big Black Delta, Milagres, Ski Lodge, and more
Why: Head to the middle of the Google Map. Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: www.middleofthemapfest.com
What: Wanee
Where: Live Oak, FL
When: April 10-12
Who: The Allman Brothers Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Trey Anastasio Band, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Gov’t Mule, Umphrey’s McGee, Ziggy Marley, Blues Traveler, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, moe., Rusted Root, Soulive, Rob Garza, Blind Boys of Alabama, Futurebirds, Break Science, and more
Why: Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Florida hosts a jam-band festival.
Web: www.waneefestival.com
What: Old Settler’s
Where: Driftwood, TX
When: April 10-13
Who: Jeff Bridges & The Abiders, Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, The Del McCoury Band, Sarah Jarosz, Shovels & Rope, Bob Schneider, North Mississippi Allstars, The Devil Makes Three, Lake Street Dive, and more
Why: As American as the Old Settler’s.
Web: oldsettlersmusicfest.org
What: Rites of Spring
Where: Nashville, TN
When: April 11-12
Who: 2chainz, Steve Aoki, Delta Rae, twenty one pilots, The Mowgli’s, Smallpools, and more
Why: Vanderbilt University knows how to book ’em for its Rites of Spring (fling).
Web: www.vanderbilt.edu/ros
What: Coachella
Where: Indio, CA
When: April 11-13 & 18-20
Who: Arcade Fire, Muse, OutKast, Beck, Queens of the Stone Age, The Knife, The Replacements, Skrillex, Calvin Harris, Neutral Milk Hotel, Pharrell Williams, Broken Bells, Disclosure, Lorde, Zedd, Foster the People, Girl Talk, Lana Del Rey, Motörhead, Ellie Goulding, Chromeo, Pet Shop Boys, Alesso, HAIM, Neko Case, MGMT, Empire of the Sun, AFI, Little Dragon, Fatboy Slim, Beady Eye, Nas, Bonobo, Flosstradamus, Bryan Ferry, Kid Cudi, The Head and The Heart, The Afghan Whigs, Sleigh Bells, The Cult, Cage the Elephant, The 1975, City and Colour, CHVRCHES, Big Gigantic, Jagwar Ma, Capital Cities, Nake and Famous, Grouplove, Rudimental, Mogwai, STRFKR, Warpaint, Fishbone, Solange, Washed Out, MS MR, Kate Nash, Ty Segall, Frank Turner, Bombay Bicycle Club, Holy Ghost!, Superchunk, The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Surfer Blood, Waxahatchee, Dum Dum Girls, Poolside, Austra, BT, Wye Oak, Tom Odell, 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
What: Telus
Where: Whistler, BC, Canada
When: April 11-20
Who: The Glitch Mob, De La Soul, Cut Chemist, The Original Wailers, Shapeshifter, Bombino, Rusko, and more
Why: In addition to the snow, come for the sounds at Telus World Ski & Snowboard Festival.
Web: www.wssf.com
What: Tortuga
Where: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
When: April 12-13
Who: Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Sheryl Crow, Train, Slightly Stoopid, Ziggy Marley, Delta Rae, Moon Taxi, White Denim, Brothers Osborne, Sons of Fathers, and more
Why: For spring break, go country in Ft. Lauderdale. Read & see much more in our 2013 recap here
Web: www.tortugamusicfestival.com
What: Moogfest
Where: Asheville, NC
When: April 23-27
Who: Kraftwerk, Pet Shop Boys, M.I.A., Zed’s Dead, Flying Lotus, Chic featuring Nile Rodgers, Giorgio Moroder, Dillon Francis, Moderat, Q-Tip, Dan Deacon, RJD2, The Gaslamp Killer, Bernie Worrell Orchestra, El-P, Le1f, Daedelus, Avey Tare’s Slasher Flicks, Shigeto, Escort, Wolf Eyes, YACHT, Com Truise, Teengirl Fantasy, Factory Floor, Black Dice, Gordon Voidwell, Nick Catchdubs, Saul Williams, and more
Why: After taking last year off, Moogest returns early in 2014 to celebrate Bob Moog and his wonderful instrument. See much more in our 2011 photo gallery here
Web: www.moogfest.net
What: Waterfront Wednesday
Where: Louisville, KY
When: April 23 – September 17
Who: Moon Taxi, Spanish Gold, Lake Street Dive, Ben Sollee, The Apache Relay, The Deloreans, The Broken Spurs, and more
Why: Louisville’s Waterfront Wednesday has a show a month on hump day. See more in our photo galleries from Louisville Waterfront here
Web: www.louisvillewaterfront.com
What: Norman
Where: Norman, OK
When: April 24-26
Who: Bright Light Social Hour, Dead Meadow, Diarrhea Planet, Moreland & Arbuckle, Horse Thief, Ringo Deathstarr, La Femme, Taddy Porter, Stardeath & White Dwarfs, Eagle Claw, Sherree Chamberlain, Evangelicals, and more
Why: Now in its sixth year, Norman Oklahoma’s own free festival & QRO favorite stays sweet. Read & see more in 2010 our recap here
Web: www.normanmusicfestival.com
What: MerleFest
Where: Wilkesboro, NC
When: April 24-27
Who: Todd Snider, Merle Haggard, Old Crow Medicine Show, Blake Williams, The Travelin’ McCourys, Keller Williams, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Holly Williams, and more
Why: Wilkes Community College welcomes MerleFest.
Web: www.merlefest.org
What: Double Decker
Where: Oxford, MS
When: April 25-26
Who: Charley Bradley, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Wild Feathers, The Infamous Stringdusters, T-Bird & The Breaks, Bo-Keys, Dent May, and more
Why: Take the Double Decker to Oxford – Mississippi.
Web: www.doubledeckerfestival.com
What: Euphoria
Where: Austin, TX
When: April 25-26
Who: Beats Antique, Lotus, Zeds Dead, Gareth Emery, The Crystal Method, Bonobo, The Motet, Keys N Krates, and more
Why: EDM comes to TEX.
Web: www.euphoriafest.com
What: Counterpoint
Where: Kingston Downs, GA
When: April 25-27
Who: Outkast, Pretty Lights, Foster the People, STS9, J. Cole, Major Lazer, Krewella, Big Gigantic, Flux Pavilion, Above and Beyond, Matt & Kim, Thievery Corporation, A-Trak, Janelle Monae, Wolfgang Gartner, Sleigh Bells, Boys Noize, Flosstradamus, Chance the Rapper, Griz, Shpongle, Phantogram, Moon Taxi, Run the Jewels, Schoolboy Q, Papadosio, Tycho, St. Lucia, YACHT, Thundercat, Poolside, Wild Cub, Rubblebucket, Nosaj Thing, Dan Croll, xxyyxx, Ratking, and more
Why: Hot-lanta welcomes the dance at Counterpoint. Read and see more in our recap here
Web: www.counterpointfestival.com
What: Move
Where: Albany, NY
When: April 25-27
Who: Magic Man, The So-So Glos, Black Taxi, Sirsy, Mirk, The Big Takeover, Shinobi Ninja, Goodbye Motel, Dead Leaf Echo, Twin Berlin, Bridges & Powerlines, and more
Why: Be like Andrew Cuomo and Move up to the town’s that played host to David Patterson, Elliott Spitzer, and papa Cuomo.
Web: www.movemusicfest.com
What: Texas Crawfish
Where: Spring, TX
When: April 25-27 & May 2-4
Who: Charlie Daniels Band, Kevin Folwer, Los Lonely Boys, Ben Kweller, Bob Schneider, Alejandro Escovedo, Heartless Bastards, Shakey Graves, Willy Mason, The Wheeler Brothers, and more
Why: Celebrate the southern crawfish & much more at this long-running music festival.
Web: texascrawfishfestival.com
What: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage
Where: New Orleans, LA
When: April 25 – May 4
Who: Bruce Springsteen, Arcade Fire, Vampire Weekend, Eric Clapton, Robin Thicke, Public Enemy, Christina Aguilera, Solange, Laura Mvula, Charles Bradley, Jason Isbell, Phish, Big Freedia, The Head and The Heart, Santana, The String Cheese Incident, Foster the People, Alabama Shakes, John Fogerty, The Avett Brothers, Aaron Neville, Chaka Khan, Robert Plant, Bobby Womack, Better Than Ezra, Allen Toussaint, Bombino, Lyle Lovett, North Mississippi Allstars, Maze, Mary Mary, Preservation Jazz Hall Band, Galactic, Alejandro Escovedo, The Infamous Stringdusters, and many more
Why: The Big Easy’s big festival gets some big names.
Web: www.nojazzfest.com
What: Desert Daze
Where: Palm Springs, CA
When: April 26
Who: Blonde Redhead, The Raveonettes, Liars, Autolux, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, DIIV, Allah-Las, Night Beats, Disappears, Deap Vally, and more
Why: Head to the Sunset Ranch Oasis.
Web: moonblockparty.org
What: Fort Rock
Where: Fort Myers, FL
When: April 26
Who: Korn, Rob Zombie, Five Finger Death Punch, Seether, Theory of a Deadman, The Pretty Reckless, and more
Why: Fort Myers Fort Rocks.
Web: www.fortrockfestival.com
What: Rockville
Where: Jacksonville, FL
When: April 26-27
Who: Korn, Rob Zombie, Avenged Sevenfold, The Cult, Five Finger Death Punch, Staind, Motörhead, Seether, Volbeat, Theory of a Deadman, Chevelle, Memphis May Fire, Middle Class Rut, Skindred, The Pretty Reckless, and more
Why: Unfortunately, the festival named ‘Rockville’ is just about what you’d expect from that name (and not the R.E.M. song…).
Web: www.welcometorockvillefestival.com
What: Edgefest
Where: Frisco, TX
When: April 28
Who: Beck, The Avett Brothers, Cage the Elephant, B∆stille, Grouplove, New Politics, The Neighbourhood, Switchfoot, CHVRCHES, MS MR, J. Roddy Walston & The Business, Bear Hands, and more
Why: 102.1 ‘The Edge’ holds a festival outside of Dallas.
Web: edgefest.kdge.com
What: SunFest
Where: West Palm Beach, FL
When: April 30 – May 4
Who: Kid Rock, Ellie Goulding, Robin Thicke, Pretty Lights, Goo Goo Dolls, Young the Giant, J. Cole, Alice In Chains, Sublime with Rome, Daughtry, Doobie Brothers, Dropkick Murphys, Rebelution, The Dirty Heads, CAKE, The Bangles, Trombone Shorty, Blues Traveler, Wailers, Rusted Root, Dick Dale, Conway, Surfer Blood, Afrobeta, and more
Why: The sun always shines on Palm Beach with this diverse festival. Read & see much more in our 2010 recap here
Web: www.sunfest.com
May
What: Waterfront Wednesday
Where: Louisville, KY
When: April 23 – September 17
Who: Moon Taxi, Spanish Gold, Lake Street Dive, Ben Sollee, The Apache Relay, The Deloreans, The Broken Spurs, and more
Why: Louisville’s Waterfront Wednesday has a show a month on hump day. See more in our photo galleries from Louisville Waterfront here
Web: www.louisvillewaterfront.com
What: Texas Crawfish
Where: Spring, TX
When: April 25-27 & May 2-4
Who: Charlie Daniels Band, Kevin Folwer, Los Lonely Boys, Ben Kweller, Bob Schneider, Alejandro Escovedo, Heartless Bastards, Shakey Graves, Willy Mason, The Wheeler Brothers, and more
Why: Celebrate the southern crawfish & much more at this long-running music festival.
Web: texascrawfishfestival.com
What: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage
Where: New Orleans, LA
When: April 25 – May 4
Who: Bruce Springsteen, Arcade Fire, Vampire Weekend, Eric Clapton, Robin Thicke, Public Enemy, Christina Aguilera, Solange, Laura Mvula, Charles Bradley, Jason Isbell, Phish, Big Freedia, The Head and The Heart, Santana, The String Cheese Incident, Foster the People, Alabama Shakes, John Fogerty, The Avett Brothers, Aaron Neville, Chaka Khan, Robert Plant, Bobby Womack, Better Than Ezra, Allen Toussaint, Bombino, Lyle Lovett, North Mississippi Allstars, Maze, Mary Mary, Preservation Jazz Hall Band, Galactic, Alejandro Escovedo, The Infamous Stringdusters, and many more
Why: The Big Easy’s big festival gets some big names.
Web: www.nojazzfest.com
What: SunFest
Where: West Palm Beach, FL
When: April 30 – May 4
Who: Kid Rock, Ellie Goulding, Robin Thicke, Pretty Lights, Goo Goo Dolls, Young the Giant, J. Cole, Alice In Chains, Sublime with Rome, Daughtry, Doobie Brothers, Dropkick Murphys, Rebelution, The Dirty Heads, CAKE, The Bangles, Trombone Shorty, Blues Traveler, Wailers, Rusted Root, Dick Dale, Conway, Surfer Blood, Afrobeta, and more
Why: The sun always shines on Palm Beach with this diverse festival. Read & see much more in our 2010 recap here
Web: www.sunfest.com
What: Red Bull Music Academy
Where: New York, NY
When: May 1 – May 31
Who: D’Angelo, Panda Bear, Hudson Mohawke, David Byrne, Dam-Funk, Tim Hecker, Napalm Death, Kele Okereke, Wolf Eyes, and more
Why: Red Bull’s Music Academy returns to NYC. Read & see more in 2013 event review here
Web: www.redbullmusicacademy.com
What: Austin Psychfest
Where: Austin, TX
When: May 2-4
Who: The Brian Jonestown Massacre, The Dandy Warhols, Panda Bear, LOOP, The Black Angels, The Zombies, The Horrors, The War On Drugs, of Montreal, The Black Lips, Avey Tare’s Slasher Flicks, Liars, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, MONO, Tobacco, Dead Meadow, Mikal Cronin, Bombino, Temples, Oneohtrix Point Never, TOY, Moon Duo, Woods, Jacco Gardner, The Fresh & Onlys, Sleepy Sun, Acid Mothers Temple, The Octopus Project, Yamantaka//Sonic Titan, Elephant Stone, and more
Why: Carson Creek Ranch plays host to a mixture of indie & psych, thanks to The Black Angels (QRO spotlight on). Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: www.austinpsychfest.com
What: Beale Street
Where: Memphis, TN
When: May 2-4
Who: Kid Rock, Alabama Shakes, Foster the People, Avenged Sevenfold, Pretty Lights, Snoop Dogg, The String Cheese Incident, Patti LaBelle, STS9, 311, Juicy J, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Fitz & The Tantrums, Motörhead, Buddy Guy, Jerry Lee Lewis, Grouplove, Third Eye Blind, Seether, Blues Traveler, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Dropkick Murphys, Wolfmother, twenty one pilots, Big Gigantic, Bootsy Collins, Beat Antique, Jason Isbell, MS MR, Leftover Salmon, North Mississippi Allstars, The Dandy Warhols, Lord T & Eloise, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Black Joe Lewis, and many more
Why: Beale Street’s alive with music.
Web: www.memphisinmay.org/musicfestival
What: Big Guava
Where: Tampa, FL
When: May 2-4
Who: Outkast, Vampire Weekend, Foster the People, Slightly Stoopid, CAKE, Tegan & Sara, Violent Femmes, Girl Talk, Earl Sweatshirt, Grouplove, HAIM, twenty-one pilots, Jason Bonham, Chance the Rapper, Walk the Moon, Blue October, Band of Skulls, ZZ Ward, MS MR, Deap Vally, St. Lucia, Bear Hands, Morning Parade, Kitten, Gringo Star, and more
Why: Florida gets a great new festival in Big Guava.
Web: bigguavafest.com
What: Carolina Rebellion
Where: Rockingham, SC
When: May 3-4
Who: Kid Rock, Avenged Sevenfold, Rob Zombie, Five Finger Death Punch, Motörhead, 311, Seether, Staind, Volbeat, A Day To Remember, Fuel, and more
Why: Carolina rebels with hard rock.
Web: www.carolinarebellion.com
What: Electric Zoo Mexico
Where: Mexico City, Mexico
When: May 3-4
Who: Skrillex, Knife Party, Alesso, Hardwell, Martin Solveig, Above & Beyond, Laidback Luke, Fedde Le Grand, Sander Van Doorn, Dirty South, Chromeo, 12th Planet, Pete Tong, Dillon Francis, and more
Why: Bringing European-style electronic craziness now to Mexico City is Electric Zoo.
Web: www.electriczoofestival.com/mexico/en
What: Canadian Music Week
Where: Toronto, ON, Canada
When: May 6-10
Who: M.I.A., City and Colour, Ellie Goulding, Tegan & Sara, Television, Neko Case, Little Dragon, The 1975, Born Ruffians, Flatbush Zombies, OFF!, The Dodos, The Hidden Cameras, The King Khan & BBQ Show, No Age, Hollarado, Rubblebucket, Matt Pond PA, Woods, DIANA, Cerebral Ballzy, Bearstronaut, The Wilderness of Manitoba, Bombay Show Pig, and more
Why: No longer just after SXSW (see above), Toronto has it’s own multi-venue music industry fest (not to be confused with North-by-Northeast – see below). See more in our photo gallery here
Web: canadianmusicfest.com
What: Gulfport
Where: Gulfport, MS
When: May 9-10
Who: Kid Rock, Ludacris, Sublime with Rome, Violent Femmes, 311, Cypress Hill, Third Eye Blind, The Pretty Reckless, Sir Mix-A-Lot, The Reverend Horton Heat, and more
Why: The Gulf Coast rocks.
Web: www.gulfportmusicfestival.com
What: Shaky Knees
Where: Atlanta, GA
When: May 9-11
Who: The Replacements, The National, Modest Mouse, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Spoon, Local Natives, The Gaslight Anthem, Violent Femmes, Cage the Elephant, Portugal. The Man, Dropkick Murphys, Conor Oberst, Iron & Wine, Trampled By Turtles, Jason Isbell, Jenny Lewis, Dawes, Foals, Lord Huron, Cold War Kids, The Airborne Toxic Event, The Lone Bellow, Deer Tick, The Devil Makes Three, The Hold Steady, Band of Skulls, Tokyo Police Club, Blitzen Trapper, White Denim, Wild Belle, Charles Bradley, Langhorne Slim, The Whigs, Houndmouth, Man Man, Hayes Carll, Kopecky Family Band, Apache Relay, Mutual Benefit, and more
Why: Limbs quake as this festival moves & expands for what looks to be an amazing second year. Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: shakykneesfestival.com
What: Homegrown
Where: Dallas, TX
When: May 10
Who: The Toadies, …And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead, Seryn, Wild Moccasins, and more
Why: A nice little fest in Dallas for cheap.
Web: homegrownfest.com
What: LazerFest
Where: Boone, IA
When: May 10
Who: Queens of the Stone Age, The Offspring, Skillet, Theory of a Deadman, The Pretty Reckless, We Came As Romans, J. Roddy Walston & The Business, Powerman 5000, Chelsea Wolfe, and more
Why: Lazer 103.3 hits the Central Iowa Expo. See much more in our photo gallery here
Web: lazerfest.lazer1033.com
What: Sweet Life
Where: Baltimore, MD
When: May 10
Who: Foster the People, Lana del Rey, 2chainz, Fitz & The Tantrums, Capital Cities, Chromeo, St. Lucia, B∆stille, Bombay Bicycle Club, and more
Why: An early festival comes to Merriweather Post Pavilion.
Web: sweetlifefestival.com
What: Vulture
Where: New York, NY
When: May 10-11
Who: M.I.A., Solange, Rufus Wainwright, Broad City, Orange Is the New Black, and more
Why: Entertainment website Vulture throws it’s own festival at New York’s Webster Hall (QRO venue review).
Web: vulturefestival.com
What: Together
Where: Boston, MA
When: May 11-18
Who: Yasiin Bey, Bob Mould, SOHN, The Gaslamp Killer, Breton, Chet Faker, Julio Bashmore, Cashmere Cat, Kid Karate, and more
Why: The Together New England Electronic Music Festival goes into its fifth year.
Web: www.togetherboston.com
What: Fort Worth
Where: Fort Worth, TX
When: May 16-17
Who: Lucinda Williams, Jimmy Eat World, Billy Gibbons, The Airborne Toxic Event, Justin Townes Earle, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., Ray Wylie Hubbard, Quiet Company, and more
Why: Fort Worth gets in on the music festival game.
