2019 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

2019 Festival Guide

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

Total festivals with dates: 302

Total festivals with full line-ups: 301

 

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

 

 

 


January & February

Holy Ship!

What: Holy Ship!
Where: Port Canaveral, FL to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas to Nassau, Bahamas
When: January 5-9
Who: The Black Madonna, Bob Moses, Chris Lake, Claude VonStroke, GRiZ, Louis the Child, Tchami, Troyboi, What So Not, Zhu, and more
Why: Holy ship that’s a lot of DJs!
Web: holyship.com

 

EcstaticWhat: Ecstatic
Where: New York, NY
When: January 7 – March 21
Who: Zola Jesus, Deerhoof, Wye Oak and more
Why: The burgeoning indie-classical genre gets Ecstatic with the latest series of events at Merkin Concert Hall.
Web: www.ecstaticmusicfestival.com

 

Holy Ship!

What: Holy Ship!
Where: Port Canaveral, FL to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas to Nassau, Bahamas
When: January 9-12
Who: The Black Madonna, Bob Moses, Chris Lake, Claude VonStroke, GRiZ, Louis the Child, Tchami, Troyboi, What So Not, Zhu, and more
Why: Holy ship that’s a lot of DJs!
Web: holyship.com

 

Shivering Songs

What: Shivering Songs
Where: Fredericton, NB, Canada
When: January 22-27
Who: The Olympic Symphonium, Matthew Byrne, and more
Why: The Olympic Symphonium’s hometown festival returns.
Web: shiveringsongs.com

 

Timbrrr Winter

What: Timbrrr Winter
Where: Leavenworth, WA
When: January 25-26
Who: Shannon & The Clams, The Trule Loves, Kyle Craft, and more
Why: Timbrr!
Web: www.timbermusicfest.com

 

American Songbook

What: American Songbook
Where: Lincoln Center, New York, NY
When: January 30 – March 4
Who: St. Vincent, Rostam, Rachael & Vilray, Nancy and Beth, Gaby Moreno, Son Lux, Martha Plimpton, and more
Why: Pretty much the classiest venue out there, Lincoln Center celebrates American songwriting at Appel Room (as well as David Rubenstein Atrium & Rose Theatre). See our venue review & photos of Lincoln Center’s Appel Room here
Web: www.americansongbook.org

 

Shiprocked

What: Shiprocked
Where: Galveston, TX to Cozumel, Mexico
When: January 26-31
Who: Papa Roach, Bullet For My Valentine, I Prevail, Nothing More, Suicidal Tendencies, Sevendust, Motionless In White, Atreyu, Tremonti, Nonpoint, Skindred, Wilson, Badflower, and more
Why: A hard rock cruise.
Web: www.shiprocked.com

 

Super Bowl Music Fest

What: Super Bowl Music Fest
Where: Atlanta, GA
When: January 31 – February 2
Who: Bruno Mars, Aerosmith, Ludacris, Cardi B, Post Malone, Migos, and more
Why: Celebrate the Super Bowl in Hotlanta with these big-name acts.
Web: www.superbowlmusicfest.com

 

Cruise To the Edge

What: Cruise To the Edge
Where: Tampa, FL to Key West, FL & Cozumel, Mexico
When: February 4-9
Who: Steve Hackett, Mike Portnoy, Riverside, FISH, Adrian Belew, and more
Why: A cruise for prog rock.
Web: cruisetotheedge.com

 

Megaphono

What: Megaphono
Where: Ottawa, ON, Canada
When: February 7-9
Who: Andy Shauf, The Sorority, Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Silla and Rise, and more
Why: The Canadian capital gets a Megaphono.
Web: www.megaphono.tv

 

Kaaboo Cayman

What: Kaaboo Cayman
Where: Cayman Islands
When: February 15-16
Who: The Chainsmokers, Duran Duran, Zedd, Jason Derulo, Bryan Adams, Counting Crows, Flo Rida, Blondie, LIVE, Maren Morris, Sean Paul, Shaggy, Salt-n-Pepa, Blues Traveler, Los Lobos, The English Beat, Margo Price, Wanda Sykes, David Spade, Jenny Slate, Darrell Hammond, Natasha Leggero, Tom Green, and more
Why: Kaaboom comes to the Caymans! Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: www.kaaboocayman.com

 

III Points

What: III Points
Where: Miami, FL
When: February 15-16
Who: SZA, Tyler, The Creator, A$AP Rocky, Erykah Badu, James Blake, Beach House, Herbie Hancock, Blood Orange, The Internet, Virtual Self, Raekwon & Ghostface Killah, Khruangbin, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, James Murphy, Pussy Riot, DJ Koze, Ty Segall & White Fence, Toro Y Moi, Tim Hecker, John Maus, and more
Why: Miami covers all the Points.
Web: iiipoints.com

 

Midwinter

What: Midwinter
Where: Chicago
When: February 15-17
Who: Kamasi Washington, Oneohtrix Point Never, Slowdive, Panda Bear, Laurie Anderson, DJ Koze, Tortoise, William Basinski, Perfume Genius, Deerhunter, Zola Jesus, Joey Purp, Mykki Blanco, Mount Eerie, Grouper, Yves Tumor, Weyes Blood, Hiss Golden Messenger, serpentwithfeet, and more
Why: Pitchfork teams up with the Art Institute of Chicago.
Web: midwinter.pitchfork.com

 

