2015 Festival Guide

North America welcomes festivals from the first days of January to the last day of December - and QRO's got them all in our massive, constantly-updated year-round guide....
2014 Festival Guide

2015 Festival Guide

North America welcomes festivals from the first days of January to the last day of December – and QRO’s got them all in our massive, constantly-updated year-round guide. See last year’s Festival Guide

Total festivals with full line-ups: 318

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

 

 


January & February

Holy Ship

What: Holy Ship
Where: Miami, FL to Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
When: January 3-6
Who: Knife Party, Pretty Lights, Flume, Boys Noize, A-Trak, RL Grime, Laidback Luke Annie Mac, Rudimental, Clockwork, Griz, Destructo, Alex Metric, Odesza, and more
Why: Holy ship that’s a lot of DJs!
Web: holyship.com

 

EcstaticWhat: Ecstatic
Where: New York, NY
When: January 14 – April 16
Who: Terry Riley, Xiu Xiu, John Zorn, Helado Negro, Julia Holter, Kaki King, Ian Williams, 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

 

Todos Santos

What: Todos Santos
Where: Todos Santos, Mexico
When: January 15-24
Who: Peter Buck, Conor Oberst, M. Ward, The Autumn Defense, Dawes, The Jayhawks, Drive By Truckers, The Old 97’s, and more
Why: Peter Buck of R.E.M. curates & performs a festival with friends like Scott McCaughey down Mexico way at the tip of Baja California, all to benefit The Palapa Society of Todos Santos, AC.
Web: todossantosmusicfestival.com

 

American Songbook

What: American Songbook
Where: Lincoln Center, New York, NY
When: January 21 – March 28
Who: Norm Lewis, John Reilly, Talib Kweli, Dawn Landes, Meshell Ndegeocello, Shovels & Rope, San Fermin, and more
Why: Pretty much the classiest venue out there, Lincoln Center celebrates American songwriting at Appel Room (and the Atrium & Penthouse). See our venue review & photos of Lincoln Center’s Appel Room here
Web: www.americansongbook.org

 

Shivering Songs

What: Shivering Songs
Where: Fredericton, NB, Canada
When: January 22-25
Who: Buck 65, Owen Pallett, Bry Webb, Andy Shauf, Zeus, and more
Why: The Olymphic Symphonium’s hometown festival returns.
Web: shiveringsongs.com

 

Shiprocked

What: Shiprocked
Where: Miami, FL to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas
When: February 2-6
Who: Limp Bizkit, Chevelle, Black Label Society, Buckcherry, P.O.D., Sevendust, Andrew W.K., Living Colour, Filter, Nonpoint, Wilson, Icon For Hire, and more
Why: A hard rock cruise.
Web: www.shiprocked.com

 

Tuscon Gem & Jam

What: Tuscon Gem & Jam
Where: Tuscon, AZ
When: February 6-8
Who: Papadosio, Emancipator Ensemble, Pumpkin, The New Mastersounds, and more
Why: Spin some beats while you look at some gems.
Web: gemandjamfestival.com

 

Holy Ship

What: Holy Ship
Where: Miami, FL to Nassau, Bahamas to Coco Cay, Bahamas
When: February 18-21
Who: Skrillex, Fatboy Slim, Baauer, Tommy Trash, Basement Jaxx, Claude Von Stroke, Sub Focus, Brodinski, Destructo, Alex Metric, and more
Why: Holy ship that’s a lot of DJs!
Web: holyship.com

 

Noise Pop

What: Noise Pop
Where: San Francisco, CA
When: February 20 – March 1
Who: The New Pornographers, Caribou, Best Coast, Geographer, Dan Deacon, How To Dress Well, James Vincent McMorrow, The Church, Kindness, Surfer Blood, Langhorne Slim, !!!, Grouper, Foxes In Fiction, Owen Pallett, Mystery Skulls, No Joy, Jessica Pratt, Eleanor Friedberger, Tony Molina, K. Flay, Nude Beach, Devon Williams, and more
Why: Venues across San Francisco have a nice line-up of acts from the hottest in today’s indie-rock to ultra-vets & in between.
Web: noisepop.com/2015

 

Air + Style L.A.

What: Air + Style L.A.
Where: Los Angeles, CA
When: February 21-22
Who: In the Valley Below, The Flaming Lips, Deap Vally, Diplo, Surfer Blood, Cults, The Black Lips, Sleigh Bells, Portugal. The Man, Phantogram, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Kendrick Lamar, Steve Aoki, METZ, Bad Things, and more
Why: Head to Los Angeles to grab some air – and some style.  See more in our photo gallery here
Web: www.air-style.com

 

Wanderlust Oahu

What: Wanderlust Oahu
Where: Oahu, HI
When: February 28 – March 1
Who: Nahko & Medicine For the People, Brett Dennen, Melody Jay, and more
Why: Yoga + music fest Wanderlust wanders all the way to Hawaii. Read & see more in our recap of 2014 Wanderlust Squaw Valley here
Web: oahu.wanderlustfestival.com


March

 

EcstaticWhat: Ecstatic
Where: New York, NY
When: January 14 – April 16
Who: Terry Riley, Xiu Xiu, John Zorn, Helado Negro, Julia Holter, Kaki King, Ian Williams, 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

 

American Songbook

What: American Songbook
Where: Lincoln Center, New York, NY
When: January 21 – March 28
Who: Norm Lewis, John Reilly, Talib Kweli, Dawn Landes, Meshell Ndegeocello, Shovels & Rope, San Fermin, and more
Why: Pretty much the classiest venue out there, Lincoln Center celebrates American songwriting at Appel Room (and the Atrium & Penthouse). See our venue review & photos of Lincoln Center’s Appel Room here
Web: www.americansongbook.org

 

Noise Pop

What: Noise Pop
Where: San Francisco, CA
When: February 20 – March 1
Who: The New Pornographers, Caribou, Best Coast, Geographer, Dan Deacon, How To Dress Well, James Vincent McMorrow, The Church, Kindness, Surfer Blood, Langhorne Slim, !!!, Grouper, Foxes In Fiction, Owen Pallett, Mystery Skulls, No Joy, Jessica Pratt, Eleanor Friedberger, Tony Molina, K. Flay, Nude Beach, Devon Williams, and more
Why: Venues across San Francisco have a nice line-up of acts from the hottest in today’s indie-rock to ultra-vets & in between.
Web: noisepop.com/2015

 

Wanderlust Oahu

What: Wanderlust Oahu
Where: Oahu, HI
When: February 28 – March 1
Who: Nahko & Medicine For the People, Brett Dennen, Melody Jay, and more
Why: Yoga + music fest Wanderlust wanders all the way to Hawaii. Read & see more in our recap of 2014 Wanderlust Squaw Valley here
Web: oahu.wanderlustfestival.com

 

Nrmal

What: Nrmal
Where: Mexico City, Mexico
When: March 1
Who: Swans, Phantogram, Future Islands, Mouse On Mars, Omar Souleyman, The Black Angels, Machine Drum, Peaking Lights, TOPS, Chain & The Gang, Juan Wauters, Majical Cloudz, Boogarins, METZ, Fat Tony, Twin Peaks, and more
Why: Head down Mexico way for Festival Nrmal.
Web: www.festivalnrmal.net

 

Savannah Stopover

What: Savannah Stopover
Where: Savannah, GA
When: March 5-7
Who: Generationals, Southern Culture On the Skids, San Fermin, ASTR, Computer Magic, Diarrhea Planet, Reptar, French Horn Rebellion, Hiss Golden Messenger, Heavenly Beat, Tall Tall Trees, Born Cages, Fat Tony, Beach Day, Young Buffalo, Jack + Eliza, Christopher Paul Stelling, Fort Lean, this mountain, Reputante, Lace Curtains, Little Racer, and more
Why: Before heading to SXSW (see below), stopover in Savannah. Read & see much more in our 2014 recap here
Web: savannahstopover.com

 

Self Help

What: Self Help
Where: San Bernardino, CA
When: March 7
Who: Pierce the Veil, Sleeping With Sirens, The Devil Wears Prada, Falling In Reverse, Breathe Carolina, and more
Why: Help yourself.
Web: www.selfhelpfest.com

 

Gasparilla

What: Gasparilla
Where: Tampa, FL
When: March 7-8
Who: Modest Mouse, Gogol Bordello, The Gaslight Anthem, Trampled by Turtles, MUTEMATH, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., The Budos Band, Hiss Golden Messenger, Roadkill Ghost Choir, and more
Why: Southern Florida gets a nice early fest.
Web: gasparillamusic.com

 

Music Now

What: Music Now
Where: Cincinnati, OH
When: March 11-15
Who: The National, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cloud Nothings, WIll Butler, Perfume Genius, Nico Muhly, The Lone Bellow, and more
Why: One of the classiest music festivals out there.
Web: www.musicnowfestival.org

 

The Buku Project

What: The Buku Project
Where: New Orleans, LA
When: March 21-22
Who: Bassnectar, A$AP Rocky, Passion Pit, Empire of the Sun, Die Antwoord, Porter Robinson, TV On the Radio, STS9, Flosstradamus, Portugal. The Man, Borgore, Run the Jewels, Gramatik, ODESZA, Robert DeLong, Big Freedia, In the Valley Below, and more
Why: The Buku Project brings electronica & more to the Big Easy.  Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: thebukuproject.com

 

JunoFest

What: JunoFest
Where: Hamilton, ON, Canada
When: March 13-14
Who: Ben Stevenson, Jeremy Fisher, Joel Plaskett, Paul Stewart, Rich Aucoin, Steve Hill, The Barr Brothers, The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer, and more
Why: Venues around Hamilton celebrate the Great White North’s Grammy, the Juno.
Web: junoawards.ca/events/juno-week-events/junofest

 

New Myths

What: New Myths
Where: Marfa, TX
When: March 13-15
Who: Grouper, Iceage, Dev Hynes, Connan Mockasin, Tamaryn, Steve Gunn, Weyes Blood, Jefre Cantu-Ledesma, Suicideyear and more
Why: See some New Myths in the home of the Marfa Mystery Lights.
Web: ballroommarfa.org/archive/event/new-myths

 

South-by-Southwest

What: South-by-Southwest
Where: Austin, TX
When: March 17-22
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

 

Aerofest

What: Aerofest
Where: Mobile, AL
When: March 20-21
Who: Big & Rich, Matisyahu, Dawes, Comboy Troy, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Lee Fields & The Expressions, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Zoogma, The Whigs, Soul Rebels, Futurebirds, Generationals, and more
Why: Music and the Titan FC Championship Fight Card open up the new Mobile Aeroplex.
Web: www.aerofest.org

 

Never Say Never

What: Never Say Never
Where: Mission, TX
When: March 20-21
Who: Mayday Parade, Attila, The Maine, Memphis May Fire, Chiodos, Enter Shikari, 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

 

 

Musink

What: Musink
Where: Costa Mesa, CA
When: March 20-22
Who: Blink-182 with Matt Skiba, Rancid, Bad Religion, Sick of It All, OFF!, Yelawolf, and more
Why: Punk meets tattoos in a pretty apt festival.
Web: www.musink.org

 

South-by-So-What?

What: South-by-So-What?
Where: Grand Prairie, TX
When: March 20-22
Who: Circa Survive, Motionless In White, Mayday Parade, Memphis May Fire, The Maine, Enter Shikari, Title Fight, Balance & Composure, Hawthorne Heights, Lydia, The Ataris, Marmozets, Slaves, and more
Why: If you like emo instead of indie, go to Grand Prairie instead of Austin.
Web: www.southbysowhat.com

 

Valley of the Vapors

What: Valley of the Vapors
Where: Hot Springs National Park, AR
When: March 20-24
Who: Jamaican Queens, My Gold Mask, Shilpa Ray, Water Liars, The Gunshy, Young Buffalo, Peelander-Z, All Eyes West, The Gunshy, White Mystery, 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

 

Mute Mexico

What: Mute Mexico
Where: Mexico City, Mexico
When: March 21
Who: OMD, Liars, Ben Forst, Apparat, Vince Clarke, and more
Why: Mute Records heads down Mexico way.
Web: mute.com

 

Winter Music Conference

What: Winter Music Conference
Where: Miami, FL
When: March 24-28
Who: Martin Garrix, Kid Nemesis, Wasabi, Phuture, DJ Q-Bert, and more
Why: The Winter Music Conference hosts parties, panels & more – often pool-side.
Web: www.wintermusicconference.com

 

Treefort

What: Treefort
Where: Boise, ID
When: March 25-29
Who: TV On the Radio, Trampled by Turtles, Built To Spill, Josh Ritter, of Montreal, !!!, Omar Souleyman, Joyce Manor, YACHT, Emily Wells, Foxygen, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Viet Cong, Delicate Steve, Generationals, Rubblebucket, Cymbals Eat Guitars, Nathaniel Rateliff, Geographer, Desert Noises, Yip Deceiver, Happyness, and more
Why: Go to your own private Idaho for Treefort.
Web: treefortmusicfest.com

 

Slingshot

What: Slingshot
Where: Athens, GA
When: March 26-28
Who: James Murphy, Jamie xx, Nosah Thing, Washed Out, Saint Pepsi, Juana Molina, Reptar, Omar Souleyman, Prince Rama, Glenn Kotche, Kurt Braunohler, and more
Why: Slingshot over to Athens.
Web: www.athensslingshot.com

 

Big Ears

What: Big Ears
Where: Knoxville, TN
When: March 27-29
Who: Kronos Quartet, Laurie Anderson, Terry Riley, Tyondai Braxton, tUnE-yArDs, Max Richter, Swans, Ben Frost, Bryce Dessner, The Bad Plus, Bill Frisell, Jamie xx, Silver Apples, Perfume Genius, Nels Cline, Grouper, SQÜRL, Omar Souleyman, Sam Amidon, A Winged Victory for the Sullen, Nosaj Thing, Steve Gunn, Amen Dunes, Jozef Van Wissem, Bing & Ruth, and more
Why: Knoxville’s super-classy high art music festival returns.  Read & see more in our recap here
Web: www.bigearsfestival.com

 

McDowell Mountain

What: McDowell Mountain
Where: Phoenix, AZ
When: March 27-29
Who: Passion Pit, Thievery Corporation, Widespread Panic, Portugal. The Man, Phanotgram, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Beats Antique, Trampled By Turtles, STRFKR, Robert DeLong, Tea Leaf Green, Karl Denson, and more
Why: Phoenix gets a better jam-band festival.
Web: mmmf.com

 

Ultra

What: Ultra
Where: Miami, FL
When: March 27-29
Who: Skrillex, Tiësto, Axwell Ingrosso, Avicii, David Guetta, Armin Van Buuren, Alesso, Steve Angello, Afrojack, Martin Garrix, Knife Party, Steve Aoki, Röyksopp, Bassnectar, Chromeo, Die Antwoord, Porter Robinson, Odesza, Big Gigantic, Kiesa, Krewella, ASTR, Breathe Carolina, Anamanaguchi, Afrobeta, Carl Cox, Paul Van Dyk, Zeds Dead, Bonbo, GTA, Boys Noize, Excision, 12th Planet, 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

 

Mission Creek

What: Mission Creek
Where: Iowa City, IA
When: March 31 – April 5
Who: Real Estate, Jad Abumrad, Father John Misty, Freddie Gibbs, Shovels & Rope, Foxygen, SQÜRL, Com Truise, The Sea & Cake, Ben Frost, King Tuff, Silver Apples, Glenn Kotche & Jeffrey Zeigler, Amen Dunes, A Winged Victory For the Sullen, Diamond Rugs, Horse Feathers, Jozef Van Wissem, and more
Why: Iowa City kicks if off early with some interesting names.
Web: missionfreak.com


April

Mission Creek

What: Mission Creek
Where: Iowa City, IA
When: March 31 – April 5
Who: Real Estate, Jad Abumrad, Father John Misty, Freddie Gibbs, Shovels & Rope, Foxygen, SQÜRL, Com Truise, The Sea & Cake, Ben Frost, King Tuff, Silver Apples, Glenn Kotche & Jeffrey Zeigler, Amen Dunes, A Winged Victory For the Sullen, Diamond Rugs, Horse Feathers, Jozef Van Wissem, and more
Why: Iowa City kicks if off early with some interesting names.
Web: missionfreak.com

 

Maverick

What: Maverick
Where: San Antonio, TX
When: April 10-11
Who: Cypress Hill, Portugal. The Man, CAKE, Best Coast, The Toadies, tUnE-yArds, Brownout!, Heartless Bastards, Sarah Jaffe, and more
Why: Some more mavericks of the Lone Star State. See much more in our photo gallery here
Web: maverickmusicfestival.com

 

Euphoria

What: Euphoria
Where: Austin, TX
When: April 10-12
Who: Pretty Lights, Ghostland Observatory, Thievery Corporation, STS9, RL Grime, Adventure Club, Emancipator Ensemble, EOTO, Paper Diamond, Savoy, The New Deal, and more
Why: EDM comes to TEX.  See much more in our photo gallery here
Web: www.euphoriafest.com

 

Coachella

What: Coachella
Where: Indio, CA
When: April 10-12 & 17-19
Who: Jack White, Drake, AC/DC, The Weeknd, Florence & The Machine, Tame Impala, Interpol, Axwell Ingrosso, Kaskade, Steely Dan, alt-J, David Guetta, St. Vincent, Belle & Sebastian, Alesso, Marina & The Diamonds, Alabama Shakes, Ratatat, Ride, Fitz & The Tantrums, Hozier, Nero, Azealia Banks, Brand New, Flosstradamus, Bad Religion, Odesza, Flying Lotus, SBTRKT, Raekwon & Ghostface Killah, Circa Survive, Tyler the Creator, Jenny Lewis, Lykke Li, Desaparecidos, Porter Robinson, Father John Misty, The War On Drugs, Jamie xx, Caribou, Run the Jewels, Panda Bear, Kimbra, Mac DeMarco, Kiesza, Tycho, Kasabian, Built To Spill, Action Bronson, Swans, OFF!, Reverend Horton Heat, Philip Selway, Kele, Toro y Moi, Cloud Nothings, Charles Bradley, Touche Amore, Clean Bandit, Parquet Courts, Joyce Manor, HAERTS, Gramatik, Angel Olsen, Yelle, Eagulls, Andrew McMahon, The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger, Phox, Benjamin Booker, Perfume Genius, Sloan, The Orwells, Radkey, 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

 

Telus World Ski & Snowboard

What: Telus
Where: Whistler, BC, Canada
When: April 10-19
Who: Yelawolf, MSTRKFT, The Glitch Mob, De La Soul, Bombino, and more
Why: In addition to the snow, come for the sounds at Telus World Ski & Snowboard Festival.
Web: www.wssf.com

 

Tortuga

What: Tortuga
Where: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
When: April 11-12
Who: Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown Band, Jake Owen, The Band Perry, Trace Adkins, Little Big Town, Doobie Brothers, Jake Owen, Sublime with Rome, The Mavericks, David Nail, Nikki Lane, Will Hoge, and more
Why: For spring break, go country in Ft. Lauderdale. Read & see much more in our 2013 recap here
Web: www.tortugamusicfestival.com

 

Wanee

What: Wanee
Where: Live Oak, FL
When: April 16-18
Who: Widespread Panic, Gregg Allman, Gov’t Mule, Earth Wind & Fire, Cheap Trick, JJ Grey & Mofro, Galactic, Zappa Plays Zappa, Leftover Salmon, Yonder Mountain String Band, Rich Robinson, Tea Leaf Green, and more
Why: Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Florida hosts a jam-band festival.
Web: www.waneefestival.com

 

Old Settler's

What: Old Settler’s
Where: Driftwood, TX
When: April 16-19
Who: The Mavericks, Robert Earl Keen, Sam Bush, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Langhorne Slim & The Law, The Infamous Stringdusters, Pokey LaFarge, and more
Why: As American as the Old Settler’s.
Web: oldsettlersmusicfest.org

 

Rites of Spring

What: Rites of Spring
Where: Nashville, TN
When: April 17-18
Who: Young the Giant, Chance the Rapper, T-Pain, Portugal. The Man, The Lone Bellow, and more
Why: Vanderbilt University knows how to book ’em for its Rites of Spring (fling).
Web: www.vanderbilt.edu/ros

 

Untapped – Austin

What: Untapped – Austin
Where: Austin, TX
When: April 18
Who: Manchester Orchestra, Phosphorescent, Black Joe Lewis, Bear Hands, In the Valley Below, and more
Why: Indie music & beer comes to a city that loves both.
Web: untapped-festival.com

 

Middle of the Map

What: Middle of the Map
Where:
Kansas City, MO
When:
April 22-25
Who:
Iron & Wine, Atmosphere, OK Go, Lord Huron, Peter Hook & The Light, Murder By Death, Ben Kweller, Magic Man, William Elliott Whitemore, Strand of Oaks, The Slackers, PHOX, Leon Bridges, Bass Drum of Death, Peelander-Z, PUJOL, The Republic Tigers, and more
Why: Head to the middle of the Google Map.  See more in our photo gallery here
Web: www.middleofthemapfest.com

 

Waterfront Wednesday

What: Waterfront Wednesday
Where: Louisville, KY
When: April 22 – September 30
Who: Shakey Graves, JD McPherson, Fantastic Negrito, Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers, Strand of Oaks, 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

 

Norman

What: Norman
Where: Norman, OK
When: April 23-25
Who: Ra Ra Riot, Grooms, The Octopus Project, Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires, Colourmusic, and more
Why: Norman Oklahoma’s own free festival & QRO favorite stays sweet. Read & see more in 2010 our recap here
Web: www.normanmusicfestival.com

 

MerleFest

What: MerleFest
Where: Wilkesboro, NC
When: April 23-26
Who: Dwight Yoakam, The Avett Brothers, Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn, Lee Ann Womack, North Mississippi Allstars, The Del McCoury Band, Robert Earl Keen, Robert Earl Keen, Steep Canyon Rangers, Trampled By Turtles, Sam Bush Band, Donna the Buffalo, and more
Why: Wilkes Community College welcomes MerleFest.
Web: www.merlefest.org

 

Double Decker

What: Double Decker
Where: Oxford, MS
When: April 24-25
Who: Trampled by Turtles, JJ Grey & Mofro, everend John Wilkins, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Water Liars, and more
Why: Take the Double Decker to Oxford – Mississippi.
Web: www.doubledeckerfestival.com

 

Move

What: Move
Where: Albany, NY
When: April 24-26
Who: Locksley, Contact, Wild Adriatic, Goodbyemotel, Shinobi Ninja, Dead Leaf Echo, and more
Why: Be like Andrew Cuomo and Move up to the town’s that played host to David Patterson, Elliott Spitzer, and late papa Cuomo.
Web: www.movemusicfest.com