Web: www.fwfest.com
What: HoZac Blackout
Where: Chicago, IL
When: May 16-17
Who: The Boys, The Dictators, Shocked Minds, First Base, and more
Why: HOZAC Records takes over Chicago’s Empty Bottle. Read & see much more in our 2011 recap here
Web: www.hozacblackoutfest.com
What: The Hangout
Where: Gulf Shores, AL
When: May 16-18
Who: The Black Keys, The Killers, Outkast, Jack Johnson, Queens of the Stone Age, Pretty Lights, The Avett Brothers, Modest Mouse, The Flaming Lips, STS9, Wiz Khalifa, Zedd, Childish Gambino, Amos Lee, Conor Oberst, Matt & Kim, Tegan & Sara, Portugal. The Man, Fitz & The Tantrums, Gary Clark Jr., Dawes, Capital Cities, NEEDTOBREATHE, Boys Noize, Ingrid Michaelson, Trombone Shorty, Ozomatli, B∆stille, Chance the Rapper, Allen Stone, The 1975, ALO, Los Lobos, Andrew W.K., Black Lips, Moon Taxi, Little Green Cars, Tom Odell, Wild Belle, Robert DeLong, Shakey Graves, Wild Cub, Le1f, Reignwolf, Diarrhea Planet, The Tontons, and many more
Why: Hangout on the Shores with a very strong line-up. Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: www.hangoutmusicfest.com
What: Pouzzafest
Where: Montreal, PQ, Canada
When: May 16-18
Who: The Hold Steady, Mad Caddies, Reagan Youth, SNFU, Chixdiggit, Dillinger Four, The Front Bottoms, The Flatliners, The Menzingers, The So So Glos, Tim Barry, Laura Stevenson, CJ Ramone, 7 Seconds, Mustard Plug, Night Birds, and more
Why: Have some punk with your poutine.
Web: www.pouzzafest.com
What: Scion Rockfest
Where: Pomona, CA
When: May 17
Who: Machine Head, High On Fire, Red Fang, Orchid, BL’AST!, and more
Why: Scion AV puts on a Rockfest.
Web: www.scionav.com/section/events/rockfest
What: Skate & Surf
Where: Freehold, NJ
When: May 17-18
Who: Midtown, New Found Glory, Alkaline Trio, Saosin, Circa Surviva, DMX, The Early November, and more
Why: Go to Jersey to Skate & Surf.
Web: www.skateandsurffest.com
What: Rock On the Range
Where: Columbus, OH
When: May 17-19
Who: Guns n’ Roses, Avenged Sevenfold, Kid Rock, Motörhead, Five Finger Death Punch, Slayer, Staind, Seether, Chevelle, Mastodon, Killswitch Engage, Bring Me the Horizon, Theory of a Deadman, Jason Bonham, Of Mice and Men, Suicidal Tendencies, The Pretty Reckless, We Came As Romans, Fuel, Miss May I, Reignwolf, Skindred, Devour the Day, Wilson, Jim Breuer, and more
Why: How is Columbus, Ohio “where rock lives” (or a “range”, for that matter?)? Thought that was Cleveland’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame…
Web: www.rockontherange.com
What: Lightning In a Bottle
Where: Bradley, CA
When: May 22-26
Who: Moby, Little Dragon, Phantogram, Beats Antique, Gramatik, Amon Tobin, Baauer, Gold Panda, Simian Mobile Disco, The Gaslamp Killer, Cashmere Cat, Che Faker, Break Science, and more
Why: Trance/electronica captures lightning in a bottle on Lake Skinner. See much more in our 2013 photo gallery here
Web: lightninginabottle.org
What: Liquid Society
Where: Lake Charles, LA
When: May 22 – August 14
Who: Weezer, The Wallflowers, Neon Trees, Counting Crows, Better Than Ezra, Toad the Wet Sprocket, and more
Why: Enjoy liquids & rock at L’auberge Casino.
Web: www.llakecharles.com/entertainment/liquid-society
What: Boston Calling Spring
Where: Boston, MA
When: May 23-25
Who: Death Cab for Cutie, Modest Mouse, Jack Johnson, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Decemberists, Brand New, The Head and the Heart, B∆stille, Cass McCombs, Tegan & Sara, Frank Turner, Jenny Lewis, Phosphorescent, The Neighbourhood, Built To Spill, Kurt Vile, Warpaint, Walk Off the Earth, The Districts, Maxïmo Park, Magic Man, and more
Why: Boston is seriously Calling, expanding to three days for two weekends in its second year – wicked pissah! Read & see much more in our big recap here
Web: bostoncalling.com
What: Rocklahoma
Where: Pryor, OK
When: May 23-25
Who: Kid Rock, Five Finger Death Punch, Staind, Twisted Sister, Deftones, Seether, Motörhead, Filter, Theory of a Deadman, Killswitch Engage, Skid Row, The Pretty Reckless, Skindred, Devour the Day, and more
Why: A bunch of hard rock acts? At least the name’s good (though it doesn’t pronounce right…).
Web: www.rocklahoma.com
What: Sasquatch!
Where: George, WA
When: May 23-25
Who: Outkast, The National, Queens of the Stone Age, M.I.A., Foster the People, Kid Cudi, HAIM, Neko Case, Foals, Major Lazer, Cut Copy, Die Antwoord, Elbow, Violent Femmes, The Naked and Famous, Cage the Elephant, Mogwai, Tyler, the Creator, Portugal. The Man, Rudimental, Boys Noize, Cold War Kids, City and Colour, Phantogram, First Aid Kit, tUnE-yArDs, Yelle, AlunaGeorge, Panda Bear, Phosphorescent, Bob Mould, Washed Out, Austra, Parquet Courts, Damien Jurado, Big Freedia, Black Joe Lewis, Liars, The Dodos, Lucius, The Stepkids, Half Moon Run, Little Green Cars, Crystal Fighters, Waxahatchee, Rathborne, Big Scary, and many, many more
Why: While the new second Fourth of July weekend was cancelled, there’s still Memorial Day Weekend for this top-tier festival. Read much more in our 2013 recap here
Web: www.sasquatchfestival.com
What: Summer Camp
Where: Chillicothe, IL
When: May 23-25
Who: moe., Umphrey’s McGee, Zac Brown Band, Bassnectar, Trey Anastasio Band, Primus, Slightly Stoopid, Girl Talk, Yonder Mountain String Band, Lotus, Gramatik, Wolfgang Gartner, EOTO, Blues Traveler, Keller Williams, Matisyahu, MiMOSA, G. Love & Special Sauce, Lettuce, Beats Antique, The Devil Makes Three, Greensky Bluegrass, The Motet, Break Science, Orgone, Pimps of Joytime, The London Souls, and more
Why: Summer Camp usually mixes a little something more into its jam.
Web: www.summercampfestival.com
What: Punk Rock Bowling
Where: Las Vegas, NV
When: May 23-26
Who: Cock Sparrer, Descendents, NOFX, Against Me!, The Slackers, OFF!, The Dwarves, Cerebral Ballzy, SNFU, Masked Intruder, and more
Why: Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall takes the punks bowling.
Web: www.punkrockbowling.com
What: River City Rockfest
Where: San Antonio, TX
When: May 24
Who: Five Finger Death Punch, Deftones, Seether, Killswitch Engage, Skindred, and more
Why: The River City rocks. See more in our photo gallery here
Web: www.rivercityrockfest.com
What: Electric Daisy Carnival New York
Where: East Rutherford, NJ
When: May 24-25
Who: Tiesto, Calvin Harris, Bassnectar, Boys Noize, Borgore, Afrojack, Sander Van Doorn, Rudimental, Alex Metric, Carl Cox, Steve Angello, 2manyDJs, Destructo, Skream, R3HAB, Hardwell, and more
Why: After spending last year at CitiField, for its third go-round in NYC area the massive Electric Daisy Carnival returns to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey (QRO inaugural year recap). See much more in our 2013 photo gallery here
Web: electricdaisycarnival.com/NewYork
What: Santa Cruz Blues
Where: Santa Cruz, CA
When: May 24-25
Who: Gregg Allman, Chris Isaak, Vintage Trouble, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, and more
Why: Go bluesin’ in Santa Cruz.
Web: santacruzbluesfestival.com
What: Movement Electronic
Where: Detroit, MI
When: May 24-26
Who: Underground Resistance, Simian Mobile Disco, Pete Tong, Action Bronson, Boys Noize, Flosstradamus, Carl Cox, Baauer, Richie Hawtin, Bonobo, Jamie xx, John Digweed, Claude Vonstroke, Julio Bashmore, Seth Troxler, and more
Why: Electronic music returns to the city where techno (and much more in music) was born.
Web: www.movement.us
What: Nitefall On the River
Where: Des Moines, IA
When: May 24 – September 18
Who: Fitz & The Tantrums, Umphrey’s McGee, Grouplove, NEEDTOBREATHE, Trampled by Turtles, Blue October, John Butler Trio, Matt Nathanson, Portugal. The Man, Younder Mountain String Band, SOJA, Terraplane, Foy Vance, Andrew McMahon, Apache Relay, and more
Why: Nite falls over the Simon Estes Amphitheater on the Des Moines river. See more in our photo galleries from Simon Estes Amphitheater here
Web: nitefalldsm.com
What: Surf Lodge Summer Concert Series
Where: Montauk, NY
When: May 24 – August 30
Who: Yeasayer, G. Love, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Gary Clark Jr., Sky Ferreira, Lukas Nelson, Lissie, Ryan Hemsworth, Youngbloo Hawke, Donovan Frankenreiter, Real Estate, St. Lucia, Bear Hands, Temples, HAERTS, The Dolls, Panama Wedding, Poolside, TEEN, Courtney Barnett, and more
Why: Get out of the city and head to the Surf at Montauk.
Web: thesurflodge.com/concert-series
What: Mysteryland
Where: Bethel, NY
When: May 25-26
Who: Steve Aoki, Kaskade, Nicky Romero, Moby, Nervo, Dillon Francis, Fedde Le Grand, Flosstradaums, Kill the Noise, and more
Why: On the grounds of the original Woodstock is a DJ fest – kind of says it all…
Web: www.mysteryland.us
What: Mutek Montreal
Where: Montreal, PQ, Canada
When: May 27 – June 1
Who: Oneohtrix Point Never, Nicholas Jaar, Richie Hawtin, Max Cooper, Ben Frost, Tim Hecker, and more
Why: The international electronic music festival MUTEK comes to maybe the most international city in North America.
Web: www.mutek.org/en
What: Nelsonville
Where: Nelsonville, OH
When: May 29 – June 1
Who: The Avett Brothers, Dinosaur Jr., Shovels & Rope, The Head and The Heart, Kurt Vile & The Violators, Jason Isbell, Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Lucius, Shakey Graves, Grupo Fantasma, The Men, and more
Why: Ohio needs more music – especially southeastern Ohio.
Web: www.nelsonvillefest.org
What: NYC Popfest
Where: New York, NY
When: May 29 – June 1
Who: The Hidden Cameras, Dressy Bessy, Lost Tapes, Heathers, and more
Why: Artists from around the world come to NYC to go pop.
Web: www.nycpopfest.org
What: Blackstock
Where: Blackstock, SC
When: May 30-31
Who: Galactic, Leftover Salmon, ZOOGMA, Will Hoge, Papadosio, Toubab Krewe, Mason Jennings, Hiss Golden Messenger, Tauk, and more
Why: Take (Black)stock in South Carolina.
Web: www.blackstockmusicfestival.com
What: BottleRock
Where: Napa Valley, CA
When: May 30 – June 1
Who: The Cure, Outkast, Eric Church, Weezer, TV On the Radio, LL Cool J, Matt & Kim, The Fray, Heart, Sublime with Rome, Deerhunter, Third Eye Blind, De La Soul, Barenaked Ladies, Cracker, Blues Traveler, Robert De Long, Delta Rae, Ben Sollee, The Black Angels, Smash Mouth, Matisyahu, Hurray For the Riff Raff, Mayer Hawthorne, Thee Oh Sees, Gin Blossoms, Ed Kowalczyk, Spin Doctors, No Age, Camper Van Beethoven, Railroad Earth, Tea Leaf Green, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Empires, The Stone Foxes, Moonalice, and many more
Why: The Napa Valley welcomes the second year of a great new festival (to go with its great old wine). See much more in our inaugural year 2013 photo gallery here
Web: bottlerocknapavalley.com
What: Do-Division
Where: Chicago, IL
When: May 30 – June 1
Who: J Mascis, High On Fire, Bass Drum of Death, JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound, Screaming Females, JD McPherson, The Weeks, People Under the Stairs, Radar Eyes, Milagres, and more
Why: Held on ten blocks of Chicago’s Division Street, Ashland to Leavitt, the Do-Division Street Fest and Sidewalk Sale features Chicago indie rock thanks to local music clubs The Empty Bottle & Subterranean.
Web: do-divisionstreetfest.com
What: 98.9 The Rock’s Rockfest
Where: Kansas City, MO
When: May 31
Who: Korn, Killswitch Engage, Five Finger Deathpunch, Escape the Fate, Staind, The Pretty Reckless, Steel Panther, Black Label Society, Pop Evil, Adelitas Way, and more
Why: About as inventive as the name.
Web: www.rockfestkc.com
What: Roots Picnic
Where: Philadelphia, PA
When: May 31
Who: The Roots, Snoop Dogg, Janelle Monae, The War On Drugs, Action Bronson, A$AP Ferg, AraabMUZIK, Rudimental, Bad Rabbits, Biz Markie, and more
Why: The best band in late night brings their annual picnic to Penns Landing.
Web: rootspicnic.com
What: Free Press
Where: Houston, TX
When: May 31 – June 1
Who: Jack White, Vampire Weekend, Zedd, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Above & Beyond, Wu-Tang Clan, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Dwight Yoakam, Childish Gambino, Deftones, Cage the Elephant, The Kills, Die Antwoord, Big Gigantic, CHVRCHES, DMX, The 1975, tUnE-yArDs, Laidback Luke, Rebelution, Washed Out, The Naked and Famous, Flosstradamus, Drive-By Truckers, Lord Huron, Sky Ferreira, J. Roddy Walston & The Business, First Aid Kit, Mariachi El Bronx, Paper Diamond, King Khan & The Shrines, Flatbush Zombies, Shakey Graves, Wildcat! Wildcat!, Poolside, Robert DeLong, Anamanaguchi, The Chain Gang of 1974, Wild Moccasins, and more
Why: Check this cheap & winning festival.
Web: www.freepresssummerfest.com
June
What: Waterfront Wednesday
Where: Louisville, KY
When: April 23 – September 17
Who: Moon Taxi, Spanish Gold, Lake Street Dive, Ben Sollee, The Apache Relay, The Deloreans, The Broken Spurs, and more
Why: Louisville’s Waterfront Wednesday has a show a month on hump day. See more in our photo galleries from Louisville Waterfront here
Web: www.louisvillewaterfront.com
What: Liquid Society
Where: Lake Charles, LA
When: May 22 – August 14
Who: Weezer, The Wallflowers, Neon Trees, Counting Crows, Better Than Ezra, Toad the Wet Sprocket, and more
Why: Enjoy liquids & rock at L’auberge Casino.
Web: www.llakecharles.com/entertainment/liquid-society
What: Surf Lodge Summer Concert Series
Where: Montauk, NY
When: May 24 – August 30
Who: Yeasayer, G. Love, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Gary Clark Jr., Sky Ferreira, Lukas Nelson, Lissie, Ryan Hemsworth, Youngbloo Hawke, Donovan Frankenreiter, Real Estate, St. Lucia, Bear Hands, Temples, HAERTS, The Dolls, Panama Wedding, Poolside, TEEN, Courtney Barnett, and more
Why: Get out of the city and head to the Surf at Montauk.
Web: thesurflodge.com/concert-series
What: Nitefall On the River
Where: Des Moines, IA
When: May 24 – September 18
Who: Fitz & The Tantrums, Umphrey’s McGee, Grouplove, NEEDTOBREATHE, Trampled by Turtles, Blue October, John Butler Trio, Matt Nathanson, Portugal. The Man, Younder Mountain String Band, SOJA, Terraplane, Foy Vance, Andrew McMahon, Apache Relay, and more
Why: Nite falls over the Simon Estes Amphitheater on the Des Moines river. See more in our photo galleries from Simon Estes Amphitheater here
Web: nitefalldsm.com
What: Mutek Montreal
Where: Montreal, PQ, Canada
When: May 27 – June 1
Who: Oneohtrix Point Never, Nicholas Jaar, Richie Hawtin, Max Cooper, Ben Frost, Tim Hecker, and more
Why: The international electronic music festival MUTEK comes to maybe the most international city in North America.
Web: www.mutek.org/en
What: Nelsonville
Where: Nelsonville, OH
When: May 29 – June 1
Who: The Avett Brothers, Dinosaur Jr., Shovels & Rope, The Head and The Heart, Kurt Vile & The Violators, Jason Isbell, Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Lucius, Shakey Graves, Grupo Fantasma, The Men, and more
Why: Ohio needs more music – especially southeastern Ohio.
Web: www.nelsonvillefest.org
What: NYC Popfest
Where: New York, NY
When: May 29 – June 1
Who: The Hidden Cameras, Dressy Bessy, Lost Tapes, Heathers, and more
Why: Artists from around the world come to NYC to go pop.
Web: www.nycpopfest.org
What: BottleRock
Where: Napa Valley, CA
When: May 30 – June 1
Who: The Cure, Outkast, Eric Church, Weezer, TV On the Radio, LL Cool J, Matt & Kim, The Fray, Heart, Sublime with Rome, Deerhunter, Third Eye Blind, De La Soul, Barenaked Ladies, Cracker, Blues Traveler, Robert De Long, Delta Rae, Ben Sollee, The Black Angels, Smash Mouth, Matisyahu, Hurray For the Riff Raff, Mayer Hawthorne, Thee Oh Sees, Gin Blossoms, Ed Kowalczyk, Spin Doctors, No Age, Camper Van Beethoven, Railroad Earth, Tea Leaf Green, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Empires, The Stone Foxes, Moonalice, and many more
Why: The Napa Valley welcomes the second year of a great new festival (to go with its great old wine). See much more in our inaugural year 2013 photo gallery here
Web: bottlerocknapavalley.com
What: Free Press
Where: Houston, TX
When: May 31 – June 1
Who: Jack White, Vampire Weekend, Zedd, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Above & Beyond, Wu-Tang Clan, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Dwight Yoakam, Childish Gambino, Deftones, Cage the Elephant, The Kills, Die Antwoord, Big Gigantic, CHVRCHES, DMX, The 1975, tUnE-yArDs, Laidback Luke, Rebelution, Washed Out, The Naked and Famous, Flosstradamus, Drive-By Truckers, Lord Huron, Sky Ferreira, J. Roddy Walston & The Business, First Aid Kit, Mariachi El Bronx, Paper Diamond, King Khan & The Shrines, Flatbush Zombies, Shakey Graves, Wildcat! Wildcat!, Poolside, Robert DeLong, Anamanaguchi, The Chain Gang of 1974, Wild Moccasins, and more
Why: Check this cheap & winning festival.
Web: www.freepresssummerfest.com
What: BFD
Where: Mountain View, CA
When: June 1
Who: Foster the People, M.I.A., Fitz & The Tantrums, Phantogram, New Politics, Walk the Moon, MS MR, Bear Hands, SKATERS, Semi Precious Weapons, Flosstradamus, The Knocks, and more
Why: Live 105 makes a Big Fucking Deal.
Web: live105.cbslocal.com/show/bfd
What: Hot 97 Summer Jam
Where: East Rutherford, NJ
When: June 1
Who: Nas, 50 Cent, Nicki Minaj featuring Young Money & Lil Wayne, Childish Gambino, The Roots, Wiz Khalifa, Iggy Azalea, Action Bronson, and more
Why: Radio station Hot 87 puts on a hip-hop Summer Jam at MetLife Stadium.
Web: www.hot97.com/summerjam
What: SummerStage
Where: New York, NY
When: June 3 – August 24
Who: Beck, Neon Trees, Conor Oberst, Gavin DeGraw, John Butler Trio, Counting Crows, The Fania All-Stars, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Matt Nathanson, Smallpools, Dawes, Allen Stone, Andrew McMahon, Andrew Bird & The Hands of Glory, Sisqó, Blood Orange, Bonobo, Ty Dolla $ign, Mark McGuire, Mykki Blanco, Cibo Matto, M, Marissa Nadler, Luke Temple, Émilie Simon, Sean Nicholas Savage, Delicate Steve, and more
Why: A mixture of paid benefit shows and free shows receiving those benefits are a staple every summer in the Big Apple at the iconic Central Park – as well as other parks in all five boroughs! See our venue review & photos of Central Park SummerStage here
Web: www.summerstage.org
What: Hudson Square Music & Wine
Where: New York, NY
When: June 3 – August 26
Who: John Doe, Commander Cody, The Howlin’ Brothers, Stephen Kellogg, Drivin’ N Cryin’, The Tall Pines, and more
Why: Free shows outdoors during the summer at classy City Winery. See our venue review & photos of City Winery here
Web: www.citywinery.com
What: Twangfest
Where: St. Louis, MO
When: June 4-7
Who: Cody ChesnuTT, Rodney Crowell, The Dream Syndicate, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, and more
Why: 88.1 KDHX brings some twang to Middle America.