Venezuela Aid

What: Venezuela Aid
Where: Cucuta, Colombia
When: February 22
Who: Alesso, Alejandro Sanz, Carlos Vives, Danny Ocean, Diego Torres, Fonseca, and more
Why: Richard Branson holds a benefit concert for distressed Venezuela just across the border in Colombia.
Web: venezuelaaidlive.com

 

Winter Wondergrass Colorado

What: Winter Wondergrass Colorado
Where: Steamboat Springs, CO
When: February 22-24
Who: Trampled by Turtles, Railroad Earth, The Infamous Stringdusters, Fruition, Billy Strings, California Honeydrops, The Lil Smokies, Della Mae, Jeff Austin, and more
Why: Embrace the Wonderful bluegrass sounds in Colorado.
Web: winterwondergrass.com/steamboat

 

Monsters of Rock Cruise

What: Monsters of Rock Cruise
Where: Miami, FL to Ocho Rios, Jamaica
When: February 24 – March 1
Who: Tesla, Tom Heifer, Extreme, Queensrÿche, Saxon, Skid Row, and more
Why: Aging Rock Monsters take a Cruise.
Web: monstersofrockcruise.com

 

Noise Pop

What: Noise Pop
Where: San Francisco, CA
When: February 24 – March 3
Who: Bob Mould, Beirut, Princess Nokia, Petit Biscuit, Teenage Fanclub, Albert Hammond Jr., Jason Lytle, Baths, Tourist, Uffie, Men I Trust, Daughters, Yves Tumor, Caroline Rose, The Marías, My Brightest Diamond, The Love Language, 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: noisepopfest.com

 

Houston Livestock

What: Houston Livestock
Where: Houston, TX
When: February 25 – March 17
Who: Kacey Musgraves, Prince Royce, Brooks & Dunn, Luke Bryan, Cardi B, Panic! At the Disco, Old Dominion, Camila Cabello, Luke Combs, Tim McGraw, Zedd, Kane Brown, Zac Brown Band, Kings of Leon, Santana, Chris Stapleton, Cody Johnson, Brad Paisley, George Strait, Lyle Lovett, Robert Earl Keen, and more
Why: Have some music with your steers.
Web: www.rodeohouston.com/home.aspx

 

Wanderlust Oahu

What: Wanderlust Oahu
Where: Oahu, HI
When: February 28 – March 3
Who: Corinne Bailey Rae, Bob Moses, and more
Why: Yoga + music fest Wanderlust wanders all the way to Hawaii. See more in our photo gallery of 2018 Wanderlust Squaw Valley here
Web: wanderlust.com/festivals/oahu/

 


March

EcstaticWhat: Ecstatic
Where: New York, NY
When: January 7 – March 21
Who: Zola Jesus, Deerhoof, Wye Oak and more
Why: The burgeoning indie-classical genre gets Ecstatic with the latest series of events at Merkin Concert Hall.
Web: www.ecstaticmusicfestival.com

 

American Songbook

What: American Songbook
Where: Lincoln Center, New York, NY
When: January 30 – March 4
Who: St. Vincent, Rostam, Rachael & Vilray, Nancy and Beth, Gaby Moreno, Son Lux, Martha Plimpton, and more
Why: Pretty much the classiest venue out there, Lincoln Center celebrates American songwriting at Appel Room (as well as David Rubenstein Atrium & Rose Theatre). See our venue review & photos of Lincoln Center’s Appel Room here
Web: www.americansongbook.org

 

Monsters of Rock Cruise

What: Monsters of Rock Cruise
Where: Miami, FL to Ocho Rios, Jamaica
When: February 24 – March 1
Who: Tesla, Tom Heifer, Extreme, Queensrÿche, Saxon, Skid Row, and more
Why: Aging Rock Monsters take a Cruise.
Web: monstersofrockcruise.com

 

Noise Pop

What: Noise Pop
Where: San Francisco, CA
When: February 24 – March 3
Who: Bob Mould, Beirut, Princess Nokia, Petit Biscuit, Teenage Fanclub, Albert Hammond Jr., Jason Lytle, Baths, Tourist, Uffie, Men I Trust, Daughters, Yves Tumor, Caroline Rose, The Marías, My Brightest Diamond, The Love Language, 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: noisepopfest.com

 

Wanderlust Oahu

What: Wanderlust Oahu
Where: Oahu, HI
When: February 28 – March 3
Who: Corinne Bailey Rae, Bob Moses, and more
Why: Yoga + music fest Wanderlust wanders all the way to Hawaii. See more in our photo gallery of 2018 Wanderlust Squaw Valley here
Web: wanderlust.com/festivals/oahu/

 

McDowell Mountain

What: McDowell Mountain
Where: Phoenix, AZ
When: March 1-3
Who: ODESZA, Empire of the Sun, Kurt Vile, Umphrey’s McGee, Big Wild, JUNGLE, Lettuce, Chicano Batman, Margo Price, Marian Hill, Lukas Nelson, Toro y Moi, The Knocks, Kevin Morby, Twiddle, Allah Las, Mt. Joy, and more
Why: Phoenix gets a better jam-band festival.
Web: www.m3ffest.com

 

Nrmal

What: Nrmal
Where: Mexico City, Mexico
When: March 2
Who: Mazzy Star, Spiritualized, Death Grips, John Maus, BEAK>, Gang Gang Dance, Golden Dawn Arkestra, and more
Why: Head down Mexico way for Festival Nrmal.
Web: www.festivalnrmal.net