 

Texas Crawfish

What: Texas Crawfish
Where: Spring, TX
When: April 24-26 & May 1-3
Who: Joe Nichols, Flyleaf, and more
Why: Celebrate the southern crawfish & much more at this long-running music festival.
Web: texascrawfishfestival.com

 

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage

What: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage
Where: New Orleans, LA
When: April 24 – May 3
Who: Elton John, The Who, Jimmy Buffett, Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga, No Doubt, Keith Urban, Pitbull, John Legend, Ed Sheeran, T.I., Chicago, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Hozier, Widespread Panic, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ryan Adams, Steve Winwood, Wilco, Jimmy Cliff, Buddy Guy, Allen Toussaint, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Shovels & Rope, Aaron Neville, Maze, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Big Freedia, Paloma Faith, Shooter Jennings, Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn, The Revivalists, The Soul Rebels, and many more
Why: The Big Easy’s big festival gets some big names.
Web: www.nojazzfest.com

 

Edgefest

What: Edgefest
Where:
Frisco, TX
When:
April 25
Who:
The Offspring, Modest Mouse, Death Cab for Cutie, AWOLNATION, Hozier, Vance Joy, Dirty Heads, New Politics, Banks, Yelawolf, Robert DeLong, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, The Kooks, Joywave, Girl Talk, and more
Why: 102.1 ‘The Edge’ holds a festival outside of Dallas.
Web:
edgefest.kdge.com

 

Rockville

What: Rockville
Where: Jacksonville, FL
When: April 25-26
Who: Slipknot, Korn, Godsmack, Marilyn Manson, Slayer, Ministry, Slash, Papa Roach, The Pretty Reckless, Of Mice & Men, Scot Weild & The Wildabouts, Live, Hollywood Undead, Motionless In White, Suicidal Tendencies, All That Remains, The Devil Wears Prada, Nonpoint, 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

 

Fort Rock

What: Fort Rock
Where: Fort Myers, FL
When: April 26
Who: Slipknot, Godsmack, Breaking Benjamin, Papa Roach, The Pretty Reckless, Motionless In White, and more
Why: Fort Myers Fort Rocks.
Web: www.fortrockfestival.com

 

SunFest

What: SunFest
Where: West Palm Beach, FL
When: April 29 – May 3
Who: Fall Out Boy, Pixies, Lenny Kravitz, Paramore, Hozier, Kaskade, Boston, Sammy Hagar, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Wilco, 311, Damian Marley, SOJA, Stone Temple Pilots with Chester Bennington, AWOLNATION, Lindsey Stirling, Matisyahu, Iration, ScHoolboy Q, Bo Ningen, Lizzo, Hundred Waters, 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

 

Sunset Sessions

What: Sunset Sessions
Where: Tulum, Mexico
When: April 29 – May 3
Who: Metric, Bushwalla, Hollis Brown, and more
Why: KFOG brings Michele Clark’s Sunset Sessions down Mexico way.
Web: sunsetsessions.org


May

Waterfront Wednesday

What: Waterfront Wednesday
Where: Louisville, KY
When: April 22 – September 30
Who: Shakey Graves, JD McPherson, Fantastic Negrito, Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers, Strand of Oaks, 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

 

Texas Crawfish

What: Texas Crawfish
Where: Spring, TX
When: April 24-26 & May 1-3
Who: Joe Nichols, Flyleaf, and more
Why: Celebrate the southern crawfish & much more at this long-running music festival.
Web: texascrawfishfestival.com

 

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage

What: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage
Where: New Orleans, LA
When: April 24 – May 3
Who: Elton John, The Who, Jimmy Buffett, Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga, No Doubt, Keith Urban, Pitbull, John Legend, Ed Sheeran, T.I., Chicago, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Hozier, Widespread Panic, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ryan Adams, Steve Winwood, Wilco, Jimmy Cliff, Buddy Guy, Allen Toussaint, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Shovels & Rope, Aaron Neville, Maze, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Big Freedia, Paloma Faith, Shooter Jennings, Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn, The Revivalists, The Soul Rebels, and many more
Why: The Big Easy’s big festival gets some big names.
Web: www.nojazzfest.com

 

SunFest

What: SunFest
Where: West Palm Beach, FL
When: April 29 – May 3
Who: Fall Out Boy, Pixies, Lenny Kravitz, Paramore, Hozier, Kaskade, Boston, Sammy Hagar, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Wilco, 311, Damian Marley, SOJA, Stone Temple Pilots with Chester Bennington, AWOLNATION, Lindsey Stirling, Matisyahu, Iration, ScHoolboy Q, Bo Ningen, Lizzo, Hundred Waters, 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

 

Sunset Sessions

What: Sunset Sessions
Where: Tulum, Mexico
When: April 29 – May 3
Who: Metric, Bushwalla, Hollis Brown, and more
Why: KFOG brings Michele Clark’s Sunset Sessions down Mexico way.
Web: sunsetsessions.org

 

Memphis in May

What: Memphis in May
Where:
Memphis, TN
When:
May 1-3
Who: Lenny Kravitz, Ed Sheeran, John Fogerty, The Avett Brothers, Hozier, Paramore, Five Finger Death Punch, Wilco, Pixies, The Flaming Lips, Cage the Elephant, Ryan Adams, Rise Against, Band of Horses, St. Vincent, Slash, AWOLNATION, Bleachers, Wale, Flogging Molly, Lindsey Sterling, Jenny Lewis, George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic, Kaiser Chiefs, Of Mice & Men, Spin Doctors, Shovels & Rope, Scott Weiland & The Wildabouts, Soul Asylum, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Betty Lavette, Diarrhea Planet, Star & Micey, and more
Why: Memphis is alive with music in May.
Web:
www.memphisinmay.org/musicfestival

 

Waking Windows

What: Waking Windows
Where:
Winooski, VT
When:
May 1-3
Who: King Tuff, Titus Andronicus, Delicate Steve, Cymbals Eat Guitars, TOPS, Javelin, O’Death, and more
Why: Bands head to Vermont to waking up some windows.  See much more in our photo gallery here
Web:
www.wakingwindows.com

 

Canadian Music Week

What: Canadian Music Week
Where: Toronto, ON, Canada
When: May 1-10
Who: Death Cab for Cutie, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Faith No More, Colbie Caillat, Scott Weiland & The Wildabouts, The Jesus & Mary Chain, The Psychedelic Furs, The Waterboys, The Antlers, Xavier Rudd, Daniel Lanois, Swervedriver, Cloud Nothings, Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger, Joey Bada$$, The Orwells, King Tuff, The Death Set, METZ, Protomartyr, Alvvays, Twin Peaks, Rich Aucoin, Ron Sexsmith, Fat White Family, FIDLAR, Jamaican Queens, Miracles of Modern Science, Jack and Eliza, Wild Adriatic, Family of the Year, 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 2014 photo gallery here
Web: canadianmusicfest.com

 

Red Bull Music Academy

What: Red Bull Music Academy
Where:
New York, NY
When:
May 1 – May 30
Who:
FKA Twigs, George Clinton, A$AP Rocky, PC Music, SOPHIE, and more
Why: Red Bull’s Music Academy returns to NYC.  Read more in event review here
Web: www.redbullmusicacademy.com

 

Desert Daze

What: Desert Daze
Where: Palm Springs, CA
When: May 2
Who: Warpaint, Failure, RJD2, Minus the Bear, The Budos Band, Dan Deacon, Chelsea Wolfe, DIIV, Deap Vally, Bass Drum of Death, Vetiver, and more
Why: Head to the Sunset Ranch Oasis.
Web: moonblockparty.org

 

Carolina Rebellion

What: Carolina Rebellion
Where: Rockingham, SC
When: May 2-3
Who: Korn, Slipknot, Marilyn Manson, Godsmack, Slayer, Rise Against, Slash, Sammy Hagar, Bush, Papa Roach, Cheap Trick, The Pretty Reckless, Chevelle, of Mice & Men, Live, Scott Weiland & The Wildabouts, Suicidal Tendencies, Motionless In White, and more
Why: Carolina rebels with hard rock.
Web: www.carolinarebellion.com

 

Big Guava

What: Big Guava
Where: Tampa, FL
When: May 8-9
Who: The Strokes, Pixies, Hozier, Pretty Lights, Passion Pit, Ryan Adams, TV On the Radio, James Blake, AWOLNATION, Cold War Kids, Banks, Run the Jewels, Jenny Lewis, Andrew McMahon In the Wilderness, Big Data, Action Bronson, Classixx, Robert DeLong, Reptar, X Ambassadors, A Silent Film, Paper Route, Ex-Cops, and more
Why: Florida gets a great new festival in Big Guava.
Web: bigguavafest.com

 

LazerFest

What: LazerFest
Where:
Boone, IA
When:
May 8 & 10
Who: Five Finger Death Punch, Halestorm, Young Guns, Falling In Reverse, We Are Harlot, and more
Why: Lazer 103.3 hits the Central Iowa Expo.  See much more in our photo gallery here
Web:
lazerfest.lazer1033.com

 

Levitation

What: Levitation
Where: Austin, TX
When: May 8-10
Who: 13th Floor Elevators, The Flaming Lips, Tame Impala, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Spiritualized, Primal Scream, The Black Angels, Thee Oh Sees, Mac DeMarco, Melody’s Echo Chamber, Lightning Bolt, The Sword, Earth, DIIV, Health, A Place To Bury Strangers, The Soft Moon, METZ, This Will Destroy You, White Fence, Night Beats, Tamaryn, The Fat White Family, The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger, Ringo Deathstarr, Indian Jewelry, Nothing, 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

 

Shaky KneesWhat: Shaky Knees
Where: Atlanta, GA
When: May 8-10
Who: The Strokes, The Avett Brothers, Wilco, Pixies, Social Distortion, Ryan Adams, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Tame Impala, Mastodon, Brand New, Old Crow Medicine Show, Neutral Milk Hotel, Interpol, TV On the Radio, James Blake, Manchester Orchestra, Flogging Molly, Death From Above 1979, Dr. Dog, Spiritualized, Kaiser Chiefs, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, ZZ Ward, Panda Bear, The Black Lips, Xavier Rudd, The Devil Makes Three, The Mountain Goats, Best Coast, Frank Turner, The Kooks, Real Estate, Wavves, Built To Spill, The Both, Mac DeMarco, Minus the Bear, Old 97s, Heartless Bastads, Mariachi El Bronx, The Mowglis, Fidlar, METZ, The Bronx, Two Gallants, Tennis, Speedy Ortiz, Fences, Palma Violets, The Sheepdogs, Surfer Blood, Jukebox the Ghost, Haerts, Field Report, Nikki Lane, and many more
Why: Limbs quake for what looks to be another amazing year. Read & see more in our recap here
Web: shakykneesfestival.com

 

Homegrown

What: Homegrown
Where: Dallas, TX
When: May 9
Who: Spoon, Old 97’s, Shakey Graves, Bobby Patterson, and more
Why: A nice little fest in Dallas for cheap.
Web: homegrownfest.com

 

TXFest

What: TXFest
Where: Houston, TX
When: May 9
Who: Kevin Fowler, Scooter Brown Band, Wild Child, Jamestown Revival, Wild Moccasins, Not In the Face!, and more
Why: Texas-brewed.
Web: txfest.com

 

Together

What: Together
Where: Boston, MA
When: May 10-17
Who: Justin Martin, East India Mouth, Scuba, Andy Stott, Bob Moses, and more
Why: The Together New England Electronic Music Festival goes into its sixth year.
Web: www.togetherboston.com

 

Untapped – Ft. Worth

What: Untapped – Ft. Worth
Where: Ft. Worth, TX
When: May 9
Who: De La Soul, Big Data, The Lone Bellow, The Sword, Ariel Pink, and more
Why: Indie music & beer comes to Ft. Worth.
Web: untapped-festival.com

 

Blaze & Glory

What: Blaze & Glory
Where: San Bernardino, CA
When: May 15-16
Who: Slightly Stoopid, Iration, Method Man, Rebelution, Redman, Pepper, Collie Buddz, Body Count, Tribal Seeds, and more
Why: Rap & jam comes to Blaze & Glory.
Web: www.blazenglory.com

 

The Hangout

What: The Hangout
Where: Gulf Shores, AL
When: May 15-17
Who: Foo Fighters, Zac Brown Band, Beck, Skrillex, My Morning Jacket, Foster the People, Paramore, Spoon, Umphrey’s McGee, Major Lazer, TV On the Radio, Phanogram, Damian Marley, Jenny Lewis, Dirty Heads, Lupe Fiasco, Cold War Kids, Future Islands, Vance Joy, Odesza, Father John Misty, Beats Antique, Trampled by Turtles, Drive-By Truckers, St. Lucia, Robert DeLong, Toro y Moi, Gramatik, The Lone Bellow, Lake Street Dive, Rubblebucket, Frank Turner, Vintage Trouble, Charles Bradley, Xavier Rudd, J. Roddy Walston & The Business, The Mowgli’s, Strand of Oaks, San Fermin, The Districts, MisterWives, and more
Why: Hangout on the Shores with a very strong line-up. Read & see much more in our 2014 recap here
Web: www.hangoutmusicfest.com

 

Pouzzafest

What: Pouzzafest
Where: Montreal, PQ, Canada
When: May 15-17
Who: Municipal Waste, Teenage Bottlerocket, Fake Problems, The Dwarves, The Muffs, Cerebral Ballzy, Nardwuar, and more
Why: Have some punk with your poutine.
Web: www.pouzzafest.com

 

Rock On the Range

What: Rock On the Range
Where: Columbus, OH
When: May 15-17
Who: Slipknot, Judas Priest, Linkin Park, Godsmack, Marilyn Manson, Rise Against, Volbeat, Slash, Papa Roach, Of Mice & men, Ministry, Anthrax, Hollywood Undead, Scott Weiland & The Wildabouts, Yelawolf, Live, Motionless In White, Rival Sons, Falling In Reverse, Dillinger Escape Plan, The Devil Wears Prada, Nonpoint, 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

 

Skate & Surf

What: Skate & Surf
Where: Asbury Park, NJ
When: May 16-17
Who: The Gaslight Anthem, Dropkick Murphys, Manchester Orchestra, The Front Bottoms, Motionless In White, Cloud Nothings, and more
Why: Go to Jersey to Skate & Surf.
Web: www.skateandsurffest.com

 

Woodsist

What: Woodsist
Where:
Big Sur, CA
When: May 18
Who: Real Estate, Woods, 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

 

SummerStage

What: SummerStage
Where: New York, NY
When: May 18 – September 24
Who: Phil Lesh & Friends, The Kooks, Ingrid Michaelson, Mastodon, Guster, Walk the Moon, Father John Misty, Rise Against, Lindsey Stirling, Milky Chance, Dawes, George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic, Dr. John & The Nite Trippers, The Felice Brothers, Meshell Ndegeocello, Lake Street Dive, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Rakim, Caribou, Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires, Bombino, Glass Animals, Ratking, Lettuce, Clutch, Atlas Genius, Killswitch Engage, Jukebox the Ghost, First Aid Kit, Angel Olsen, Kishi Bashi, X Ambassadors, Joywave, The Barr Brothers, Kitty, Daisy & Lewis, Hollis Brown, Helado Negro, 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

 

Lightning In a Bottle

What: Lightning In a Bottle
Where: Bradley, CA
When: May 21-25
Who: Flume, SBTRKT, Odesza, RL Grime, Tycho, John Digweed, Griz, Panda Bear, Alunageorge, Poliça, SOHN, 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

 

Boston Calling Spring

What: Boston Calling Spring
Where: Boston, MA
When: May 22-24
Who: Beck, Pixies, My Morning Jacket, Ben Harper, Tenacious D, Tame Impala, St. Vincent, TV On the Radio, Marina & The Diamonds, Vance Joy, Run the Jewels, Jason Isbell, Gerard Way, Tove Lo, Chet Faker, The Lone Bellow, Sharon Van Etten, and more
Why: Boston is seriously Calling with the first of two editions – wicked pissah! Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: bostoncalling.com

 

California Roots

What: California Roots
Where: Monterey, CA
When: May 22-24
Who: The Roots, Slightly Stoopid, SOJA, John Butler Trio, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Cypress Hill, Dirty Heads, Steel Pulse, Nahko & Medicine For the People, G-Love & Special Sauce, Dilated Peoples, Fishbone, and more
Why: Get in touch with your Cali Roots. See more in our photo gallery here
Web: californiarootsfestival.com

 

Counterpoint

What: Counterpoint
Where: Kingston Downs, GA
When: May 22-24
Who: Widespread Panic, Zedd, The Roots, Kygo, Knife Party, Umphrey’s McGee, Dillon Francis, Zeds Dead, Rebelution, RL Grime, Lettuce, Chet Faker, Galactic, Brodinski, Emancipator Ensemble, Papadosio, Robert DeLong, The Soul Rebels, Futurebirds, and more
Why: Hot-lanta welcomes the dance at Counterpoint. Read and see more in our 2014 recap here
Web: www.counterpointfestival.com

 

Form

What: Form
Where: Arcosanti, AZ
When: May 22-24
Who: Hundred Waters, The Antlers, How To Dress Well, Majical Cloudz, Julianna Barwick, Mutual Benefit, Mas Ysa, and more
Why: Hundred Waters holds a festival in the Arizona desert.
Web: formarcosanti.com

 

Rocklahoma

What: Rocklahoma
Where: Pryor, OK
When: May 22-24
Who: Linkin Park, Tesla, Godsmack, Slayer, Volbeat, Papa Roach, Halestorm, Queensrÿche, Candlebox, Anthrax, Ministry, The Pretty Reckless, Scott Weiland & The Wildabouts, Of Mice & Men, Motionless In White, Nonpoint, You Me At Six, Crobot, 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

 

Summer Camp

What: Summer Camp
Where: Chillicothe, IL
When: May 22-24
Who: moe., Umphrey’s McGee, Steve Miller Band, Widespread Panic, Krewella, STS9, Big Gigantic, Violent Femmes, John Butler Trio, Griz, Paul Oakenfold, A-Trak, The Infamous Stringdusters, Keller Williams, Trampled by Turtles, Xavier Rudd, Cherub, Destructo, EOTO, Greensky Bluegrass, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Nahko & Medicine For the People, and more
Why: Summer Camp usually mixes a little something more into its jam.
Web: www.summercampfestival.com

 

Punk Rock Bowling

What: Punk Rock Bowling
Where: Las Vegas, NV
When: May 22-25
Who: Rancid, Refused, Dropkick Murphys, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Murder City Devils, Sick Of It All, Turbonegro, Bad Manners, TSOL, Jello Biafra, Swingin’ Utters, Anti-Flag, A Wilhelm Scream, The Muffs, and more
Why: Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall takes the punks bowling.
Web: www.punkrockbowling.com

 

Sasquatch!

What: Sasquatch!
Where: George, WA
When: May 22-25
Who: Kendrick Lamar, Robert Plant, Modest Mouse, Lana Del Rey, Ryan Adams, Of Monsters & Men, The Decemberists, Tame Impala, St. Vincent, Flume, Spoon, James Blake, Chromeo, Hot Chip, SBTRKT, ScHoolboy Q, The New Pornographers, The War On Drugs, The Glitch Mob, Little Dragon, Gogol Bordello, Father John Misty, Run the Jewels, Jose Gonzalez, Jenny Lewis, Twenty One Pilots, Kiesza, Real Estate, Future Islands, Odesza, Royal Blood, Shovels & Rope, Glass Animals, SOHN, Sharon Van Etten, Action Bronson, Perfume Genius, Dilated Peoples, Temples, Milo Greene, Woods, Shakey Graves, Courtney Barnett, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Benjamin Booker, The Budos Band, The Knocks, King Tuff, Dan Mangan, Fences, San Fermin, Alvvays, Strand of Oaks, Will Butler, The Districts, Twin Peaks, Nothing, Ex Hex, Diarrhea Planet, and many, many more
Why: Bring it on Memorial Day Weekend for this top-tier festival. Read much more in our 2013 recap here
Web: www.sasquatchfestival.com

 

Mysteryland

What: Mysteryland
Where: Bethel, NY
When: May 22-26
Who: A-Trak, Alex English, Beats Antique, Bob Moses, Clasixx, Dillon Francis, Diplo, Empire fot he Sun, Giraffage, Gramatik, Griz, GTA, Madeon, Matthew Dear, Porter Robinson, Richie Hawtin, Savoy, Skream, and more
Why: On the grounds of the original Woodstock is a DJ fest – kind of says it all…
Web: www.mysteryland.us

 

Surf Lodge Summer Concert Series

What: Surf Lodge Summer Concert Series
Where: Montauk, NY
When: May 22 – September 5
Who: Mac DeMarco, Escort, Capital Cities, Tove Lo, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., The Flaming Lips, Trombone Shorty, Alvvays, Benjamin Booker, St. Lucia, G. Love, Lolawolf, Leon Bridges, Sylvan Esso, Wolf Alice, ASTR, Delta Spirit, tUnE-yArDs, Donovan Frankenreiter, Jack Garrett, MS MR, The Joy Formidable, Wild Belle, and more
Why: Get out of the city and head to the Surf at Montauk.
Web: thesurflodge.com/concert-series

 

Electric Daisy Carnival New York

What: Electric Daisy Carnival New York
Where: East Rutherford, NJ
When: May 23-24
Who: Afrojack, Armin Van Buuren, Bassnectar, Carl Cox, Flosstradamus, Hardwell, Justin Martin, Krewella, Martin Garrix, 12th Planet, Benny Benassi, Brodinski, Calvin Harris, Crizzly, Datsik, Duke Dumont, Eats Everything, Flux Pavilion, Kaskade, Knife Party, Tiësto, and more
Why: 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

 

Movement Electronic

What: Movement Electronic
Where: Detroit, MI
When: May 23-25
Who: Disclosure, DJ Snoopadelic, Richie Hawtin, People Under the Stairs, Griz, Matthew Dear, Carl Craig, Eats Everything, Bob Moses, !!!, and more
Why: Electronic music returns to the city where techno (and much more in music) was born.
Web: www.movement.us

 

Nitefall On the River

What: Nitefall On the River
Where:
Des Moines, IA
When:
May 23 – August 28
Who:
Michael Franti & Spearhead, Los Lonely Boys, Grace Potter, Umphrey’s McGree, Kacey Musgraves, Better Than Ezra, Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Lake Street Dive, JJ Grey & Mofro, G. Love & Special Sauce, Slightly Stoopid, The Dirty Heads, KANEHOLLER, 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

 