Web: twangfest.com
What: Celebrate Brooklyn!
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When: June 4 – August 9
Who: The National, Neutral Milk Hotel, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Jack Johnson, Janelle Monae, St. Vincent, Nickel Creek, Shovels & Rope, Deltron 3030, Amos Lee, Warpaint, Ozomatli, Dum Dum Girls, The Soul Rebels, Bebel Gilberto, Robert Glasper Experiment, Devendra Banhart, Phosphorescent, Lord Huron, MS MR, Bahamas, Glenn Kotche, Hospitality, Lake Street Dive, San Fermin, Valerie June, Yellowbirds, Nicole Atkins, Shakey Graves, TEEN, Lost Bayou Ramblers, and more
Why: Once again, Prospect Park Bandshell’s Celebrate Brooklyn! delivers all summer long. See our venue review & photos of Prospect Park Bandshell here
Web: www.briconline.org/celebrate
What: Sunset Sessions – Rock!
Where: Carlsbad, CA
When: June 5-7
Who: Scott Weiland, The Whigs, Semi-Precious Weapons, Megafauna, The Last Internationale, and more
Why: Michele Clark’s Sunset Sessions brings the Rock! to Carlsbad.
Web: sunsetsessions.org
What: Mountain Jam
Where: Hunter Mountain, NY
When: June 5-8
Who: The Allman Brothers, Bob Weir & Ratdog, Govt Mule, Pretty Lights, The Avett Brothers, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Damien Marley, Jeff Tweedy, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Umphrey’s McGee, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Trampled by Turtles, Robert Randolph, Blitzen Trapper, Beats Antique, Anders Osborne, Antibalas, Lucius, Ghost of a Sabertooth Tiger, Reignwolf, Jonathan Wilson, and more
Why: Despite the name, the festival at Hunter Mountain is more than just another jam-fest.
Web: mountainjam.com
What: Wakarusa
Where: Mulberry Mountain, AR
When: June 5-8
Who: The Flaming Lips, Bassnectar, The String Cheese Incident, STS9, Umphrey’s McGee, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Michael Franti & Spearhead, John Butler Trio, Rusko, Dr. Dog, Lettuce, Xavier Rudd, Walk Off the Earth, EOTO, Vintage Trouble, Papadosio, The Knocks, Robert DeLong, Black Joe Lewis, Reignwolf, The Mowgli’s, J. Roddy Walston & The Business, Murder By Death, Moon Taxi, Poolside, Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers, The Pimps of Joytime, Break Science, Orgone, The Hood Internet, Wild Child, Moon Hooch, and more
Why: Now fully enscounced in the Ozarks (after having to exit Kansas after 2008 – QRO photos from last year in Kansas), Bill Clinton’s backwoods gets their jam (and more) on. See much more in our 2012 photo gallery here
Web: www.wakarusa.com
What: Governors Ball
Where: New York, NY
When: June 6-8
Who: Outkast, Jack White, Vampire Weekend, The Strokes, Phoenix, Skrillex, Interpol, Axwell & Ingrosso, Foster the People, TV On the Radio, Julian Casablancas, Disclosure, J. Cole, Spoon, Damian Marley, Broken Bells, Damon Albarn, James Blake, Neko Case, Empire of the Sun, The Kills, Sleigh Bells, Childish Gambino, The Head and The Heart, Grimes, The Naked and Famous, The 1975, Janelle Monae, Fitz & The Tantrums, Jenny Lewis, Tyler, the Creator, La Roux, Washed Out, The Glitch Mob, The Bloody Beetroots, Earl Sweatshirt, Kurt Vile, B∆stille, Frank Turner, Chance the Rapper, Lucius, Wild Belle, AlunaGeorge, Jason Isbell, Tanlines, RJD2, SKATERS, Half Moon Run, Classixx, Ratking, Diarrhea Planet, HAERTS, Cayucas, The Chain Gang of 1974, and many more
Why: After debuting on Governors Island as a one-day electronica fest in 2011 (QRO recap), Governors Ball moved up to Randalls Island & to two days indie/electronic the next year (QRO recap), before going huge and wide with three days last year (QRO recap). This year it stays big – just hope the weather’s better than 2013… Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: governorsballmusicfestival.com
What: Make Music Pasadena
Where: Pasadena, CA
When: June 7
Who: Surfer Blood, Yuna, Tennis, Saint Motel, Sylvan Esso, Shelby Earl, and more
Why: Pasadena’s free fest mixes indie, world & more.
Web: www.makemusicpasadena.org
What: Field Trip
Where: Toronto, ON, Canada
When: June 7-8
Who: Broken Social Scene, Interpol, The Kills, CHVRCHES, Constantines, Washed Out, Lord Huron, Kevin Drew, Half Moon Run, Shad, Austra, Fucked Up, Do Make Say Think, A Tribe Called Red, The Darcys, Vance Joy, and more Read more in our preview here
Why: Toronto’s Arts & Crafts Records continues last year’s tenth anniversary celebration by taking another Field Trip. Read & see much more in our 2013 recap here
Web: fieldtriplife.com
What: KCRW Summer Nights
Where: Pasadena, CA
When: June 7 – August 9
Who: Lo Fang, Kan Wakan, and more
Why: Radio station KCRW makes it even easier to enjoy Summer Nights in SoCal with these free shows.
Web: www.kcrw.com/events/summer-nights-2014
What: New Music Seminar
Where: New York, NY
When: June 8-10
Who: The Senators, Kiah Victoria, Rachel Brown, Life Size Maps, Honduras, and more
Why: A New Music Seminar in New York.
Web: newmusicseminar.com
What: Burlington Steamboat Days
Where: Burlington, IA
When: June 10-15
Who: Chris Young, Toby Keith, Halestorm, Karmin, and more
Why: Burlington Steamboat Days is past fifty years old – and so are its acts.
Web: www.steamboatdays.com
What: Bonnaroo
Where: Manchester, TN
When: June 12-15
Who: Elton John, Kanye West, Jack White, Lionel Richie, Vampire Weekend, The Avett Brothers, Phoenix, Skrillex, Arctic Monkeys, Frank Ocean, The Flaming Lips, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Kaskade, Damon Albarn, Neutral Milk Hotel, Wiz Khalifa, Ed Helms, Disclosure, Cut Copy, The Head and The Heart, Zedd, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Chromeo, Broken Bells, Tedeschi Trucks Band, James Blake, Umphrey’s McGee, Ice Cube, Ben Howard, Fitz & The Tantrums, CAKE, Janelle Monae, Grouplove, CHVRCHES, Cage the Elephant, Die Antwoord, Andrew Bird, Mastodon, Jake Bugg, Dr. Dog, Little Dragon, City and Colour, The Glitch Mob, The Naked and Famous, Phosphorescent, Drive-By Truckers, Washed Out, Warpaint, Shovels & Rope, Lucero, Poliça, ZZ Ward, MS MR, First Aid Kit, Rudimental, Omar Souleyman, The Bouncing Souls, Ty Segall, Vintage Trouble, Okkervil River, White Denim, Cloud Nothings, Typhoon, Thao & The Get Down Stay Down, King Khan & The Shrines, Real Estate, The Lone Bellow, Caveman, and many, many more
Why: The granddaddy of indie-meets-jam & more music festivals celebrates its 13th genre-crossing year.
Web: www.bonnaroo.com
What: Smoky Hill River
Where: Salina, KS
When: June 12-15
Who: Funkadesi, Simplified, The Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer, That 1 Guy, and more
Why: Family-friendly on Smoky Hill RIver.
Web: www.riverfestival.com
What: Northside
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When: June 12-19
Who: CHVRCHES, Beirut, Albert Hammond Jr., The War On Drugs, Dead Milkmen, Sharon Van Etten, Albert Hammond Jr., Titus Andronicus, Talib Kweli, Fuck Buttons, Eleanor Friedberger, Omar Souleyman, Marissa Nadler, Marnie Stern, Beach Fossils, Eagulls, The Barr Brothers, White Mystery, Shilpa Ray, Gringo Star, Dan Croll, Grooms, Big Ups, Perfect Pussy, Low Fat Getting High, Ava Luna, Boytoy, Little Racer, traumahelikopter, The Teen Age, Whale Belly, and more
Why: L Magazine‘s Northside Festival returns for a fifth year, taking place in venues across the Williamsburg & Greenpoint neighborhoods, with showcases curated by all sorts of New York City music industry players. Read & see much more in our big recap here
Web: www.northsidefestival.com
What: Jazz Winnipeg
Where: Winnipeg, MB, Canada
When: June 12-21
Who: John Legend, St. Vincent, Gregory Porter, Arturo Sandoval, Shad. Timber Timbre, Oneohtrix Point Never, Killer Mike, Le1f, and more
Why: Instead of another Canadian city’s folk music festival, a jazz one.
Web: www.jazzwinnipeg.com
What: Nashville Dancin’
Where: Nashville, TN
When: June 12 – July 29
Who: Will Hoge, Xavier Rudd, Houndmouth, The Apache Relay, Hayes Carll, Dumpstaphunk, Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, and more
Why: Get Dancin’ at Nashville’s Riverfront Park.
Web: www.nashvilledancin.com
What: Vans House Parties
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When: June 12 – August 14
Who: Charles Bradley, Black Lips, Holy Ghost!, Future Islands, STRFKR, Gorilla Biscuits, Bouncing Souls, Mac DeMarco, Omar Souleyman, Poolside, Nightbirds, and more
Why: In addition to the Warped Tour (QRO 2013 recap), Vans also hosts a great series of free Brooklyn house parties at the House of Vans. See our venue review & photos of House of Vans here
Web: www.vans.com/microsites/houseparties
What: Country Summer
Where: Santa Rosa, CA
When: June 13-14
Who: Darius Rucker, Hunter Hayes, Eli Young Band, Joe Nichols, Sara Evans, David Nail, and more
Why: Have some Country in a warm northern California Summer. See much more in our photo gallery here
Web: countrysummer.com
What: Huichica
Where: Sonoma, CA
When: June 13-14
Who: David Longstreth, Mount Eerie, Vetiver, Kelly Stoltz, Magic Trick, and more
Why: Gundlach Bundschu Winery gives you some music to go with you wine-tasting. See much more in our 2013 photo gallery here
Web: huichica.com
What: Snowmass Mammoth
Where: Snowmass, CO
When: June 13-15
Who: Leftover Salmon, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Xavier Rudd, Les Claypool’s Duo De Twang, The Motet, Houndmouth, The London Souls, Nathaniel Rateliff, The Wheeler Brothers, and more
Why: Head up into Snowmass Village.
Web: snowmassmammothfest.com
What: Spring Awakening
Where: Chicago, IL
When: June 13-15
Who: Tiesto, Pretty lights, Kaskade, Knife Party, Diplo, Big Gigantic, Benny Benassi, Dillon Francis, Eric Prydz, Flux Pavilion, Pete Tong, and more
Why: Spring starts in Chicago with electrodance at Soldier Field.
Web: springawakeningfestival.com
What: North by Northeast
Where: Toronto, ON, Canada
When: June 13-22
Who: Spoon, St. Vincent, Sleigh Bells, Spiritualized, Juicy J, Danny Brown, tUnE-yArDs, Rhye, A$AP Ferg, Mac DeMarco, METZ, Swans, Run the Jewels, Omar Souleyman, Future Islands, Pusha T, AraabMUZIK, The Barr Brothers, Fuck Buttons, Low, Oneohtrix Point Never, Tobacco, The Felice Brothers, Zeus, Crystal Stilts, Tim Hecker, Eagulls, Speedy Ortiz, Glasser, Ratking, Perfect Pussy, Small Black, Le1f, The Pizza Underground, Dan Croll, Jonathan Toubin, White Mystery, Juan Wauters, Mutual Benefit, Calvin Love, and more
Why: State support has given Canada a ton of great alternative acts, and even their own version of South by Southwest (see above) in North by Northeast. See much more in our photo gallery here
Web: www.nxne.com
What: Ann Arbor Summer
Where: Ann Arbor, MI
When: June 13 – July 6
Who: Andrew Bird & Hands of Glory, AKE, Robert Cray, Mavis Staples, Brett Mitchell, The MacPodz, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, The Appleseed Collective, The Ragbirds, Wanda Jackson, Tift Merritt, and more
Why: Home of the University of Michigan (and The Dharma Initiative…), all those kind of guys who are hailing from Ann Arbor get a much-needed reason to smile with this three-week Summer Fest.
Web: www.annarborsummerfestival.org
What: AthFest
Where: Athens, GA
When: June 18-22
Who: Kishi Bashi, Reptar, Drivin’ N Cryin’, Dead Confederate, New Madrid, Futurebirds, Roadkill Ghost Choir, Davie Barbe & The Quick Hooks, and more
Why: The home of R.E.M. & The B-52s throw another year of local & imported acts in AthFest.
Web: www.athfest.com
What: Sled Island
Where: Calgary, AB, Canada
When: June 18-22
Who: Spiritualized, Neko Case, Rocket From the Crypt, St. Vincent, Touché Amoré, Rhye, The Julie Ruin, Bob Mould, Mission of Burma, Blitzen Trapper, Screaming Females, Killer Mike, PS I Love You, Bass Drum of Death, The Fresh & Onlys, Hunx & His Punx, Julianna Barwick, Chelsea Wolfe, William Tyler, AraabMUZIK, Dan Deacon, and more
Why: The mammoth & varied Sled Island returns to Calgary.
Web: www.sledisland.com
What: Firefly
Where: Dover, DE
When: June 19-22
Who: Foo Fighters, OutKast, Jack Johnson, Beck, Imagine Dragons, The Lumineers, Pretty Lights, Arctic Monkeys, Weezer, Band of Horses, Young the Giant, Childish Gambino, Tegan & Sara, HAIM, Girl Talk, Ziggy Marley, Cage the Elephant, Portugal. The Man, Grouplove, The Temper Trap, Iron & Wine, Sleigh Bells, Jake Bugg, City and Colour, twenty-one pilots, Airborne Toxic Event, Amos Lee, Third Eye Blind, A-Trak, Chance the Rapper, Kaiser Chiefs, MS MR, Walk Off the Earth, Rudimental, Phosphorescent, Sky Ferreira, Blood Orange, Typhoon, Lucius, NONONO, New Politics, White Denim, Wild Cub, Dan Croll, HAERTS, Wild Child, Bear Hands, Hey Rosetta!, and many more
Why: A recent entry into the festival game was a strong one in Firefly – and it’s in Delaware?!?!
Web: fireflyfestival.com
What: Mad Tea Party Jam
Where: Hedgesville, WV
When: June 19-22
Who: Papadosio, The Werks, Consider the Source, TAUK, and more
Why: Make your Jam a Mad Tea Party.
Web: www.themadteapartyjam.com
What: Telluride Bluegrass
Where: Telluride, CO
When: June 19-22
Who: Brandi Carlile, Steve Winwood, Ray Lamontagne, Andrew Bird, The Punch Brothers, Béla Fleck, Leftover Salmon, Jason Isbell, Nickel Creek, Greensky Bluegrass, Keller Williams, Nicki Bluhm & the Gramblers, Yonder Mountain String Band, Del McCoury Band, The Lone Bellow, and more
Why: The ski resort of Telluride’s bluegrass festival always brings some big names in along with the jam.
Web: www.bluegrass.com/telluride
What: Wanderlust Stratton
Where: Stratton, VT
When: June 19-22
Who: Escort, Emancipator, Nahko & Medicine For the People, MC Yogi, Marco Benevento, and more
Why: Yoga + music fest Wanderlust wanders into Vermont. Read & see more in our recap of Wanderlust Squaw Valley here
Web: stratton.wanderlustfestival.com
What: What The Festival
Where: Dufur, OR
When: June 19-22
Who: The Glitch Mob, Washed Out, Nightmares On Wax, RL Grime, Claude Vonstroke, Julio Bashmore, Break Science, Gladiator, and more
Why: Head to the Wolf Run Ranch to ask, “WTF?”.
Web: whatthefestival.com
What: River to River
Where: Downtown Manhattan, NY
When: June 19-29
Who: Bang On a Can Marathon, Kaki King, People Get Ready, Sergio Mendoza, and more
Why: Every year, River to River brings free art to downtown Manhattan, starting with the Bang On a Can Marathon (QRO 2013 photos), with free shows at Castle Clinton, World Financial Center, and more. See our venue review & photos of Castle Clinton here – See our venue review & photos of World Financial Center here
Web: www.rivertorivernyc.com
What: Electric Daisy Carnival
Where: Las Vegas, NV
When: June 20-22
Who: 12th Planet, A-Trak, Above & Beyond, Afrojack, Alesso, Alex Metric, Armin Van Buuren, AVICII, Awell Ingrosso, Bassnectar, Benny Benassi, Booka Shade, Calvin Harris, Carl Cox, Claude Von Stroke, Crizzly, Dada Life, Datsik, Destructo, Dillon Francis, Diplo, Eric Prydz, Excision, Fedde Le Grand, Flosstradamus, Gareth Emery, GTA, Infected Mushroom, Julio Bashmore, Kaskade, Kill the Noise, Knife Party, Krewella Laidback Luke, Madeon, Martin Garrix, Paper Diamond, Paul Oakenfold, Paul Van Duk, Pegboard Nerds, R3hab, Sander Van Doorn, Skream, Steve Angello, Steve AOki, Sub Focus, The Glitch Mob, Tiësto, Tommy Trash, Umek, Zeds Dead, and more
Why: After NYC and Mexico (see above), Electric Daisy Carnival comes back to Vegas for three days. See much more in our photo gallery of 2013 EDC NY here
Web: electricdaisycarnival.com/LasVegas
What: Saskatchewan Jazz
Where: Saskatoon, SK, Canada
When: June 20-29
Who: John Legend, St. Vincent, Tegan & Sara, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Medeski, Scofield, Martin & Wood, Common, Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite, Galactic, Nels Clin & Julian Lage, Shad, Arturo Sandoval, Mac DeMarco, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, Leif Vollebekk, Calvin Love, Royal Canoe, and more
Why: (Sa)Skat it up, jazz-cat.
Web: saskjazz.com
What: Clearwater
Where: Croton Point Park, NY
When: June 21-22
Who: Lucinda Williams, Rufus Wainwright, The Mavericks, Puss N Boots, Richard Thompson, moe., Martin Sexton, Josh Ritter, Dar Williams, Buckwheat Zydeco, Lake Street Dive, Houndmouth, Tony Trischka, Betty LaVette, Spirit Family Reunion, Arc Iris, Laura Cantrell, Martha Redbone, 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
What: Green Music
Where: Chicago, IL
When: June 21-22
Who: Guided by Voices, Moon Taxi, Bobby Bare Jr., The Features, Cheap Girls, and more
Why: The eco-friendly Green Music fest comes to Chicago Ave for only a five dollar donation.
Web: www.greenmusicfestchicago.com
What: KCRW’s World Festival
Where: Hollywood, CA
When: June 22 – September 28
Who: Janelle Monae, Pixies, Robyn, Glenn Hansard, Caetano Veloso, Jimmy Cliff, Andrew Bird, Gogol Bordello, Röyksopp, Iron & Wine, Cat Power, Devendra Banhart, and more
Why: Celebrate the best of world music at the famed Hollywood Bowl. See more in our photo galleries from Hollywood Bowl here
Web: www.hollywoodbowl.com
What: Summerfest
Where: Milwaukee, WI
When: June 25-29 & July 1-6
Who: OutKast, Lady Gaga, Dave Matthews Band, Zac Brown Band, Fall Out Boy Paramore, Darius Rucker, Brad Paisley, New Order, Nas, Tegan & Sara, Rise Against, Girl Talk, Gary Clark Jr., Ray LaMontagne, The Head and the Heart, The Hold Steady, Best Coast, Ludacris, Atmosphere, Brand New, Umphrey’s McGee, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Melissa Etheridge, Fitz & The Tantrums, The Airborne Toxic Event, B.o.B., The Fray, The Neighbourhood, Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite, Trombone Shorty, ZZ Ward, Cheap Trick, Walk Off the Earth, Ziggy Marley, A Great Big World, Kool & The Gang, Switchfoot, Yonder Mountain String Band, The Wailers, Rusted Root, George Thorogood, The Crystal Method, Delta Rae, St. Lucia, Moon Taxi, nd Matisyahu, and many, many more
Why: The biggest music festival in the world is also the most mainstream, but there’s so many bands over so many days, bound to be someone you want to see.