 

CRSSD - Spring

What: CRSSD – Spring
Where: San Diego, CA
When: March 2-3
Who: ODESZA, Phantogram, JUNGLE, Petit Biscuit, Whethan, Ladytron, Tourist, Lane 8, Erol Alkan, and more
Why: Spinning up a strong electronic festival at San Diego’s Waterfront Park. Read much more in our 2017 recap here
Web: crssdfest.com

 

Savannah Stopover

What: Savannah Stopover
Where: Savannah, GA
When: March 7-9
Who: Deerhunter, The Joy Formidable, Lucy Dacus, The Bright Light Social Hour, Andrew Combs, Susto, The Beths, Hot Flash Heat Wave, Paul Cherry, Sneaks, and more
Why: Before heading to SXSW (see below), stopover in Savannah. Read & see much more in our 2014 recap here
Web: www.savannahstopover.com

 

New Colossus

What: New Colossus
Where: New York, NY
When: March 7-10
Who: Baywaves, Be Forest, Billy Moon, Graham Van Pelt, Grim Streaker, Hussy, Jonathan, Lost Cousins, Lucia, The Natvral, Russian Baths, Thick, and more
Why: For all the up-and-comers looking to be found who are in NYC the weekend before SXSW (see below). See much more in our big photo gallery here
Web: www.newcolossusfestival.com

 

Musink

What: Musink
Where: Costa Mesa, CA
When: March 8-10
Who: Suicidal Tendencies, Hatebreed, Sick of It All, Limp Bizkit, Travis Barker, HO99O9, Fear, Dead Kennedys, TSOL, Anti-Flag, Voodoo Glow Skulls, and more
Why: Blink 182’s Travis Barker brings music together with a tattoo convention.
Web: musinkfest.com

 

Gasparilla

What: Gasparilla
Where: Tampa, FL
When: March 9-10
Who: Gary Clark Jr., Jared & The Mill, Lukas Nelson, Thank & The Bangas, The Avett Brothers, The Infamous Stringdusters, The Pharcyde, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, and more
Why: Southern Florida gets a nice early fest.
Web: gasparillamusic.com

 

SXSW

What: South-by-Southwest
Where: Austin, TX
When: March 11-17
Who: More than you count
Why: Still the bar by which all other of the multiplying music industry expos are judged by – and still the best. Read & see much, much more in our big recap here
Web: sxsw.com

 

Sundara

What: Sundara
Where: Riviera Maya, Mexico
When: March 13-16
Who: ODESZA, Rüfüs Du Sol, RL Grime, Alison Wonderland, Bob Moses, Jai Wolf, Tokimonsta, Mount Kimbie, and more
Why: ODESZA brings its own festival to Mexico.
Web: sundarafestival.com

 

Pot of Gold

What: Pot of Gold
Where: Chandler, AZ
When: March 15-17
Who: Lil Wayne, Post Malone, Cardi B, Young Thug, Jhene Aiko, Lil Pump, Lil Baby, Tinashe, and more
Why: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Arizona.
Web: www.potofgoldaz.com

 

Treefort

What: Treefort
Where: Boise, ID
When: March 20-24
Who: Toro y Moi, Angelique Kidjo, Vince Staples, Liz Phair, American Football, Low, Black Mountain, Built To Spill, Mandolin Orange, mewithoutyou, Rubblebucket, Mt. Joy, Black Moth Super Rainbow, Cherry Glazerr, Dan Deacon, Caroline Rose, Laura Viers, Delicate Steve, The Bright Light Social Hour, Flint Eastwood, TEEN, Y La Bamba, The Suffers, Naked Giants, Liz Cooper & The Stampede, Califone, and more
Why: Go to your own private Idaho for Treefort.
Web: treefortmusicfest.com

 

Big Ears

What: Big Ears
Where: Knoxville, TN
When: March 21-24
Who: Avey Tare, Bela Fleck, Bill Frisell, Jerusalem In My Heart, Lonnie Holley, Mercury Rev, Mountain Man, Nils Frahm, Richard Thompson, Punch Brothers, serpentwithfeet, Spiritualized, This Is No This Heat, Yves Tumor, and more
Why: Knoxville’s super-classy high art music festival returns. Read & see more in our 2015 recap here
Web: www.bigearsfestival.com

 

The Buku Project

What: The Buku Project
Where: New Orleans, LA
When: March 22-23
Who: Lana Del Rey, A$AP Rocky, Excision, Dog Blood, Kevin Gates, GRiZ, RL Grime, Louis the Child, Ella Mai, Playboi Carti, Dashboard Confessional, Claude VonStroke, Mayday Parade, Toro y Moi, Death Grips, The Black Madonna, Denzel Curry, and more
Why: The Buku Project brings electronica & more to the Big Easy. Read & see much more in our 2015 recap here
Web: thebukuproject.com

 

Tecate Pa'l Norte

What: Tecate Pa’l Norte
Where: Monterrey, Mexico
When: March 22-23
Who: Arctic Monkeys, Kings of Leon, Carlos Santana, The 1975, A Day To Remember, Alan Walker, Cafe Tacvba, Good Charlotte, The Hives, Snow Patrol, 3LAU, GTA, LANY, Pete Tong, !!!, and more
Why: Rock Fundidora Park in Monterrey, Mexico (and have beer…).
Web: www.palnorte.com.mx