River City Rockfest

What: River City Rockfest
Where: San Antonio, TX
When: May 24
Who: Linkin Park, Volbeat, Paparoach, Halestorm, In This Moment, Anthrax, The Pretty Reckless, Scott Weiland & The Wildabouts, We Are Harlot, and more
Why: The River City rocks.  See more in our 2014 photo gallery here
Web: www.rivercityrockfest.com

 

Nelsonville

What: Nelsonville
Where: Nelsonville, OH
When: May 28-31
Who: The Flaming Lips, Merle Haggard, St. Vincent, Brandi Carlile, Trampled by Turtles, Built To Spill, Black Lips, Lucero, Hurray For the Riff Raff, Moon Hooch, San Fermin, Ezra Furman, Sarah Neufeld, and more
Why: Ohio needs more music – especially southeastern Ohio.
Web: www.nelsonvillefest.org

 

NYC Popfest

What: NYC Popfest
Where: New York, NY
When: May 28-31
Who: Beverly, Palms On Fire, Brideshead, and more
Why: Artists from around the world come to NYC to go pop.
Web: www.nycpopfest.org

 

Do-Division

What: Do-Division
Where: Chicago, IL
When: May 29-30
Who: Black Mountain, Nick Waterhouse, The Dodos, Crocodiles, Tobacco, Masked Intruder, Murder by Death, Merchandise, Porches, Nothing, 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

 

BottleRock

What: BottleRock
Where:
Napa Valley, CA
When:
May 29-31
Who: Imagine Dragons, No Doubt, Robert Plant, The Avett Brothers, Foster the People, Passion Pit, Snoop Dogg, Cage the Elephant, Young the Giant, Capital Cities, AWOLNATION, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Portugal. The Man, American Authors, Public Enemy, Trampled by Turtles, Los Lobos, The Chris Robinson Brotherhood, ZZ Ward, Echosmith, Scott Weiland & The Wildabouts, Lettuce, JJ Grey & Mofro, Xavier Rudd, The Mowgli’s, Vacationer, The Last Internationale, The London Souls, Moonalice, Grizfolk, and more
Why: The Napa Valley welcomes another year of a great new festival (to go with its great old wine). See much more in our inaugural year 2013 photo gallery here
Web:
bottlerocknapavalley.com

 

98.9 The Rock's Rockfest

What: 98.9 The Rock’s Rockfest
Where: Kansas City, MO
When: May 30
Who: Rod Zombie, Volbeat, Paparoach, Halestorm, The Pretty Reckless, Anthrax, Motionless In White, and more
Why: About as inventive as the name.
Web: www.rockfestkc.com

 

Roots Picnic

What: Roots Picnic
Where: Philadelphia, PA
When: May 30
Who: The Roots, The Weeknd, A$AP Rocky, Erykah Badu, Phantogram, Hudson Mohawke, Afrika Bambaataa, DJ Windows 98, and more
Why: The best band in late night brings their annual picnic to Penns Landing.
Web: rootspicnic.com

 

Sweet Life

What: Sweet Life
Where:
Baltimore, MD
When:
May 30-31
Who:
Kendrick Lamar, Calvin Harris, The Weeknd, Pixies, Charli XCX, Billy Idol, Phantogram, Marina & The Diamonds, Bleachers, Vance Joy, Allen Stone, SZA, Misterwives, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Sinkane, San Fermin, The Bots, and more
Why: A sweet festival comes to Merriweather Post Pavilion.
Web:
sweetlifefestival.com

 

Vulture

What: Vulture
Where:
New York, NY
When: May 30-31
Who:
Jerry Seinfeld, Kevin Smith, Amy Poehler, Lisa Kudrow, Banks, Jason Schwartzman, St. Lucia, Tig Notaro, Wyatt Cenac, Billy Eichner, Brett Gelman, Michael Showalter, Jason Mewes, and more
Why: Entertainment website Vulture throws it’s own festival at New York’s Webster Hall (QRO venue review).
Web:
vulturefestival.com


June

Waterfront Wednesday

What: Waterfront Wednesday
Where: Louisville, KY
When: April 22 – September 30
Who: Shakey Graves, JD McPherson, Fantastic Negrito, Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers, Strand of Oaks, 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

 

SummerStage

What: SummerStage
Where: New York, NY
When: May 18 – September 24
Who: Phil Lesh & Friends, The Kooks, Ingrid Michaelson, Mastodon, Guster, Walk the Moon, Father John Misty, Rise Against, Lindsey Stirling, Milky Chance, Dawes, George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic, Dr. John & The Nite Trippers, The Felice Brothers, Meshell Ndegeocello, Lake Street Dive, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Rakim, Caribou, Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires, Bombino, Glass Animals, Ratking, Lettuce, Clutch, Atlas Genius, Killswitch Engage, Jukebox the Ghost, First Aid Kit, Angel Olsen, Kishi Bashi, X Ambassadors, Joywave, The Barr Brothers, Kitty, Daisy & Lewis, Hollis Brown, Helado Negro, and more
Why: A mixture of paid benefit shows and free shows receiving those benefits are a staple every summer in the Big Apple at the iconic Central Park – as well as other parks in all five boroughs!  See our venue review & photos of Central Park SummerStage here
Web:
www.summerstage.org

 

Surf Lodge Summer Concert Series

What: Surf Lodge Summer Concert Series
Where: Montauk, NY
When: May 22 – September 5
Who: Mac DeMarco, Escort, Capital Cities, Tove Lo, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., The Flaming Lips, Trombone Shorty, Alvvays, Benjamin Booker, St. Lucia, G. Love, Lolawolf, Leon Bridges, Sylvan Esso, Wolf Alice, ASTR, Delta Spirit, tUnE-yArDs, Donovan Frankenreiter, Jack Garrett, MS MR, The Joy Formidable, Wild Belle, and more
Why: Get out of the city and head to the Surf at Montauk.
Web: thesurflodge.com/concert-series

 

Nitefall On the River

What: Nitefall On the River
Where:
Des Moines, IA
When:
May 23 – August 28
Who: Michael Franti & Spearhead, Los Lonely Boys, Grace Potter, Umphrey’s McGree, Kacey Musgraves, Better Than Ezra, Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Lake Street Dive, JJ Grey & Mofro, G. Love & Special Sauce, Slightly Stoopid, The Dirty Heads, KANEHOLLER, 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

 

Hudson Square Music & Wine

What: Hudson Square Music & Wine
Where: New York, NY
When: June 2 – August 25
Who: Pete Molinari, Della Mae, Joe Pug, Elephant Revival, Willie Nile, 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

 

Celebrate Brooklyn!

What: Celebrate Brooklyn!
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When: June 3 – August 12
Who: Willie Nelson, Modest Mouse, Interpol, Damien Rice, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Chaka Khan, The New Pornographers, Esperanza Spalding, Punch Brothers, tUnE-yArDs, Lucius, Jason Isbell, Sylvan Esso, Will Oldbam, Lucinda Williams, Rhiannon Giddens, Old Crow Medicine Show, Thao & The Get Down Stay Down, Shabazz Palaces, Dawn Landes, Luke Temple, Sarah Jarosz, 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

Mountain Jam

What: Mountain Jam
Where: Hunter Mountain, NY
When: June 4-7
Who: The Black Keys, Robert Plant, Alabama Shakes, Gov’t Mule, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, moe., Michael Franti & Spearhead, Big Gigantic, Rebelution, Railroad Earth, Lake Street Dive, Shakey Graves, Benjamin Booker, The Wailers, Rusted Root, Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers, The Budos Band, Hurray For the Riff Raff, Marco Benevento, The Mother Hips, Nikki Lane, and more
Why: Despite the name, the festival at Hunter Mountain is more than just another jam-fest. Read more in our preview here
Web: mountainjam.com

 

Wakarusa

What: Wakarusa
Where: Mulberry Mountain, AR
When: June 4-7
Who: Ben Harper, Major Lazer, The Roots, Thievery Corporation, STS9, Umphrey’s McGee, Slightly Stoopid, Chance the Rapper, Rebelution, Young the Giant, Portugal. The Man, Big Gigantic, Matisyahu, Dirty Heads, Lotus, Paper Diamond, EOTO, The Devil Makes Three, Ozomatli, Galactic, Quixotic, Donavon Frankenreiter, Nahko & Medicine For the People, Dilated Peoples, GIVERS, Conspirator, Old 97’s, The Revivalists, Chali 2na, The Gaslamp Killer, Destructo, 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

 

Country Summer

What: Country Summer
Where: Santa Rosa, CA
When: June 5-7
Who: Jake Owen, The Band Perry, Trace Adkins, Gary Allan, Chris Young, and more
Why: Have some Country in a warm northern California Summer. See much more in our photo gallery here
Web: countrysummer.com

 

Governors Ball

What: Governors Ball
Where: New York, NY
When: June 5-7
Who: Drake, The Black Keys, Deadmau5, Lana Del Rey, Florence & The Machine, My Morning Jacket, Björk, Ryan Adams, Chromeo, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Flume, Tame Impala, The Decemberists, Ratatat, St. Vincent, The War On Drugs, Hot Chip, Little Dragon, SBTRKT, Conor Oberst, Atmosphere, Death From Above 1979, Future Islands, Big Gigantic, Weird Al Yankovic, Flying Lotus, A-Trak, Charli XCX, Rudimental, Marina & The Diamonds, Odesza, Royal Blood, Sharon Van Etten, Twin Shadow, Vance Joy, Mayer Hawthorne, Kiesza, J. Roddy Walston & The Business, Clean Bandit, Echosmith, Benjamin Booker, DIIV, Strand of Oaks, White Lung, ASTR, The Districts, and many, many more
Why: After debuting on Governors Island as a one-day electronica fest in 2011 (QRO recap), Governors Ball moved up to Randalls Island & to two days indie/electronic the next year (QRO recap), before going huge and wide with three days in 2013, only to suffer torrential rain (QRO recap). But last year it stayed big & was dry (QRO recap), so here’s hoping for more in 2015…  Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: governorsballmusicfestival.com

 

Wanderlust Snowshoe

What: Wanderlust Snowshoe
Where: Snowshoe, WV
When: June 5-7
Who: Michael Franti, Thievery Corporation, Lake Street Dive, Lee Fields & The Expressions, The Barr Brothers, and more
Why: Yoga + music fest Wanderlust wanders into West Virginia. Read & see more in our 2014 recap of Wanderlust Squaw Valley here
Web: wanderlust.com/festivals/snowshoe

 

BFD

What: BFD
Where:
Mountain View, CA
When:
June 6
Who:
Modest Mouse, Of Monsters and Men, Panic! At the Disco, Cold War Kids, Atlas Genius, Twenty One Pilots, Death From Above 1979, Best Coast, The Kooks, YelaWolf, MisterWives, The Orwells, Meg Myers, WATERS, In the Valley Below, GTA, Robert DeLong, K. Flay, The Limousines, and more
Why:
Live 105 makes a Big Fucking Deal.
Web:
live105.cbslocal.com/show/bfd

 

Make Music Pasadena

What: Make Music Pasadena
Where: Pasadena, CA
When: June 6
Who: How To Dress Well, Sir Sly, Kishi Bashi, Hundred Waters, Nick Waterhouse, and more
Why: Pasadena’s free fest mixes indie, world & more.
Web: www.makemusicpasadena.org

 

Field Trip

What: Field Trip
Where: Toronto, ON, Canada
When: June 6-7
Who: My Morning Jacket, Alabama Shakes, Marina & The Diamonds, Arkells, The War On Drugs, Father John Misty, Purity Ring, De La Soul, Dan Mangan, Kevin Drew & Andy Kim, Apostle of Hustle, Lee Fields & The Expressions, Temples, Hayden, Calvin Love, and more
Why: Toronto’s Arts & Crafts Records takes a Field Trip. See much more in our 2014 photo gallery here
Web: fieldtriplife.com

 

Free Press Summer

What: Free Press Summer
Where: Houston, TX
When: June 6-7
Who: Skrillex, R. Kelly, Weezer, Steve Angello, Major Lazer, Ben Harper, St. Vincent, The Decemberists, Flume, Belle & Sebastian, Mastodon, Chance the Rapper, Tears For Fears, Band of Horses, Gary Clark Jr., Future Islands, Portugal. The Man, Ben Kweller, Twin Peaks, The Tontons, Charli XCX, RL Grime, Tycho, The Mountain Goats, Grizfolk, Flogging Molly, Brandi Carlile, Charles Bradley, Diarrhea Planet, Iceage, Sarah Jaffe, Odesza, Benjamin Booker, The Bright Light Social Hour, Houndmouth, and more
Why: Check this cheap & winning festival.
Web: www.freepresssummerfest.com

 

Hot 97 Summer Jam

What: Hot 97 Summer Jam
Where: East Rutherford, NJ
When: June 7
Who: Kendrick Lamar, Chris Brown & Trey Songz, Big Sean, Childish Gambino, Ty Dolla Sign, Travi$ Scott, Joey Bada$$, B.o.B., and more
Why: Radio station Hot 87 puts on a hip-hop Summer Jam at MetLife Stadium.
Web: www.hot97.com/summerjam

 

Northside

What: Northside
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When: June 8-14
Who: Neko Case, Built To Spill, Against Me!, Run the Jewels, Best Coast, Alvvays, Lower Dens, Alyson Greenfield, Ex Hex, Jacco Gardner, Alyson Greenfield, Beach Fossils, Blonde Redhead, Drenge, Holly Miranda, Jacco Gardner, Lower Dens, PINS, Viet Cong, Zola Jesus, 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

 

Twangfest

What: Twangfest
Where: St. Louis, MO
When: June 10-13
Who: Cracker, Matthew Sweet, Lydia Loveless, The Bottle Rockets, and more
Why: 88.1 KDHX brings some twang to Middle America.
Web: twangfest.com

 

Blue Ox

What: Blue Ox
Where: Eau Claire, WI
When: June 11-13
Who: Pert Near Sandstone, Yonder Mountain String Band, The Del McCoury Band, Sam Bush, Greensky Bluegrass, Justin Townes Earle, The Infamous Stringdusters, Pokey Lafarge, Horse Feathers, and more
Why: Country jam comes to Wisconsin. Read more in our recap here
Web: blueoxmusicfestival.com

 

Drill

What: Drill
Where: Chicago, IL
When: June 11-13
Who: Wire, St. Vincent, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Tim Hecker, Disappears, White Lung, and more
Why: Wire brings Drill to Chicago.
Web: drillfestival.com/chicago

 

Bonnaroo

What: Bonnaroo
Where: Manchester, TN
When: June 11-14
Who: Billy Joel, Mumford & Sons, Deadmau5, Kendrick Lamar, Florence & The Machine, Robert Plant, My Morning Jacket, Bassnectar, Alabama Shakes, Childish Gambino, Flume, Hozier, Slayer, Ben Harper, Belle & Sebastian, Spoon, The War On Drugs, STS9, Ben Folds & yMusic, Tears For Fears, Brandi Carlile, twenty one pilots, Flying Lotus, Earth Wind & Fire, Caribous, Gary Clark Jr., SBTRKT, Punch Brothers, Run the Jewels, Dawes, Trampled by Turtles, AWOLNATION, Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn, Guster, Jamie xx, Against Me!, Odesza, Bleachers, Rudimental, Mac DeMarco, Tycho, Freddie Gibbs & Madlib, Shakey Graves, Shabazz Palaces, Gramatik, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Benjamin Booker, Ana Tijoux, SZA, Royal Blood, Woods, Hurray For the Riff Raff, Iceage, Temples, Bahamas, Strand of Oaks, PHOX, Brownout!, The Districts, Catfish & The Bottlemen, and many, many more
Why: The granddaddy of indie-meets-jam & more music festivals celebrates another genre-crossing year.
Web: www.bonnaroo.com

 

Contour

What: Contour
Where: Jackson Hole, WY
When: June 11-14
Who: Thievery Corporation, Emancipator, The Polish Ambassador, Charles Bradley, Deltron 3030, Papdosio, Moon Taxi, Quixotic, The New Mastersounds, Orgone, and more
Why: Jam-tronica in Jackson Hole.
Web: contourmusicfestival.com

 

Jazz Winnipeg

What: Jazz Winnipeg
Where: Winnipeg, MB, Canada
When: June 11-21
Who: Mavis Staples, Buddy Guy,, Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires, Deerhoof, Esperanza Spalding, Zola Jesus, Owen Pallett, and more
Why: Instead of another Canadian city’s folk music festival, a jazz one.
Web: www.jazzwinnipeg.com 

 

Huichica

What: Huichica
Where: Sonoma, CA
When: June 12-13
Who: Atlas Sound, Allah-Las, Amen Dunes, The Fresh & Onlys, and more
Why: Gundlach Bundschu Winery gives you some music to go with you wine-tasting.  See much more in our 2013 photo gallery here
Web: huichica.com

 

Snowmass Mammoth

What: Snowmass Mammoth
Where: Snowmass, CO
When: June 12-14
Who: Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Greensky Bluegrass, The Lone Bellow, Donavon Frankenreiter, The Barr Brothers, Futurebirds, and more
Why: Head up into Snowmass Village.
Web: snowmassmammothfest.com

 

Spring Awakening

What: Spring Awakening
Where: Chicago, IL
When: June 12-14
Who: Zedd, Tiësto, Hardwell, Diplo, Afrojack, Jack U, Eric Prydz, Excision, Dada Life, Zeds Dead, Flosstradamus, Paul Van Dyk, Adventure Club, Borgore, and more
Why: Spring starts in Chicago with electrodance at Soldier Field.
Web: springawakeningfestival.com

 

Ann Arbor Summer

What: Ann Arbor Summer
Where: Ann Arbor, MI
When: June 12 – July 5
Who: Indigo Girls, Ingrid Michaelson, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Pink Martini, Jukebox the Ghost, 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 

 

Burlington Steamboat Days

What: Burlington Steamboat Days
Where: Burlington, IA
When: June 16-21
Who: Sammy Hagar, The Band Perry, Martina McBride, and more
Why: Burlington Steamboat Days is past fifty years old – and so are its acts.
Web: www.steamboatdays.com

 

North by Northeast

What: North by Northeast
Where: Toronto, ON, Canada
When: June 17-21
Who: Shad, The New Pornographers, Best Coast, Real Estate, Angel Olsen, Glass Animals, Blonde Redhead, Deafheaven, Baths, Health, Iceage, Zola Jesus, Majical Cloudz, Liturgy, Betty Who, A Place To Bury Strangers, San Fermin, Lower Dens, Jacco Gardner, K. Flay, and more
Why: State support has given Canada a ton of great alternative acts, and even their own version of South by Southwest (see above) in North by Northeast. See much more in our 2014 photo gallery here
Web: www.nxne.com

 

Amnesia Rock

What: Amnesia Rock
Where: Montebello, PQ, Canada
When: June 18-21
Who: Linkin Park, System of a Down, The Offspring, Slayer, Snoop Dogg, Pixies, Rob Zombie, Sublime with Rome, Deftones, Rancid, Tenacious D, Bad Religion, Descendents, Refused, Flogging Molly, Gogol Bordello, Thrice, Coheed and Cambria, Ministry, Down, Less Than Jake, The Bouncing Souls, Melvins, Goldfinger, All, Buzzcocks, GBH, Tom Green, Steve-O, The Dillinger Escape Plan, and more
Why: Canada’s biggest rock fest.
Web: www.amnesiarockfest.com

 

Firefly

What: Firefly
Where: Dover, DE
When: June 18-21
Who: Paul McCartney, Kings of Leon, The Killers, Morrissey, Snoop Dogg, Foster the People, Zedd, Modest Mouse, B∆stille, Empire of the Sun, Hozier, Kid Cudi, Steve Aoki, Sublime with Rome, Spoon, Cage the Elephant, AWOLNATION, The Kooks, Gary Clark Jr., Matt & Kim, Run the Jewels, Walk the Moon, Cold War Kids, Dirty Heads, Charli XCX, Odesza, Citizen Cope, Tycho, Manchester Orchestra, Big Data, Andrew McMahon, Sylvan Esso, Benjamin Booker, Echosmith, Lettuce, Betty Who, Glass Animals, Zola Jesus, RJD2, How To Dress Well, Bahamas, Vacationer, Fences, Bear Hands, PHOX, Milo Greene, Generationals, Le1f, Twin Peaks, The Griswolds, Night Terrors of 1927, Hey Rosetta!, and many, many more
Why: A recent entry into the festival game was a strong one in Firefly – and it’s in Delaware?!?!
Web: fireflyfestival.com

 

Mad Tea Party Jam

What: Mad Tea Party Jam
Where: Hedgesville, WV
When: June 18-21
Who: Consider the Source, The Werks, The Heavy Pets, and more
Why: Make your Jam a Mad Tea Party.
Web: www.themadteapartyjam.com

 

Telluride Bluegrass

What: Telluride Bluegrass
Where: Telluride, CO
When: June 18-21
Who: Sam Bush Band, Janelle Monae, Ry Cooder, John Butler Trio, Kacey Musgraves, Yonder Mountain String Band, Trampled by Turtles, Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn, Leftover Salmon, Punch Brothers, Lake Street Dive, Greensky Bluegrass, Rhiannon Giddens, Steep Canyon Rangers, and more
Why: The ski resort of Telluride’s bluegrass festival always brings some big names in along with the jam.
Web: www.bluegrass.com/telluride

 

Wanderlust Stratton

What: Wanderlust Stratton
Where: Stratton, VT
When: June 18-21
Who: Michael Franti, Thievery Corporation, Lake Street Dive, Lee Fields & The Expressions, The Barr Brothers, and more
Why: Yoga + music fest Wanderlust wanders into Vermont. Read & see more in our 2014 recap of Wanderlust Squaw Valley here
Web: wanderlust.com/festivals/stratton

 

River to River

What: River to River
Where: Downtown Manhattan, NY
When: June 18-28
Who: Bang On a Can Marathon, Olga Bell, Sarah Michaelson, Roomful of Teeth, 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 hereSee our venue review & photos of World Financial Center here
Web: www.rivertorivernyc.com

 

Electric Daisy Carnival

What: Electric Daisy Carnival
Where: Las Vegas, NV
When: June 19-21
Who: 12th Planet, Above & Beyond, Adventure Club, Afrojack, Alesso, Armin Van Buuren, AVICII, Bassnectar, Benny Benassi, Breathe Carolina, Calvin Harris, Carl Cox, Crizzly, Dada Life, Datsik, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Eats Everything, Eric Prydz, Excision, Fatboy Slim, Flosstradamus, Flume, Flux Pavilion, Hardwell, Kaskade, Keys N Krates, Kidnap Kid, Kiesza, Krewella, Laidback Luke, Martin Garrix, Martin Solveit, Moby, Nicky Romero, Pretty Lights, Sander van Doorn, Steve Angello, Tiësto, Tommy Trash, Umek, Z-Trip, and more
Why: After NYC, Electric Daisy Carnival comes back to Vegas for three days. See much more in our photo gallery of 2013 EDC NY here
Web: electricdaisycarnival.com/LasVegas