Web: www.summerfest.com
What: Electric Forest
Where: Rothbury, MI
When: June 26-29
Who: The String Cheese Incident, Steve Angello, STS9, Zedd, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Cut Copy, Excision, Flying Lotus, Zeds Dead, The Glitch Mob, Matt & Kim, ScHoolboy Q, Tycho, Classixx, EOTO, Aloe Blacc, Paper Diamond, St. Lucia, 12th Planet, Dead Confederate, Conspirator, Papadosio, Moon Taxi, Poolside, Bombino, Xavier Rudd, Until the Ribbon Breaks, T. Hardy Morris, Zoogma, and more
Why: Double JJ Resort in Rothbury gets its own music festival, as nature meets technology. Read much more in our recap here
Web: www.electricforestfestival.com
What: Frendly Gathering
Where: Windham, VT
When: June 26-29
Who: Delta Spirit, Lotus, Deer Tick, Lake Street Dive, Shakey Graves, Spirit Family Reunion, Chuck Ragan, Jaymay, The London Souls, Moon Hooch, Jamestown Revival, and more
Why: Gather some frends for a Frendly Gathering.
Web: frendlygathering.com
What: Paradiso
Where: George, WA
When: June 27-28
Who: Bassnectar, Zedd, Above & Beyond, Krewella, Alex Metric, Booka Shade, BT, Claude Vonstroke, Datsik, Excision, Fluxx Pavilion, Keys ‘n Krates, Laidback Luke, Paper Diamond, Sub Focus, Tommy Trash, Wolfgang Gartner, and more
Why: Dance beats hit the great outdoors.
Web: paradisofestival.com
What: Kate Wolf
Where: Laytonville, CA
When: June 27-29
Who: Joan Baez, Indigo Girls, Los Lobos, Darlene Love, Jackie Greene, Rodney Crowell, The Wood Brothers, Joe Pug, and more
Why: Ladies & gents are welcome at Kate Wolf.
Web: katewolfmusicfestival.com
What: Milwaukee Ave Arts
Where: Chicago, IL
When: June 27-29
Who: Psalm One, Sierre Leon’s Refugee All-Stars, Tyvek, Archie Powell & The Exports, and more
Why: Head to Milwaukee… Avenue, in Chicago.
Web: www.milwaukeeavenueartsfestival.org
What: Tail Creek Mud & Music
Where: Nevis, AB, Canada
When: June 27-29
Who: Korn, Five Finger Deathpunch, Chevelle, Theory of a Deadman, Killswitch Engage, Filter, Pop Evil, The Pretty Reckless, Nonpoint, Flux Pavilion, Fedde leGrand, Laidback Luke, The Crystal Method, and more
Why: Mud & music in the home of the tar sands.
Web: tailcreek.ca
What: Tall Tree
Where: Port Renfrew, BC, Canada
When: June 27-29
Who: Dan Mangan, Pickwick, Bear Mountain, and more
Why: Enjoy Canadian music among the Tall Trees of British Columbia.
Web: www.talltreemusicfestival.com
What: Beach Blanket Bingo
Where: Wildwood, NJ
When: June 28
Who: 12th Planet, Candyland, Gladiator, Pegboard Nerds, and more
Why: Enjoy beats on the Beach.
Web: beachblanketfestival.com
What: Rockland-Bergen
Where: Tappan, NY
When: June 29
Who: Willie Nile, Marshall Crenshaw, James Maddock, Jesse Malin, and more
Why: Rockland & Bergen are crossing county (and state) lines.
Web: www.rocklandmusicfestival.com
July
What: Waterfront Wednesday
Where: Louisville, KY
When: April 23 – September 17
Who: Moon Taxi, Spanish Gold, Lake Street Dive, Ben Sollee, The Apache Relay, The Deloreans, The Broken Spurs, and more
Why: Louisville’s Waterfront Wednesday has a show a month on hump day. See more in our photo galleries from Louisville Waterfront here
Web: www.louisvillewaterfront.com
What: Liquid Society
Where: Lake Charles, LA
When: May 22 – August 14
Who: Weezer, The Wallflowers, Neon Trees, Counting Crows, Better Than Ezra, Toad the Wet Sprocket, and more
Why: Enjoy liquids & rock at L’auberge Casino.
Web: www.llakecharles.com/entertainment/liquid-society
What: Surf Lodge Summer Concert Series
Where: Montauk, NY
When: May 24 – August 30
Who: Yeasayer, G. Love, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Gary Clark Jr., Sky Ferreira, Lukas Nelson, Lissie, Ryan Hemsworth, Youngbloo Hawke, Donovan Frankenreiter, Real Estate, St. Lucia, Bear Hands, Temples, HAERTS, The Dolls, Panama Wedding, Poolside, TEEN, Courtney Barnett, and more
Why: Get out of the city and head to the Surf at Montauk.
Web: thesurflodge.com/concert-series
What: Nitefall On the River
Where: Des Moines, IA
When: May 24 – September 18
Who: Fitz & The Tantrums, Umphrey’s McGee, Grouplove, NEEDTOBREATHE, Trampled by Turtles, Blue October, John Butler Trio, Matt Nathanson, Portugal. The Man, Younder Mountain String Band, SOJA, Terraplane, Foy Vance, Andrew McMahon, Apache Relay, and more
Why: Nite falls over the Simon Estes Amphitheater on the Des Moines river. See more in our photo galleries from Simon Estes Amphitheater here
Web: nitefalldsm.com
What: SummerStage
Where: New York, NY
When: June 3 – August 24
Who: Beck, Neon Trees, Conor Oberst, Gavin DeGraw, John Butler Trio, Counting Crows, The Fania All-Stars, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Matt Nathanson, Smallpools, Dawes, Allen Stone, Andrew McMahon, Andrew Bird & The Hands of Glory, Sisqó, Blood Orange, Bonobo, Ty Dolla $ign, Mark McGuire, Mykki Blanco, Cibo Matto, M, Marissa Nadler, Luke Temple, Émilie Simon, Sean Nicholas Savage, Delicate Steve, and more
Why: A mixture of paid benefit shows and free shows receiving those benefits are a staple every summer in the Big Apple at the iconic Central Park – as well as other parks in all five boroughs! See our venue review & photos of Central Park SummerStage here
Web: www.summerstage.org
What: Hudson Square Music & Wine
Where: New York, NY
When: June 3 – August 26
Who: John Doe, Commander Cody, The Howlin’ Brothers, Stephen Kellogg, Drivin’ N Cryin’, The Tall Pines, and more
Why: Free shows outdoors during the summer at classy City Winery. See our venue review & photos of City Winery here
Web: www.citywinery.com
What: Celebrate Brooklyn!
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When: June 4 – August 9
Who: The National, Neutral Milk Hotel, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Jack Johnson, Janelle Monae, St. Vincent, Nickel Creek, Shovels & Rope, Deltron 3030, Amos Lee, Warpaint, Ozomatli, Dum Dum Girls, The Soul Rebels, Bebel Gilberto, Robert Glasper Experiment, Devendra Banhart, Phosphorescent, Lord Huron, MS MR, Bahamas, Glenn Kotche, Hospitality, Lake Street Dive, San Fermin, Valerie June, Yellowbirds, Nicole Atkins, Shakey Graves, TEEN, Lost Bayou Ramblers, and more
Why: Once again, Prospect Park Bandshell’s Celebrate Brooklyn! delivers all summer long. See our venue review & photos of Prospect Park Bandshell here
Web: www.briconline.org/celebrate
What: KCRW Summer Nights
Where: Pasadena, CA
When: June 7 – August 9
Who: Lo Fang, Kan Wakan, and more
Why: Radio station KCRW makes it even easier to enjoy Summer Nights in SoCal with these free shows.
Web: www.kcrw.com/events/summer-nights-2014
What: Nashville Dancin’
Where: Nashville, TN
When: June 12 – July 29
Who: Will Hoge, Xavier Rudd, Houndmouth, The Apache Relay, Hayes Carll, Dumpstaphunk, Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, and more
Why: Get Dancin’ at Nashville’s Riverfront Park.
Web: www.nashvilledancin.com
What: Vans House Parties
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When: June 12 – August 14
Who: Charles Bradley, Black Lips, Holy Ghost!, Future Islands, STRFKR, Gorilla Biscuits, Bouncing Souls, Mac DeMarco, Omar Souleyman, Poolside, Nightbirds, and more
Why: In addition to the Warped Tour (QRO 2013 recap), Vans also hosts a great series of free Brooklyn house parties at the House of Vans. See our venue review & photos of House of Vans here
Web: www.vans.com/microsites/houseparties
What: Ann Arbor Summer
Where: Ann Arbor, MI
When: June 13 – July 6
Who: Andrew Bird & Hands of Glory, AKE, Robert Cray, Mavis Staples, Brett Mitchell, The MacPodz, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, The Appleseed Collective, The Ragbirds, Wanda Jackson, Tift Merritt, and more
Why: Home of the University of Michigan (and The Dharma Initiative…), all those kind of guys who are hailing from Ann Arbor get a much-needed reason to smile with this three-week Summer Fest.
Web: www.annarborsummerfestival.org
What: KCRW’s World Festival
Where: Hollywood, CA
When: June 22 – September 28
Who: Janelle Monae, Pixies, Robyn, Glenn Hansard, Caetano Veloso, Jimmy Cliff, Andrew Bird, Gogol Bordello, Röyksopp, Iron & Wine, Cat Power, Devendra Banhart, and more
Why: Celebrate the best of world music at the famed Hollywood Bowl. See more in our photo galleries from Hollywood Bowl here
Web: www.hollywoodbowl.com
What: Summerfest
Where: Milwaukee, WI
When: June 25-29 & July 1-6
Who: OutKast, Lady Gaga, Dave Matthews Band, Zac Brown Band, Fall Out Boy Paramore, Darius Rucker, Brad Paisley, New Order, Nas, Tegan & Sara, Rise Against, Girl Talk, Gary Clark Jr., Ray LaMontagne, The Head and the Heart, The Hold Steady, Best Coast, Ludacris, Atmosphere, Brand New, Umphrey’s McGee, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Melissa Etheridge, Fitz & The Tantrums, The Airborne Toxic Event, B.o.B., The Fray, The Neighbourhood, Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite, Trombone Shorty, ZZ Ward, Cheap Trick, Walk Off the Earth, Ziggy Marley, A Great Big World, Kool & The Gang, Switchfoot, Yonder Mountain String Band, The Wailers, Rusted Root, George Thorogood, The Crystal Method, Delta Rae, St. Lucia, Moon Taxi, nd Matisyahu, and many, many more
Why: The biggest music festival in the world is also the most mainstream, but there’s so many bands over so many days, bound to be someone you want to see.
Web: www.summerfest.com
What: High Sierra
Where: Quincy, CA
When: July 3-6
Who: Widespread Panic, STS9, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Beats Antique, Tramples by Turtles, Lord Huron, Del McCoury Band, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Lettuce, Punch Brothers, Greensky Bluegrass, Thao & The Get Down Stay Down, Hard Working Americans, The Budos Band, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Bombino, Typhoon, Jonathan Wilson, Hey Marseilles, and more
Why: California’s High Sierra Music Festival, up in the mountains, is stocked with festival staples. See much more in our photo gallery here
Web: www.highsierramusic.com
What: Wanderlust Aspen
Where: Aspen, CO
When: July 3-6
Who: Jurassic 5, Nahko & Medicine For the People, MC Yogi, Tycho, and more
Why: Yoga + music fest Wanderlust wanders into Colorado. Read & see more in our recap of Wanderlust Squaw Valley here
Web: colorado.wanderlustfestival.com
What: Waterfront Blues
Where: Portland, OR
When: July 3-6
Who: Gregg Allman, Los Lobos, Boz Scaggs, Los Lonely Boys, Maceo Parker, Lee Fields & The Expressions, Joan Osborne, Bombino, and more
Why: Head to Tom McCall Waterfront Park for some Blues.
Web: www.waterfrontbluesfest.com
What: Ottawa Blues
Where: Ottawa, ON, Canada
When: July 3-13
Who: Lady Gaga, The Killers, Blake Shelton, Queens of the Stone Age, Lady Antebellum, Journey, Snoop Dogg, Zedd, Tegan & Sara, Adventure Club, AWOLNATION, Barenaked Ladies, Young the Giant, Gary Clark Jr., Third Eye Blind, Phantogram, Sam Roberts Band, Trombone Shorty, RL Grime, Blondie, Tyler the Creator, Jake Bugg, St. Vincent, Childish Gambino, Bonobo, Foreigner, Styx, Jeff Tweedy, Darius Rucker, Drive By Truckers, Danny Brown, Cypress Hill, Violent Femmes, Mac DeMarco, Jenny Lewis, Andrew Bird, Deltron 3030, JJ Grey & Mofro, Gogol Bordello, Shovel & Rope, Vintage Trouble, Lord Huron, Black Joe Lewis, Lucius, Tokyo Police Club, Deer Tick, Action Bronson, Charli XCX, Bombino, Langhorne Slim & The Law, and more
Why: Cisco Systems & RBC Royal Bank treat the capital of Canada to a wide span of acts over a wide span of days at a wide span of stages.
Web: www.ottawabluesfest.ca
What: Québec City Summer
Where: Québec City, QC, Canada
When: July 3-13
Who: Lady Gaga, Billy Joel, Soundgarden, Queens of the Stone Age, Snoop Dogg, Blondie, The Killers, Journey, Steve Miller Band, Bryan Adams, St. Vincent, Tegan & Sara, Gary Clark Jr., Jake Bugg, Young the Giant, Stars, Gogol Bordello, Cypress Hill, Local Natives, A$AP Rocky, Vintage Trouble, Father John Misty, The Pretty Reckless, Sam Roberts Band, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, Daniel Lanois, Trombone Shorty, The London Souls, Joey Bada$$, Bombino, Royal Canoe, San Fermin, Seryn, 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
What: MoMA Nights
Where: New York, NY
When: July 3 – August 28
Who: Au Revoir Simone, Thao, Widowspeak, THEESatisfaction, Ex Hex, La Luz, and more
Why: The artistic & classy Museum of Modern Art has some artistic & classy acts.
Web: www.moma.org/visit/calendar/programs/52
What: 80/35
Where: Des Moines, IA
When: July 4-5
Who: Conor Oberst, CAKE, Ziggy Marley, Best Coast, Dr. Dog, Xavier Rudd, Dawes, Surfer Blood, The Whigs, and more
Why: Better known for corn & presidential primaries, Iowa has also been holding hold a sweet & diverse 80/35 festival, now in its seventh year. Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: www.80-35.com
What: Northern Lights Festival Boréal
Where: Sudbury, ON, Canada
When: July 4-6
Who: Tokyo Police Club, Bruce Cockburn, Wintersleep, The Harpoonist & The Axe Murder, and more
Why: Sudbury’s Northern Lights Festival Boréal is basically a few Canadian heavy-hitters and others only Canadians have ever even heard of.
Web: nlfbsudbury.com
What: Turf
Where: Toronto, ON, Canada
When: July 4-6
Who: Neutral Milk Hotel, Jeff Tweedy, The Gaslight Anthem, Sam Roberts Band, Local Natives, Gogol Bordello, Beirut, Violent Femmes, Gary Clark Jr., Hey Rosetta!, Jenny Lewis, Andrew Bird & The Hands of Glory, Drive-By Truckers, Born Ruffians, Hollerado, Deer Tick, Man Man, Shovels & Rope, Black Joe Lewis, Andrew Jackson Jihad, Twin Gorks, Joyce Manor, Lucius, Tift Merritt, The Weeks, The London Souls, and more
Why: Toronto’s ‘urban roots fest’ draws from both city & country.
Web: torontourbanrootsfest.com
What: Burger Boogaloo
Where: Oakland, CA
When: July 5-6
Who: Ronnie Spector, Thee Oh Sees, Milk ‘n’ Cookies, OFF!, The Muffs, La Sera, Reigning Sound, Shannon & The Clams, Nobunny, Terry Malts, Juan Wauters, White Fang, and more
Why: Burger Records holds a Boogaloo.
Web: www.burgerboogaloo.com
What: Common Ground
Where: Lansing, MI
When: July 8-13
Who: Brand New, Circa Survive, The Hold Steady, 311, The Front Bottoms, Braid, Kevin Devine, and more
Why: At this lengthy festival, find some Common Ground.
Web: www.commongroundfest.com
What: Brooklyn Hip-Hop
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When: July 9-12
Who: Raekwon, Jay Electronica, and more
Why: The most name-checked place in the world justly deserves its own hip-hop festival. Read & see more in our 2012 recap here
Web: www.bkhiphopfestival.com
What: Winnipeg Folk
Where: Winnipeg, MB, Canada
When: July 9-13
Who: Bonnie Raitt, Joan Baez, Ani DiFranco, Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite, Sharon Van Etten, Shovels & Rope, The Both, Shakey Graves, Langhorne Slim & The Law, Buffy Saint-Marie, The Sheepdogs, Sarah Lee Guthrie & Johnny Irion, Bryan Webb, Hurray For the Riff Raff, Baskery, Martha Redbone, and more
Why: Every city in the Great White North has a folk festival – this one’s at Winnipeg’s Birds Hill Park, and is pretty damn good.
Web: www.winnipegfolkfestival.ca
What: RiverRocks
Where: Hudson River Park, NY
When: July 10 – August 7
Who: Teenage Fanclub, Wild Beasts, Temples, Here We Go Magic, Mutual Benefit, Honeyblood, Spires, and more
Why: Hudson River Park’s RiverRocks comes to Pier 84, in the shadow of The Intrepid, for another great season of free shows out on the water. See our venue review & photos of Pier 84 here
Web: www.riverrocksnyc.com
What: Twilight
Where: Salt Lake City, UT
When: July 10 – August 28
Who: Beck, TV On the Radio, Wu Tang Clan, Ms. Lauryn Hill, De La Soul, Local Natives, The Had and The Heart, Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires, Run the Jewels, Future Islands, Twin Shadow, The Budos Band, San Fermin, and more
Why: Defying your stereotypes about Utah and anything with the world ‘Twilight’ in it, Salt Lake City’s Pioneer Park holds a Big Apple-worthy series of concerts for just five bucks.
Web: twilightconcertseries.com
What: Twilight Concerts
Where: Santa Monica, CA
When: July 10 – September 11
Who: OK Go, The Zombies, Cults, Charles Bradley, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Jagwar Ma, Allah-Las, Cayucas, Omar Souleyman, PAPA, and more
Why: Enjoy the Twilight on the famed Santa Monica Pier – for free. See more in our photo galleries from Santa Monica Pier here
Web: santamonicapier.org/twilightconcerts
What: Basilica Block Party
Where: Minneapolis, MN
When: July 11-12
Who: Train, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Ingrid Michaelson, The Airborne Toxic Event, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite, Delta Rae, The Weeks, The Wild Feathers, Eric Hutchinson, and more
Why: Minneapolis holds a music festival – to raise money to renovate The Basilica of St. Mary?…
Web: basilicablockparty.org
What: Bunbury
Where: Cincinnati, OH
When: July 11-13
Who: The Flaming Lips, Empire of the Sun, Paramore, Fall Out Boy, Young the Giant, Fitz & The Tantrums, Cage the Elephant, New Politics, Veruca Salt, Cults, Holy Ghost!, Heartless Bastards, Foxy Shazam, Andrew W.K., ZZ Ward, Robert DeLong, Kishi Bashi, J Roddy Walston & The Business, The Orwells, Morning Parade, Wild Cub, Hundred Waters, Kopecky Family Band, Bear Hands, Caspian, Royal Teeth, and more
Why: Nice mix of mainstream & alternative – and no bees!
Web: bunburyfestival.com
What: Evolve
Where: Antigonish, NS, Canada
When: July 11-13
Who: Peaches, Grandmaster Flash, Keys n’ Krates, Hey Rosetta!, badbadnotgood, That 1 Guy, Old Man Luedecke, Royal Canoe, and more
Why: Ever-imperiled by being cut off from the rest of Anglophone Canada by Quebec independence, Atlantic provinces like Nova Scotia have to jump at what they can, like Evolve.