 

Salute the Troops

What: Salute the Troops
Where: Pomona, CA
When: March 22-24
Who: Snoop Dogg, Cold War Kids, Capital Cities, Method Man & Redman, Wu-Tang Clan, Cheat Codes, New Power Generation, Adam Carolla, Rob Riggle, and more
Why: Snoop & friends Salute the Troops.
Web: www.salutethetroops.com

 

Hogs For a Cause

What: Hogs For a Cause
Where: New Orleans, LA
When: March 23-24
Who: Trampled by Turtles, Lukas Nelson, The War & Treaty, Dumpstaphunk, Samantha Fish, American Aquarium, Marco Benevento, Low Cut Connie, Bishop Gunn, Liz Cooper & The Stampede, and more
Why: Some hogs (and music) for a cause.
Web: www.hogsforthecause.org

 

Winter Wondergrass California

What: Winter Wondergrass California
Where: Squaw Valley, CA
When: March 29-31
Who: Greensky Bluegrass, Trampled by Turtles, Leftover Salmon, Sam Bush Band, ALO, Fruition, Billy Strings, The Travelin’ McCourys, Dead Winter Carpenters, Jeff Austin, and more
Why: Embrace the Wonderful bluegrass sounds on Lake Tahoe.
Web: winterwondergrass.com/squaw

 

Ultra

What: Ultra
Where: Miami, FL
When: March 29-31
Who: Adam Beyer, Afrojack, Alesso, Armin Van Buuren, Carl Cox, The Chainsmokers, David Guetta, Dogblood, Maceo Plex, marshmello, Martin Garrix, Rezz, Richie Hawtin, Tiësto, Zedd, Zeds Dead, deadmau5, Galantis, GRiZ, Illenium, Louis the Child, ODESZA, Tom Morello, 3LAU, AC Slater, and more
Why: Downtown Miami throws down the beats with America’s best electro-dance festival. See more in our 2012 photo gallery here
Web: www.ultramusicfestival.com

 


April

Mission CreekWhat: Mission Creek
Where: Iowa City, IA
When: April 2-7
Who: Mitski, Jenny Lewis, Hurray For the Riff Raff, Black Moth Super Rainbow, John Moreland, Kevin Young, Jericho Brown, Kweku Collins, Jay Som, Beca Mancari, and more
Why: Iowa City kicks if off early with some interesting names.
Web: missioncreekfestival.com

 

Brooklyn Folk

What: Brooklyn Folk
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When: April 5-7
Who: Ian Felice, Dan Zanes, Jerron Paxton, and more
Why: Celebrate folk in the biggest of cities.
Web: brooklynfolkfest.com

 

Sabroso Taco

What: Sabroso Taco
Where: Dana Point, CA
When: April 6-7
Who: Flogging Molly, The Offspring, Bad Religion, Descendents, Good Charlotte, Black Flag, Lagwagon, Face to Face, The Suicide Machines, and more
Why: Craft beer, tacos, and punk rock.
Web: sabrosotacofest.com/dana-point

 

World Ski & Snowboard

What: World Ski & Snowboard
Where: Whistler, BC, Canada
When: April 10-14
Who: Michael Franti & Spearhead, Little Destroyer, Skratch Bastid, and more
Why: In addition to the snow, come for the sounds at World Ski & Snowboard Festival.
Web: wssf.com

 

Bender Jamboree

What: Bender Jamboree
Where: Las Vegas, NV
When: April 11-14
Who: Greensky Bluegrass, Railroad Earth, The Infamous Stringdusters, Leftover Salmon, Keller Williams, Billy Strings, The Lil Smokies, Rayland Baxter, Della Mae, The Way Down Wanderers, and more
Why: Have an early jam at Las Vegas’ Plaza Hotel & Casino.
Web: benderjamboree.com

 

French Quarter

What: French Quarter
Where: New Orleans, LA
When: April 11-14
Who: Brass-A-Holics, Galactic, Jon Cleary, Kermit Ruffins, Preservation All-Stars, Irma Thomas, The Soul Rebels, and more
Why: Nobody does music or festivals like the French Quarter. Read & see more in our 2016 recap here
Web: frenchquarterfest.org

 

Old Settler's

What: Old Settler’s
Where: Tilmon, TX
When: April 11-14
Who: Jason Isbell, Brandi Carlile, Del McCoury, Galactic, Hayes Carll, Wild Child, Penny and Sparrow, The Lone Bellow, Amanda Shires, Mandolin Orange, The Last Bandoleros, Samantha Fish, 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 12-13
Who: 21 Savage, Moon Taxi, K.R.I.T., and more
Why: Vanderbilt University knows how to book ’em for its Rites of Spring (fling).
Web: www.vanderbilt.edu/ros

 

Tortuga

What: Tortuga
Where: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
When: April 12-14
Who: Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Thomas Rhett, Flo Rida, Sheryl Crow, Maren Morris, Kane Brown, Joan Jett, Elle King, Midland, Maddie & Tae, Trombone Shorty, The Wailers, Delta Rae, and more
Why: For spring break, go country in Ft. Lauderdale. Read & see much more in our 2013 recap here
Web: www.tortugamusicfestival.com

 