 

What The Festival

What: What The Festival
Where:
Dufur, OR
When: June 19-22
Who: Big Gigantic, Odesza, Griz, Thomas Jack, Keys n Krates, Justin Martin, Eats Everything, Rob Garza, and more
Why: Head to the Wolf Run Ranch to ask, “WTF?”.
Web:
whatthefestival.com

 

Louis Armstrong's Wonderful World

What: Louis Armstrong’s Wonderful World
Where: Queens, NY
When: June 20
Who: Ms. Lauryn Hill, Ozomatli, Antibalas, Shannon Powell, and more
Why: Celebrate the Wonderful World of Louis Armstrong at Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
Web: www.armstrongswonderfulworld.com

 

Clearwater

What: Clearwater
Where: Croton Point Park, NY
When: June 20-21
Who: David Crosby, Citizen Cope, Neko Case, Guster, The Mavericks, Ani DiFranco, Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn, Los Lobos, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Kate Pierson, The Lone Bellow, Shelby Lynne, The Felice Brothers, Todd Snider, Joseph Arthur, 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

 

Green Music

What: Green Music
Where: Chicago, IL
When:
June 20-21
Who: Shovels & Rope, Mikal Cronin, William Elliott Whitmore, Lydia Loveless, Future Birds, Jacco Gardner, and more
Why: The eco-friendly Green Music fest comes to Damen Ave for only a five dollar donation.
Web:
www.greenmusicfestchicago.com

 

KCRW Summer Nights

What: KCRW’s World Festival
Where: Hollywood, CA
When: June 21 – September 27
Who: Underworld, Basement Jaxx, Erykah Badu, Empire of the Sun, Grace Jones, Ziggy & Stephen Marley, St. Vincent, Future Islands, Jungle, St. Lucia, The Skatalites, 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

 

AthFest

What: AthFest
Where: Athens, GA
When: June 24-28
Who: New Madrid, The Whigs, Emily Hearn, Kuroma, T. Hardy Morris, of Montreal, Honeychild, The Baseball Project, 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

 

Sled Island

What: Sled Island
Where: Calgary, AB, Canada
When: June 24-28
Who: Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Television, Drive Like Jehu, Lightning Bolt, Body/Head, Daniel Lanois, Ex Hex, King Tuff, Viet Cong, Hundred Waters, Bry Webb, The Coathangers, De La Soul, Ex Hex, Iceage, Jessy Lanza, Juan Wauters, Teengirl Fantasy, Yo La Tengo, and more
Why: The mammoth & varied Sled Island returns to Calgary.
Web: www.sledisland.com

 

Summerfest

What: Summerfest
Where: Milwaukee, WI
When: June 24-28 & June 30 – July 5
Who: Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, OutKast, OneRepublic, Dave Matthews Band, Motley Crue, Usher, Fall Out Boy, Paramore, New Order, Arctic Monkeys, Rise Against, Ray La Montagne, Joan Jett, Nas, Brand New, The Neighbourhood, Fitz & The Tantrums, Ludacris, Five Finger Death Punch, The Fray, Phantogram, The Head and The heart, Neon Trees, The Airborne Toxic Event, Tegan & Sara, B.o.B., Robert DeLong, Melissa Etheridge, Bonnie Raitt, Atmosphere, Girl Talk, REO Speedwagon, Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite, ZZ Ward, Umphrey’s McGee, Cheap Trick, Walk Off the Earth, Ziggy Marley, Kongos, A Great Big WOrld, Rick Springfield, Kool & The Gang, Switchfoot, Jake Bugg, Yonder Mountain String Band, Bleachers, O.A.R., Timeflies, Wailers, Los Lonely Boys, Ingrid Michaelson, Pentatonix, Rusted Root, George Thorogood & The Destroyers, DJ Pauly D, Kansas, Trombone Short & Orleans Avene, The Crystal Method, Matisyahu, Best Coast, The Hold Steady, Delta Rae, The Pretty Reckless, Bombino, Kopecky Family Band, St. Lucia, San Fermin, Wild Cub, Railroad Earth, The Orwells, Smallpools, Lake Street Dive, Bear Hands, The Autumn Defense, Ed Kowalczyk, White Denim, Hamilton Leithauser, G. Love & Special Sauce, Alice Cooper, Aloe Blacc, Gary Clark Jr., Mayer Hawthorne, Foy Vance, New Politics, and 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

 

Electric Forest

What: Electric Forest
Where: Rothbury, MI
When: June 25-28
Who: The String Cheese Incident, Bassnectar, Skrillex, Kaskade, Flume, Big Gigantic, Break Science, Carl Cox, Claude VonStroke, Datsik, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, EORO, Galactic with Macy Gray, Gramatik, Lettuce, Lindsey Stirling, Lotus, ODESZA, Paul Oakenfold, Phantogram, Yonder Mountain String Band, Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires, Crizzly, Delta Spirit, Funk Hunters with Chali 2na, Pete Tong, The Werks, and more
Why: Double JJ Resort in Rothbury gets its own music festival, as nature meets technology. Read much more in our recap hereP
Web: www.electricforestfestival.com

 

Kate Wolf

What: Kate Wolf
Where: Laytonville, CA
When: June 25-28
Who: Smokey Robinson, Steve Earle, Iron & Wine, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Charlie Musselwhite, and more
Why: Ladies & gents are welcome at Kate Wolf.
Web: katewolfmusicfestival.com

 

Tail Creek Mud & Music

What: Tail Creek Mud & Music
Where: Nevis, AB, Canada
When: June 25-28
Who: Billy Talent, Sublime with Rome, Brantley Gilbert, Bad Religion, Pop Evil, Pretty Lights, Zeds Dead, Griz, Tommy Trash, Keys N Krates, and more
Why: Mud & music in the home of the tar sands.
Web: tailcreek.ca

 

Saskatchewan Jazz

What: Saskatchewan Jazz
Where: Saskatoon, SK, Canada
When: June 25 – July 5
Who: Erykah Badu, The Roots, Michael Franti, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, Steep Canyon Rangers, Lights, and more
Why: (Sa)Skat it up, jazz-cat.
Web: saskjazz.com

 

Frendly Gathering

What: Frendly Gathering
Where: Windham, VT
When: June 26-27
Who: Twiddle, Nahko & Medicine For the People, Mac DeMarco, Valerie June, Spirit Family Reunion, Rob Garza, Moon Hooch, The Parlor Mob, Willie Watson, and more
Why: Gather some frends for a Frendly Gathering.
Web: frendlygathering.com

 

Solid Sound

What: Solid Sound
Where: North Adams, MA
When: June 26-28
Who: Wilco, Bill Frisell w/ Sam Amidon, Cibo Matto, The Felice Brothers, Glenn Kotche + Jeffrey Zeigler, John Hodgman, Mac DeMarco, Parquet Courts, Paul F. Tompkins, Richard Thompson, Shabazz Palaces, The Autumn Defense, Tig Notaro, Tweedy, William Tyler, and more
Why: Alt-country all-stars Wilco return to Mass MoCa for their Solid Sound Festival.
Web: solidsoundfestival.com

 

Tall Tree

What: Tall Tree
Where: Port Renfrew, BC, Canada
When: June 26-28
Who: Yukon Blonde, Hot Panda, The Funk Hunters with Chali 2na, and more
Why: Enjoy Canadian music among the Tall Trees of British Columbia.
Web: www.talltreemusicfestival.com

 

Rockland-Bergen

What: Rockland-Bergen
Where: Tappan, NY
When: June 27-28
Who: Shawn Colvin, John Sebastian, Willie Nile, David Johansen, and more
Why: Rockland & Bergen are crossing county (and state) lines.
Web: www.rocklandmusicfestival.com

 


July

Waterfront Wednesday

What: Waterfront Wednesday
Where: Louisville, KY
When: April 22 – September 30
Who: Shakey Graves, JD McPherson, Fantastic Negrito, Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers, Strand of Oaks, 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

 

SummerStage

What: SummerStage
Where: New York, NY
When: May 18 – September 24
Who: Phil Lesh & Friends, The Kooks, Ingrid Michaelson, Mastodon, Guster, Walk the Moon, Father John Misty, Rise Against, Lindsey Stirling, Milky Chance, Dawes, George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic, Dr. John & The Nite Trippers, The Felice Brothers, Meshell Ndegeocello, Lake Street Dive, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Rakim, Caribou, Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires, Bombino, Glass Animals, Ratking, Lettuce, Clutch, Atlas Genius, Killswitch Engage, Jukebox the Ghost, First Aid Kit, Angel Olsen, Kishi Bashi, X Ambassadors, Joywave, The Barr Brothers, Kitty, Daisy & Lewis, Hollis Brown, Helado Negro, and more
Why: A mixture of paid benefit shows and free shows receiving those benefits are a staple every summer in the Big Apple at the iconic Central Park – as well as other parks in all five boroughs!  See our venue review & photos of Central Park SummerStage here
Web:
www.summerstage.org

 

Surf Lodge Summer Concert Series

What: Surf Lodge Summer Concert Series
Where: Montauk, NY
When: May 22 – September 5
Who: Mac DeMarco, Escort, Capital Cities, Tove Lo, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., The Flaming Lips, Trombone Shorty, Alvvays, Benjamin Booker, St. Lucia, G. Love, Lolawolf, Leon Bridges, Sylvan Esso, Wolf Alice, ASTR, Delta Spirit, tUnE-yArDs, Donovan Frankenreiter, Jack Garrett, MS MR, The Joy Formidable, Wild Belle, and more
Why: Get out of the city and head to the Surf at Montauk.
Web: thesurflodge.com/concert-series

 

Nitefall On the River

What: Nitefall On the River
Where:
Des Moines, IA
When:
May 23 – August 28
Who: Michael Franti & Spearhead, Los Lonely Boys, Grace Potter, Umphrey’s McGree, Kacey Musgraves, Better Than Ezra, Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Lake Street Dive, JJ Grey & Mofro, G. Love & Special Sauce, Slightly Stoopid, The Dirty Heads, KANEHOLLER, 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

 

Hudson Square Music & Wine

What: Hudson Square Music & Wine
Where: New York, NY
When: June 2 – August 25
Who: Pete Molinari, Della Mae, Joe Pug, Elephant Revival, Willie Nile, 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

 

Celebrate Brooklyn!

What: Celebrate Brooklyn!
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When: June 3 – August 12
Who: Willie Nelson, Modest Mouse, Interpol, Damien Rice, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Chaka Khan, The New Pornographers, Esperanza Spalding, Punch Brothers, tUnE-yArDs, Lucius, Jason Isbell, Sylvan Esso, Will Oldbam, Lucinda Williams, Rhiannon Giddens, Old Crow Medicine Show, Thao & The Get Down Stay Down, Shabazz Palaces, Dawn Landes, Luke Temple, Sarah Jarosz, 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

 

Ann Arbor Summer

What: Ann Arbor Summer
Where: Ann Arbor, MI
When: June 12 – July 5
Who: Indigo Girls, Ingrid Michaelson, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Pink Martini, Jukebox the Ghost, 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 

 

KCRW Summer Nights

What: KCRW’s World Festival
Where: Hollywood, CA
When: June 21 – September 27
Who: Underworld, Basement Jaxx, Erykah Badu, Empire of the Sun, Grace Jones, Ziggy & Stephen Marley, St. Vincent, Future Islands, Jungle, St. Lucia, The Skatalites, 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

 

Summerfest

What: Summerfest
Where: Milwaukee, WI
When: June 24-28 & June 30 – July 5
Who: Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, OutKast, OneRepublic, Dave Matthews Band, Motley Crue, Usher, Fall Out Boy, Paramore, New Order, Arctic Monkeys, Rise Against, Ray La Montagne, Joan Jett, Nas, Brand New, The Neighbourhood, Fitz & The Tantrums, Ludacris, Five Finger Death Punch, The Fray, Phantogram, The Head and The heart, Neon Trees, The Airborne Toxic Event, Tegan & Sara, B.o.B., Robert DeLong, Melissa Etheridge, Bonnie Raitt, Atmosphere, Girl Talk, REO Speedwagon, Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite, ZZ Ward, Umphrey’s McGee, Cheap Trick, Walk Off the Earth, Ziggy Marley, Kongos, A Great Big WOrld, Rick Springfield, Kool & The Gang, Switchfoot, Jake Bugg, Yonder Mountain String Band, Bleachers, O.A.R., Timeflies, Wailers, Los Lonely Boys, Ingrid Michaelson, Pentatonix, Rusted Root, George Thorogood & The Destroyers, DJ Pauly D, Kansas, Trombone Short & Orleans Avene, The Crystal Method, Matisyahu, Best Coast, The Hold Steady, Delta Rae, The Pretty Reckless, Bombino, Kopecky Family Band, St. Lucia, San Fermin, Wild Cub, Railroad Earth, The Orwells, Smallpools, Lake Street Dive, Bear Hands, The Autumn Defense, Ed Kowalczyk, White Denim, Hamilton Leithauser, G. Love & Special Sauce, Alice Cooper, Aloe Blacc, Gary Clark Jr., Mayer Hawthorne, Foy Vance, New Politics, and 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

 

Saskatchewan Jazz

What: Saskatchewan Jazz
Where: Saskatoon, SK, Canada
When: June 25 – July 5
Who: Erykah Badu, The Roots, Michael Franti, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, Steep Canyon Rangers, Lights, and more
Why: (Sa)Skat it up, jazz-cat.
Web: saskjazz.com

 

High Sierra

What: High Sierra
Where: Quincy, CA
When: July 2-5
Who: The String Cheese Incident, Umphrey’s McGee, John Butler Trio, The Word, Galactic, Lake Street Dive, Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers, Shovels & Rope, Lotus, The Wood Brothers, ALO, Nahko & Medicine for the People, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, California Honeydrops, Pimps of Joytime, The Barr Brothers, Surprise Me Mr. Davis, Papadosio, The Slip, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, The Revivalists, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, Marco Benevento, and more
Why: California’s High Sierra Music Festival, up in the mountains, is stocked with festival staples. See much more in our 2014 photo gallery here
Web: www.highsierramusic.com

 

Wanderlust Aspen Snowmass

What: Wanderlust Aspen Snowmass
Where: Aspen, CO
When: July 2-5
Who: Michael Franti, Thievery Corporation, Lake Street Dive, Lee Fields & The Expressions, The Barr Brothers, and more
Why: Yoga + music fest Wanderlust wanders into Colorado. Read & see more in our 2014 recap of Wanderlust Squaw Valley here
Web: wanderlust.com/festivals/aspen-snowmass

 

Waterfront Blues

What: Waterfront Blues
Where: Portland, OR
When:
July 2-5
Who: Allen Toussaint, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Buddy Guy, Galactic, Gregg Allman, Macy Gray, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, Stone Foxes, and more
Why: Head to Tom McCall Waterfront Park for some Blues.
Web:
www.waterfrontbluesfest.com

 

MoMA Nights

What: MoMA Nights
Where: New York, NY
When: July 2 – August 27
Who: Jon Batiste & Stay Human, Lower Dens, Tei Shi, and more
Why: The artistic & classy Museum of Modern Art has some artistic & classy acts.
Web: www.moma.org/visit/calendar/programs/52

 

Northern Lights Festival BorÈal
What: Northern Lights Festival Boréal
Where: Sudbury, ON, Canada
When: July 3-5
Who: Dan Mangan + Blacksmith, Sarah Harmer, 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 

 

Burger Boogaloo

What: Burger Boogaloo
Where: Oakland, CA
When: July 4-5
Who: The Mummies, The Gories, The Black Lips, King Khan & The BB Show, Shannon & The Clams, Guantanamo Baywatch, and more
Why: Burger Records holds a Boogaloo.
Web: www.burgerboogaloo.com

 

Bunbury

What: Bunbury
Where: Cincinnati, OH
When: July 5-7
Who: The Black Keys, The Avett Brothers, Snoop Dogg, Brand New, Twenty One Pilos, Tame Impala, The Decemberists, Old Crow Medicine Show, Walk the Moon, Atmosphere, Matt & Kim, Lindsey Stirling, Manchester Orchestra, Temples, Bleachers, Father John Misty, Royal Blood, Kacey Musgraves, Shakey Graves, The Devil Makes Three, Reverend Horton Heat, The Front Bottoms, Catfish & The Bottlemen, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Mikky Ekko, and more
Why: Nice mix of mainstream & alternative – and no bees!
Web: bunburyfestival.com

 

Common Ground

What: Common Ground
Where: Lansing, MI
When: July 7-12
Who: Meghan Trainor, Snoop Dogg, The Flaming Lips, Jane’s Addiction, The Band Perry, Empire of the Sun, Motion City Soundtrack, Wale, Alien Ant Farm, Three Days Grace, Man Man, Heems, mewithoutYou, MisterWives, In This Moment, and more
Why: At this lengthy festival, find some Common Ground.
Web: www.commongroundfest.com

 

Brooklyn Hip-Hop

What: Brooklyn Hip-Hop
Where:
Brooklyn, NY
When:
July 8-11
Who: Common, Mobb Deep, Lion Babe, Freeway, 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

 

Evolve

What: Evolve
Where:
Antigonish, NS, Canada
When: July 9-12
Who: Keys N Krates, Nahko & Medicine For the People, Grandtheft, Phil Weeks, Matthew Silver, Moon Hooch, Rich Aucoin, 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

 

Winnipeg FolkWhat: Winnipeg Folk
Where: Winnipeg, MB, Canada
When: July 9-12
Who: Arlo Guthrie, Bahamas, Compass, Dan Mangan + Blacksmith, Dawes, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Jason Isbell, Jenny Lewis, José González, Kurt Vile, Nahko & Medicine For the People, Robyn Hitchcock, Royal Canoe, Shakey Graves, The Bright Light Social Hour, The Sadies, The Weather Station, Trampled by Turtles, Wilco, 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

 

Ottawa Blues

What: Ottawa Blues
Where: Ottawa, ON, Canada
When: July 9-19
Who: Jack Ü, Zeds Dead, Tycho, Hundred Waters, Charles Bradley, River City Junction, Robyn Hitchcock, Chance the Rapper, Kanye West, Langhorne Slim & The Law, Alvvays, Family of the Year, Iggy Azalea, Lukas Nelson & Promist of the Real, Nas, Porter Robinson, Scott Weiland & The Wildabouts, Shakey Graves, The Growlers, Arkells, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Antibalas, Black Lips, Future Islands, John Butler Trio, Lynyrd Skynyrd, METZ, Operators, Black Mountain, CHVRCHES, De La Soul, The Gaslight Anthem, Run the Jewels, Keith Urban, Paul Oakenfold, Bahamas, Dropkick Murphys, The Tragically Hip, Interpol, Milky Chance, Simple Plan, The Temperance Movement, Weird Al Yankovic, 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

 

Québec City SummerWhat: Québec City Summer
Where: Québec City, QC, Canada
When: July 9-19
Who: The Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, Nickelback, Keith Urban, Iggy Azalea, Jack U, Boston, Patrick Watson, The Doobie Brothers, Deep Purple, Milky Chance, Interpol, Icona Pop, Vance Joy, The Tragically Hip, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Future Islands, Primus, Royal Blood, De La Soul, Charles Bradley, Paul Oakenfold, Run the Jewels, The Barr Brothers, JJ Grey & Mofro, Antibalas, The Black Lips, Lights, Yelle, Anti-Flag, METZ, 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 

 

RiverRocks

What: RiverRocks
Where:
Hudson River Park, NY
When:
July 9 – August 6
Who: We Were Promised Jetpacks, Yuck, Waxahatchee, Speedy Ortiz, U.S. Girls, 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

 

Twilight Concerts

What: Twilight Concerts
Where:
Santa Monica, CA
When:
July 9 – August 6
Who: Morris Day & The Time, tUnE-yArDs, Jefferson Starship, Real Estate, JD McPherson, Ariel Pink, Jefferson Starship, 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

 

Basilica Block Party

What: Basilica Block Party
Where: Minneapolis, MN
When: July 10-11
Who: Wilco, Weezer, Jason Isbell, Nate Ruess, Jenny Lewis, Motion City Soundtrack, O.A.R., Fitz & The Tantrums, Echosmith, Mat Kearney, Matthew Sweet, and more
Why: Minneapolis holds a music festival – praise the loud.
Web: basilicablockparty.org

 

80/35

What: 80/35
Where: Des Moines, IA
When: July 10-11
Who: Weezer, Wilco, Jenny Lewis, Run the Jewels, St. Lucia, Lettuce, Talib Kweli, Cloud Nothings, The Kickback, and more
Why: Better known for corn & presidential primaries, Iowa has also been holding hold a sweet & diverse 80/35 festival. Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: www.80-35.com

 

Green River

What: Green River
Where:
Greenfield, MA
When: July 10-12
Who: tUnE-yArDs, Steve Earle & The Dukes, The Wood Brothers, J Mascis, Punch Brothers, Rubblebucket, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Milk Carton Kids, Valerie June, Antibalas, Langhorne Slim & The Law, and more
Why: This lighter jam-folk fest has hot air balloon rides.
Web:
www.greenriverfestival.com

 

4Knots

What: 4Knots
Where:
New York, NY
When:
July 11
Who: Super Furry Animals, Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks, Screaming Females, Mikal Cronin, Twin Peaks, Happyness, and more
Why: With Coney Island’s Siren no more (QRO recap of final year), The Village Voice moves to Hudson River Park’s Pier 84 (QRO venue review) – though it’s no longer free…  Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: microapp.villagevoice.com/4knots

 

Phono Del Sol

What: Phono Del Sol
Where: San Francisco, CA
When:
July 11
Who: Tanlines, King Tuff, Generationals, Sonny & The Sunsets, and more
Why: Phone the sun. 
Web:
www.phonodelsol.com

 

Mamby On the Beach

What: Mamby On the Beach
Where: Chicago, IL
When: July 11-12
Who: Passion Pit, Empire of the Sun, Royksopp, Phantogram, Art Department, James Murphy, Cut Copy, Classixx, Matthew Dear, Robert DeLong, Gemini Club, Tanlines, Com Truise, and more
Why: There are beaches in Chicago? 
Web:
mambybeach.com

 

Ride

What: Ride
Where: Telluride, CO
When: July 11-12
Who: Widespread Panic, Gov’t Mule, Jonny Lang, North Mississippi Allstars, The Temperance Movement, Moon Taxi, Zella Day, The Band of Heathens, and more
Why: Ride into Telluride. 
Web:
www.ridefestival.com