Web: www.evolvefestival.com
What: Green River
Where: Greenfield, MA
When: July 11-13
Who: Josh Ritter, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Trampled by Turtles, Lucius, Puss ‘n’ Boots, Hurray For the Riff Raff, The Lone Bellow, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and more
Why: This lighter jam-folk fest has hot air balloon rides.
Web: www.greenriverfestival.com
What: Hudson Project
Where: Saugerties, NY
When: July 11-13
Who: The Flaming Lips, Kendrick Lamar, Modest Mouse, Bassnectar, STS9, Big Gigantic, Moby, Excision, Matt & Kim, Atmosphere, Flying Lotus, Capital Cities, Rebelution, Bonobo, STRFKR, Dr. Dog, Four Tet, Holy Ghost!, GRiZ, Lettuce, Paper Diamond, 12th Planet, Savoy, Twin Shadow, Action Bronson, Cults, AraabMUZIK, Emancipator, ZZ Ward, Conspirator, Gold Panda, !!!, Flatbush Zombies, Robert DeLong, The Soul Rebels, Keys N Krates, YACHT, Odesza, SZA, Small Black, Bad Rabbits, Marco Benevento, Nick Catchdubs, TAUK, and more
Why: Join the Hudson School for this Project. Read more in our recap here
Web: hudsonmusicproject.com
What: Keloha
Where: Kelowna, BC, Canada
When: July 11-13
Who: The Naked and Famous, Local Natives, Monster Truck, Kongos, Sky Ferreira, St. Lucia, The Mowgli’s, Terraplane Sun, Hey Ocean!, Cayucas, Blondfire, and more
Why: Say aloha to Keloha (in Kelowna – Canada…).
Web: www.keloha.com
What: Rock the Shores
Where: Colwood, BC, Canada
When: July 11-13
Who: Billy Talent, Tom Cochrane with Red Rider, Our Lady Peace, The Naked and Famous, The Cult, Mother Mother, The Wallflowers, Gord Downie & The Sadies, Sloan, Loverboy, The Bright Light Social Hour, The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer, and more
Why: Rock the (western) Shores of Canada.
Web: www.rocktheshores.com
What: Seaport
Where: South Street Seaport, NY
When: July 11 – August 29
Who: Protomartyr, Calvin Love, Torres, Snowmine, Black Bananas, Boogarins, Dead Gaze, Joanna Gruesome, Big Ups, Jacco Gardner, The Casket Girls, and more
Why: With Pier 17 being redeveloped, the always-reliable Seaport Music Festival moves down a block – but stretches out to two months. See our venue review & photos of South Street Seaport here
Web: www.seaportmusicfestival.com
What: 4Knots
Where: New York, NY
When: July 12
Who: Dinosaur Jr., Mac DeMarco, Those Darlins, Speedy Ortiz, Radkey, Viet Cong, Nude Beach, Juan Wauters, and more
Why: With Coney Island’s Siren no more (QRO recap of final year), The Village Voice returns to Manhattan’s South Street Seaport (QRO venue review). Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: microapp.villagevoice.com/4knots
What: Mo Pop
Where: Detroit, MI
When: July 12
Who: City and Colour, Young the Giant, The Neighbourhood, Trampled By Turtles, Cold War Kids, Lord Huron, Tokyo Police Club, J. Roddy Walston, Hundred Waters, Wild Cub, Bear Hands, and more
Why: A really nice one-day event in Detroit.
Web: mopopfest.com
What: WestFest
Where: Chicago, IL
When: July 12-13
Who: Lee Fields & The Expressions, Death, Protomartyr, Mannequin Men, and more
Why: Chicago’s West Town has its own free fest.
Web: westfestchicago.com
What: Phono Del Sol
Where: San Francisco, CA
When: July 13
Who: Wye Oak, Thao & The Get Down Stay Down, Nick Waterhouse, White Fence, Tony Molina, and more
Why: Phone the sun.
Web: www.phonodelsol.com
What: Sonshine
Where: Willmar, MN
When: July 16-19
Who: Scott Stapp, Switchfoot, August Burns Red, and more
Why: Eventually, the Festival Guide was going to include a Christian rock festival.
Web: sonshinefestival.com
What: Folk On the Rocks
Where: Yellowknife, NT, Canada
When: July 17-20
Who: Yukon Blonde, Reuen & The Dark, Delhi2Dublin, The Sojourners, and more
Why: Head all the way up to the Northwest Territories to get your Folk On the Rocks.
Web: folkontherocks.com
What: Grey Fox Bluegrass
Where: Oak Hill, NY
When: July 17-20
Who: Nickel Creek, Carolina Chocolate Drops, The Gibson Brothers, The Del McCoury Band, Steep Canyon Rangers, Keller Williams, and more
Why: Blue or Grey is welcome in the Catskills.
Web: www.greyfoxbluegrass.com
What: Rock Fest
Where: Cadott, WI
When: July 17-20
Who: Aerosmith, Rob Zombie, Five Finger Death Punch, Sammy Hagar, Stone Sour, Cheap Trick, REO Speedwagon, Live, Steel Panther, P.O.D., The Pretty Reckless, Pop Evil, Sick Puppies, Winger, Devour the Day, and more
Why: Oldies > newbies here.
Web: www.rock-fest.com
What: Wanderlust Squaw Valley
Where: Squaw Valley, CA
When: July 17-20
Who: Big Gigantic, The Polyphonic Spree, Nahko & Medicine For the People, RJD2, MC Yogi, and more
Why: Yoga + music fest Wanderlust returns to its California home. Read & see more in our recap here
Web: squaw.wanderlustfestival.com
What: Anacortes Unknown
Where: Anacortes, WA
When: July 18-20
Who: Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy, Mount Eerie, Lake, and more
Why: Anacortes Unknown comes back in 2014.
Web: www.anacortesunknown.com
What: Dawson City
Where: Dawson City, YT, Canada
When: July 18-20
Who: The Rural Alberta Advantage, Andy Shauf, Feeding Frenzy, and more
Why: We are leaving, Yukon ho!
Web: www.dcmf.com
What: Forecastle
Where: Louisville, KY
When: July 18-20
Who: OutKast, Jack White, Beck, The Replacements, Ray LaMontagne, Band of Horses, Spoon, Nickel Creek, Dwight Yoakam, twenty one pilots, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Local Natives, Gary Clark Jr., Jason Isbell, Jenny Lewis, Trampled By Turtles, Lord Huron, tUnE-yArDs, JJ Grey & Mofro, Action Bronson, Against Me!, Sun Kil Moon, Sharon Van Etten, Black Lips, St. Lucia, Lucius, Charli XCX, Soul Rebels, Reignwolf, Waxahatchee, and many, many more
Why: Forecastle comes with a vengeance and a top-tier line-up.
Web: www.forecastlefest.com
What: Great South Bay
Where: Patchogue, NY
When: July 18-20
Who: B.B. King, moe., Taking Back Sunday, Anders Osborne, Conspirator, Circa Survive, The London Souls, Randy Jackson, and more
Why: Jam fest on Long Island.
Web: www.greatsouthbaymusicfestival.com
What: Home County Folk
Where: London, ON, Canada
When: July 18-20
Who: Cold Specks, Bryan Webb, Kevin Bacon’s Train, Whitehorse, and more
Why: Victoria Park in London, Canada, has its own festival.
Web: www.homecounty.ca
What: PDX Pop Now!
Where: Portland, OR
When: July 18-20
Who: Portland Cello Project. Vikesh Kapoor, Wampire, and more
Why: Portland celebrates its music scene with this free event.
Web: www.pdxpopnow.com
What: Pemberton
Where: Pemberton, BC, Canada
When: July 18-20
Who: Nine Inch Nails, OutKast, deadmau5, Soundgarden, Frank Ocean, Kendrick Lamar, Metric, Modest Mouse, Snoop Dogg, Above & Beyond, Empire of the Sun, Grimes, The Flaming Lips, Young the Giant, Blondie, Cage the Elephant, Girl Talk, TV On the Radio, St. Vincent, Violent Femmes, Baauer, Chance the Rapper, Randy Newman, Rebelution, ScHoolboy Q, Tyler the Creator, Earl Sweatshirt, Gord Downie & The Sadies, Lindsey Stirling, Minus the Bear, The New Pornographers, Sloan, Stars, Best Coast, Big Gigantic, Clockwork, Dinosaur Jr., Flying Lotus, Foxygen, Hayden, RL Grime, Shlohmo, AraabMUZIK, Delta Rae, Fucked Up, Hey Rosetta!, Dan Deacon, Lettuce, METZ, Rich Aucoin, Wild Belle, Yukon Blonde, ZZ Ward, Bob Saget, Norm MacDonald, Doug Benson, Tom Green, and more
Why: Head to the high hills of British Columbia for this stocked line-up.
Web: pembertonmusicfestival.com
What: Pitchfork
Where: Chicago, IL
When: July 18-20
Who: Beck, Neutral Milk Hotel, Kendrick Lamar, St. Vincent, Danny Brown, tUnE-yArDs, Grimes, Giorgio Moroder, Sun Kil Moon, SZA, ScHoolboy Q, Slowdive, Cloud Nothings, The Field, Dum Dum Girls, Earl Sweatshirt, Real Estate, DIIV, Factory Floor, Death Grips, Sharon Van Etten, The Julie Ruin, Wild Beasts, Perfect Pussy, Mutual Benefit, Speedy Ortiz, Hundred Waters, Twin Peaks, and more
Why: The mother of all online indie music magazines returns for another festival with all the bands they’ve been telling you that you have to hear. Read more in our recap here
Web: www.pitchforkmusicfestival.com
What: Vancouver Folk
Where: Vancouver, BC, Canada
When: July 18-20
Who: Joan Baez, Andrew Bird & The Hands of Glory, Born Ruffians, Brasstronaut, Alejandro Escovedo & The Sensitive Boys, Great Lake Swimmers, The Howlin’ Brothers, Stephen Kellogg, Seun Kut & Egypt 80, Mary Lambert, Amos Lee, Lost Bayou Ramblers, Tift Merritt, Ozomatli, Langhorne Slim & The Law, Foy Vance, Typhoon, Wintersleep, and more
Why: Music from all over the world is celebrated at Vancouver’s Jericho Beach Park.
Web: thefestival.bc.ca
What: Lincoln Center Out of Doors
Where: New York, NY
When: July 20 – August 10
Who: Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell, Cassandra Wilson, Rosanne Cash, Charles Bradley, The Lone Bellow, José González, yMusic, Toshi Reagan, The Chapin Sisters, Peter Yarrow, Dar Williams, M.A.K.U. Soundsystem, and more
Why: The famed venue heads Out of Doors at Damrosch Park Bandshell.
Web: lcoutofdoors.org
What: Merge 25
Where: Carrboro, NC
When: July 23-26
Who: Neutral Milk Hotel, Teenage Fanclub, Bob Mould, The Mountain Goats, Superchunk, Wye Oak, Lambchop, The Clientele, Destroyer, Caribou, The Love Language, William Tyler, Telekinesis, Eleanor Friedberger, Hospitality, Mikal Cronin, and more
Why: The little indie label that could, Merge Records, celebrates its 25th anniversary.
Web: www.mergerecords.com/merge-25
What: FloydFest
Where: Floyd, VA
When: July 23-27
Who: Ms. Lauryn Hill, Ray Lamontagne, Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite, Thievery Corporation, Ziggy Marley, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Buddy Guy, Robert Randolph, JJ Grey & Mofro, Lettuce, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Conspirator, The London Souls, The Giving Tree Band, and more
Why: Americana-jam at the thirteenth FloydFest.
Web: www.floydfest.com
What: Timber
Where: Carnation, WA
When: July 24-26
Who: Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires, J Mascis, Damien Jurado, Rocky Votolato, Horse Feathers, and more
Why: Timber!
Web: www.timbermusicfest.com
What: Calgary Folk
Where: Calgary, AB, Canada
When: July 24-27
Who: Patty Griffin, Rufus Wainwright, Jason Isbell, Amos Lee, Andrew Bird & The Hands of Glory, Fishbone, Trampled By Turtles, Lee Fields & The Expressions, Kaki King, The Lone Bellow, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, Chad VanGaalen, Great Lake Swimmers, HYDRA, Hey Rosetta!, Yamantaka // Sonic Titan, Basia Bulat, A Tribe Called Red, Old Man Luedecke, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Typhoon, The Deep Dark Woods, and more
Why: Another Canadian folk festival, this time in the country’s prairie heartland with some surprisingly big acts.
Web: www.calgaryfolkfest.com
What: This Is Hardcore
Where: Philadelphia, PA
When: July 24-27
Who: Killswitch Engage, Converge, Title Fight, CIV, World War 4, and more
Why: Phiadelphia’s Electric Factory holds four days of hardcore.
Web: thisishardcorefest.com
What: Underground Music Showcase
Where: Denver, CO
When: July 24-27
Who: Real Estate, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Baths, The Men, Cayucas, Roadkill Ghost Choir, New Madrid, and more
Why: Go underground in the Mile High City.
Web: www.theums.com
What: Center of the Universe
Where: Tulsa, OK
When: July 25-26
Who: Young the Giant, AWOLNATION, Fitz & The Tantrums, Capital Cities, Cold War Kids, twenty one pilots, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Z-Trip, and more
Why: Since when is Tulsa the center of the universe?
Web: centeroftheuniversefestival.com
What: Hillside
Where: Guelph, ON, Canada
When: July 25-27
Who: Tegan & Sara, Kevin Drew, Imelda May, Four Tet, Rubblebucket, Bry Webb, HYDRA, Young Galaxy, Born Ruffians, Hey Rosetta!, Basia Bulat, DIANA, Hollerado, San Fermin, Royal Canoe, The Wood Brothers, Seryn, Spirit Family Reunion, The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer, and more
Why: While many Canadian festivals have flamed out, Hillside has passed its quarter century mark and is still going strong.
Web: www.hillsidefestival.ca
What: Newport Folk
Where: Newport, RI
When: July 25-27
Who: Ryan Adams, Jack White, Mavis Staples, Band of Horses, Nickel Creek, Jeff Tweedy, Conor Oberst, JImmy Cliff, Kurt Vile & The Violators, Jimmy Cliff, Jenny Lewis, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Deer Tick, Shovels & Rope, Sun Kil Moon, Dawes, The Milk Carton Kids, Trampled by Turtles, The Devil Makes Three, Hurray For the Riff Raff, Lucero, Puss N Boots, Lake Street Dive, Reignwolf, Lucius, Houndmouth, J. Roddy Walston & The Business, Thao & The Get Down Stay Down, Shakey Graves, Valerie June, PHOX, Death Vessel, John C. Reilly, AgesAndAges, Benjamin Booker, and many more
Why: The festival where Bob Dylan was called “Judas” for going electric is still going strong. See much more in our photo gallery here
Web: www.newportfolkfest.net
What: XPoNential
Where: Camden, NJ
When: July 25-27
Who: Beck, Ryan Adams, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Band of Horses, Trigger Hippy, Jenny Lewis, Lake Street Dive, Dawes, Old 97’s, The Districts, The Hold Steady, Lucius, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Man Man, Nicole Atkins, J Roddy Walston & The Business, Dave Hause, and more
Why: WXPN 88.5 holds an Americana alt-country fest at Camden’s Waterfront.
Web: xpn.org/xponential-music-festival
What: Bragg Jam
Where: Macon, GA
When: July 26
Who: The Blind Boys of Alabama, The Whigs, Those Darlins, Kopecky Family Band, O’Brother, The Apache Relay, Moon Hooch, and more
Why: The Blind Boys of Alabama host a Jam to Bragg about.
Web: www.braggjam.org
What: Far West
Where: Marin Co., CA
When: July 26
Who: Honey Island Swamp Band, New Monsoon, Frankie Boots & The County Line, and more
Why: Head very far to the west for some Marin County jam. See much more in our 2012 photo gallery here
Web: farwestfest.org
What: Out In the Streets
Where: Queens, NY
When: July 26-27
Who: A Place To Bury Strangers, Body Language, Cities Aviv, Hunters, Monogold, Ski Lodge, and more
Why: Head Out In the Streets of Queens.
Web: outinthestreets.com
What: Wicker Park Fest
Where: Chicago, IL
When: July 26-27
Who: Reverend Horton Heat, JEFF The Brotherhood, Woods, RJD2, ODESZA, Diarrhea Planet, Nick Waterhouse, Laura Stevenson, Honeyblood, and more
Why: Way better than the crappy movie of the same name (though it did have a good soundtrack)… See more in our 2011 photo gallery here
Web: www.wickerparkfest.com
What: Gathering of Vibes
Where: Bridgeport, CT
When: July 31 – August 3
Who: Widespread Panic, John Fogerty, The Disco Biscuits, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Ziggy Marley, Slightly Stoopid, moe., Umphrey’s McGee, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Keller Williams, Leftover Salmon, Rusted Root, EOTO, White Denim, Langhorne Slim & The Law, and more
Why: Gathering of Vibes is about as jam band-y as the title would suggest – but New England gets precious few festivals.
Web: www.gatheringofthevibes.com
What: Wanderlust Whistler
Where: Whistler, BC, Canada
When: July 31 – August 4
Who: Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires, Emancipator, RJD2, MC Yogi, Tycho, and more
Why: Yoga + music fest Wanderlust wanders into Canada. Read & see more in our recap of Wanderlust Squaw Valley here
Web: whistler.wanderlustfestival.com
August
What: Waterfront Wednesday
Where: Louisville, KY
When: April 23 – September 17
Who: Moon Taxi, Spanish Gold, Lake Street Dive, Ben Sollee, The Apache Relay, The Deloreans, The Broken Spurs, and more
Why: Louisville’s Waterfront Wednesday has a show a month on hump day. See more in our photo galleries from Louisville Waterfront here
Web: www.louisvillewaterfront.com
What: Liquid Society
Where: Lake Charles, LA
When: May 22 – August 14
Who: Weezer, The Wallflowers, Neon Trees, Counting Crows, Better Than Ezra, Toad the Wet Sprocket, and more
Why: Enjoy liquids & rock at L’auberge Casino.
Web: www.llakecharles.com/entertainment/liquid-society
What: Surf Lodge Summer Concert Series
Where: Montauk, NY
When: May 24 – August 30
Who: Yeasayer, G. Love, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Gary Clark Jr., Sky Ferreira, Lukas Nelson, Lissie, Ryan Hemsworth, Youngbloo Hawke, Donovan Frankenreiter, Real Estate, St. Lucia, Bear Hands, Temples, HAERTS, The Dolls, Panama Wedding, Poolside, TEEN, Courtney Barnett, and more
Why: Get out of the city and head to the Surf at Montauk.
Web: thesurflodge.com/concert-series
What: Nitefall On the River
Where: Des Moines, IA
When: May 24 – September 18
Who: Fitz & The Tantrums, Umphrey’s McGee, Grouplove, NEEDTOBREATHE, Trampled by Turtles, Blue October, John Butler Trio, Matt Nathanson, Portugal. The Man, Younder Mountain String Band, SOJA, Terraplane, Foy Vance, Andrew McMahon, Apache Relay, and more
Why: Nite falls over the Simon Estes Amphitheater on the Des Moines river. See more in our photo galleries from Simon Estes Amphitheater here
Web: nitefalldsm.com
What: SummerStage
Where: New York, NY
When: June 3 – August 24
Who: Beck, Neon Trees, Conor Oberst, Gavin DeGraw, John Butler Trio, Counting Crows, The Fania All-Stars, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Matt Nathanson, Smallpools, Dawes, Allen Stone, Andrew McMahon, Andrew Bird & The Hands of Glory, Sisqó, Blood Orange, Bonobo, Ty Dolla $ign, Mark McGuire, Mykki Blanco, Cibo Matto, M, Marissa Nadler, Luke Temple, Émilie Simon, Sean Nicholas Savage, Delicate Steve, and more
Why: A mixture of paid benefit shows and free shows receiving those benefits are a staple every summer in the Big Apple at the iconic Central Park – as well as other parks in all five boroughs! See our venue review & photos of Central Park SummerStage here
Web: www.summerstage.org
What: Hudson Square Music & Wine
Where: New York, NY
When: June 3 – August 26
Who: John Doe, Commander Cody, The Howlin’ Brothers, Stephen Kellogg, Drivin’ N Cryin’, The Tall Pines, and more
Why: Free shows outdoors during the summer at classy City Winery. See our venue review & photos of City Winery here
Web: www.citywinery.com
What: Celebrate Brooklyn!