Coachella

What: Coachella
Where: Indio, CA
When: April 12-14 & 19-21
Who: Childish Gambino, Tame Impala, Ariana Grande, Khalid, Solange, Janelle Monae, The 1975, Kid Cudi, Zedd, Gesaffelstein, Weezer, DJ Snake, Diplo, Aphex Twin, Dillon Francis, CHVRCHES, Billie Eilish, Rüfüs Du Sol, Bassnectar, YG, Playboi Carti, Four Tet, Anderson .Paak, Kacey Musgraves, Christine & The Queens, H.E.R., Blood Orange, Wiz Khalifa, Ella Mai, Mac DeMarco, Pusha T, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Maggie Rogers, Kaytranada, Gucci Gang, Gryffin, Jaden Smith, Nina Kraviz, Bob Moses, Jon Hopkins, Sofi Tukker, Sabrina Claudio, Gorgon City, Khruangbin, Ty Segall & White Fence, LIzzo, Dermot Kennedy, NGHTMRE, Perfume, Idris Elba, The Interruptors, Hot Since 82, Parcels, Emily King, Alice Merton, A R I Z O N A, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Beach Fossils, Kero Kero Bonita, Let’s Eat Grandma, Hurray For the Riff Raff, Hop ALong, and many, many more
Why: The biggest & best festival has grown so big as to have a second weekend, with another amazing line-up. See much more in our 2012 photo gallery here
Web: www.coachella.com

 

Dreamville

What: Dreamville
Where: Raleigh, NC
When: April 19
Who: J. Cole, SZA, Big Sean, 21 Savage, 6lack, Nelly, and more
Why: Dream(ing) in Raleigh(ville).
Web: www.dreamvillefest.com

 

Sweetwater 420

What: Sweetwater 420
Where: Atlanta, GA
When: April 19-21
Who: Widespread Panic, The Avett Brothers, Jason Isbell, Joe Russo, Rebelution, Moon Taxi, The Claypool Lennon Delirium, JJ Grey & Mofro, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Keller Williams, John Medeski, Turkuaz, and more
Why: 4-20 – Sweet!
Web: www.sweetwater420fest.com

 

Kaya

What: Kaya
Where: San Bernardino, CA
When: April 20
Who: Stephen Marley, Ziggy Marley, Damian Marley, Julian Marley, Ky-Mani Marley, Busta Rhymes, Sean Paul, and more
Why: Celebrate Bob Marley, mon.
Web: kayafestivals.com

 

Norman

What: Norman
Where: Norman, OK
When: April 25-27
Who: Beach Fossils, Black Milk, Soccer Mommy, Night Beats, Skating Polly, Vinyl Williams, Sailor Poon, and more
Why: Norman Oklahoma’s own free festival & QRO favorite stays sweet. Read & see more in 2010 our recap here
Web: normanmusicfestival.com

 

Launch

What: Launch
Where: Lancaster, PA
When: April 25-28
Who: A Decade Apart, The Brood, Hello Atlantic, and more
Why: Music conference & festival in Lancaster, PA.
Web: www.launchmusicconference.com

 

Marfa Myths

What: Marfa Myths
Where: Marfa, TX
When: April 25-28
Who: Khruangbin, Deerhunter, Cass McCombs, Tim Hecker, and more
Why: Home of the Marfa Mystery Lights & other Myths.
Web: marfamyths.com

 

MerleFest

What: MerleFest
Where: Wilkesboro, NC
When: April 25-28
Who: Brandi Carlile, Wynonna & The Big Noise, Amos Lee, The Milk Carton Kids, Steep Canyon Rangers, Del McCoury, Daily and Vincent, Tyler Childers, Keb’ Mo’, Sam Bush, Jim Lauderdale, and more
Why: Wilkes Community College welcomes MerleFest.
Web: merlefest.org

 

Moogfest

What: Moogfest
Where: Durham, NC
When:
April 25-28
Who: A Place To Bury Strangers, Matthew Dear, Tim Hecker, U.S. Girls, Thomas Dolby, Mount Kimbie, Kimbra, Questlove, Tim Hecker, The Field, Matthew Dear, and more
Why: Moogest returns to celebrate Bob Moog and his wonderful instrument. See much more in our 2011 photo gallery here
Web:
www.moogfest.com

 

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage

What: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage
Where: New Orleans, LA
When: April 25 – May 5
Who: Dave Matthews Band, Katy Perry, Jimmy Buffett, Chris Stapleton, Bob Seger, Santana, Van Morrison, Widespread Panic, Al Green, Logic, Pitbull, Earth Wind & Fire, John Fogerty, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Gladys Knight, The Revivalists, Leon Bridges, Chaka Khan, Herbie Hancock, Tank & The Bangas, Bonnie Raitt, Alanis Morissette, Gary Clark Jr., Irma Thomas, The Doobie Brothers, Ziggy Marley, Mavis Staples, The Head and the Heart, Jimmy Cliff, Boz Scaggs, Aaron Neville, Galactic, Jerry Lee Lewis, Rebirth Brass Band, Indigo Girls, Los Lobos, Big Freedia, Kamasi Washington, Buddy Guy, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Better Than Ezra, Dumpstaphunk, Taj Mahal, Ani DiFranco, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, North Mississippi Allstars, Anders Osborne, Little Feat, Samantha Fish, and many, many more
Why: The Big Easy’s big festival gets some big names.
Web: www.nojazzfest.com

 