 

West Fest

What: West Fest
Where: Chicago, IL
When: July 11-12
Who: Murder City Devils, Nobunny, Diarrhea Planet, Jamaican Queens, and more
Why: Chicago’s West Town has its own free fest. 
Web:
westfestchicago.com

 

Camp Bisco

What: Camp Bisco
Where: Scranton, PA
When:
July 16-18
Who: The Disco Biscuits, Bassnectar, Pretty Lights, STS9, Big Gigantic, Atmosphere, Cherub, Emancipator, Flatbush Zombies, iLoveMakonnen, Kill the Noise, Holy Ghost, Papadosio, Penguin Prison, The Motet, and more
Why: Electro-jam festival regulars The Disco Biscuits revive Camp Bisco, now in Scranton.  Read & see more in our 2013 recap here
Web:
campbisco.net

 

Sonshine

What: Sonshine
Where: Willmar, MN
When: July 16-18
Who: Skillet, Newsboys, Lecrae, Colton Dixon, Natalie Grant, and more
Why: Eventually, the Festival Guide was going to include a Christian rock festival.
Web: sonshinefestival.com

 

Timber

What: Timber
Where: Carnation, WA
When: July 16-18
Who: The Dead Milkmen, Beat Connection, La Luz, David Bazan, and more
Why: Timber!
Web: www.timbermusicfest.com

 

Grey Fox Bluegrass

What: Grey Fox Bluegrass
Where:
Oak Hill, NY
When: July 16-19
Who: Del McCoury Band, Sam Bush Band, Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn, The Infamous Stringdusters, Greensky Bluegrass, Steep Canyon Rangers, and more
Why: Blue or Grey is welcome in the Catskills.
Web:
www.greyfoxbluegrass.com

 

Pemberton

What: Pemberton
Where:
Pemberton, BC, Canada
When: July 16-19
Who: Kendrick Lamar, The Black Keys, J. Cole, Tiësto, Hozier, Kid Cudi, Missy Elliott, Weezer, Jane’s Addiction, The String Cheese Incident, Bassnectar, Passion Pit, M.I.A., Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Sam Roberts Band, The Decemberists, The War On Drugs, Chromeo, Dada Life, Portugal. The Man, CHVRCHES, Chet Faker, RL Grime, De La Soul, STS9, Matt & Kim, Earl Sweatshirt, Father John Misty, Galactic, Run the Jewels, Paul Oakenfold, Courtney Barnett, Bleachers, Real Estate, Givers, BADBADNOTGOOD, Charles Bradley, Beats Antique, Jack Ü, Zeds Dead, Tycho, Hundred Waters, Tim & Eric, Cheech & Chong, and many more
Why: Head to the high hills of British Columbia for this stocked line-up.
Web:
pembertonmusicfestival.com

 

Rock Fest

What: Rock Fest
Where:
Cadott, WI
When: July 16-19
Who: Shinedown, Nickelback, Judas Priest, Avenged Sevenfold, Killswitch Engage, Three Days Grace, Breaking Benjamin, Chevelle, Black Stone Cherry, Hinder, Pop Evil, and more
Why: Oldies > newbies here.
Web:
www.rock-fest.com

 

Wanderlust Squaw Valley

What: Wanderlust Squaw Valley
Where: Squaw Valley, CA
When: July 16-19
Who: Michael Franti, Thievery Corporation, Lake Street Dive, Lee Fields & The Expressions, The Barr Brothers, and more
Why: Yoga + music fest Wanderlust returns to its California home. Read & see more in our 2014 recap here
Web: wanderlust.com/festivals/squaw-valley

 

Twilight

What: Twilight
Where:
Salt Lake City, UT
When:
July 16 – August 27
Who: Death Cab for Cutie, St. Vincent, The Kills, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Lee Field & The Expressions, Run the Jewels, Father John Misty, tUnE-yArDs, METZ, 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

 

Eaux Claires

What: Eaux Claires
Where:
Eaux Claire, WI
When: July 17-18
Who: Blind Boys of Alabama, Bon Iver, Charles Bradley, Colin Stetson, Doomtree, Elliot Moss, Field Report, Francis & The Lights, Givers, Liturgy, Low, PHOX, Poliça, S. Carey, Sam Amidon, Spoon, Sturgill Simpson, Sufjan Stevens, Sylvan Esso, The Lone Bellow, The National, The Staves, The Tallest Man On Earth, yMusic, and more
Why: Justin Vernon of Bon Iver (and much more) gets his friends together for a hometown fest.  See more in our photo gallery here
Web:
eauxclaires.com

 

Folk On the Rocks

What: Folk On the Rocks
Where:
Yellowknife, NT, Canada
When: July 17-19
Who: Corb Lund, Dan Mangan & Blacksmith, Shane Koyczan, Tanya Tagaq, and more
Why: Head all the way up to the Northwest Territories to get your Folk On the Rocks.
Web:
folkontherocks.com

 

Forecastle

What: Forecastle
Where: Louisville, KY
When: July 17-19
Who: Sam Smith, My Morning Jacket, Widespread Panic, Modest Mouse, Cage the Elephant, Houndmouth, Tweedy, Tallest Man On Earth, Portugal. The Man, RL Grime, First Aid Kit, Desaparecidos, Shovels & Rope, Cold War Kids, The Gaslight Anthem, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, San Fermin, Kiesza, The Lone Bellow, People Under the Stairs, The Barr Brothers, Alvvays, Milo Greene, Field Report, Speedy Ortiz, JEFF The Brotherhood, King Tuff, Twin Peaks, Diarrhea Planet, The Revivalist, and many more
Why: Forecastle comes with a vengeance and a top-tier line-up.
Web: www.forecastlefest.com

 

Great South Bay

What: Great South Bay
Where: Patchogue, NY
When: July 17-19
Who: 311, Electric Hot Tuna, Christina Perri, Colbie Caillat, Lotus, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, Jefferson Starship, and more
Why: Jam fest on Long Island.
Web: www.greatsouthbaymusicfestival.com

 

Home County Folk

What: Home County Folk
Where:
London, ON, Canada
When: July 17-19
Who: Catherine MacLellan, Ben Caplan, Marta Wainwright, Donovan Woods, and more
Why: Victoria Park in London, Canada, has its own festival.
Web:
www.homecounty.ca

 

Pitchfork

What: Pitchfork
Where:
Chicago, IL
When: July 17-19
Who: Wilco, Chance the Rapper, Sleater Kinney, Future Islands, CHVRCHES, The New Pornographers, Run the Jewels, Caribou, Panda Bear, Todd Terje, Mac DeMarco, Kurt Vile & The Violators, Parquet Courts, Jamie xx, ilovemakonnen, Courtney Barnett, Madlib & Freddie Gibbs, A$AP Ferg, Ariel Pink, Ex Hex, Waxahatchee, Iceage, Perfume Genius, The Julie Ruin, How To Dress Well, Mr. Twin Sister, Protomartyr, 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 2014 recap here
Web:
www.pitchforkmusicfestival.com

 

Project Pabst

What: Project Pabst
Where: Portland, OR
When:
July 17-19
Who: Weezer, Blondie, TV On the Radio, Passion Pit, Buzzcocks, Against Me!, Run the Jewels, Thee Oh Sees, The Both, Alvvays, 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

 

Rock the Shores

What: Rock the Shores
Where: Colwood, BC, Canada
When:
July 17-19
Who: The Black Keys, Jane’s Addiction, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, TV On the Radio, Father John Misty, The Sheepdogs, Bleachers, The Glorious Sons, and more
Why: Rock the (western) Shores of Canada. 
Web:
www.rocktheshores.com

 

Sloss

What: Sloss
Where: Birmingham, AL
When:
July 18-19
Who: Modest Mouse, The Avett Brothers, Band of Horses, Primus, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Cage the Elephant, Young the Giant, Lord Huron, Tyler the Creator, Purity Ring, First Aid Kit, Manchester Orchestra, Big Gigantic, Sturgill Simpson, The New Pornographers, Robert DeLong, Zella Day, Milo Greene, and more
Why: A new festival in Birmingham. 
Web:
slossfest.com

 

FloydFest

What: FloydFest
Where: Floyd, VA
When: July 22-26
Who: Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Brandi Carlile, Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell, Drive-By Truckers, Leftover Salmon, Trampled By Turtles, Lord Huron, Keller Williams, The Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Shovels & Rope, First Aid Kit, Greensky Bluegrass, Sam Bush Band, The Devil Makes Three, Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers, and more
Why: Americana-jam at FloydFest.
Web: www.floydfest.com

 

Lincoln Center Out of Doors

What: Lincoln Center Out of Doors
Where:
New York, NY
When:
July 22 – August 9
Who: Lyle Lovett, Randy Newman, The Mavericks, Vintage Trouble, The Muscle Shoals All-Stars, Watkins Family Hour, Gaby Moreno, and more
Why: The famed venue heads Out of Doors at Damrosch Park Bandshell.
Web:
lcoutofdoors.org

 

Calgary Folk

What: Calgary Folk
Where: Calgary, AB, Canada
When: July 23-26
Who: John Butler Trio, Father John Misty, Robyn Hitchcock, Lake Street Dive, Bombino, Adam Cohen, Black Joe Lewis, Thao & The Get Down Stay Down, Loudon Wainwright III, Shakey Graves, Rhiannon Giddens, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Reuben & The Dark, Ben Sollee, The Steep Canyon Rangers, Esperanza Spalding, Colin Stetson, Richard Thompson, Patrick Watson, Lucinda Williams, and more
Why: Another Canadian folk festival, this time in the country’s prairie heartland with some surprisingly big acts.
Web: www.calgaryfolkfest.com

 

This Is Hardcore

What: This Is Hardcore
Where: Philadelphia, PA
When: July 23-26
Who: Misfits, Snapcase, The Exploited, Chokehold, Cro-Mags, H20, Bane, Biohazard, Code Orange, and more
Why: Phiadelphia’s Electric Factory holds four days of hardcore.
Web:
thisishardcorefest.com

 

Underground Music Showcase

What: Underground Music Showcase
Where:
Denver, CO
When: July 23-26
Who: Brick + Mortar, DIIV, Mac McCaughan, Milo Greene, STRFKR, Until the Ribbon Breaks, A Shoreline Dream, DIIV, In the Whale, Moon Hooch, Tennis, and more
Why: Go underground in the Mile High City.
Web:
www.theums.com

 

Center of the Universe

What: Center of the Universe
Where:
Tulsa, OK
When: July 24-25
Who: Panic! At the Disco, Three Days Grace, Kongos, American Authors, MisterWives, Minus the Bear, GRiZ, Tycho, Bear Hands, CHAPPO, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., Milo Greene, Mother Mother, Taddy Porter, and more
Why: Since when is Tulsa the center of the universe?
Web:
centeroftheuniversefestival.com

 

Capitol Hill Block Party

What: Capitol Hill Block Party
Where:
Seattle, WA
When: July 24-25
Who: Ratatat, TV On the Radio, The Kills, Jamie xx, Father John Misty, Broods, Toro y Moi, Built To Spill, Wye Oak, The Julie Ruin, Ivan & Alyosha, Flatbush Zombies, Shabazz Palaces, Giraffage, Deafheaven, DIIV, Com Truise, BADBADNOTGOOD, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Lower Dens, Girlpool, Protomartyr, The Coathangers, and more
Why: Seattle throws a block party. Read more in our preview here
Web: capitolhillblockparty.com

 

Gigawatts

What: Gigawatts
Where:
Brooklyn, NY
When: July 24-26
Who: The Black Lips, Anamanaguchi, Braid, A Place To Bury Strangers, Miniature Tigers, Swearin’, Laura Stevenson, Aca Luna, Cerebral Ballzy, Liturgy, Potty Mouth, DOM, White Mystery, and more
Why: Gigawatts Media puts on a three-day fest in Brooklyn.
Web:
www.gigawattsfestival.com

 

Hillside

What: Hillside
Where:
Guelph, ON, Canada
When: July 24-26
Who: BADBADNOTGOOD, BRAIDS, By Divine Right, Constantines, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Great Lake Swimmers, Daniel Lanois, Luluc, Nels Cline Singers, The Once, Natalie Prass, TEEN, Ryley Walker, 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

 

Newport Folk

What: Newport Folk
Where: Newport, RI
When: July 24-26
Who: Roger Waters, The Decemberists, First Aid Kit, The Tallest Man On Earth, Sufjan Stevens, Lord Huron, Iron & Wine and Ben Bridwell, Jason Isbell, Laura Marling, Brandi Carlile, Shakey Graves, The Lone Bellow, José González, The Felice Brothers, Calexico, J Mascis, Heartless Bastards, Sturgill Simpson, Blake Mills, Strand of Oaks, Courtney Barnett, Field Report, Angel Olsen, Langhorne Slim & The Law, Tommy Stinson, Bahamas, Leon Bridges, Joe Pug, Nikki Lane, Christopher Paul Stelling, and more
Why: The festival where Bob Dylan was called “Judas” for going electric is still going strong. Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: www.newportfolkfest.net

 

PDX Pop Now!

What: PDX Pop Now!
Where:
Portland, OR
When: July 24-26
Who: Bed., Dylan Stark, Nurses, and more
Why: Portland celebrates its music scene with this free event.
Web:
www.pdxpopnow.com

 

WayHome

What: WayHome
Where: Oro-Medonte, ON, Canada
When: July 24-26
Who: Sam Smith, Kendrick Lamar, alt-J, Hozier, Modest Mouse, Bassnectar, The Decemberists, Passion Pit, St. Vincent, Girl Talk, Vance Joy, Future Islands, The Sheepdogs, Odesza, The Gaslight Anthem, Walk the Moon, Run the Jewels, Hey Rosetta!, Danny Brown, Cold War Kids, The Rural Alberta Advantage, Fucked Up, Timber Timbre, METZ, Alvvays, Yukon Blonde, Courtney Barnett, Sloan, Delta Spirit, How To Dress Well, SZA, Com Truises, and more
Why: Find you Way Home to Canada and this impressive new festival.
Web: wayhome.com

 

XPoNential

What: XPoNential
Where:
Camden, NJ
When: July 24-26
Who: My Morning Jacket, St. Vincent, Grace Potter, George Ezra, The Wailers, Indigo Girls, Dawes, Courtney Barnett, Lord Huron, The Lone Bellow, The Word, Delta Rae, First Aid Kit, JD McPherson, Buckwheat Zydeco, Kopecky Family Band, Field Report, Bombino, Cheerleader, and more
Why: WXPN 88.5 holds an Americana alt-country fest at Camden’s Waterfront.
Web:
xpn.org/xponential-music-festival

 

Bragg Jam

What: Bragg Jam
Where:
Macon, GA
When: July 25
Who: Moon Taxi, Andrew Combs, Futurebirds, Kevin Devine, Wick-It the Instigator, The Apache Relay, T. Hardy Morris, Natural Child, New Madrid, Turbo Fruits, and more
Why: Moon Taxi hosts a Jam to Bragg about.
Web:
www.braggjam.org

 

Mo Pop

What: Mo Pop
Where: Detroit, MI
When: July 25-26
Who: Modest Mouse, Passion Pit, Iron & Wine with Ben Bridwell, Brandon Flowers, Chromeo, James Bay, The Front Bottoms, Atlas Genius, King Tuff, Viet Cong, In the Valley Below, Ex Cops, and more
Why: A really nice event in Detroit that’s now two days.
Web: mopopfest.com

 

Wicker Park Fest

What: Wicker Park Fest
Where:
Chicago, IL
When:
July 25-26
Who: Blonde Redhead, Charles Bradley, Veruca Salt, Deafheaven, This Will Destroy You, Pianos Become the Teeth, Jacuzzi Boys, White Fence, We Were Promised Jetpacks, Big Ups, Happyness, Delicate Steve, The Life & Times, 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

 

Sound In Focus

What: Sound In Focus
Where:
Century City, CA
When:
July 25 – August 15
Who: TV On the Radio, De La Soul, Dwight Yoakam, Cold War Kids, Other Lives, and more
Why: Sound comes into Focus in Los Angeles’ Century City. 
Web:
kcrw.com/soundinfocus

 

Kings of Chaos

What: Kings of Chaos
Where:
San Francisco, CA
When:
July 29
Who: Slash, Sammy Hagar, Matt Sorum, Duff McKagan, and more
Why: Rock legends team up as Kings of Chaos to benefit Ric O’Barry’s Dolphin Project
Web:
thefillmore.com/event/kings-of-chaos-a-benefit-for-ric-obarrys-dolphin-project

 

Gathering of the Vibes

What: Gathering of Vibes
Where: Bridgeport, CT
When: July 30 – August 2
Who: Wilco, The String Cheese Incident, Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, Weezer, Gregg Allman, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, The Gaslight Anthem, Zappa Plays Zappa, Dark Star Orchestra, Greensky Bluegrass, Moon Hooch, 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

 

Wanderlust Whistler

What: Wanderlust Whistler
Where: Whistler, BC, Canada
When: July 30 – August 3
Who: Michael Franti, Thievery Corporation, Lake Street Dive, Lee Fields & The Expressions, The Barr Brothers, and more
Why: Yoga + music fest Wanderlust wanders into Canada. Read & see more in our 2014 recap of Wanderlust Squaw Valley here
Web: wanderlust.com/festivals/whistler

 

Hinterland

What: Hinterland
Where: Des Moines, IA
When: July 31 – August 1
Who: Old Crow Medicine Show, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Brandi Carlile, Future Islands, TV On the Radio, Yonder Mountain String Band, Lucius, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Joe Pug, Justin Townes Earle, and more
Why: Head to America’s Hinterland for this nice new festival. See much more in our photo gallery here
Web: hinterlandiowa.com

 

Secret Stages

What: Secret Stages
Where: Birmingham, AL
When: July 31 – August 1
Who: Sweet Crude, Landlady, Brass Bed, Through the Sparks, White Reaper, and more
Why: A mostly free event in Birmingham’s Historic Loft District.
Web: www.secretstages.net

 

Lollapalooza

What: Lollapalooza
Where: Chicago, IL
When: July 31 – August 2
Who: Paul McCartney, Metallica, Florence & The Machine, Sam Smith, Bassnectar, The Weeknd, alt-J, Alabama Shakes, Of Monsters and Men, Kaskade, Kid Cudi, Alesso, Tame Impala, A$AP Rocky, Brand New, TV On the Radio, NERO, Dillon Francis, Twenty One Pilots, Gary Clark, Jr., Flying Lotus, Hot Chip, The War On Drugs, Father John Misty, Walk the Moon, Marina & The Diamonds, Tyler the Creator, FKA Twigs, The Tallest Man On Earth, Cold War Kids, Lord Huron, Stromae, Gogol Bordello, MS MR, Chet Faker, Sturgill Simpson, ODESZA, Tove Lo, Toro y Moi, Charli XCX, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Death From Above 1979, RL Grime, Glass Animals, Django Django, First Aid Kit, Delta Spirit, Wild Belle, Twin Peaks, James Bay, Angus & Julia Stone, MisterWives, George Ezra, GIVERS, Strand of Oaks, Travi$ Scott, Shakey Graves, SZA, Philip Selway, Night Terrors of 1927, DMA’s, Catfish & The Bottlemen, BADBADNOTGOOD, The Wombats, 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

 

Newport Jazz

What: Newport Jazz
Where: Newport, RI
When: July 31 – August 2
Who: Chris Botti, Jamie Cullum, Cassandra Wilson, Arturo Sandoval, Dr. John, Snarky Puppy, Jon Batiste & Stay Human, 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

 

Osheaga

What: Osheaga
Where: Montréal, QC, Canada
When: July 31 – August 2
Who: Florence & The Machine, Kendrick Lamar, The Black Keys, Weezer, alt-J, Of Monsters and Men, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Stromae, Nas, Ben Harper, Interpol, Patrick Watson, The Avett Brothers, Caribou, Hot Chip, The Decemberists, The War On Drugs, ScHoolboy Q, FKA Twigs, St. Vincent, Future Islands, Milky Chance, Chet Faker, Marina & The Diamonds, Young the Giant, Brand New, Tyler the Creator, RL Grime, Father John Misty, Angus & Julia Stone, Hudson Mohawke, Action Bronson, Iron & Wine w/ Ben Bridwell, James Bay, Thurston Moore, The Kills, Run the Jewels, Charli XCX, Toro y Moi, Tove Lo, MS MR, George Ezra, Gary Clark Jr., Grace Potter, Guster, Alvvays, First Aid Kit, Twin Shadow, A Tribe Called Red, Bahamas, Philip Selway, Shakey Graves, The Rural Alberta Advantage, Viet Cong, Twenty One Pilots, Glass Animals, X Ambassadords, Catfish & The Bottlemen, Strand of Oaks, SZA, San Fermin, and many, many more
Why: Osheaga will stay in the top-tier with another killer line-up. Read & see much more in our 2013 recap here
Web: www.osheaga.com

 

Petaluma

What: Petaluma
Where: Petaluma, CA
When: July 31 – August 1
Who: Nahko & Medicine For the People, The Wood Brothers, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, ALO, and more
Why: Get down in Petaluma. See more in our 2014 photo gallery here
Web: www.petalumamusicfestival.org

 

Sappyfest

What: Sappyfest
Where: Sackville, NB, Canada
When: July 31 – August 2
Who: Angel Olsen, DIANA, Doldrums, Frog Eyes, Speedy Ortiz, Walrus, and more
Why: Sackville gets Sappy.
Web: sappyfest.com


August

Waterfront Wednesday

What: Waterfront Wednesday
Where: Louisville, KY
When: April 22 – September 30
Who: Shakey Graves, JD McPherson, Fantastic Negrito, Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers, Strand of Oaks, 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

 

SummerStage

What: SummerStage
Where: New York, NY
When: May 18 – September 24
Who: Phil Lesh & Friends, The Kooks, Ingrid Michaelson, Mastodon, Guster, Walk the Moon, Father John Misty, Rise Against, Lindsey Stirling, Milky Chance, Dawes, George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic, Dr. John & The Nite Trippers, The Felice Brothers, Meshell Ndegeocello, Lake Street Dive, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Rakim, Caribou, Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires, Bombino, Glass Animals, Ratking, Lettuce, Clutch, Atlas Genius, Killswitch Engage, Jukebox the Ghost, First Aid Kit, Angel Olsen, Kishi Bashi, X Ambassadors, Joywave, The Barr Brothers, Kitty, Daisy & Lewis, Hollis Brown, Helado Negro, and more
Why: A mixture of paid benefit shows and free shows receiving those benefits are a staple every summer in the Big Apple at the iconic Central Park – as well as other parks in all five boroughs!  See our venue review & photos of Central Park SummerStage here
Web:
www.summerstage.org

 

Surf Lodge Summer Concert Series

What: Surf Lodge Summer Concert Series
Where: Montauk, NY
When: May 22 – September 5
Who: Mac DeMarco, Escort, Capital Cities, Tove Lo, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., The Flaming Lips, Trombone Shorty, Alvvays, Benjamin Booker, St. Lucia, G. Love, Lolawolf, Leon Bridges, Sylvan Esso, Wolf Alice, ASTR, Delta Spirit, tUnE-yArDs, Donovan Frankenreiter, Jack Garrett, MS MR, The Joy Formidable, Wild Belle, and more
Why: Get out of the city and head to the Surf at Montauk.
Web: thesurflodge.com/concert-series

 

Nitefall On the River

What: Nitefall On the River
Where:
Des Moines, IA
When:
May 23 – August 28
Who: Michael Franti & Spearhead, Los Lonely Boys, Grace Potter, Umphrey’s McGree, Kacey Musgraves, Better Than Ezra, Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Lake Street Dive, JJ Grey & Mofro, G. Love & Special Sauce, Slightly Stoopid, The Dirty Heads, KANEHOLLER, 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

 

Hudson Square Music & Wine

What: Hudson Square Music & Wine
Where: New York, NY
When: June 2 – August 25
Who: Pete Molinari, Della Mae, Joe Pug, Elephant Revival, Willie Nile, 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

 

Celebrate Brooklyn!