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When: June 4 – August 9
Who: The National, Neutral Milk Hotel, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Jack Johnson, Janelle Monae, St. Vincent, Nickel Creek, Shovels & Rope, Deltron 3030, Amos Lee, Warpaint, Ozomatli, Dum Dum Girls, The Soul Rebels, Bebel Gilberto, Robert Glasper Experiment, Devendra Banhart, Phosphorescent, Lord Huron, MS MR, Bahamas, Glenn Kotche, Hospitality, Lake Street Dive, San Fermin, Valerie June, Yellowbirds, Nicole Atkins, Shakey Graves, TEEN, Lost Bayou Ramblers, and more
Why: Once again, Prospect Park Bandshell’s Celebrate Brooklyn! delivers all summer long. See our venue review & photos of Prospect Park Bandshell here
Web: www.briconline.org/celebrate
What: KCRW Summer Nights
Where: Pasadena, CA
When: June 7 – August 9
Who: Lo Fang, Kan Wakan, and more
Why: Radio station KCRW makes it even easier to enjoy Summer Nights in SoCal with these free shows.
Web: www.kcrw.com/events/summer-nights-2014
What: Vans House Parties
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When: June 12 – August 14
Who: Charles Bradley, Black Lips, Holy Ghost!, Future Islands, STRFKR, Gorilla Biscuits, Bouncing Souls, Mac DeMarco, Omar Souleyman, Poolside, Nightbirds, and more
Why: In addition to the Warped Tour (QRO 2013 recap), Vans also hosts a great series of free Brooklyn house parties at the House of Vans. See our venue review & photos of House of Vans here
Web: www.vans.com/microsites/houseparties
What: KCRW’s World Festival
Where: Hollywood, CA
When: June 22 – September 28
Who: Janelle Monae, Pixies, Robyn, Glenn Hansard, Caetano Veloso, Jimmy Cliff, Andrew Bird, Gogol Bordello, Röyksopp, Iron & Wine, Cat Power, Devendra Banhart, and more
Why: Celebrate the best of world music at the famed Hollywood Bowl. See more in our photo galleries from Hollywood Bowl here
Web: www.hollywoodbowl.com
What: MoMA Nights
Where: New York, NY
When: July 3 – August 28
Who: Au Revoir Simone, Thao, Widowspeak, THEESatisfaction, Ex Hex, La Luz, and more
Why: The artistic & classy Museum of Modern Art has some artistic & classy acts.
Web: www.moma.org/visit/calendar/programs/52
What: RiverRocks
Where: Hudson River Park, NY
When: July 10 – August 7
Who: Teenage Fanclub, Wild Beasts, Temples, Here We Go Magic, Mutual Benefit, Honeyblood, Spires, and more
Why: Hudson River Park’s RiverRocks comes to Pier 84, in the shadow of The Intrepid, for another great season of free shows out on the water. See our venue review & photos of Pier 84 here
Web: www.riverrocksnyc.com
What: Twilight
Where: Salt Lake City, UT
When: July 10 – August 28
Who: Beck, TV On the Radio, Wu Tang Clan, Ms. Lauryn Hill, De La Soul, Local Natives, The Had and The Heart, Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires, Run the Jewels, Future Islands, Twin Shadow, The Budos Band, San Fermin, and more
Why: Defying your stereotypes about Utah and anything with the world ‘Twilight’ in it, Salt Lake City’s Pioneer Park holds a Big Apple-worthy series of concerts for just five bucks.
Web: twilightconcertseries.com
What: Twilight Concerts
Where: Santa Monica, CA
When: July 10 – September 11
Who: OK Go, The Zombies, Cults, Charles Bradley, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Jagwar Ma, Allah-Las, Cayucas, Omar Souleyman, PAPA, and more
Why: Enjoy the Twilight on the famed Santa Monica Pier – for free. See more in our photo galleries from Santa Monica Pier here
Web: santamonicapier.org/twilightconcerts
What: Seaport
Where: South Street Seaport, NY
When: July 11 – August 29
Who: Protomartyr, Calvin Love, Torres, Snowmine, Black Bananas, Boogarins, Dead Gaze, Joanna Gruesome, Big Ups, Jacco Gardner, The Casket Girls, and more
Why: With Pier 17 being redeveloped, the always-reliable Seaport Music Festival moves down a block – but stretches out to two months. See our venue review & photos of South Street Seaport here
Web: www.seaportmusicfestival.com
What: Lincoln Center Out of Doors
Where: New York, NY
When: July 20 – August 10
Who: Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell, Cassandra Wilson, Rosanne Cash, Charles Bradley, The Lone Bellow, José González, yMusic, Toshi Reagan, The Chapin Sisters, Peter Yarrow, Dar Williams, M.A.K.U. Soundsystem, and more
Why: The famed venue heads Out of Doors at Damrosch Park Bandshell.
Web: lcoutofdoors.org
What: Gathering of Vibes
Where: Bridgeport, CT
When: July 31 – August 3
Who: Widespread Panic, John Fogerty, The Disco Biscuits, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Ziggy Marley, Slightly Stoopid, moe., Umphrey’s McGee, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Keller Williams, Leftover Salmon, Rusted Root, EOTO, White Denim, Langhorne Slim & The Law, and more
Why: Gathering of Vibes is about as jam band-y as the title would suggest – but New England gets precious few festivals.
Web: www.gatheringofthevibes.com
What: Wanderlust Whistler
Where: Whistler, BC, Canada
When: July 31 – August 4
Who: Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires, Emancipator, RJD2, MC Yogi, Tycho, and more
Why: Yoga + music fest Wanderlust wanders into Canada. Read & see more in our recap of Wanderlust Squaw Valley here
Web: whistler.wanderlustfestival.com
What: Secret Stages
Where: Birmingham, AL
When: August 1-2
Who: PUJOL, Ex-Cult, Pigeon John, John Paul Keith, Bent Denim, Body of Light, and more
Why: A mostly free event in Birmingham’s Historic Loft District.
Web: www.secretstages.net
What: Lollapalooza
Where: Chicago, IL
When: August 1-3
Who: Eminem, Outkast, Kings of Leon, Arctic Monkeys, Skrillex, Calvin Harris, Lorde, The Avett Brothers, Foster the People, Zedd, Nas, Childish Gambino, Broken Bells, Spoon, The Head and The Heart, Cage the Elephant, Young the Giant, Interpol, Lykke Li, Phantogram, Cut Copy, Flosstradamus, Fitz & The Tantrums, Grouplove, CHVRCHES, The Glitch Mob, Portugal. The Man, Gramatik, Chromeo, The 1975, Glen Hansard, Jenny Lewis, Manchester Orchestra, AFI, J. Roddy Walston & The Business, The Kooks, The Airborne Toxic Event, Rudimental, Phosphorescent, London Grammar, The Temper Trap, Bombay Bicycle Club, White Denim, Typhoon, Warpaint, Kate Nash, Kodaline, Blood Orange, Jagwar Ma, Parquet Courts, Temples, Jungle, The Districts, Ratking, Bear Hands, The So So Glos, The Last Internationale, 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
What: Newport Jazz
Where: Newport, RI
When: August 1-3
Who: Bobby McFerrin, Wynton Marsalis, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Dr. John, Vijay Iyer, and more
Why: While best known for its storied folk festival (see above), little Newport in little Rhode Island has a jazz fest the following weekend to boot!
Web: www.newportjazzfest.net
What: Osheaga
Where: Montréal, QC, Canada
When: August 1-3
Who: Outkast, Jack White, Arctic Monkeys, Skrillex, Lorde, The Replacements, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Foster the People, Modest Mouse, J. Cole, Chase & Status, AWOLNATION, Lykke Li, Childish Gambino, Half Moon Run, Chromeo, CHVRCHES, Kodaline, Band of Horses, Local Natives, The Temper Trap, HAIM, SBTRKT, The Kooks, AFI, Sam Roberts Band, The Glitch Mob, Gogol Bordello, Cut Copy, Portugal. The Man, Danny Brown, For Tet, Volcano Choir, London Grammar, Hey Rosetta!, Against Me!, Manchester Orchestra, Ingrid Michaelson, Kevin Drew, Basia Bulat, Mac DeMarco, Jagwar Ma, Temples, St. Lucia, Kate Nash, !!!, White Denim, Hospitality, Young & Sick, Phantogram, Bombay Bicycle Club, Reignwolf, Wake Owl, and many, many more
Why: Osheaga will stay in the top-tier in 2013 with another killer line-up. Read & see much more in our 2013 recap here
Web: www.osheaga.com
What: Pickathon
Where: Happy Valley, OR
When: August 1-3
Who: Nickel Creek, X, Blind Pilot, The War On Drugs, Warpaint, Jonathan Richman, Destroyer, Jolie Holland, Mac DeMarco, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Shakey Graves, Those Darlins, Foxygen, Parquet Courts, The Barr Brothers, Woods, Marco Benevento, Lonnie Holley, Mikal Cronin, AgesAndAges, Love as Laughter, Julianna Barwick, The Men, Diarrhea Planet, and more
Why: Pick up a guitar for Pickathon. See much more in our gallery here
Web: pickathon.com
What: Sappyfest
Where: Sackville, NB, Canada
When: August 1-3
Who: Chad Van Gaalen, Colin Stetson, Sarah Neufeld, Chain & The Gang, Luyas, Naomi Shelton & The Gospel Queens, Doldrums, Alvvays, and more
Why: Sackville gets Sappy.
Web: sappyfest.com
What: Musikfest
Where: Bethlehem, PA
When: August 1-10
Who: ZZ Top, Sheryl Crow, Keith Urban, The Moody Blues, The Avett Brothers, Alan Jackson, and more
Why: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania has a bunch of shows in August, the many smaller of which are free, but the bands that are those that were big twenty to forty years ago, with only a few younger acts.
Web: www.musikfest.org
What: Petaluma
Where: Petaluma, CA
When: August 2
Who: Galactic, The Mother Hips, Brokedown in Bakersfield, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, The Highway Poets, and more
Why: Get down in Petaluma. See more in our photo gallery here
Web: www.petalumamusicfestival.org
What: HARD Summer
Where: South El Monte, CA
When: August 2-3
Who: Tïesto, Jack U, Disclosure, A$AP Mob, Axwell, Nero, Flosstradamus, Dillon Francis, Baauer, 2manydjs, Martin Garrix, Tommy Trash, A-Trak, DJ Snake, Chase & Status, Seth Troxler, Rudimental, Kill the Noise, Sub Focus, Pusha T, Brodinski, Destructo, Griz, Julio Bashmore, Cashmere Cat, Alex Metric, Juan MacLean, and more
Why: HARD brings the beats for another summer. See more in our photo gallery here
Web: www.hardsummer.com/home
What: Woodsist
Where: Big Sur, CA
When: August 5-6
Who: Real Estate, Woods, Foxygen, Angel Olsen, White Fence, and more
Why: Woodsist Records has a little festival up in Big Sur (with many of the same acts as prior years).
Web: www.folkyeah.com
What: Edmonton Folk
Where: Edmonton, AB, Canada
When: August 7-10
Who: Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Ben Howard, Blind Boys of Alabama, Imelda May, Phosphorescent, Cody ChesnuTT, Dan Mangan, Basia Bulat, James Vincent McMorrow, Lucius, Bear’s Den, Foy Vance, Vance Joy, Mandolin Orange, Gregory Alan Isakov, and more
Why: Some nice names come to Edmonton.
Web: www.edmontonfolkfest.org
What: Mile of Music
Where: Appleton, WI
When: August 7-10
Who: Cory Chisell & The Wandering Sons, The Baseball Project, The Autumn Defense, Milk Carton Kids, Turbo Fruits, Water Liars, Nikki Lane, and more
Why: A Mile of Music comes to Appleton. See more in our gallery here
Web: mileofmusic.com
What: Full Moon
Where: Governors Island, NY
When: August 8
Who: Delorean, Penguin Prison, Son Lux, Panama Wedding, and more
Why: A full moon shines on New York City’s Governors Island (QRO venue review). See much more in our photo gallery here
Web: fullmoon-nyc.com
What: Arise
Where: Loveland, CO
When: August 8-10
Who: Beats Antique, Galactic with Chali 2na & Lyrics Born, The Infamous Stringdusters, Keller Williams, Quixotic, and more
Why: Arise in Loveland.
Web: arisefestival.com/2014
What: Heavy Montreal
Where: Montreal, PQ, Canada
When: August 8-10
Who: Metallica, Slayer, Lamb of God, Bad Religion, Anthrax, The Offspring, Dropkick Murphys, Three Days Grace, Pennywise, Body Count, Municipal Waste, Whitechapel, Fucked Up, and more
Why: Montreal gets Heavy metal.
Web: heavymtl.com/en
What: Outside Lands
Where: San Francisco, CA
When: August 8-10
Who: Kanye West, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, The Killers, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Arctic Monkeys, Tiësto, Death Cab For Cutie, Disclosure, The Flaming Lips, Ray LaMontagne, Spoon, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Atmosphere, Cut Copy, Tegan & Sara, HAIM, Chromeo, Ben Howard, Lykke Li, CHVRCHES, Paolo Nutini, Capital Cities, Local Natives, Jenny Lewis, Grouplove, Tycho, The Kooks, SBTRKT, Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers, Boys Noize, Phosphorescent, Run the Jewels, Deer Tick, Holy Ghost!, Warpaint, Lucius, Typhoon, Dum Dum Girls, Soul Rebels, Gold Panda, Christopher Owens, Big Freedia, Jagwar Ma, Greensky Bluegrass, Imelda May, Mikal Cronin, Woods, Gardens & Villa, Bear Hands, The Districts, and many, many 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.
Web: www.sfoutsidelands.com
What: Rockin’ the Rivers
Where: Three Forks, MT
When: August 8-10
Who: Queensryche, Winger, Hinder, Pop Evil, The Pretty Reckless, Blackstone Cherry, Jefferson Starship, Lita Ford, and more
Why: Rock the Rivers in Big Sky country.
Web: www.rockintherivers.com
What: Squamish
Where: Squamish, BC, Canada
When: August 8-10
Who: Arcade Fire, Eminem, Bruno Mars, Arctic Monkeys, Broken Bells, Foster the People, The Roots, Lykke Li, Thievery Corporation, The Head and The Heart, Sam Roberts Band, Atmosphere, Tokyo Police Club, Boys Noize, Danny Brown, Gramatik, Austra, Walk Off the Earth, Pete Tong, Mayer Hawthorne, Kevin Drew, Lord Huron, Hollerado, Skream, Black Joe Lewis, We Are the City, and many more
Why: A surprisingly good festival that you hadn’t heard of.
Web: squamishfestival.com
What: Shambhala
Where: Salmo, BC, Canada
When: August 8-11
Who: Bassnectar, Moby, Beats Antique, EOTO, Z-Trip, Skream, Griz, A Tribe Called Red, Datsik, GRiZ, and more
Why: Electro-DJs come to Canada – Shambhala!
Web: www.shambhalamusicfestival.com
What: Burnaby Blues & Roots
Where: Burnaby, BC, Canada
When: August 9
Who: Big Sugar, Matt Anderson, Betty LaVette, Imelda May, The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer, Shakey Graves, and more
Why: The Blues has deep Roots in Canada.
Web: www.burnabybluesfestival.com
What: Houston Whatever
Where: Houston, TX
When: August 9-10
Who: MUTEMATH, Blonde Redhead, Filter, Passion Pit, The Hold Steady, Neon Indian, Kreayshawn, Andrew W.K., Trust, The Dwarves, The Queers, Helmet, Local H, Kumail Nanjiani, Bobcat Goldthwait, and more
Why: Catch this fest in Houston – or, ya know, Whatever…
Web: houstonwhateverfest.com
What: Moonrise
Where: Baltimore, MD
When: August 9-10
Who: Kaskade, Bassnectar, STS9, Sander Van Doorn, Excision, Zeds Dead, Infected Mushroom, Lotus, Adventure Club, Wocka Flocka Flame, RJD2, EOTO, Z-Trip, Robert DeLong, Zoogma, Papadosio, GTA, Paper Diamond, Keys n Krates, Crizzly, and more
Why: The Blues has deep Roots in Canada. Read much more in our recap here
Web: www.moonrisefestival.com
What: Peach
Where: Scranton, PA
When: August 14-17
Who: Allman Brothers Band, Bob Weir & RatDog, Trey Anastasio Band, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Gov’t Mule, Lotus, Big Gigantic, George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic, JJ Grey & Mofro, Papadosio, The Infamous Stringdusters, Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers, The Soul Rebels, The London Souls, and more
Why: Bringing the jam to the home of Joe Biden & Dunder-Mifflin.
Web: www.thepeachmusicfestival.com
What: Rocky Mt Folks
Where: Lyons, CO
When: August 15-17
Who: Dispatch, Ani DiFranco, Josh Ritter, Lake Street Drive, Saha Jarosz, Imelda May, and more
Why: Folks go up in the Rocky Mt.
Web: www.bluegrass.com/folks
What: Salmon Arm Roots & Blues
Where: Salmon Arm, BC, Canada
When: August 15-17
Who: Shad, Black Joe Lewis, The Sheepdogs, The Stone Foxes, and more
Why: British Columbia opens its Salmon Arms for artists from around the world.
Web: www.rootsandblues.ca
What: Summer Set
Where: Somerset, WI
When: August 15-17
Who: Bassnectar, Wu-Tang Clan, Big Gigantic, The Disco Biscuits, Chromeo, Chance the Rapper, Flying Lotus, ScHoolboy Q, Datsik, RL Grime, and more
Why: More than just another electro-jam festival.
Web: www.summersetfestival.com
What: Ceremonia
Where: Mexico City, Mexico
When: August 16
Who: Julian Casablancs + The Voiz, Tyler, the Creator, A$AP Ferg, Flying Lotus, Ty Segall, Theophilus London, How To Dress Well, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Tycho, Zomby, and more
Why: Spin beats & more down Mexico way.
Web: ceremonia.xxx
What: Denver Chive
Where: Denver, CO
When: August 16
Who: Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Cold War Kids, Steel Panther, Talib Kweli, Delta Spirit, Moon Taxi, Spanish Gold, and more
Why: The world’s largest entertainment photo website brings a festival to Denver – think there will be photographers?…
Web: chivefest.com
What: Hot August
Where: Cockeysville, MD
When: August 16
Who: Old Crow Medicine Show, Nickel Creek, Dr. Dog, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, and more
Why: It’s hot in August.
Web: www.hotaugustmusicfestival.com
What: Maha
Where: Omaha, NE
When: August 16
Who: Death Cab for Cutie, The Head and The Heart, Local Natives, The Both, Doomtree, Radkey, M34n Str33t, and more
Why: Drop the O, keep the Maha.
Web: www.mahamusicfestival.com
What: Musicfest NW
Where: Portland, OR
When: August 16-17
Who: Spoon, Girl Talk, HAIM, Phantogram, tUnE-yArDs, Run the Jewels, Fucked Up, Future Islands, The Antlers, Man Man, Gardens & Villa, EMA, Landlady, The Districts, and more
Why: Head to Portlandia for Music Fest NW, which has shifted from being a several day, multi-venue industry fest into a one-stop outdoor fest at Waterfront Park. See much more here in our photo gallery here
Web: musicfestnw.com
What: Aboretum
Where: Ottawa, ON, Canada
When: August 20-23
Who: Kevin Drew, Constantines, Chad VanGaalen, Julie Doiron, and more
Why: Enjoy Canadian music among the trees.
Web: arboretumfestival.com
What: Wanderlust Tremblant
Where: Mont Tremblant, PQ, Canada
When: August 21-24
Who: Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires, Tuba Skinny, MC Yogi, Quixotic, and more
Why: Yoga + music fest Wanderlust wanders into Quebec. Read & see more in our recap of Wanderlust Squaw Valley here
Web: tremblant.wanderlustfestival.com
What: Peterborough Folk
Where: Peterborough, ON, Canada
When: August 22-24
Who: Constantines, The Lonely Parade, Great Lake Swimmers, Julie Doiron, Bry Webb & The Providers, By Divine Right, and more
Why: Yet another Canadian folk fest.