Double Decker

What: Double Decker
Where: Oxford, MS
When: April 26-27
Who: Lilly Hiatt, Cedric Burnside, Emily King, Durand Jones & The Indications, Lucero, Shovels & Rope, Jason Isbel & The 400 Unit, and more
Why: Take the Double Decker to Oxford – Mississippi.
Web: www.doubledeckerfestival.com

 

Sand Jam

What: Sand Jam
Where: Panama City, FL
When: April 26-28
Who: Kings of Leon, Third Eye Blind, Young te Giant, The Revialists, Dirty Heads, Cold War Kids, Blackberry Smoke, JJ Grey & Mofro, Matt & Kim, Coin, Yeasayer, Anderson East, Kongos, Alice Merton, Welles, and more
Why: Jam on the Sand of Panama City Beach.
Web: sandjamfest.com

 

Something In the Water

What: Something In the Water
Where: Virginia Beach, VA
When: April 26-28
Who: Anderson .Paak, Dave Matthews Band, Deepak Chopra, Diddy, Diplo, D.R.A.M., Ferg, Gwen Stefani, Janelle Monáe, Jhené Aiko, Kaytranada, Leikeli47, Lil Uzi Vert, Mac DeMarco, Mggie Rogers, Migos, Missy Elliott, Pharrell Williams, Pusha T, Snoop Dogg, SZA, Travis Scott, Usher, and more
Why: There’s Something In the Water at Virginia Beach.
Web: www.somethinginthewater.com

 

Stagecoach

What: Stagecoach
Where: Indio, CA
When: April 26-28
Who: Luke Bryan, Sam Hunt, Jason Aldean, Old Dominion, Luke Combs, Cole Swindell, Kane Brown, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Lauren Alaina, Tom Jones, Bret Michaels, and more
Why: California’s premiere country music festival.
Web: stagecoachfestival.com

 

Back To the Beach

What: Back To the Beach
Where: Huntington Beach, CA
When: April 27-28
Who: Blink-182, The Used, Goldfinger, The Story So Far, Reel Big Fish, The Wonder Years, Streetlight Manifesto, Less Than Jake, The Aquabats, The English Beat, and more
Why: Head Back To the Beach.
Web: backtothebeachfest.com

 

Fortress

What: Fortress
Where: Ft. Worth, TX
When: April 27-28
Who: Leon Bridges, CHVRCHES, Rae Sremmurd, Khruangbin, Tinashe, Tank & The Bangas, Superorganism, The Bright Light Social Hour, and more
Why: Fort Worth is a Fortress.
Web: fortressfestival.com

 

So What?

What: So What?
Where: Houston, TX
When: April 27-28
Who: Beartooth, Killswitch Engage, Parkway Drive, Of Mice & Men, and more
Why: Emo comes to Houston.
Web: www.southbysowhat.com

 

Trondossa

What: Trondossa
Where: Charleston, SC
When: April 27-28
Who: Widespread Panic, Umphrey’s McGee, The Wood Brothers, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, The Marcus King Band, Caroline Rose, and more
Why: Charleston gets in on the jam.
Web: trondossa.com

 

Red Bull Music Festival New York

What: Red Bull Music Festival New York
Where:
New York, NY
When:
April 30 – May 18
Who:
FKA Twigs, Onyx Collective, JPEGMAFIA, Tierra Whack, and more
Why: Red Bull’s Music Festival returns to New York. See more in 2017 event photo gallery here
Web: www.redbullmusicacademy.com

 


May

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage

What: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage
Where: New Orleans, LA
When: April 25 – May 5
Who: Dave Matthews Band, Katy Perry, Jimmy Buffett, Chris Stapleton, Bob Seger, Santana, Van Morrison, Widespread Panic,Al Green, Logic, Pitbull, Earth Wind & Fire, John Fogerty, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Gladys Knight, The Revivalists, Leon Bridges, Chaka Khan, Herbie Hancock, Tank & The Bangas, Bonnie Raitt, Alanis Morissette, Gary Clark Jr., Irma Thomas, The Doobie Brothers, Ziggy Marley, Mavis Staples, The Head and the Heart, Jimmy Cliff, Boz Scaggs, Aaron Neville, Galactic, Jerry Lee Lewis, Rebirth Brass Band, Indigo Girls, Los Lobos, Big Freedia, Kamasi Washington, Buddy Guy, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Better Than Ezra, Dumpstaphunk, Taj Mahal, Ani DiFranco, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, North Mississippi Allstars, Anders Osborne, Little Feat, Samantha Fish, and many, many more
Why: The Big Easy’s big festival gets some big names.
Web: www.nojazzfest.com

 

Red Bull Music Festival New York

What: Red Bull Music Festival New York
Where:
New York, NY
When:
April 30 – May 18
Who:
FKA Twigs, Onyx Collective, JPEGMAFIA, Tierra Whack, and more
Why: Red Bull’s Music Festival returns to New York. See more in 2017 event photo gallery here
Web: www.redbullmusicacademy.com

 

Mutek

What: Mutek – San Francisco
Where: San Francisco, CA
When: May 2-5
Who: Kode9 & Koji Morimoto, GAIKA, Byetone, Dopplereffekt, Halal & Relaxer, Kelly Moran, Cere Davis, Doc Sleep, disnovation.org, ecco screen, and Echo Beach, and more
Why: San Francisco gets even more artsy with Mutek.
Web: www.mutek.org

 