What: Celebrate Brooklyn!
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When: June 3 – August 12
Who: Willie Nelson, Modest Mouse, Interpol, Damien Rice, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Chaka Khan, The New Pornographers, Esperanza Spalding, Punch Brothers, tUnE-yArDs, Lucius, Jason Isbell, Sylvan Esso, Will Oldbam, Lucinda Williams, Rhiannon Giddens, Old Crow Medicine Show, Thao & The Get Down Stay Down, Shabazz Palaces, Dawn Landes, Luke Temple, Sarah Jarosz, 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

 

KCRW Summer Nights

What: KCRW’s World Festival
Where: Hollywood, CA
When: June 21 – September 27
Who: Underworld, Basement Jaxx, Erykah Badu, Empire of the Sun, Grace Jones, Ziggy & Stephen Marley, St. Vincent, Future Islands, Jungle, St. Lucia, The Skatalites, 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

 

MoMA Nights

What: MoMA Nights
Where: New York, NY
When: July 2 – August 27
Who: Jon Batiste & Stay Human, Lower Dens, Tei Shi, and more
Why: The artistic & classy Museum of Modern Art has some artistic & classy acts.
Web: www.moma.org/visit/calendar/programs/52

 

RiverRocks

What: RiverRocks
Where:
Hudson River Park, NY
When:
July 9 – August 6
Who: We Were Promised Jetpacks, Yuck, Waxahatchee, Speedy Ortiz, U.S. Girls, 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

 

Twilight Concerts

What: Twilight Concerts
Where:
Santa Monica, CA
When:
July 9 – August 6
Who: Morris Day & The Time, tUnE-yArDs, Jefferson Starship, Real Estate, JD McPherson, Ariel Pink, Jefferson Starship, 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

 

Twilight

What: Twilight
Where:
Salt Lake City, UT
When:
July 16 – August 27
Who: Death Cab for Cutie, St. Vincent, The Kills, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Lee Field & The Expressions, Run the Jewels, Father John Misty, tUnE-yArDs, METZ, 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

 

Lincoln Center Out of Doors

What: Lincoln Center Out of Doors
Where:
New York, NY
When:
July 22 – August 9
Who: Lyle Lovett, Randy Newman, The Mavericks, Vintage Trouble, The Muscle Shoals All-Stars, Watkins Family Hour, Gaby Moreno, and more
Why: The famed venue heads Out of Doors at Damrosch Park Bandshell.
Web:
lcoutofdoors.org

 

Sound In Focus

What: Sound In Focus
Where:
Century City, CA
When:
July 25 – August 15
Who: TV On the Radio, De La Soul, Dwight Yoakam, Cold War Kids, Other Lives, and more
Why: Sound comes into Focus in Los Angeles’ Century City. 
Web:
kcrw.com/soundinfocus

 

Gathering of the Vibes What: Gathering of Vibes
Where: Bridgeport, CT
When: July 30 – August 2
Who: Wilco, The String Cheese Incident, Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, Weezer, Gregg Allman, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, The Gaslight Anthem, Zappa Plays Zappa, Dark Star Orchestra, Greensky Bluegrass, Moon Hooch, 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

 

Wanderlust Whistler

What: Wanderlust Whistler
Where: Whistler, BC, Canada
When: July 30 – August 3
Who: Michael Franti, Thievery Corporation, Lake Street Dive, Lee Fields & The Expressions, The Barr Brothers, and more
Why: Yoga + music fest Wanderlust wanders into Canada. Read & see more in our 2014 recap of Wanderlust Squaw Valley here
Web: wanderlust.com/festivals/whistler

 

Hinterland

What: Hinterland
Where: Des Moines, IA
When: July 31 – August 1
Who: Old Crow Medicine Show, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Brandi Carlile, Future Islands, TV On the Radio, Yonder Mountain String Band, Lucius, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Joe Pug, Justin Townes Earle, and more Read more in our preview here
Why: Head to America’s Hinterland for this nice new festival.
Web: hinterlandiowa.com

 

Secret Stages

What: Secret Stages
Where: Birmingham, AL
When: July 31 – August 1
Who: Sweet Crude, Landlady, Brass Bed, Through the Sparks, White Reaper, and more
Why: A mostly free event in Birmingham’s Historic Loft District.
Web: www.secretstages.net

 

Lollapalooza

What: Lollapalooza
Where: Chicago, IL
When: July 31 – August 2
Who: Paul McCartney, Metallica, Florence & The Machine, Sam Smith, Bassnectar, The Weeknd, alt-J, Alabama Shakes, Of Monsters and Men, Kaskade, Kid Cudi, Alesso, Tame Impala, A$AP Rocky, Brand New, TV On the Radio, NERO, Dillon Francis, Twenty One Pilots, Gary Clark, Jr., Flying Lotus, Hot Chip, The War On Drugs, Father John Misty, Walk the Moon, Marina & The Diamonds, Tyler the Creator, FKA Twigs, The Tallest Man On Earth, Cold War Kids, Lord Huron, Stromae, Gogol Bordello, MS MR, Chet Faker, Sturgill Simpson, ODESZA, Tove Lo, Toro y Moi, Charli XCX, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Death From Above 1979, RL Grime, Glass Animals, Django Django, First Aid Kit, Delta Spirit, Wild Belle, Twin Peaks, James Bay, Angus & Julia Stone, MisterWives, George Ezra, GIVERS, Strand of Oaks, Travi$ Scott, Shakey Graves, SZA, Philip Selway, Night Terrors of 1927, DMA’s, Catfish & The Bottlemen, BADBADNOTGOOD, The Wombats, 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 2014 recap here
Web: www.lollapalooza.com

 

Newport Jazz

What: Newport Jazz
Where: Newport, RI
When: July 31 – August 2
Who: Chris Botti, Jamie Cullum, Cassandra Wilson, Arturo Sandoval, Dr. John, Snarky Puppy, Jon Batiste & Stay Human, 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

 

Osheaga

What: Osheaga
Where: Montréal, QC, Canada
When: July 31 – August 2
Who: Florence & The Machine, Kendrick Lamar, The Black Keys, Weezer, alt-J, Of Monsters and Men, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Stromae, Nas, Ben Harper, Interpol, Patrick Watson, The Avett Brothers, Caribou, Hot Chip, The Decemberists, The War On Drugs, ScHoolboy Q, FKA Twigs, St. Vincent, Future Islands, Milky Chance, Chet Faker, Marina & The Diamonds, Young the Giant, Brand New, Tyler the Creator, RL Grime, Father John Misty, Angus & Julia Stone, Hudson Mohawke, Action Bronson, Iron & Wine w/ Ben Bridwell, James Bay, Thurston Moore, The Kills, Run the Jewels, Charli XCX, Toro y Moi, Tove Lo, MS MR, George Ezra, Gary Clark Jr., Grace Potter, Guster, Alvvays, First Aid Kit, Twin Shadow, A Tribe Called Red, Bahamas, Philip Selway, Shakey Graves, The Rural Alberta Advantage, Viet Cong, Twenty One Pilots, Glass Animals, X Ambassadords, Catfish & The Bottlemen, Strand of Oaks, SZA, San Fermin, and many, many more
Why: Osheaga will stay in the top-tier with another killer line-up. Read & see much more in our 2013 recap here
Web: www.osheaga.com

 

Petaluma

What: Petaluma
Where: Petaluma, CA
When: July 31 – August 1
Who: Nahko & Medicine For the People, The Wood Brothers, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, ALO, and more
Why: Get down in Petaluma. See more in our 2014 photo gallery here
Web: www.petalumamusicfestival.org

 

Sappyfest

What: Sappyfest
Where: Sackville, NB, Canada
When: July 31 – August 2
Who: Angel Olsen, DIANA, Doldrums, Frog Eyes, Speedy Ortiz, Walrus, and more
Why: Sackville gets Sappy.
Web: sappyfest.com

 

Full Moon

What: Full Moon
Where: Governors Island, NY
When: August 1
Who: Yelle, Oliver Nelson, Tensnake, Rüfüs Du Sol, Soul Clap, MOTHXR, Wolf + Lamb, and more
Why: A full moon shines in New York.  See much more in our photo gallery here
Web: fullmoonfest.com

 

Out In the Streets

What: Out In the Streets
Where:
Queens, NY
When:
August 1-2
Who: Total Slacker, The Love Supreme, Terror Pigeon, Love As Laughter, Wild Yaks, Air Waves, Stranger Cat, Heliotropes, Salt Cathedral, and more
Why: Head Out In the Streets of Queens. 
Web:
outinthestreets.com

 

FOLD

What: FOLD
Where:
Riverhead, NY
When:
August 4-5
Who: Beck, Duran Duran, Pharrell Williams, Chaka Khan, Keith Urban, Janelle Monaé, Chuck D, Chic featuring Nile Rodgers, Paloma Faith, and more
Why: Freak Out Let’s Dance – from Chic featuring Nile Rodgers. 
Web:
foldfestival.com

 

Edmonton Folk

What: Edmonton Folk
Where: Edmonton, AB, Canada
When: August 6-9
Who: Angus & Julia Stone, Bear’s Den, Bombino, Brandi Carlile, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Jenny Lewis, Laura Marling, Lord Huron, Lucius, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Wheel, Of Monsters and Men, Old Man Luedecke, Reuben & The Dark, Richard Thompson, Sinéad O’Connor, The Barr Brothers, Tinariwen, and more
Why: Some nice names come to Edmonton.
Web: www.edmontonfolkfest.org

 

Mile of Music

What: Mile of Music
Where: Appleton, WI
When: August 6-9
Who: The Milk Carton Kids, Andrew Combs, Roadkill Ghost Choir, Tim Barry, Stone Cold Fox, T. Hardy Morris & The Hardknocks, The Kickback, The Soil & The Sun, Wild Adriatic, and more
Why: A Mile of Music comes to Appleton. Read & see much more in our 2014 recap here
Web: mileofmusic.com

 

Musikfest

What: Musikfest
Where: Bethlehem, PA
When: August 6-15
Who: Duran Duran, Culture Club, The Flaming Lips, O.A.R., Allen Stone, Jerry Seinfeld, REBA, 3 Doors Down, ZZ Top, Collective Soul, Darius Rucker, Snoop Dogg, Alice In Chains, 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

 

Arise

What: Arise
Where: Loveland, CO
When: August 7-9
Who: Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Polish Ambassador, Emancipator Ensemble, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, and more
Why: Arise in Loveland.
Web: arisefestival.com

 

Heavy Montreal

What: Heavy Montreal
Where:
Montreal, PQ, Canada
When:
August 7-9
Who: Slipknot, Faith No More, Korn, Alexisonfire, Lamb of God, Iggy Pop, NOFX, Mastodon, Gojira, Testament, Lagwagon, Lita Ford, Marky Ramone with Andrew W.K., Warrent, Dokken, Rocket From the Crypt, Asking Alexandria, Deafheaven, Glassjaw, Deafheaven, Motionless In White, Swingin’ Utters, The Flatliners, Wilson, and more
Why: Montreal gets Heavy metal.
Web:
heavymontreal.com

 

Outside Lands

What: Outside Lands
Where:
San Francisco, CA
When: August 7-9
Who: Mumford & Sons, The Black Keys, Elton John, Wilco, Kendrick Lamar, Sam Smith, D’Angelo, Tame Impala, Axwell & Ingrosso, Ben Harper, St. Vincent, Slightly Stoopid, Hot Chip, Porter Robinson, Billy Idol, Caribou, Chet Faker, First Aid Kit, The Devil Makes Three, Milky Chance, RL Grime, Toro y Moi, Lake Street Dive, Mac DeMarco, ODESZA, George Ezra, Angus & Julia Stone, Laura Marling, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Lindsey Stirling, Django Django, Glass Animals, Classixx, James Bay, Robert DeLong, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Claude VonStroke, Leon Bridges, MisterWives, The Drums, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Langhorne Slim & The Law, Alvvays, Sky Ferreira, SZA, The Revivalists, Speedy Ortiz, Twin Peaks, Shakey Graves, METZ, and more
Why: San Francisco’s gorgeous Golden Gate Park plays host to another year of Outside Lands, with three days of an incredible line-up.  See more in our photo gallery here
Web:
www.sfoutsidelands.com

 

Rockin' the Rivers

What: Rockin’ the Rivers
Where: Three Forks, MT
When: August 7-9
Who: Dee Snider, Theory of a Deadman, Skid Row, Quiet Riot, War, Puddle of Mudd, and more
Why: Rock the Rivers in Big Sky country.
Web: www.rockintherivers.com

 

Squamish

What: Squamish
Where: Squamish, BC, Canada
When: August 7-9
Who: Mumford & Sons, Drake, Sam Smith, Of Monsters & Men, A$AP Rocky, Alabama Shakes, Kaskade, Brandon Flowers, ScHoolboy Q, Chance the Rapper, Adventure Club, Porter Robinson, Hot Chip, The Kills, Milky Chance, Arkells, Vance Joy, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, ODESZA, Royal Blood, Angus & Julia Stone, Bahamas, A-Trak, Slightly Stoopid, First Aid Kit, Mariachi El Bronx, Robert DeLong, James Bay, Benjamin Booker, SZA, Alvvays, and more
Why: A surprisingly good festival that you hadn’t heard of.
Web: squamishfestival.com

 

Shambhala

What: Shambhala
Where: Salmo, BC, Canada
When: August 7-10
Who: Skrillex, Pretty Lights, AC Slater, Big Gigantic, Bonobo, Claude VonStroke, Datsik, Destructo, Excision, Griz, GTA, Herobust, Justin Martin, Thomas Jack, and more
Why: Electro-DJs come to Canada – Shambhala!
Web: www.shambhalamusicfestival.com

 

Burnaby Blues & Roots

What: Burnaby Blues & Roots
Where: Burnaby, BC, Canada
When: August 8
Who: The Sheepdogs, Lee Fields & The Expressions, and more
Why: The Blues has deep Roots in Canada.
Web: www.burnabybluesfestival.com

 

MoonriseWhat: Moonrise
Where: Baltimore, MD
When: August 8-9
Who: Bassnectar, Above & Beyond, Big Gigantic, Datsik, Dillon Francis, Die Antwoord, The Glitch Mob, Porter Robinson, Zeds Dead, Knife Party, EOTO, Ty Dolla $ign, and more
Why: The moon rises over Baltimore.  Read much more in our 2014 recap here
Web: www.moonrisefestival.com

 

Wrecking Ball

What: Wrecking Ball
Where: Atlanta, GA
When: August 8-9
Who: Coheed and Cambria, Descendents, Thrice, Desaparecidos, Glassjaw, The Get Up Kids, The Lawrence Arms, Title Fight, Yuck, Girlpool, The Coathangers, and more
Why: Take a Wrecking Ball to The Masquerade.
Web: www.wreckingballatl.com

 

Peach

What: Peach
Where: Scranton, PA
When: August 13-16
Who: Gregg Allman, Santana, Bob Weir, Willie Nelson & Family, Warren Haynes with Railroad Earth, Bruce Hornsby, Lotus, Old Crow Medicine Show, G. Love & Special Sauce, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Dark Star Orchestra, Papadosio, Beats Antique, Rusted Root, Dopapod, and more
Why: Bringing the jam to the home of Joe Biden & Dunder-Mifflin.
Web: www.thepeachmusicfestival.com

 

Beserktown

What: Beserktown
Where: Santa Ana, CA
When: August 14-16
Who: Thee Oh Sees, No Hope For Kids, Royal Trux, Total Control, Milk Music, and more
Why: Go Beserk in the town of Santa Ana.
Web: www.berserktown.com

 

Riverfest Elora

What: Riverfest Elora
Where: Elora, ON, Canada
When: August 14-16
Who: Metric, Sam Roberts Band, Bruce Cockburn, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Shakey Graves, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, The New Pornographers, Zeus, Shad, Sarah Harmer, Tokyo Police Club, Operators, The Both, The Acorn, and more
Why: Yet another great festival north of the border.
Web: riverfestelora.com

 

Rocky Mt Folks

What: Rocky Mt Folks
Where: Lyons, CO
When: August 14-16
Who: Sufjan Stevens, Jason Isbell, Gillian Welch, Richard Thompson, Mary Chapin Carpenter & Shawn Colvin, Kacey Chambers, Martin Sexton, Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers, The Wood Brothers, and more
Why: Folks go up in the Rocky Mt.
Web: www.bluegrass.com/folks

 

Salmon Arm Roots & Blues

What: Salmon Arm Roots & Blues
Where: Salmon Arm, BC, Canada
When: August 14-16
Who: John Oates, The Duhks, and more
Why: British Columbia opens its Salmon Arms for artists from around the world.
Web: www.rootsandblues.ca

 

Summer Set

What: Summer Set
Where:
Somerset, WI
When: August 14-16
Who: Bassnectar, Big Gigantic, deadmau5, The Weeknd, Action Bronson, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Die Antwoord, Lettuce, Lotus, ODESZA, Purity Ring, Railroad Earth, Thievery Corporation, tUnE-yArDs, Tycho, Zeds Dead, BADBADNOTGOOD & Ghostface Killah, Boombox, Cloud Cult, Earl Sweatshirt, Eats Everything, Keys N Krates, Nahko & Medicine For the People, Robert DeLong, Tanlines, and more
Why: More than just another electro-jam festival.
Web:
www.summersetfestival.com

 

Hot August

What: Hot August
Where:
Cockeysville, MD
When:
August 15
Who: The Counting Crows, Punch Brothers, Railroad Earth, Shakey Graves, The Infamous Stringdusters, The Revivalists, and more
Why: It’s hot in August.
Web:
www.hotaugustmusicfestival.com

 

Moon River

What: Moon River
Where:
Memphis, TN
When:
August 15
Who: Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, NEEDTOBREATHE, Switchfoot, Colony House, and more
Why: A Moon over the River in Memphis.  See much more in our photo gallery here
Web:
moonriverfestival.com

 

Arboretum

What: Arboretum
Where: Ottawa, ON, Canada
When: August 18-22
Who: Austra, BRAIDS, Hayden, Julianna Barwick, The Sadies, U.S. Girls, and more
Why: Enjoy Canadian music among the trees.
Web: arboretumfestival.com

 

Wanderlust Tremblant

What: Wanderlust Tremblant
Where: Mont Tremblant, PQ, Canada
When: August 20-23
Who: Michael Franti, Thievery Corporation, Lake Street Dive, Lee Fields & The Expressions, The Barr Brothers, and more
Why: Yoga + music fest Wanderlust wanders into Quebec. Read & see more in our 2014 recap of Wanderlust Squaw Valley here
Web: wanderlust.com/festivals/tremblant

 

Peterborough Folk

What: Peterborough Folk
Where: Peterborough, ON, Canada
When: August 21-23
Who: Matthew Barber, Joel Plaskett, The Wilderness of Manitoba, and more
Why: Yet another Canadian folk fest.
Web: www.peterboroughfolkfest.com

 

Musicfest NWWhat: Musicfest NW
Where: Portland, OR
When:
August 21-23
Who: Modest Mouse, Foster the People, Beirut, Belle & Sebastian, The Tallest Man On Earth, MisterWives, Twin Shadow, Milo Greene, Danny Brown, Battles, The Helio Sequence, Title Fight, Cayucas, Strand of Oaks, and more
Why: Head to Portlandia for Musicfest NW, which expands to a third day at Waterfront Park.  See much more here in our 2014 photo gallery here
Web:
musicfestnw.com

 

Afropunk

What: Afropunk
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When:
August 22-23
Who: Lenny Kravitz, Grace Jones, Ms Lauryn Hill, Gary Clark Jr., Vintage Trouble, Kelis, Danny Brown, Suicidal Tendencies, SZA, Death Grips, Kele, Thundercat, Gold Link, and more
Why: Commodore Barry Park is the site for Afropunk.  See more in our photo gallery here
Web: afropunkfest.com

 

Billboard Hot 100

What: Billboard Hot 100
Where: Wantagh, NY
When:
August 22-23
Who: The Weeknd, Justin Bieber, Skrillex, Axwell ^ Ingrosso, Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, Kygo, Jason Derulo, American Authors, Betty Who, Cold War Kids, CRUISR, The Chainsmokers, The Faint, Halsey, Holy Ghost!, iLoveMakonnen, Kiesza, Lights, Lindsey Stirling, The Maine, MisterWives, New Politics, Ryn Weaver, Santigold, X Ambassadors, ZZ Ward, and more
Why: The hottest acts on the Billboard Hot 100 play Nikon at Jones Beach Theater.  See much more in our photo gallery here
Web:
www.billboard.com/articles/events/hot-100-festival/6627095/hot-100-festival-lineup-pre-sale

 

FYF FestWhat: FYF Fest
Where: Los Angeles, CA
When: August 22-23
Who: Kanye West, Morrissey, D’Angelo, Bloc Party, Flum, Chet Faker, FKA Twigs, Solange, The Jesus & Mary Chain, Belle & Sebastian, Spiritualized, Purity Ring, Run the Jewels, Mac DeMarco, Death Grips, Deerhunter, Toro y Moi, Savages, Simian Mobile Disco, Dinosaur Jr., Neon Indian, Battles, Thee Oh Sees, Laura Marling, Jon Hopkins, The Drums, Shlohmo, Cold Cave, Joyce Manor, Title Fight, BADBADNOTGOOD, METZ, Alvvays, HEALTH, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Andrew Jackson Jihad, Lower Dens, Girlpool, Mikal Cronin, and more
Why: Another great year for this great fest – fuck yeah!  See much more in our photo gallery here
Web:
fyffest.com