Web: www.peterboroughfolkfest.com
What: Afropunk
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When: August 23-24
Who: D’Angelo, Lianne La Havas, Body Count, Trash Talk, Meshel Ndegeocello, Shabazz Palaces, SZA, The Internet, Fishbone, Valerie June, Cold Specks, and more
Why: Commodore Barry Park is the site for Afropunk, with another great line-up. See much more in 2013 our photo gallery here
Web: afropunkfest.com
What: FYF Fest
Where: Los Angeles, CA
When: August 23-24
Who: Phoenix, The Strokes, Interpol, HAIM, Slowdive, The Blood Brothers, Julian Casablancas, Flying Lotus, Grimes, Little Dragon, Blood Orange, Darkside, Caribou, Jamie xx, Future Islands, Built To Spill, Tycho, Earl Sweatshirt, Death Grips, Four Tet, Slint, Against Me!, Mac DeMarco, Albert Hammond Jr., Real Estate, The Bronx, Run the Jewels, Tanlines, Ty Segall, Presidents of the United States of America, Boris, Pink Mountaintops, Man Man, Jessy Lanza, XXYYXX, Mount Kimbie, Joyce Manor, Chet Faker, Mariachi El Bronx, Jacco Gardner, and more
Why: Another great year for this great fest – fuck yeah! See much more in our photo gallery here
Web: fyffest.com
What: First City
Where: Monterey, CA
When: August 23-24
Who: Beck, The National, The Naked and Famous, Phantogram, Best Coast, Dawes, Cults, Cocorosie, Future Islands, Blind Pilot, Lake Street Dive, Tokyo Police Club, Geographer, Liars, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Midlake, How To Dress Well, San Fermin, Tanlines, The Men, Lo-Fang, Connan Mockasin, Miniature Tigers, Speedy Ortiz, Sleepy Sun, The Stepkids, Mimicking Birds, Mr. Little Jeans, and more
Why: Yet another strong, new festival in northern California.
Web: www.firstcityfestival.com
What: Transfigurations II
Where: Asheville, NC
When: August 28-30
Who: The Clean, Lee Fields & The Expressions, Mudhoney, Sonny & The Sunsets, Moon Duo, Angel Olsen, Mount Eerie, Endless Boogie, The Sadies, William Tyler, Wooden Wand, and more
Why: Independent record store Harvest Records celebrates ten years.
Web: harvest-records.com/transfigurations
What: Campfire
Where: Lakewood, PA
When: August 29-31
Who: Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires, Delta Spirit, Lake Street Dive, Langhorne Slim & The Law, Bronze Radio Return, Swear and Shake, You Me & Apollo, Spirit Family Reunion, Dan Blakeslee, Christopher Paul Stelling, and more
Why: Camp out by the fire.
Web: www.campfirefestival.com
What: Electric Zoo
Where: Randall’s Island, NY
When: August 29-31
Who: David Guetta, Dada Life, Nicky Romero, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Zeds Dead, Wolfgang Gartner, Datsik, Jamie xx, and more
Why: After drug-related issues forced it to cancel its third day last year, somehow Electric Zoo is managing to bring European-style electronic craziness on New York City’s Randall’s Island for another year (with drug-sniffing dogs & everyone’s gotta watch a PSA…).
Web: www.madeevent.com/ElectricZoo
What: Fashion Meets Music
Where: Columbus, OH
When: August 29-31
Who: Circa Survive, Local Natives, Cold War Kids, New Found Glory, Switchfoot, Bad Veins, and more
Why: Fashion Meets Music – in Ohio? Read & see more in our recap here
Web: fmmf.us
What: moe.down
Where: Turin, NY
When: August 29-31
Who: moe., O.A.R., Lotus, Les Claypool’s Duo de Twang, Soulive, and more
Why: moe.’s annual shindig in Upstate New York mixes acts you want to see with acts that you don’t.
Web: www.moedown.com
What: North Coast
Where: Chicago, IL
When: August 29-31
Who: Bassnectar, Kid Cudi, STS9, Snoop Dogg, Alesso, Nicky Romero, Dada Life, Zeds Dead, Dr. Dog, Little Dragon, Slightly Stoopid, Griz, Wolfgang Gartner, Action Bronson, Chet Faker, Future Islands, Future Rock, Lettuce, Papadosio, Riff Raff, Washed Out, Wild Belle, The Motet, Orchard Lounge, and more
Why: ‘Summerís last stand’ returns for a fourth year to Chicago’s Union Park. Read & see much more in our recap of the inaugural 2010 edition here
Web: www.northcoastfestival.com
What: Made In America – Los Angeles
Where: Los Angeles, CA
When: August 30-31
Who: Imagine Dragons, John Mayer, Steve Aoki, Afrojack, Kendrick Lamar, Rise Against, Weezer, Sublime with Rome, Metric, Capital Cities, Chance the Rapper, Cypress Hill, R3HAB, ScHoolboy Q, Wolfgang Gartner, Borgore, 12th Planet, TG, MUTEMATH, Rita Ora, Dr. Dog, ZZ Ward, Classixx, SZA, A Tribe Called Red, and more
Why: Jay-Z’s doing everything from sports agenting to festivals – and now he expands his Made In America Festival to simultaneous weekends in Los Angeles & Philadelphia (see below).
Web: www.madeinamericafest.com
What: Made In America – Philadelphia
Where: Philadelphia, PA
When: August 30-31
Who: Kanye West, Kings of Leon, Tiësto, The National, Steve Aoki, Pharrell Williams, J. Cole, Girl Talk, Spoon, Chromeo, City and Colour, AWOLNATION, R3HAB, De La Soul, Baauer, Tommy Trash, Mayer Hawthorne, The Neighbourhood, Danny Brown, YG, Holy Ghost!, Destructo, Young and Sick, Vacationer, and more
Why: Jay-Z’s doing everything from sports agenting to festivals – and now he expands his Made In America Festival to simultaneous weekends in Los Angeles (see above) & Philadelphia.
Web: www.madeinamericafest.com
What: Bumbershoot
Where: Seattle, WA
When: August 30 – September 1
Who: Foster the People, J. Cole, Wu-Tang Clan, The Replacements, The Head and The Heart, Elvis Costello & The Imposters, Panic! At the Disco, ScHoolboy Q, Capital Cities, Neon Trees, The Afghan Whigs, Los Lobos, Bootsy Collins, The Both, Walk the Moon, The Dismemberment Plan, Real Estate, Nada Surf, Bobby Womack, Danny Brown, Poliça, Luscious Jackson, Kishi Bashi, Mac DeMarco, The Reverend Horton Heat, Twin Shadow, Big Freedia, Big Star’s Third, Iamsu!, SZA, Yuna, Jonathan Richman, The Lonely Forest, Charlie Musselwhite, Hurray For the Riff Raff, Mission of Burma, Architecture In Helsinki, San Fermin, Negativland, Bad Things, Julianna Barwick, Youngblood Hawke, Jacco Gardner, Old Man Luedecke, and more Read more in our preview here
Why: Seattle’s Bumbershoot heads into its 44th year. See much more here in our 2013 photo gallery here
Web: bumbershoot.org
September
What: Waterfront Wednesday
Where: Louisville, KY
When: April 23 – September 17
Who: Moon Taxi, Spanish Gold, Lake Street Dive, Ben Sollee, The Apache Relay, The Deloreans, The Broken Spurs, and more
Why: Louisville’s Waterfront Wednesday has a show a month on hump day. See more in our photo galleries from Louisville Waterfront here
Web: www.louisvillewaterfront.com
What: Nitefall On the River
Where: Des Moines, IA
When: May 24 – September 18
Who: Fitz & The Tantrums, Umphrey’s McGee, Grouplove, NEEDTOBREATHE, Trampled by Turtles, Blue October, John Butler Trio, Matt Nathanson, Portugal. The Man, Younder Mountain String Band, SOJA, Terraplane, Foy Vance, Andrew McMahon, Apache Relay, and more
Why: Nite falls over the Simon Estes Amphitheater on the Des Moines river. See more in our photo galleries from Simon Estes Amphitheater here
Web: nitefalldsm.com
What: KCRW’s World Festival
Where: Hollywood, CA
When: June 22 – September 28
Who: Janelle Monae, Pixies, Robyn, Glenn Hansard, Caetano Veloso, Jimmy Cliff, Andrew Bird, Gogol Bordello, Röyksopp, Iron & Wine, Cat Power, Devendra Banhart, and more
Why: Celebrate the best of world music at the famed Hollywood Bowl. See more in our photo galleries from Hollywood Bowl here
Web: www.hollywoodbowl.com
What: Twilight Concerts
Where: Santa Monica, CA
When: July 10 – September 11
Who: OK Go, The Zombies, Cults, Charles Bradley, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Jagwar Ma, Allah-Las, Cayucas, Omar Souleyman, PAPA, and more
Why: Enjoy the Twilight on the famed Santa Monica Pier – for free. See more in our photo galleries from Santa Monica Pier here
Web: santamonicapier.org/twilightconcerts
What: Bumbershoot
Where: Seattle, WA
When: August 30 – September 1
Who: Foster the People, J. Cole, Wu-Tang Clan, The Replacements, The Head and The Heart, Elvis Costello & The Imposters, Panic! At the Disco, ScHoolboy Q, Capital Cities, Neon Trees, The Afghan Whigs, Los Lobos, Bootsy Collins, The Both, Walk the Moon, The Dismemberment Plan, Real Estate, Nada Surf, Bobby Womack, Danny Brown, Poliça, Luscious Jackson, Kishi Bashi, Mac DeMarco, The Reverend Horton Heat, Twin Shadow, Big Freedia, Big Star’s Third, Iamsu!, SZA, Yuna, Jonathan Richman, The Lonely Forest, Charlie Musselwhite, Hurray For the Riff Raff, Mission of Burma, Architecture In Helsinki, San Fermin, Negativland, Bad Things, Julianna Barwick, Youngblood Hawke, Jacco Gardner, Old Man Luedecke, and more Read more in our preview here
Why: Seattle’s Bumbershoot heads into its 44th year. See much more here in our 2013 photo gallery here
Web: bumbershoot.org
What: Electric
Where: Oranjestad, Aruba
When: September 3-7
Who: Lil John, Loco Dice, Knife Party, DJ Carnage, and more
Why: EDM comes to the Dutch Antilles for a second year.
Web: electricfestival.com
What: Hopscotch
Where: Raleigh, NC
When: September 4-6
Who: Spoon, Mastodon, St. Vincent, Sun Kil Moon, Death, High On Fire, Jamie xx, Thurston Moore, Phosphorescent, White Lung, How to Dress Well, The Haxan Cloak, Mutual Benefit, Diarrhea Planet, SubRosa, Potty Mouth, Ed Schrader’s Music Beat, Eagulls, Ava Luna, Landlady, and more
Why: The Independent Weekly throws a great fest at venues across Raleigh for a fourth year.
Web: hopscotchmusicfest.com
What: Lockn’
Where: Arrington, VA
When: September 4-7
Who: Bob Weir & Ratdog, Gary Clark Jr., Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Widespread Panic, Phil Lesh & Friends, Preservation Jazz Hall Band, Steve Winwood, Allman Brothers Band, The String Cheese Incident, Wilco, Umphrey’s McGee, Willie Nelson, and more
Why: Lockn’ the jam. Read more in our preview here
Web: www.locknfestival.com
What: Fall Line
Where: Richmond, VA
When: September 5-6
Who: Real Estate, The Hold Steady, Death, The Mary Onettes, Potty Mouth, Landlady, Tombs, Protomartyr, and more
Why: Fall Lines up in Richmond.
Web: falllinefest.com
What: Boston Calling Fall
Where: Boston, MA
When: September 5-7
Who: The National, Lorde, The Replacements, Nas x The Roots, Neutral Milk Hotel, Childish Gambino, Spoon, Girl Talk, The 1975, Volcano Choir, twenty one pilots, The War On Drugs, The Hold Steady, White Denim, Sky Ferreira, Future Islands, San Fermin, and more
Why: Boston is seriously Calling, expanding to three days for two weekends in its second year – wicked pissah! Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: bostoncalling.com
What: Catskill Chill
Where: Hancock, NY
When: September 5-7
Who: Yonder Mountain String Band, The New Deal, Lettuce, Shpongle, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Papadosio, Break Science, Marco Benegento, Orchard Lounge, Consider the Source, and more
Why: Rock the Catskills!
Web: www.catskillchill.com
What: Meltasia
Where: Lafayette, GA
When: September 5-7
Who: The Black Lips, Nik Turner’s Hawkwind, Black Oak Arkansas, Bloodshot Bill, Shannon & The Clams, Cherie Currie, Quintron & Miss Pussycat, The Coathangers, Lecherous Gaze, Gringo Star, Dirty Fences, White Mystery, Fletcher C Johnson, Turf War, Las Rosas, and more
Why: Melt your face in Lafayette. Read & see more in our recap here
Web: www.meltasia.com
What: Chill On the Hill
Where: Sterling Heights, MI
When: September 6-7
Who: Rise Against, The Offspring, AWOLNATION, A Day To Remember, Bad Religion, Chevelle, Grouplove, Taking Back Sunday, Portugal. The Man, The Orwells, and more
Why: Chill on Freedom Hill.
Web: www.chillonthehillfestival.com
What: LouFest
Where: St. Louis, MO
When: September 6-7
Who: OutKast, Arctic Monkeys, CAKE, Grouplove, Matt & Kim, The 1975, Portugal. The Man, Future Islands, Trombone Short & Orleans Avenue, Kelis, Washed Out, Vintage Trouble, Lettuce, Delta Spirit, Moon Taxi, San Fermin, Those Darlins, Young & Sick, The Districts, SKATERS, Kopecky Family Band, Roadkill Ghost Choir, and more
Why: Not a celebration of the bassist from Dinosaur Jr. (though they’ve played it…), LouFest celebrates the spirit of St. Louis. Read and see much more in our 2012 recap here
Web: www.loufest.com
What: Riot Fest Toronto
Where: Toronto, ON
When: September 6-7
Who: The Cure, Metric, The National, City and Colour, Buzzcocks, Billy Talent, Rise Against, The Flaming Lips, Social Distortion, Death Cab For Cutie, Stars, Death From Above 1979, Social Distortion, Rise Against, Brand New, Paul Weller, AWOLNATION, The Head and The Heart, Dropkick Murphys, Die Antwoord, Tokyo Police Club, The New Pornographers, Bring Me the Horizon, Taking Back Sunday, The Afghan Whigs, Alkaline Trio, Glassjaw, Bob Mould, Thurston Moore, Buzzcocks, Clutch, New Found Glory, Circa Survive, Manchester Orchestra, Lucero, Rubblebucket, Title Fight, and more
Why: Riot Fest collects punks & more, old & young, for a hell of a line-up. See much more in our 2013 photo gallery here
Web: www.riotfest.org
What: Harvest Jazz & Blues
Where: Fredericton, NB, Canada
When: September 9-14
Who: Blues Traveler, moe., Dr. John, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Buckwheat Zydeco, Lee Fields & The Expressions, Arkells, Galactic, Gord Downie & The Sadies, Samantha Fish, The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer, and more
Why: New Brunswick’s Harvest mixes the folk festivals of Canada with the jazz & blues of Acadia’s lineal descendants, Cajun country.
Web: www.harvestjazzandblues.com
What: Ottawa Folk
Where: Ottawa, ON, Canada
When: September 10-14
Who: The National, Foster the People, Lorde, The Gaslight Anthem, Neutral Milk Hotel, Joss Stone, Sun Kil Moon, Blues Traveler, M. Ward, J. Cole, The War On Drugs, Ed Kowalczyk, Adam Cohen, Lee Fields & The Expressions, Seasick Steve, Young & Sick, The Lone Bellow, Wake Owl, Asleep At the Wheel, and more
Why: Folk comes to the capital of Canada.
Web: www.ottawafolk.com
What: Rifflandia
Where: Victoria, BC, Canada
When: September 11-14
Who: Death Cab for Cutie, Girl Talk, Serena Ryder, Zeds Dead, Danny Brown, The Airborne Toxic Event, The New Pornographers, Dragonette, Rusko, Half Moon Run, Del the Funkee Homosapien, Dum Dum Girls, The Skatalites, We Are Scientists, Born Ruffians, Kool Keith, Paper Diamond, Rich Aucoin, Iva & Alyosha, and more
Why: Rifflandia returns to the Garden City at Royal Athletic Park.
Web: www.rifflandia.com
What: Phases of the Moon
Where: Danville, IL
When: September 11-14
Who: Widespread Panic, The String Cheese Incident, Lunar Landing Conspiracy, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Railroad Earth, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Gov’t Mule, JJ Grey & Mofro, Leon Russell, Leftover Salmon, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Galactic, Vintage Trouble, Anders Osborne, Jackie Greene, Soulive, Donavon Frankenreiter, Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers, The Revivalists, Martin Sexton, The California Honeydrops, Toubab Krewe, Tea Leaf Green, and more
Why: Jam festival comes to Kennekuk County Park, under the Moon.
Web: phasesofthemoonfestival.com
What: Basilica SoundScape
Where: Hudson, NY
When: September 12-13
Who: Swans, Richard Reed Parry, Tim Hecker, White Lung, Deafheaven, Julia Holter, Endless Boogie, Perfect Pussy, Majical Cloudz, Eleanor Friedberger, and more
Why: Head up the Hudson for a SoundScape. See more in our 2013 photo gallery here
Web: basilicasoundscape.com
What: Dancefestopia
Where: Kansas City, MO
When: September 12-13
Who: Beats Antique, R3HAB, Excision, Mimosa, Flux Pavilion, Keys n’ Krates, Conspirator, Lindsey Stirling, and more
Why: Get your dance on in the middle of the country.
Web: www.dancefestopia.com
What: Funk
Where: Charlotte, NC
When: September 12-13
Who: OutKast, LL Cool J, War, The Roots, Doug E Fresh, Morris Day & The Time, Salt-n-Pepa, and more
Why: Funk dat!
Web: funkfest2014.com
What: San Diego Music Thing
Where: San Diego, CA
When: September 12-13
Who: Liars, Black Taxi, Earth, The Griswolds, The Hood Internet, Deap Vally, Meg Myers, Moving Units Dengue Fever, Desert Noises, Andrew Belle, Ark Life, Wild Ones, and more
Why: San Diego explores this music ‘thing’.
Web: www.sandiegomusicthing.com
What: Riot Fest
Where: Chicago, IL
When: September 12-14
Who: The Cure, Jane’s Addiction, The National, Rise Against, Weezer, The Flaming Lips, Social Distortion, Slayer, The Offspring, Wu-Tang Clan, Primus, Descendents, Tegan & Sara, Metric, Cheap Trick, Pussy Riot, Patti Smith, Taking Back Sunday, Die Antwoord, City and Colour, Paul Weller, The Used, Bring Me the Horizon, NOFX, Dropkick Murphys, Gogol Bordello, Of Mice & Men, Mastodon, The Afghan Whigs, Dashboard Confessional, Superchunk, Billy Bragg, Lucero, New Found Glory, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Mudhoney, The Dandy Warhols, Thurston Moore, Circa Survive, The Get Up Kids, Motion City Sountrack, Clutch, GWAR, Buzzcocks, Andrew W.K., Bouncing Souls, Kurt Vile, Wavves, Black Joe Lewis, The Orwells, ALL, The Front Bottoms, The Pizza Underground, In the Valley Below, Cerebral Ballzy, Team Spirit, and more
Why: Riot Fest collects punks & more, old & young – including some vets doing classic albums in full. Read and see much more in our big recap here
Web: www.riotfest.org
What: Utopia
Where: Utopia, TX
When: September 12-14
Who: GZA with Brownout!, Cold War Kids, Keller Williams, Warpaint, Father John Misty, Kishi Bashi, The Golden Dawn Arkestra, Dan Deacon, Wheeler Brothers, Benji Hughes, Aaron Behrens, and more
Why: Head to Utopia (TX) – but BYOB!
Web: www.utopiafest.com
What: Aftershock
Where: Sacramento, CA
When: September 13-14
Who: Weezer, Rob Zombie, The Offspring, Godsmack, Limp Bizkit, Five Finger Death Punch, Rise Against, AWOLNATION, Chevelle, Seether, Mastodon, Bad Religion, Pennywise, Pepper, Black Label Society, Theory of a Deadman, Buckcherry, Memphis May Fire, Fuel, Of Mice & Men, We Came As Romans, The Last Internationale, and more
Why: Today’s hard rock comes to the capitol of the Bear Republic.
Web: www.aftershockconcert.com
What: Pop Montréal
Where: Montréal, QC, Canada
When: September 17-21
Who: Sheryl Crow, The Gaslight Anthem, Suzanne Vega, The Unicorns, Against Me!, Panda Bear, Sun Kil Moon, WHY?, Ty Segall, Bonobo, Twin Shadow, Ronnie Spector, Timber Timbre, Trust, Mutual Benefit, Deafheaven, and more
Why: The artistic alt-CMJ (see below) showcases acts based on artistic style, not commercial viability, in the snowly but beautifully European Montreal.