SunFest

What: SunFest
Where: West Palm Beach, FL
When: May 2-5
Who: Onerepublic, G-Eazy, Diplo, Keith Urban, Tears For Fears, Papa Roach, Earth wind & Fire, Floggy Molly, Big Gigantic, Rebelution, Ludacris, Bebe Rexha, Garbage, The B-52s, Iration, Lil Dicky, Larkin Poe, Manic Focus, Hawthorne Heights, and more
Why: The sun always shines on Palm Beach with this festival. Read & see much more in our 2010 recap here
Web: www.sunfest.com

 

Beale Street

What: Beale Street
Where:
Memphis, TN
When:
May 3-5
Who: Dave Matthews Band, The Killers, Cardi B, Khalid, G-Eazy, One Republic, Charlie Wilson, Shinedown, Gary Clark Jr., India.Arie, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Lord Huron, Flogging Molly, 6LACK, CHVRCHES, Lil Dicky, Big Boi, Good Charlotte, Simple Plan, , Dirty Heads, The Claypool Lennon Delirium, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Everclear, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Moon Taxi, Lukas Nelson, Echosmith, Everlast, The Suffers, and more
Why: Beale Street is alive with music.
Web:
www.memphisinmay.org/beale-street-music-festival

 

Rockville

What: Rockville
Where: Jacksonville, FL
When: May 3-5
Who: Korn, Rob Zombie, Tool, The Prodigy, Shinedown, Incubus, Evanescence, Judas Priest, Bring Me the Horizon, Chevelle, The Cult, Papa Roach, Flogging Molly, Skillet, The Struts, Killswitch Engage, Circa Survive, Black Label Society, Tom Morello, Yelawolf, Reignwolf, Mark Lanegan, Tremonti, The Glorious Sons, Badflower, Starset, Dorothy, Black Pistol Fire, Yungblud, Wilson, and more
Why: Go back to Rockville.
Web: www.welcometorockvillefestival.com

 

Shaky Knees

What: Shaky Knees
Where: Atlanta, GA
When: May 3-5
Who: Tame Impala, Beck, Cage the Elephant, Incubus, Tears For Fears, Gary Clark Jr., Interpol, Foals, Father John Misty, Tash Sultana, Grouplove, Jim James, Phosphorescent, The Struts, Tyler Childers, Dashboard Confessional, FIDLAR, Liz Phair, Sharon Van Etten, Deerhunter, Oh Sees, The Dandy Warhols, Black Lips, Bad Books, Japanese Breakfast, Electric Guest, Mark Lanegan, Soccer Mommy, The Joy Formidable, Jade Bird, Pedro the Lion, Lucy Dacus, Idles, Curtis Harding, Face to Face, Slothrust, Natalie Prass, Welshley Arms, Low Cut Connie, and many more
Why: Limbs quake for what looks to be another amazing year. Read & see more in our recap here
Web: shakykneesfestival.com

 

Just Like Heaven

What: Just Like Heaven
Where: Long Beach, CA
When: May 3-4
Who: Phoenix, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, MGMT, Beach House, Passion Pit, Grizzly Bear, The Rapture, Miike Snow, STRFKR, The Faint, She Wants Revenge, Peter Bjorn and John, Tokyo Police Club, Neon Indian, Washed Out, Miami Horror, Ra Ra Riot, Louis XIV, and more
Why: Just Like Heaven for all fans of indie-rock from the first decade of this century/millennium.
Web: www.justlikeheavenfest.com

 

Canadian Music Week

What: Canadian Music Week
Where: Toronto, ON, Canada
When: May 6-12
Who: Ace of Wands, Amy Jay, Anna Chase, Basement Revolver, Carolina East, Emily Rose, Ghost Twin, Jonathan, Lost Boy, No Big Deal, Sparrows, and more
Why: Toronto has it’s own multi-venue music industry fest (not to be confused with North-by-Northeast – see below). See more in our 2014 photo gallery here
Web: cmw.net/music

 

Flyover

What: Flyover
Where: Columbus, OH
When: May 8-11
Who: Milo, Mothers, Open Mike Eagle, Nnamdi Ogbonnaya, and more
Why: Flyover to Wexner Center for the Arts.
Web: www.theflyoverfest.com

 

Aiken Bluegrass

What: Aiken Bluegrass
Where:
Aiken, SC
When: May 10-11
Who: Del McCoury, Keller & The Keels, Billy Strings, and more
Why: An early jam festival down south.
Web: www.loveabf.com

 

Shaky Beats

What: Shaky Beats
Where:
Atlanta, GA
When: May 10-11
Who: Martin Garrix, Rüfüs Du Sol, Big Gigantic, Fisher, San Holo, Gryffin, Big Wild, Boogie T, Lane 8, Party Favor, Snakehips, What So Not, and more
Why: Just after Shaky Knees (see above), it’s Beats that Shake Atlanta.
Web: www.shakybeatsfestival.com

 

Epicenter

What: Epicenter
Where: Rockingham, NC
When: May 10-12
Who: Korn, Tool, Foo Fighters, Bring Me the Horizon, Judas Priest, Rob Zombie, The Prodigy, The Cult, 311, LICA, Bush, Evanescence, Machine Gun Kelly, Black Label Society, Mastodon, Killswitch Engage, Circa Survive, Skillet, Yelawolf, Tom Morello, Motionless In White, Mark Lanegan, Doroty, Reignwolf, Yungblud, Black Pistol Fire, Slothrust, Badflower, HO99O9, Memphis May Fire, Wilson, High On Fire, and more
Why: Find the Epicenter of rock.
Web: epicenterfestival.com