 

Float

What: Float
Where: San Marcos, TX
When: August 28-30
Who: Ghostland Observatory, Phantogram, Local Natives, Dr. Dog, MUTEMATH, Robert DeLong, Youngblood Hawke, Wild Cub, Devin the Dude, Bright Light Social Hour, Max Frost, Robert Ellis, Sarah Jagge, Quiet Company, The Eastern Sea, and more
Why: Float Magazine has it’s own fest.  See much more in our photo gallery here
Web: floatfest.net

 

NiFi

What: NiFi
Where: Sparta, KY
When: August 28-30
Who: Green Day, Kings of Leon, Miranda Lambert, Brantley Gilbert, Jake Owen, Weezer, Hank Williams Jr., Spoon, Flogging Molly, Gov’t Mule, Bleachers, Trace Adkins, Joe Nichols, Josh Turner, The New Pornographers, Benjamin Booker, Built To Spill, The Joy Formidable, Black Lips, Moon Taxi, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Cloud Nothings, The Orwells, Nikki Lane, and more
Why: Alternative and country come to Kentucky in this new festival.
Web: nififest.com

 

Riot Fest

What: Riot Fest Denver
Where: Denver, CO
When: August 28-30
Who: System of a Down, Modest Mouse, The Prodigy, Pixies, Snoop Dogg, Iggy Pop, Tenacious D, Ice Cube, Run DMC, Rancid, Motörhead, Flogging Molly, Coheed and Cambria, Drive Like Jehu, L7, Explosions in the Sky, Kongos, Cypress Hill, Alkaline Trio, Thrice, Cold War Kids, The Airborne Toxic Event, Anthrax, Yelawolf, Babes in Toyland, Death Grips, The Damned, Eagles of Death Metal, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, GZA, OK Go, De La Soul, Desaparecidos, The Dead Milkmen, Nada Surf, The Lawrence Arms, Reverend Horton Heat, Andrew W.K., GWAR, The Black Lips, The Get Up Kids, Bayside, Swervedriver, The Vandals, Less Than Jake, The Joy Formidable, Doomtree, Cloud Cult, 7 Seconds, OFF!, Benjamin Booker, Joyce Manor, Teenage Bottlerocket, Speedy Ortiz, White Mystery, and more
Why: Riot Fest collects punks & more, old & young, starting in Denver. Read and see much more in our big Riot Fest Chicago recap here
Web: www.riotfest.org

 

Laid Back

What: Laid Back
Where: Wantagh, NY
When: August 29
Who: Gregg Allman, Doobie Brothers, Bruce Hornsby, and more
Why: Gregg Allman gets Laid Back with his festival at Nikon at Jones Beach Theater.
Web: www.greggallman.com/event/aug-29-2015-wantagh-ny

 

Moontower

What: Moontower
Where: Lexington, KY
When: August 29
Who: J. Roddy Walston & The Business, The Weeks, The Apache Relay, Space Capone, The Lonely Biscuits, Ben Sollee, Parker Millsap, and more
Why: Music comes to Moontower.  See more in our photo gallery here
Web: www.moontowermusicfestival.com

 

Chicago Fashion

What: Chicago Fashion
Where: Chicago, IL
When: August 29-30
Who: The Black Lips, The Mowglis, Wild Party, Arkells, Honeyhoney, and more
Why: Celebrate Fashion in Chi-Town
Web: chicagofashionfest.com

 


September

Waterfront Wednesday

What: Waterfront Wednesday
Where: Louisville, KY
When: April 22 – September 30
Who: Shakey Graves, JD McPherson, Fantastic Negrito, Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers, Strand of Oaks, 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

 

SummerStage

What: SummerStage
Where: New York, NY
When: May 18 – September 24
Who: Phil Lesh & Friends, The Kooks, Ingrid Michaelson, Mastodon, Guster, Walk the Moon, Father John Misty, Rise Against, Lindsey Stirling, Milky Chance, Dawes, George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic, Dr. John & The Nite Trippers, The Felice Brothers, Meshell Ndegeocello, Lake Street Dive, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Rakim, Caribou, Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires, Bombino, Glass Animals, Ratking, Lettuce, Clutch, Atlas Genius, Killswitch Engage, Jukebox the Ghost, First Aid Kit, Angel Olsen, Kishi Bashi, X Ambassadors, Joywave, The Barr Brothers, Kitty, Daisy & Lewis, Hollis Brown, Helado Negro, and more
Why: A mixture of paid benefit shows and free shows receiving those benefits are a staple every summer in the Big Apple at the iconic Central Park – as well as other parks in all five boroughs!  See our venue review & photos of Central Park SummerStage here
Web:
www.summerstage.org

 

Surf Lodge Summer Concert Series

What: Surf Lodge Summer Concert Series
Where: Montauk, NY
When: May 22 – September 5
Who: Mac DeMarco, Escort, Capital Cities, Tove Lo, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., The Flaming Lips, Trombone Shorty, Alvvays, Benjamin Booker, St. Lucia, G. Love, Lolawolf, Leon Bridges, Sylvan Esso, Wolf Alice, ASTR, Delta Spirit, tUnE-yArDs, Donovan Frankenreiter, Jack Garrett, MS MR, The Joy Formidable, Wild Belle, and more
Why: Get out of the city and head to the Surf at Montauk.
Web: thesurflodge.com/concert-series

 

KCRW Summer Nights

What: KCRW’s World Festival
Where: Hollywood, CA
When: June 21 – September 27
Who: Underworld, Basement Jaxx, Erykah Badu, Empire of the Sun, Grace Jones, Ziggy & Stephen Marley, St. Vincent, Future Islands, Jungle, St. Lucia, The Skatalites, 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

 

Backwoods

What: Backwoods
Where: Stroud, OK
When: September 4-6
Who: Porter Robinson, Infected Mushroom, ODESZA, Boombox, Break Science, Keller Williams, Lettuce, Manic Focus, Papadosio, Com Truise, Dengue Fever, The Motet, Tea Leaf Green, Washed Out, and more
Why: Jam & electronics mix in Oklahoma.
Web:
backwoodsmusicfestival.com

 

Electric Zoo

What: Electric Zoo
Where: Randall’s Island, NY
When: September 4-6
Who: The Chemical Brothers, Above & Beyond, Alesso, Zeds Dead, Adventure Club, Borgore, Dirty South, Gramatik, Excision, GRiZ, Keys N Krates, Com Truise, Black Tiger Sex Machine, EOTO, The Glitch Mob, Madeon, Markus Schulz, Cashmere Cat, Destructo, Pete Tong, and more
Why: Electric Zoo is managing to bring European-style electronic craziness on New York City’s Randall’s Island for another year.
Web:
www.madeevent.com/ElectricZoo

 

North Coast

What: North Coast
Where: Chicago, IL
When: September 4-6
Who: Widespread Panic, The Chemical Brothers, D’Angelo, Atmosphere, Chromeo, Knife Party, Porter Robinson, Portugal. The Man, Steve Aoki, The Disco Biscuits, The Glitch Mob, The Roots, Tycho, Wale, Galactic with Macy Gray, Gold Panda, Kill the Noise, Twin Shadow, Until the Ribbon Breaks, and more
Why: ‘Summer’s last stand’ returns to Chicago’s Union Park. Read & see much more in our recap of the inaugural 2010 edition here
Web: www.northcoastfestival.com

 

Fashion Meets MusicWhat: Fashion Meets Music
Where: Columbus, OH
When: September 5-6
Who: Young the Giant, Ludacris, AWOLNATION, St. Vincent, O.A.R., Andrew McMahon In the Wilderness, Taking Back Sunday, Lights, SOJA, Allen Stone, ZZ Ward, Milo Greene, Bahamas, Vacationer, and more
Why: Fashion Meets Music – in Ohio?  Read & see more in our 2014 inaugural year recap here
Web: fmmf.us

 

Made In America

What: Made In America
Where: Philadelphia, PA
When:
September 5-6
Who: Beyoncé, The Weeknd, Axwell & Ingrosso, J. Cole, Bassnectar, Modest Mouse, Death Cab for Cutie, Banks, Big Sean, Future, Duke Dumont, A-Trak, Santigold, Nick Jonas, Metric, De La Soul, G-Eazy, GTA, Claude Von Stroke, Halsey, Action Bronson, Earl Sweatshirt, Ryan Hemsworth, Vic Mensa, Flatbush Zombies, Lolawolf, Creepoid, Superheaven, Hop Along, Waxahatchee, Strand of Oaks, and more
Why: Jay-Z’s doing everything from sports agenting to festivals, such as (now only) Philadelphia’s Made In America.
Web:
www.madeinamericafest.com

 

Utopia

What: Utopia
Where: Utopia, TX
When: September 5-6
Who: Explosions In the Sky, Leftover Salmon, tUnE-yArDs, RJD2, Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires, of Montreal, Man Man, Wild Child, Valerie June, The Sheepdogs, Vinyl Williams, Netherfriends, Riders Against the Storm, and more
Why: Head to Utopia (TX).
Web: www.utopiafest.com

 

Ellnora

What: Ellnora
Where: Urbana, IL
When:
September 10-12
Who: North Mississippi Allstars, Béla Fleck, Drive-By Truckers, Earth, Punch Brothers, Jessica Lea Mayfield, Los Lobos, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Steve Reich, and more
Why: Venues around Urbana celebrate the guitar.
Web:
www.ellnoraguitarfestival.com

 

Hopscotch

What: Hopscotch
Where: Raleigh, NC
When:
September 10-12
Who: Godspeed You! Black Emperor, TV On the Radio, Dwight Yoakam, X, Pusha T, Deerhunter, Battles, Tycho, Owen Pallett, Roky Erickson, LE1F, Chelsea Wolfe, Mac McCaughan, Moon Duo, Jessica Pratt, and more
Why: The Independent Weekly throws a great fest at venues across Raleigh for a fifth year.
Web:
hopscotchmusicfest.com

 

Lockn'

What: Lockn’
Where: Arrington, VA
When: September 10-13
Who: Anders Osborne, Carlos Santana, Deer Tick, Fishbone, Galactic, Gov’t Mule, Hot Tuna, Jimmy Cliff, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Keller Williams, Moonalice, North Mississippi Allstars, Phil Lesh & Friends, Robert Plant & The Sensational Space Shifters, Soulive, Slightly Stoopid, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Tedeschi Trucks Band, The Doobie Brothers, The Jayhawks, The String Cheese Incident, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Umphrey’s McGee, Widespread Panic, and more
Why: Lockn’ the jam. See more in our photo gallery here
Web: www.locknfestival.com

 

Basilica SoundScape

What: Basilica SoundScape
Where: Hudson, NY
When: September 11-13
Who: Perfume Genius, Haxan Cloak, Wolf Eyes, HEALTH, Viet Cong, and more
Why: Head up the Hudson for a SoundScape. See more in our 2013 photo gallery here
Web: basilicasoundscape.com

 

Dancefestopia

What: Dancefestopia
Where: Kansas City, MO
When: September 11-13
Who: Bassnectar, Porter Robinson, Datsik, Keys N Krates, and more
Why: Get your dance on in the middle of the country.
Web: www.dancefestopia.com

 

Riot Fest

What: Riot Fest
Where: Chicago, IL
When: September 11-13
Who: No Doubt, System of a Down, Modest Mouse, Faith No More, The Prodigy, Iggy Pop, Snoop Dogg, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Motörhead, Rancid, Tenacious D, Billy Idol, Ice Cube, Alkaline Trio, Coheed And Cambria, Taking Back Sunday, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Drive Like Jehu, Merle Haggard, Flogging Molly, Slightly Stoopid, L7, Alexisonfire, Thrice, Dirty Heads, Cypress Hill, Anthrax, Echo & The Bunnymen, The Damned, Yelawolf, Pennywise, The Airborne Toxic Event, Manchester Orchestra, Eagles Of Death Metal, The Devil Wears Prada, De La Soul, Andrew McMahon, New Politics, Jimmy Cliff, Against Me!, Babes In Toyland, OK Go, Andrew W.K., Desaparecidos, The Joy Formidable, The Dead MilkmenFIDLAR, Swervedriver, Lee Scratch Perry, GWAR, Less Than Jake, Living Colour, The Thurston Moore Band, Lifetime, Fishbone, Death, Doomtree, Hum, Mariachi El Bronx, Civ, Joyce Manor, The Dwarves, Tommy Stinsons, The Dear Hunter, Kevin Devine, Mustard Plug, Alvvays, Marmozets, The Coathangers, Teenage Bottlerocket Speedy Ortiz, White Mystery, Heems, and more
Why: Riot Fest collects punks & more, old & young. Read and see much more in our big recap here
Web: www.riotfest.org

 

90s Fest

What: 90s Fest
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When: September 12
Who: Blind Melon, Coolio, Lisa Loeb, Naughty by Nature, Smash Mouth, and more
Why: Because of course Brooklyn has a festival celebrating the ’90s.
Web: 90sfest.com

 

Revival

What: Revival
Where: Savannah, GA
When: September 12
Who: Fruit Bats, Southern Culture On the Skis, Parker Millsap, Those Darlins, Christopher Paul Stelling, and more
Why: Have a southern Revival.
Web: www.revivalfest.org

 

Untapped – Houston

What: Untapped – Houston
Where: Houston, TX
When: September 12
Who: Cold War Kids, Twin Shadow, Deer Tick, Fat Tony, Sarah Jaffe, and more
Why: Indie music & beer comes to Houston later in the year.
Web: untapped-festival.com

 

Grand Point North

What: Grand Point North
Where: Burlington, VT
When: September 12-13
Who: Grace Potter, The Flaming Lips, Shakey Graves, Mike Gordon, Greensky Bluegrass, Marco Benevento, Spirit Family Reunion, Odessa, and more
Why: Vermont does the jam right. See much more in our big photo gallery here
Web: www.grandpointnorth.com

 

LouFest

What: LouFest
Where: St. Louis, MO
When: September 12-13
Who: The Avett Brothers, Hozier, Ludacris, Young the Giant, Brandon Flowers, Billy Idol, Nate Ruess, Umphrey’s McGee, Lord Huron, JJ Grey & Mofro, Pokey LaFarge, MisterWives, Albert Hammond Jr., Robert DeLong, Milo Greene, Delta Rae, Strand of Oaks, 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

 

Americana

What: Americana
Where: Nashville, TN
When: September 15-20
Who: Patty Griffin, Los Lobos, Randy Rogers, Grant-Lee Phillips, The Mavericks, T. Hardy Morris, Joe Pug, Pokey LaFarge, The Band of Heathens, Spirit Family Reunion, Willie Watson, William Elliott Whitmore, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Gill Landry, Andrew Combs, Anderson East, Water Liars, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Christopher Paul Stelling, Possessed by Paul James, and more
Why: Venues across Nashville celebrate Americana music. Read & see more in our recap here
Web: americanamusic.org

 

Harvest Jazz & Blues

What: Harvest Jazz & Blues
Where: Fredericton, NB, Canada
When: September 15-20
Who: Amy Helms, Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires, Galactic, Greensky Bluegrass, JJ Grey 7 Mofro, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Old Man Luedecke, Rah Rah, The Soul Rebels, Wintersleep, Yukon Blonde, 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

 

Pop Montreal

What: Pop Montréal
Where: Montréal, QC, Canada
When: September 16-20
Who: Albert Hammond Jr., Anthrax, Babes In Toyland, The Barr Brothers, The Besnard Lakes, BRAIDS, Born Ruffians, Built To Spill, Cannibal Ox, The Cribs, Giorgio Moroder, Heartless Bastards, Micachu & The Shapes, Mikal Cronin, Motörhead, Murder by Death, The Orb, Thurston Moore, Tim Hecker, Viet Cong, Will Butler, and more
Why: The artistic alt-CMJ showcases acts based on artistic style, not commercial viability, in the snowly but beautifully European Montreal.
Web: www.popmontreal.com

 

Turf

What: Turf
Where: Toronto, ON, Canada
When: September 16-21
Who: Of Monsters and Men, Pixies, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Wilco, The Avett Brothers, UB40, Neko Case, CAKE, Lord Huron, Deerhunter, Desaparecidos, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Built To Spill, Shakey Graves, Punch Brothers, Will Butler, Fishbone, Cold Specks, Elliott BROOD, Chuck Ragan, Murder by Death, The Sadies, Good Old War, and more
Why: Toronto’s ‘urban roots fest’ draws from both city & country.
Web: torontourbanrootsfest.com

 

City Folk

What: City Folk
Where: Ottawa, ON, Canada
When: September 17-20
Who: Amy Helm, Andy Shauf, The Avett Brothers, The Barr Brothers, Built To Spill, Elle King, Lord Huron, Lucinda Williams, Lucius, Of Monsters and Men, Patrick Watson, The Sheepdogs, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Steep Canyon Rangers, Sun Kil Moon, UB40, Van Morrison, Walk Off the Earth, Wilco, Win Butler, Wintersleep, and more
Why: Folk comes to the capital of Canada.
Web: www.ottawafolk.com

 

Rifflandia

What: Rifflandia
Where: Victoria, BC, Canada
When: September 17-20
Who: Modest Mouse, Chromeo, Julian Casablancas, Kiesza, Joey Bada$$, Arkells, Tokyo Police Club, Neon Indian, Blonde Redhead, Hayden, Emancipator, Doomtree, Big Data, A Tribe Called Red, Plants & Animals, The Dears, Frog Eyes, The Helio Sequence, and more
Why: Rifflandia returns to the Garden City at Royal Athletic Park.
Web: www.rifflandia.com

 

Music Midtown

What: Music Midtown
Where: Atlanta, GA
When: September 18-19
Who: Elton John, Drake, Van Halen, Sam Smith, Lenny Kravitz, Hozier, Alice In Chains, Billy Idol, Panic! At the Disco, Run the Jewels, Jenny Lewis, Tove Lo, Icona Pop, The Airborne Toxic Event, Kodaline, Catfish & The Bottlemen, Andrew McMahon In the Wilderness, New Politics, X Ambassadors, Elle King, Elliot Moss, and more
Why: Music comes to Midtown Atlanta.
Web: www.musicmidtown.com

 

Catskill Chill

What: Catskill Chill
Where: Hancock, NY
When: September 18-20
Who: moe., Lotus, Zappa Plays Zappa, Lettuce, The Motet, Break Science, The Werks, Red Baraat, Moon Hooch, Consider the Source, and more
Why: Rock the Catskills!
Web: www.catskillchill.com

 

Kaaboo

What: Kaaboo
Where: Del Mar, CA
When: September 18-20
Who: No Doubt, The Killers, Zac Brown Band, Snoop Dogg, Foster the People, 311, Ben Harper, Slightly Stoopid, Counting Crows, Young the Giant, The Roots, Spoon, Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow, Grace Potter, Fitz & The Tantrums, Dirty Heads, O.A.R., AWOLNATION, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Michael Franti, Brandi Carlile, Icona Pop, Girl Talk, Big Gigantic, Griz, Tribal Seeds, Trombone Shorty, OK Go, Cherub, Donovan Frankenreiter, Dawes, Los Lobos, X, Lucero, Lettuce, Ozomatli, Allen Stone, JJ Grey & Mofro, Old 97’s, Justin Townes Earle, Delta Rae, Nahko & Medicine For the People, Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers, Minnie Driver, Thenewno2, The Revivalists, The Wheeland Brothers, The Apache Relay, Peter Matthew Bauer, Ed Kowalcyzk, Joel McHale, Leweis Black, Jeff Garlin, Tig Notaro, Tim Meadows, Ron Funchs, and more
Why: Kaaboom!
Web: www.kaaboodelmar.com

 

TBD

What: TBD
Where: West Sacramento, CA
When: September 18-20
Who: Pretty Lights, Chromeo, Chance the Rapper, Tears For Fears, The Glitch Mob, Cut Copy, Tyler the Creator, Ratatat, Madeon, Death Grips, Purity Ring, A-Trak, Tycho, Mobb Deep, Dinosaur Jr., Twin Shadow, The Growlers, Dr. Dog, Holy Ghost!, Black Lips, Ty Dolla $ign, Ladyhawke, A Place To Bury Strangers, K. Flay, Nothing, Coathangers, Magic Man, Chad Valley, ASTR, Joywave, Panama, and more
Why: One of the most-booked acts ever, TBD, books its own festival…  See more in our 2014 photo gallery here
Web: tbdfest.com

 

Telluride Blues & Brew

What: Telluride Blues & Brew
Where: Telluride, CO
When: September 18-20
Who: ZZ Top, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Gregg Allman, Taj Mahal Trio, Anders Osborne, The Blind Boys of Alabama, The Revivalists, Rich Robinson, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Nightsweats, The Bright Light Social Hour, The London Souls, The Apache Relay, and more
Why: Have some blues – and some brews.
Web: www.tellurideblues.com

 

Shadow of the City

What: Shadow of the City
Where: Asbury Park, NJ
When: September 19
Who: Bleachers, Charli XCX, Vic Mensa, The Front Bottoms, MisterWives, Cults, How To Dress Well, and more
Why: Bleachers’ Jack Antonoff (also of fun.) brings a festival to the Stone Pony in Jersey – in the Shadow of the City.
Web: shadowofthe.city

 

Riot Fest

What: Riot Fest Toronto
Where: Toronto, ON, Canada
When: September 19-20
Who: Alexisonfire, Weezer, The Prodigy, Wu-Tang Clan, Rancid, Motörhead, All Time Low, Tyler the Creator, Coheed & Cambria, Atmosphere, Drive Like Jehu, Bleachers, Echo & The Bunnymen, Thrice, Frank Turner, Eagles of Death Metal, Against Me!, Babes In Toyland, Yelawolf, The Airborne Toxic Event, The Joy Formidable, The Dead Milkmen, Andrew W.K., Bayside, GWAR, Cancer Bats, The Thurston Moore Band, FIDLAR, Doomtree, D.O.A., and more
Why: Riot Fest collects punks & more, old & young, ending in Toronto. Read and see much more in our big Riot Fest Chicago recap here
Web: www.riotfest.org

 