Web: www.popmontreal.com
What: Downtown – Cleveland
Where: Cleveland, OH
When: September 19-20
Who: The War On Drugs, Justin Townes Earle, RJD2, Crash, Come Truise, Islands, and more
Why: Downtown Records brings its festival to five cities, starting in Cleveland! See more in QRO’s photo gallery of NYC Downtown Festival
Web: thedowntownfestival.com
What: Riot Fest Denver
Where: Denver, CO
When: September 19-21
Who: The Cure, The National, Rise Against, Weezer, The Flaming Lips, Social Distortion, Rise Against, Primus, Slayer, Sublime with Rome, Wu-Tang Clan, TV On the Radio, Descendents, A Day To Remember, NOFX, Die Antwoord, Dropkick Murphys, Bring Me the Horizon, Gogol Bordello, Violent Femmes, City & Colour, The Used, Taking Back Sunday, Manchester Orchestra, New Found Glory, Lucero, Bouncing Souls, Glassjaw, Buzzcocks, Dum Dum Girls, Bob Mould, ALL, Big Freedia, The Orwells, Skaters, Radkey, Cerebral Ballzy, Team Spirit, and more
Why: Riot Fest collects punks & more, old & young – including some vets doing classic albums in full.Read & see much more in our big 2013 recap of Riot Fest Chicago here
Web: www.riotfest.org
What: Paste Untapped – Houston
Where: Houston, TX
When: September 20
Who: The Toadies, Bad Books, The Bright Light Social Hour, Robert Ellis, Owen Pallett, and more
Why: Paste brings indie music & beer to Houston.
Web: untapped-festival.com
What: Sunset Strip
Where: Los Angeles, CA
When: September 20-21
Who: Jane’s Addiction, Empire of the Sun, Mayer Hawthorne, Failure, Iration, Cold War Kids, Minus the Bear, Big Freedia, Kaiser Chiefs, We Came As Romans, Nightmare & the Cat, Beware of Darkness, and more
Why: The iconic Sunset Strip holds a street festival. See much more in our 2012 photo gallery here
Web: www.sunsetstripmusicfestival.com
What: Motörhead’s Motörboat
Where: Miami, FL to Cozumel, Mexico
When: September 22-26
Who: Motörhead, Megadeth, Anthrax, Zakk Wylde, Jim Breuer, Wilson, and more
Why: The legendary Motörhead takes to the seas – lord knows what Capt. Lemmy will do in international waters…
Web: www.motorheadcruise.com
What: Trans-Pecos
Where: Marfa, TX
When: September 25-28
Who: John Doe, Bill Callahan, The Old 97s, Deer Tick, Robert Ellis, Meshell Ndegeocello, Ben Kweller, Tift Merritt, Heartless Bastards, Girl In a Coma, and more
Why: See the Marfa Mystery Lights from the El Cosmico at Trans-Pecos Festival.
Web: elcosmico.com/stay/happenings/trans-pecos-festival
What: Downtown – Minneapolis
Where: Minneapolis, MN
When: September 26-27
Who: Future Islands, Deafheaven, Nosaj Thing, Bear Hands, and more
Why: Downtown Records brings its festival to five cities! See more in QRO’s photo gallery of NYC Downtown Festival
Web: thedowntownfestival.com
What: Midpoint
Where: Cincinnati, OH
When: September 26-27
Who: The Afghan Whigs, Sun Kil Moon, OK Go, The Raveonettes, Panda Bear, Tycho, WHY?, Joseph Arthur, Deafheaven, Gardens & Villa, Pontiak, Ex-Cult, Landlady, Rubblebucket, EMA, Speedy Ortiz, Jessica Lea Mayfield, Nikki Lane, Lost In the Trees, Dylan LeBlanc, Miniature Tigers, The Appleseed Collective, and more
Why: Queen City’s festival-cum-industry showcase returns to the Over-the-Rhine district.
Web: www.mpmf.com
What: Index
Where: Dallas, TX
When: September 26-28
Who: Local Natives, MUTEMATH, Dawes, Future Islands, Kaiser Chies, Lord Buron, Dilated People, The Get Up Kids, Palms, Foxygen, The Cool Kids, Odesza, Russian Circles, Doomtree, How To Dress Well, White Denim, Senses Fail, Blitzen Trapper, Lee Fields & The Expressions, Dan Deacon, The Limousines, The Felice Brothers, Joyce Manor, Zammuto, The Apache Relay, and more
Why: The beer of choice for hipsters (and Dennis Hopper in Blue Velvet) throws a festival in the hippest city in the country.
Web: index-festival.com
What: Project Pabst
Where: Portland, OR
When: September 26-28
Who: Modest Mouse, Tears For Fears, Violent Femmes, GZA, Lord Huron, Rocket From the Crypt, Phosphorescent, Red Fang, Shabazz Palaces, The Thermals, Deap Vally, X Ambassadors, Speedy Ortiz, K. Flay, Guatanamo Baywatch, and more
Why: The beer of choice for hipsters (and Dennis Hopper in Blue Velvet) throws a festival in the hippest city in the country. Read & see more in our recap here
Web: projectpabst.com/event
What: Pygmalion
Where: Champaign-Urbana, IL
When: September 26-28
Who: CHVRCHES, American Football, Panda Bear, Sun Kil Moon, Tycho, Real Estate, Deafheaven, Mutual Benefit, Speedy Ortiz, Ex Hex, EMA, Gardens & Villa, Liturgy, Miniature Tigers, Bishop Allen, and more
Why: Central Illinois’s Pygmalion Music Festival returns for another year.
Web: pygmalionmusicfestival.com
What: TomorrowWorld
Where: Atlanta, GA
When: September 26-28
Who: AVICII, Bassnectar, David Guetta, Diplo, Kaskade, Martin Garrix, Riche Hawtin, Skrillex, Steve Aoki, Tiësto, Zedd, A-Trak, Borgore, Dillon Francis, Laidback Luke, Sub Focus, Tommy Trash, Zeds Dead, Alex Metric, Bassjackers, Bro Safari, The Chainsmokers, Claude VonStroke, Crizzly, Felix Cartal, GRiZ, GTA, Keys N Krates, MiM0SA, and more
Why: Belgium’s TomorrowWorld comes to America with more big-name DJs than you can count.
Web: www.tomorrowworld.com
What: Global Citizen
Where: New York, NY
When: September 27
Who: Jay-Z, No Doubt, Carrie Underwood, The Roots, Tiësto, and more
Why: Five big names take to the Great Lawn in Central Park for a free (ticketed) concert to fight global poverty.
Web: globalfestival.com
October
What: Downtown – New York
Where: New York, NY
When: October 3-4
Who: Kiesza, Avey Tare’s Slasher Flicks, Tobacco, Atlas Sound, Vacationer, IAMSU!, and more
Why: Downtown Records brings its festival to five cities! See more in QRO’s photo gallery of NYC Downtown Festival
Web: thedowntownfestival.com
What: Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
Where: San Francisco, CA
When: October 3-5
Who: Chris Isaak, Ryan Adams, Dwight Yoakam, Lucinda Williams, Yo La Tengo, EmmyLou Harris, Steve Earle, Mavis Staples, Tweedy, Conor Oberst, Social Distortion, Reckless Kelly, Cibo Matto with Nels Cline, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Built To Spill, Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy & The Cairo Gang, Jason Isbell, Jon Batiste and Stay Human, Justin Townes Earle, Lake Street Dive, Rosanne Cash, Sun Kil Moon, Dawes, Sharon Van Etten, The Lone Bellow, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Thao & The Get Down Stay Down, The Felice Brothers, The Apache Relay, and many more
Why: Golden Gate Park welcomes big names that may not be strictly bluegrass, but is free!
Web: www.hardlystrictlybluegrass.com
What: TBD
Where: West Sacramento, CA
When: October 3-5
Who: Justice, Blondie, Empire of the Sun, Dillon Francis, Explosions In the Sky, Gramatik, Kurt Vile & The Violators, MS MR, The War On Drugs, YACHT, DIIV, Deltron 3030, Keys N Krates, Com Truise, MNDR, Beach Fossils, METZ, The Drums, SKATERS, HAERTS, Little Daylight, Smallpools, La Sera, Total Slacker, Wildcat! Wildcat!, French Horn Rebellion, The Pizza Underground, and more
Why: One of the most-booked acts ever, TBD, books its own festival… See more in our photo gallery here
Web: tbdfest.com
What: Austin City Limits
Where: Austin, TX
When: October 3-5 & 10-12
Who: Pearl Jam, Eminem, OutKast, Beck, The Replacements, Lorde, Belle & Sebastian, Interpol, Spoon, The Avett Brothers, Foster the People, Skrillex, St. Vincent, Childish Gambino, Chromeo, CHVRCHES, Major Lazer, Phantogram, Jenny Lewis, Jimmy Cliff, Lana Del Rey, The Gaslight Anthem, Icona Pop, Sam Smith, Real Estate, tUnE-yArDs, Mac Demarco, Poliça, My Brightest Diamond, Cults, Jagwar Ma, Lucius, The Rosebuds, Calvin Harris, Zedd, The Head and the Heart, AFI, Fitz & the Tantrums, The Glitch Mob, Iggy Azalea, Paolo Nutini, Capital Cities, Beats Antique, Kodaline, Trombone Shorty, Lettuce, Gramatik, Temples, Ozomatli, J. Roddy Walston & The Business, Bad Rabbits, The Chain Gang of 1974, Miniature Tigers, and many, many more
Why: ‘The Live Music Capital of the World’ & America’s longest-running live music show bring their festival back to Zilker Park with another ridiculously stocked line-up of both old & new, mainstream & not – for two weekends! Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: www.aclfestival.com
What: Modern Sky
Where: New York, NY
When: October 4-5
Who: Cat Power, ‘Atomic Bomb!’, Stars, The Blood Brothers, Liars, The Both, Re-TROS, and more
Why: China’s Modern Sky Festival flies into New York’s Central Park SummerStage (QRO venue review) in a welcome import.
Web: modernskyfestivalnyc.com
What: CBGB
Where: New York, NY
When: October 7-12
Who: Jane’s Addiction, DEVO Billy Idol, Duff McKagan, We Are Scientists, Surfer Blood, Robert DeLong, Electric Six, Bridges & Powerlines, The Muffs, Born Cages, and more
Why: Venues across the Big Apple celebrate the classic one that ain’t there no more. Read & see much more in our 2013 recap here
Web: www.cbgb.com
What: Escape
Where: Governors Island, NY
When: October 11-12
Who: Girl Talk, Moby, Placebo, Yeasayer, Mayer Hawthorne, The Joy Formidable, The Crystal Method, Ra Ra Riot, STRFKR, Neon Indian, and more
Why: Escape from New York – to Governors Island. Read & see more in our recap here
Web: escapemusicfest.com
What: Culture Collide – San Francisco
Where: San Francisco, CA
When: October 14-15
Who: Cloud Nothings, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Nina Persson, Beat Connection, In the Valley Below, and more
Why: Filter Magazine’s Culture Collide festival returns to venues in not just Los Angeles (see below) but now also San Francisco. Read & see much more in our 2012 recap here
Web: culturecollide.com
What: Culture Collide – Los Angeles
Where: Los Angeles, CA
When: October 16-18
Who: Cloud Nothings, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Nina Persson, Quantic, Until the Ribbon Breaks, PINS, Beat Connection, In the Valley Below, The Mystery Lights, and more
Why: Filter Magazine’s Culture Collide festival returns to venues across Los Angeles & now San Francisco (see above) for a fourth year. Read & see much more in our 2012 recap here
Web: culturecollide.com
What: Yonder Harvest
Where: Ozark, AR
When: October 16-18
Who: Yonder Mountain String Band, Trampled By Turtles, Railroad Earth, The Jayhawks, Carolina Chocolate Drops, and more
Why: Jam festival favorite Yonder Mountain String Band put on their own.
Web: yonderharvestfestival.com
What: Downtown – Los Angeles
Where: Los Angeles, CA
When: October 17-18
Who: YACHT, Connan Mockasin, Lydia Ainsworth, and more
Why: Downtown Records brings its festival to five cities! See more in QRO’s photo gallery of NYC Downtown Festival
Web: thedowntownfestival.com
What: Treasure Island
Where: San Francisco, CA
When: October 18-19
Who: Outkast, Massive Attack, alt-J, Zedd, TV On The Radio, Janelle Monáe, The New Pornographers, Washed Out, St. Lucia, Banks, White Denim, Polica, Classixx, Chet Faker, XXYYXX, Ratking, Tobacco, WATERS, and more
Why: One of the most interesting new festivals, with a Saturday of electronica & a Sunday of indie, continues in one of the most interesting settings. See much more in our 2013 photo gallery here
Web: www.treasureislandfestival.com
What: CMJ
Where: New York, NY
When: October 21-25
Who: The Kills, Low, James, Slowdive, Bombay Bicycle Club, Gerard Way, Cold War Kids, Courtney Barnett, San Fermin, The Horrors, First Aid Kit, Matthew Dear, Moon Duo, Twin Peaks, White Fence, Sam Roberts Band, Protomartyr, MONEY, The Wytches, and many more
Why: Even the collapse of Wall Street can’t stop the rock, as everyone in the industry comes to New York’s plethora of venues, from Bowery to Brooklyn to MSG and beyond. Read & see much more in our big day-by-day recap here
Web: www.cmj.com/marathon
What: Festival Supreme
Where: Santa Monica, CA
When: October 24
Who: Tenacious D, Metalocalypse, Cheech & Chong, Workaholics, Margaret Cho, The State, Fred Armisen & Bill Hader, Nick Kroll, Peaches, Drunk History, Norm Macdonald, Janeane Garofalo, Comedy Bang! Bang!, Maria Bamford, Kumail Nanjiani, Eagles of Death Metal, Jenny Slate, Dr. Demento, Doug Benson, Heidecker & Wood, Natasha Leggero, Mary Lynn Rajskub, The Aquabats, Eric Andre, The Protomen, Arj Barker, The Kyle Gass Band, and more
Why: The greatest band in the world brings a (mostly) comedy festival to Los Angeles.
Web: festivalsupreme.com
What: Hangtown Halloween Ball
Where: Placerville, CA
When: October 24-27
Who: Railroad Earth, moe., The Meter Men, Leftover Salmon, ALO, The Motet, Dead Winter Carpenters, and more
Why: Railroad Earth bring a jam ball right before Halloween.
Web: www.hangtownhalloween.com/2014
What: Life Is Beautiful
Where: Las Vegas, NV
When: October 24-26
Who: Kanye West, Foo Fighters, OutKast, Arctic Monkeys, Skrillex, Lionel Richie, The Flaming Lips, The Roots, Girl Talk, alt-J, Broken Bells, A-Trak, Kacey Musgraves, Fitz & The Tantrums, Phantogram, The Head and The Heart, Panic! At the Disco, Matt & Kim, Neon Trees, Jenny Lewis, OK Go, Tycho, Mayer Hawthorne, Switchfoot, tUnE-yArDs, MS MR, Holy Ghost!, Trampled By Turtles, St. Lucia, Vintage Trouble, J Roddy Walston & The Business, The Orwells, The Preatures, Paper Route, and many more
Why: Life Is Beautiful in Las Vegas.
Web: www.lifeisbeautifulfestival.com
What: Mountain Oasis
Where: Asheville, NC
When: October 24-26
Who: Nine Inch Nails, Bassnectar, Pretty Lights, Neutral Milk Hotel, Animal Collective, Gary Numan, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Purity Ring, Darkside, Chromatics, The Orb, Zola Jesus, Jessie Ware, How To Dress Well, Robert DeLong, Daniel Johnston, and more
Why: Asheville welcomes Mountain Oasis back for a second year.
Web: mountainoasisfestival.com
What: Something Wicked
Where: Houston, TX
When: October 25-26
Who: Bassnectar, Kaskade, Dillon Francis, Martin Garrix, A-Trak, Art Department, Borgore, Bro Safari, Cedric Gervais, Cosmic Gate, Deorro, Excision, Ferry Corsten, Flosstradamus, Head Hunterz, Madeon, NERVO, Zeds Dead, 12th Planet, Alex Metric, and more
Why: Something Wicked this way comes.
Web: somethingwicked.com
What: Fest 13
Where: Gainesville, FL
When: October 31 – November 2
Who: Descendents, Melvins, A Wilhelm Scream, Less Than Jake, Touché Amoré, 7 Seconds, Tim Barry, Screaming Females, The Slackers, Laura Stevenson, Dave Hause, The Flatliners, and more
Why: Punk of all stripes returns to north Florida over Halloween for the thirteenth Fest…
Web: www.thefestfl.com
What: Voodoo Experience
Where: New Orleans, LA
When: October 31 – November 2
Who: Foo Fighters, OutKast, Arctic Monkeys, Skrillex, Slayer, Death from Above 1979, Rise Against, Zedd, Pretty Lights, 30 Seconds to Mars, Gogol Bordello, AWOLNATION, Flux Pavilion, City and Colour, Manchester Orchestra, Melvins, Action Bronson, Booka Shade, Big Freedia, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Fedde Le Grand, Twenty One Pilots, Pete Tong, Bleachers, GRiZ, Fishbone, The Wild Feathers, Wild Cub, and more
Why: Expect sights & sounds that you won’t/can’t forget in the Big Easy on All Hallow’s Eve & more. See much more in our 2009 photo gallery here
Web: thevoodooexperience.com
November & December
What: Fest 13
Where: Gainesville, FL
When: October 31 – November 2
Who: Descendents, Melvins, A Wilhelm Scream, Less Than Jake, Touché Amoré, 7 Seconds, Tim Barry, Screaming Females, The Slackers, Laura Stevenson, Dave Hause, The Flatliners, and more
Why: Punk of all stripes returns to north Florida over Halloween for the thirteenth Fest…
Web: www.thefestfl.com
What: Voodoo Experience
Where: New Orleans, LA
When: October 31 – November 2
Who: Foo Fighters, OutKast, Arctic Monkeys, Skrillex, Slayer, Death from Above 1979, Rise Against, Zedd, Pretty Lights, 30 Seconds to Mars, Gogol Bordello, AWOLNATION, Flux Pavilion, City and Colour, Manchester Orchestra, Melvins, Action Bronson, Booka Shade, Big Freedia, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Fedde Le Grand, Twenty One Pilots, Pete Tong, Bleachers, GRiZ, Fishbone, The Wild Feathers, Wild Cub, and more
Why: Expect sights & sounds that you won’t/can’t forget in the Big Easy on All Hallow’s Eve & more. See much more in our 2009 photo gallery here
Web: thevoodooexperience.com
What: Fun Fun Fun
Where: Austin, TX
When: November 7-9
Who: Modest Mouse, Judas Priest, Nas, Neutral Milk Hotel, Wiz Khalifa, King Diamond, The New Pornographers, Girl Talk, Death From Above 1979, Death Grips, 2 Chainz, Dinosaur Jr., Atmosphere, Gorilla Biscuits, First Aid Kit, Flying Lotus, Guided By Voices, Blood Brothers, Sky Ferreira, Black Lips, City and Colour, Yo La Tengo, The Presets, Hot Water Music, Gary Numan, Dum Dum Girls, Iceage, Ginuwine, Sick of It All, Foxygen, Sun Kil Moon, Jello Biafra, Z-Trip, San Fermin, Run the Jewels, METZ, Tinariwen, Yelle, J Mascis, SOHN, SZA, Gardens & Villa, and more
Why: The worst-titled festival out there is also one of the best, with a wide & deep roster of musicians & more. Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: funfunfunfest.com
What: Mad Decent Boat Party
Where: Miami, FL to Nassau & Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas
When: November 12-16
Who: Major Lazer, Wolfgang Gartner, Zeds Dead, Diplo, Big Gigantic, Flosstradamus, Dillon Francis, Borgore, and more
Why: All aboard the S.S. Mad Decent.
Web: www.maddecentboatparty.com
What: M Is For Montreal
Where: Montreal, PQ, Canada
When: November 19-22
Who: Operators, Thee Oh Sees, Nils Frahm, Kandle, Sean Nicholas Savage, Elephant Stone, Cadence Weapon, Lydia Ainsworth, Quintron and Miss Pussycat, Loud Lary Ajust, Tei Shi, and more
Why: ‘M’ doesn’t just stand for ‘murder’.
Web: www.mformontreal.com/mformontreal