Pygmalion

What: Pygmalion
Where: Champaign-Urbana, IL
When:
September 23-27
Who: Ride, Stephen Wolfram, Purity Ring, Sylvan Esso, Jimmy Chamberlin, tUnE-yArDs, Patrick Watson, Zola Jesus, Strand of Oaks, Ryley Walker, K.Flay, Sarah Jaffe, White Reaper, and more
Why: Central Illinois’s Pygmalion Music Festival returns for another year.
Web:
pygmalionmusicfestival.com

 

Boston Calling Fall

What: Boston Calling Fall
Where: Boston, MA
When: September 25-27
Who: The Avett Brothers, alt-J, Alabama Shakes, Hozier, Of Monsters and Men, CHVRCHES, Ben Howard, Chromeo, Walk the Moon, Nate Ruess, Father John Misty, Sturgill Simpson, Misterwives, Daughter, Twin Shadow, Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks, Doomtree, FIDLAR, The Staves, Grizfolk, and more
Why: Boston is seriously Calling with the second of two editions – wicked pissah! Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: bostoncalling.com

 

Life Is Beautiful

What: Life Is Beautiful
Where: Las Vegas, NV
When: September 25-27
Who: Stevie Wonder, Imagine Dragons, Kendrick Lamar, Duran Duran, Hozier, Kid Cudi, Weezer, Major Lazer, Death Cab For Cutie, Brandon Flowers, Atmosphere, twenty one pilots, Porter Robinson, Thievery Corporation, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Metric, AWOLNATION, Walk the Moon, RL Grime, Run the Jewels, Rebelution, Griz, Future Islands, Soja, Royal Blood, Madeon, Lindsey Stirling, Clean Bandit, BADBADNOTGOOD & Ghostface Killah, Best Coast, SZA, Against Me!, Dan Deacon, Meg Myers, New Politics, Two Gallants, Big Data, The London Souls, Night Terrors of 1927, and many more
Why: Life Is Beautiful in Las Vegas.
Web:
www.lifeisbeautifulfestival.com

 

Vegan Beer & Food

What: Vegan Beer & Food
Where: Portland, OR
When: September 26
Who: Thao & The Get Down Stay Down, Mimicking Birds, and more
Why: Vegan beer as well as food comes to Portland (of course). See much more in our photo gallery here
Web: www.veganbeerfest.com

 

The Landing

What: The Landing
Where: New Orleans, LA
When: September 26-27
Who: Galactic, Grace Potter, CAKE, Dr. Dog, Trampled by Turtles, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, The Soul Rebels, and more
Why: Galactic brings a new festival to New Orleans’ South Side Harbor.
Web: thelandingfestival.com

 

Midpoint

What: Midpoint
Where: Cincinnati, OH
When: September 26-27
Who: Purity Ring, Ride, Iron & Wine, Sylvan Esso, tUnE-yArDs, Patrick Watson, Lydia Loveless, Zola Jesus, Pokay LaFarge, Matthew E. White, Moon Duo, Ryley Walker, Caspian, Sarah Jaffe, K.Flay, Strand of Oaks, Vinyl Williams, and more
Why: Queen City’s festival-cum-industry showcase returns to the Over-the-Rhine district.
Web: www.mpmf.com

 

TomorrowWorld

What: TomorrowWorld
Where: Chattahoochee Hills, GA
When:
September 25-27
Who: Adventure Club, Afrojack, Armin Van Buuren, Big Gigantic, David Guetta, Excision, Flux Pavilion, Hardwell, Paul Van Dyk, Steve Angello, Tiësto, Bassnectar, Benny Benassi, Borgore, The Chainsmokers, Gramatik, Kaskade, Laidback Luke, Porter Robinson, Rudimental, and more
Why: Belgium’s TomorrowWorld comes to America with more big-name DJs than you can count.
Web:
www.tomorrowworld.com

 

Speed of Sound

What: Speed of Sound
Where: Wappingers Falls, NY
When:
September 26
Who: The Avett Brothers, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Hot Tuna, and more
Why: Celebrating Radio Woodstock’s 35th anniversary.
Web:
www.speedofsoundfest.com

 

Landmark

What: Landmark
Where: Washington, D.C.
When:
September 26-27
Who: Drake, The Strokes, alt-J, CHVRCHES, Ben Howard, Chromeo, Band of Horses, The War On Drugs, George Ezra, Nate Ruess, Lord Huron, Wale, Manchester Orchestra, Twin Shadow, The Lone Bellow, Dr. John, Dan Deacon, Houndmouth, The Joy Formidable, Albert Hammond Jr., Rhiannon Giddens, Ex Hex, The Mowgli’s, In the Valley Below, Vintage Trouble, The London Souls, and more See more in our photo gallery here
Why: A Landmark festival on the National Mall.
Web:
www.landmarkfestival.org

 

Pilgrimage

What: Pilgrimage
Where: Franklin, TN
When:
September 26-27
Who: Wilco, Willie Nelson, Steven Tyler, Weezer, Cage the Elephant, The Decemberists, Sheryl Crow, Band of Horses, Dr. John, Jimmy Cliff, Dawes, Punch Brothers, Iron & Wine, Neko Case, Trample by Turtles, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, The Lone Bellow, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Lucius, Nikki Lane, Charles Bradley, and more
Why: Make a Pilgrimage to Tennessee.
Web:
pilgrimagefestival.com

 

Motörhead’s Motörboat

What: Motörhead’s Motörboat
Where: Miami, FL to Nassau, Bahamas
When: September 28 – October 2
Who: Motörhead, Slayer, Anthrax, Suicidal Tendencies, Crobot, and more
Why: The legendary Motörhead takes to the seas – lord knows what Capt. Lemmy will do in international waters…
Web: www.motorheadcruise.com


October

Motörhead’s Motörboat

What: Motörhead’s Motörboat
Where: Miami, FL to Nassau, Bahamas
When: September 28 – October 2
Who: Motörhead, Slayer, Anthrax, Suicidal Tendencies, Crobot, and more
Why: The legendary Motörhead takes to the seas – lord knows what Capt. Lemmy will do in international waters…
Web: www.motorheadcruise.com

 

Culture Collide – San Francisco

What: Culture Collide – San Francisco
Where: San Francisco, CA
When:
October 1-2
Who: Milo Greene, Widowspeak, British India, and more
Why: Culture Collide festival returns to venues in not just Los Angeles (see below) but also also San Francisco.  Read & see much more in our 2012 recap here
Web:
culturecollide.com

 

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass

What: Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
Where: San Francisco, CA
When: October 2-4
Who: T Bone Burnett, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, The Mavericks, Punch Brothers, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Lee Ann Womack, Big Star’s Third, Conor Oberst, M. Ward, Laura Marling, The Felice Brothers, Johnathan Rice, Gillian Welch, Flogging Molly, Paul Weller, Boz Scaggs, Joe Jackson, The Flatlanders, Leftover Salmon, Pokey LaFarge, Joe Pug, The Sheepdogs, Nels Cline & Julian Lage, Madisen Ward & The Mama Bear, Robyn Hitchcock, Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Justin Townes Earle, Indigo Girls, Angel Olsen, Spirit Family Reunion, DeVotchKa, Neko Case, Charles Bradley, Nick Lowe, Los Lobos, Poi Dog Pondering, Asleep At the Wheel, Steep Canyon Rangers, Anderson East, Kevin Devine, and many more
Why: Golden Gate Park welcomes big names that may not be strictly bluegrass, but is free!
Web: www.hardlystrictlybluegrass.com

 

Austin City Limits

What: Austin City Limits
Where: Austin, TX
When: October 2-4 & 9-11
Who: Foo Fighters, Drake, The Strokes, Florence & The Machine, The Weekend, Disclosure, deadmay5, Bassnectar, alt-J, Hozier, Alabama Shakes, Of Monsters and Men, Modest Mouse, Tame Impala, Sturgill Simpson, The Decemberists, A$AP Rocky, Gary Clark Jr., Chance the Rapper, Ben Howard, Brand New, TV On the Radio, Walk the Moon, Billy Idol, twenty one pilots, Nero, Dwight Yoakam, Father John Misty, Brandon Flowers, Vance Joy, George Ezra, Lord Huron, Flosstradamus, Cherub, Run the Jewels, Glass Animals, Sylvan Esso, Shakey Graves, Leon Bridges, Nate Ruess, Echosmith, Royal Blood, MisterWives, Kurt Vile, José González, Griz, Houndmouth, Rhiannon Giddens, Strand of Oaks, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Albert Hammond Jr., Classixx, In the Valley Below, Waxahatchee, Milo Greene, San Fermin, Meg Myers, The Maccabees, Wolf Alice, Asleep At the Wheel, Ume, Spirit Family Reunion, The London Souls, 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

 

California Roots – Carolina Sessions

What: California Roots – Carolina Sessions
Where: Myrtle Beach, CA
When: October 3
Who: 311, SOJA, Steel Pulse, The Movement, Dustin Thomas, and more
Why: California Roots expands to Carolina. See more in our photo gallery from California Roots here
Web: californiarootscarolina.com

 

Hogs Charleston

What: Hogs Charleston
Where: Charleston, SC
When:
October 3
Who: Dr. Dog, Lucero, Nikki Lane, Fly Golden Eagle, and more
Why: Benefit festival for Hogs For a Cause.
Web:
www.hogscharleston.org

 

Afropunk – Atlanta

What: Afropunk – Atlanta
Where: Atlanta, GA
When:
October 3-4
Who: D’Angelo & The Vanguard, Flying Lotus, Santigold, Thundercat, Goldlink, Death Grips, Public Enemy, Tyler the Creator, Twin Shadow, Benjamin Booker, Saul Williams, Big Freedia, Lolawolf, Kelela, Mykki Blanco, Ratking, Trash Talk, Danny Brown, Suicidal Tendencies, and more
Why: Afropunk comes down south.  See more in our Brooklyn Afropunk photo gallery here
Web:
afropunkfest.com/atlanta

 

Louder Than Life

What: Louder Than Life
Where: Louisville, KY
When:
October 3-4
Who: ZZ Top, Rob Zombie, Shinedown, Godsmack, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Chevelle, 3 Doors Down, Bring Me the Horizon, Slash, Seether, Breaking Benjamin, Of Mice & Men, Collective Soul, Sevendust, Black Stone Cherry, Hollywood Undead, Skid Row, Tremonti, Hinder, Turbowolf, We Came As Romans, We Are Harlot, The Temperance Movement, Marmozets, and more
Why: Music + whiskey + ‘gourmet man food’.
Web:
louderthanlifefestival.com

 

Modern Sky - New York

What: Modern Sky – New York
Where: New York, NY
When: October 4
Who: Yoko Ono Plastic Ono Band, Gang of Four, Black Lips, Hedgehog, Ariel Pink, Song Dongye, New Pants, and more
Why: China’s Modern Sky Festival returns to New York’s Central Park SummerStage (QRO venue review) – as well as expanding to Seattle (see below).
Web: modernskyfestivalnyc.com

 

Culture Collide – Los Angeles

What: Culture Collide – Los Angeles
Where: Los Angeles, CA
When:
October 8-10
Who: Ladyhawke, The Juan MacLean, British India, Garden City Movement, and more
Why: Culture Collide festival returns to venues across Los Angeles & now San Francisco (see above) for a fifth year.  Read & see much more in our 2012 recap here
Web:
culturecollide.com

 

Festival Supreme

What: Festival Supreme
Where: Los Angeles, CA
When:
October 10
Who: Tenacious D, Die Antwoord, Kids In the Hall, The Darkness, Dan Deacon, Jenny Slate, Tim Minchin, Big Freedia, Amy Poehler, Andrew W.K., Adam Devine, Rocket From the Crypt, Mystery Science Theater 3000, Aubrey Plaza, Nick Thune, Neil Hamburger, Kristen Schaal and more
Why: The greatest band in the world brings a (mostly) comedy festival to Los Angeles.
Web:
festivalsupreme.com

 

Rock Allegiance

What: Rock Allegiance
Where: Chester, PA
When:
October 10
Who: Rod Zombie, Korn, Godsmack, Five Finger Death Punch, Paproach, Bring Me the Horison, In This Moment, Hollywood Undead, Pop Evil and more
Why: Pledge Allegiance to the Rock.
Web:
rockallegiance.com

 

 

Modern Sky - Seattle

What: Modern Sky – Seattle
Where: Seattle, WA
When: October 11
Who: Gang of Four, Black Lips, Hedgehog, Ariel Pink, Song Dongye, New Pants, and more
Why: China’s Modern Sky Festival expands from New York (see above) to Seattle’s Mural Amphitheatre.
Web: modernskyfestivalseattle.com

 

 

CMJ

What: CMJ
Where: New York, NY
When: October 13-17
Who: More than you can count
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

 

SONiC

What: SONiC
Where: New York, NY
When: October 15-23
Who: Music From Copeland House, American Composers Orchestra, JACK Quartet, DM Smith, Roomful of Teeth, Julia Holter, So Percussion, and more
Why: SONiC (Sounds of the New Century) brings 21st century classical.
Web: www.sonicfestival.org

 

Phases of the Moon

What: Phases of the Moon
Where: Danville, IL
When: October 16-18
Who: The Disco Biscuits, STS9, Axe the Cables, moe., Yonder Mountain String Band, Beats Antique, Xavier Rudd, Leftover Salmon, Lettuce, Lake Street Dive, Rusted Root, ALO, Papadosio, The Wereks, The New Mastersounds, The Motet, Pimps of Joytime, The Bright Light Social Hour, California Honeydrops, and more
Why: Jam festival comes to Kennekuk County Park, under the Moon.
Web: phasesofthemoonfestival.com

 

American Roots

What: American Roots
Where: Raleigh, NC
When:
October 17-18
Who: Eric Church, Modest Mouse, Sheryl Crow, The Roots, Willie Nelson, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Grace Potter, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Railroad Earth, Leftover Salmon, Greensky Bluegrass, and more
Why: American Roots comes to Raleigh.
Web:
blackbirdmusicgroup.com/american-roots-music-arts-festival

 

Treasure Island

What: Treasure Island
Where: San Francisco, CA
When:
October 17-18
Who: The National, deadmau5, Robyn, CHVRCHES, The War On Drugs, Azealia Banks, Father John Misty, STS9, Run the Jewels, Panda Bear, Gorgon City, José González, Hudson Mohawke, Deerhunter, Cashmere Cat, Drive Like Jehu, Lower Dens, Ex Hex, Mikal Cronin, Viet Cong, 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 photo gallery here
Web:
www.treasureislandfestival.com

 

Aftershock

What: Aftershock
Where: Sacramento, CA
When: October 24-25
Who: Slipknot, Faith No More, Deftones, Shinedown, Marilyn Manson, Jane’s Addiction, Breaking Benjamin, Stone Temple Pilots, Coheed & Cambria, Seether, Bring Me the Horizon, All Time Low, Death From Above 1979, Eagles of Death Metal, Sleeping With Sirens, Clutch, P.O.D., Yelawolf, Glassjaw, Helmet, Devour the Day, Suicidal Tendencies, The Sword, Red Fang, and more
Why: Today’s hard rock comes to the capitol of the Bear Republic.
Web: www.aftershockconcert.com

 

Knotfest

What: Knotfest
Where: San Bernadino, CA
When: October 24-25
Who: Slipknot, Judas Priest, Bring Me the Horizon, Korn, Mastodon, Corrosion of Conformity, Clutch, Ghostface Killah, Mobb Deep, Suicidal Tendencies, Cannibal Corpse, Body Count, GWAR, All That Remains, Helmet, Red Fang, The Sword, Devour the Day, and more
Why: Slipknow throws a festival.
Web: www.knotfest.com

 

Fest 14

What: Fest 14
Where: Gainesville, FL
When: October 30 – November 1
Who: Banner Pilot, Blacklist Royals, Crocodiles, Desaparecidos, The Dollyrots, Everyment, Government Issue, Into It. Over It., Lagwagon, Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires, Look Mexico, The Menzingers, mewithoutyou, Mustard Plug, Night Birds, Off With Theird Heads, Pianos Become the Teeth, PUJOL, Riverboat Gamblers, Shellshag, Smoke or Fire, Teenage Bottlerocket, Tim Barry, Turbo Fruits, Weston, The World Is a Beautiful Place and I Am No Longer Afraid To Die, Young Widows, and more
Why: Punk of all stripes returns to north Florida over Halloween.
Web:
www.thefestfl.com

 

Voodoo Experience

What: Voodoo Experience
Where: New Orleans, LA
When: October 30 – November 1
Who: Ozzy Osbourne, Florence & The Machine, Zac Brown Band, Jane’s Addiction, Jack Ü, deadmau5, Santigold, Modest Mouse, Chance the Rapper, Duke Dumont, Girl Talk, Eric Prydz, Giorgio Moroder, Alesso, Slightly Stoopid, Clutch, Jason Isbell, Third Eye Blind, Django Django, Gerard Way, The Cult, Lettuce, Yelawolf, Fishbone, The Growlers, Destructo, Title Fight, Babes In Toyland, Joey Bada$$, Joywave, The Joy Formidable, Ryan Bingham, Frank Turner, 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: worshipthemusic.com

 


November & December

Fest 14

What: Fest 14
Where: Gainesville, FL
When: October 30 – November 1
Who: Banner Pilot, Blacklist Royals, Crocodiles, Desaparecidos, The Dollyrots, Everyment, Government Issue, Into It. Over It., Lagwagon, Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires, Look Mexico, The Menzingers, mewithoutyou, Mustard Plug, Night Birds, Off With Theird Heads, Pianos Become the Teeth, PUJOL, Riverboat Gamblers, Shellshag, Smoke or Fire, Teenage Bottlerocket, Tim Barry, Turbo Fruits, Weston, The World Is a Beautiful Place and I Am No Longer Afraid To Die, Young Widows, and more
Why: Punk of all stripes returns to north Florida over Halloween.
Web:
www.thefestfl.com

 

Voodoo Experience

What: Voodoo Experience
Where: New Orleans, LA
When: October 30 – November 1
Who: Ozzy Osbourne, Florence & The Machine, Zac Brown Band, Jane’s Addiction, Jack Ü, deadmau5, Santigold, Modest Mouse, Chance the Rapper, Duke Dumont, Girl Talk, Eric Prydz, Giorgio Moroder, Alesso, Slightly Stoopid, Clutch, Jason Isbell, Third Eye Blind, Django Django, Gerard Way, The Cult, Lettuce, Yelawolf, Fishbone, The Growlers, Destructo, Title Fight, Babes In Toyland, Joey Bada$$, Joywave, The Joy Formidable, Ryan Bingham, Frank Turner, 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: worshipthemusic.com

 

Fun Fun Fun

What: Fun Fun Fun
Where: Austin, TX
When: November 6-8
Who: Jane’s Addiction, Wu-Tang Clan, Venom, D’Angelo, Chromeo, NOFX, CHVRCHES, ScHoolboy Q, Gogol Bordello, Future Islands, Grimes, Coheed & Cambria, Ride, ODESZA, Drive Like Jehu, Cheap Trick, Neon Indian, L7, Dag Nasty, Toro y Moi, MSTRKRFT, Desaparecidos, American Football, Hudson Mohawke, Converge, Peaches, Mikal Cronin, Joey Bada$$, The Charlatans, Big Freedia, Babes In Toyland, Viet Cong, Afrika Bambaataa, Parquet Courts, Alvvays, OFF!, Speedy Ortiz, Murder By Death, Doomtree, Title Fight, Cass McCombs, BADBADNOTGOOD, Fucked Up, Ringo Deathstarr, TOPS, King Khan & BBQ Show, Benjamin Booker, Nothing, Tig Notaro, Doug Benson, Eric Andre, Todd Barry, Eugene Mirman, Jonah Ray, 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 2014 recap here
Web: funfunfunfest.com

 

Untapped – Dallas

What: Untapped – Dallas
Where: Dallas, TX
When: November 7
Who: The Flaming Lips, Dr. Dog, Cloud Nothings, Elle King, Lights, The Mowgli’s, Steve Gunn, UME, and more
Why: Indie music & beer comes to Dallas later in the year.
Web: untapped-festival.com

 

San Diego Music Thing

What: San Diego Music Thing
Where: San Diego, CA
When: November 11-14
Who: Yo La Tengo, L7, The Joy Formidable, Swingin’ Utters, Milo Greene, No Age, Blitzen Trapper, Tamaryn, Viet Cong, Born Ruffians, Here We Go Magic, In the Valley Below, A.A. Bondy, The Album Leaf, and more
Why: San Diego explores this music ‘thing’.
Web:
www.sandiegomusicthing.com

 

Mad Decent Boat Party

What: Mad Decent Boat Party
Where: Miami, FL to Nassau & Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas
When: November 11-15
Who: A-Trak, Borgore, Dillon Francis, Diplo, Flosstradamus, G-Eazy, Giraffage, iLoveMakonnen, Jack Ü, Keys N Krates, Major Lazer, Martin Solveig, Skrilex, Thomas Jack, and more
Why: All aboard the S.S. Mad Decent.
Web: www.maddecentboatparty.com

 

M Is For Montreal

What: M Is For Montreal
Where: Montreal, PQ, Canada
When:
November 18-21
Who: Adam Cohen, BADBADNOTGOOD, Cadence Weapon, Elephant Stone, Loud Lary Ajust, Nils Frahm, Pat Jordache, Quintron & Miss Pussycat, Sean Nicholas Savage, Seoul, Tei Shi, Thee Oh Sees, and more
Why: ‘M’ doesn’t just stand for ‘murder’.
Web:
www.mformontreal.com/mformontreal

 

Untapped - San Antonio

What: Untapped – San Antonio
Where: San Antonio, TX
When:
November 21
Who: Metric, Tokyo Police Club, Saint Motel, and more
Why: Untapped heads to San Antonio for the first time.
Web: untapped-festival.com

 

Houston Whatever

What: Houston Whatever
Where: Houston, TX
When: November 21-22
Who: Metric, T.J. Miller, GWAR, Ghostland Observatory, Brooks Whelan, GZA, Grupo Fantasma, The Front Bottoms, Saint Motel, Doug Benson, Ari Shaffir, Chris Cubas, Heartless Bastards, Family of the Year, Fat Tony, We Are Wolves, and more
Why: Catch this music & comedy fest in Houston – or, ya know, Whatever…
Web: houstonwhateverfest.com

 

Day For Night

What: Day For Night
Where: Houston, TX
When: December 19-20
Who: Kendrick Lamar, New Order, Philip Glass, Dillon Francis, Janelle Monae, Flying Lotus, Death Grips, Nicholas Jaar, Madeon, Psychic TV, CocoRosie, Shamir, Elliphant, Battles, Dan Deacon, Com Truise, Indian Jewelry, U.S. Girls, Prince Rama, and more Read & see more in our recap here
Why: Art meets music to close out 2015.
Web: www.dayfornight.io

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