 

Form

What: Form
Where: Arcosanti, AZ
When: May 10-12
Who: Florence & The Machine, Anderson .Paak, Kaytranada, Skrillex, Bonobo, Khruangbin, Lonnie Holley, Pussy Riot, Sasami, serpentwithfeet, Julie Byrne, Kelsey Lu, Kilo Kish, Snail Mail, Tim Hecker, Destroyer, Japanese Breakfast, Vagabon, American Football, and more
Why: Hundred Waters holds a festival in the Arizona desert.
Web: experienceform.com

 

Kaaboo Texas

What: Kaaboo Texas
Where: Arlington, TX
When: May 10-12
Who: The Killers, Kid Rock, Sting, Lionel Richie, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Little Big Town, The Avett Brothers, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Pitbull, Counting Crows, Alanis Morissette, Black Eyed Peas, Ludacris, Flo Rida, Blue October, Collective Soul, Bush, Garbage, The B-52s, Andy Grammer, Rick Springfield, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Lukas Nelson, Violent Femmes, Eric Burdon, X, Jon Anderson, Old 97’s, The English Beat, Los Lonely Boys, Los Lobos, Larkin Poe, and more
Why: Kaaboo has done California (see below), has done the Cayman Islands (see above), and now does Texas.  Read & see much more in our Kaaboo Cayman recap here  Read much more in our 2018 Kaaboo Del Mar recap here
Web: kaabootexas.com

 

Rolling Loud - Miami

What: Rolling Loud – Miami
Where:
Miami, FL
When: May 10-12
Who: Migos, Travis Scott, Kid Cudi, Cardi B, Lil Wayne, Lil Uzi Vert, Rae Sremmurd, 21 Savage, Lil Pump, Rick Ross, Young Thug, Playboi Carti, YG, Lil Baby, Gucci Mane, Lil Yachty, Soulja Boy, Tyga, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, ilovemakonnen, Kevin Gates, Waka Flocka Flame, DMX, Goldlink, Wiz Khalifa, Curren$y, Beast Coast, Denzel Curry, G Herbo, Freddie Gibbs, and more
Why: Miami is Rolling Loud.
Web: www.rollingloud.com

 

The Hangout

What: The Hangout
Where: Gulf Shores, AL
When: May 16-19
Who: Travis Scott, The Lumineers, Diplo, Khalid, Vampire Weekend, Cardi B, Kygo, The 1975, Hozier, GRiZ, Walk the Moon, Jimmy Eat World, Judah & The Lion, Bebe Rexha, Alison Wonderland, JUNGLE, Gorgon City, Quinn XCII, Bishop Briggs, Mura Masa, A R I Z O N A, Sofi Tukker, Sir Sly, The Interrupters, Superorganism, Jade Bird, Taylor Bennett, Pale Waves, Gang of Youths, morgxn, and many more
Why: Hangout on the Shores with a very strong line-up. Read much more in our 2017 recap here
Web: www.hangoutmusicfest.com

 

David Lynch’s Festival of Disruption

What: David Lynch’s Festival of Disruption
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When:
May 17-18
Who: Garbage, David Lynch, Phoebe Bridgers, Justin Theroux, Mercury Rev, Wye Oak, Nancy Whang and more
Why: David Lynch Disrupts Brooklyn Steel.
Web: festivalofdisruption.com/#festival

 

Electric Daisy Carnival

What: Electric Daisy Carnival
Where: Las Vegas, NV
When: May 17-19
Who: Above & Beyond, Alison Wonderland, Audien, Bill Nye, David Guetta, deamau5, Eats Everything, Elephante, Eric Prydz, Excision, The Glitch Mob, Gorgon City, Justin Martin, Liquid Stranger, A$AP Rocky, Black Tiger Sex Machine, Claude VonStroke, Kaskade, Martin Garrix, NGHTMRE, Paul Oakenfold, Paul Van Dyk, RL Grime, Sub Focus, Tiësto, Tokimonsta, ZHU, Armin Van Buuren, Boombox Cartel, Dillon Francis, Diplo, San Holo, Steve Aoki, What So Not, Zeds Dead, and more
Why: Electric Daisy Carnival comes to Vegas for three days. See much more in our photo gallery of 2013 EDC NY here
Web: lasvegas.electricdaisycarnival.com

 

Pouzza

What: Pouzza
Where: Montreal, PQ, Canada
When: May 17-19
Who: Against Me!, Andrew W.K., Strung Out, Samiam, Iron Reagan, Smoke or Fire, Night Birds, Smoking Popes, Bad Cop / Bad Cop, Direct Hit!, and more
Why: Have some punk with your poutine.
Web: www.pouzzafest.com

 

Sonic Temple

What: Sonic Temple
Where: Columbus, OH
When: May 17-19
Who: Foo Fighters, System Of A Down, Disturbed, Bring Me The Horizon, The Prodigy, Ghost, Halestorm, Lamb of God, Chevelle, Joan Jett, The Cult, In This Moment, The Hives, Gojira, The Distillers, Action Bronson, The Struts, Refused, Killswitch Engage, Black Label Society, Tom Morello, Pussy Riot, Mark Lanegan, Badflower, Yungblud, H09909, Black Pistol Fire, Andrew Dice Clay, Pauly Shore, Henry Rollins, and more
Why: Making MAPFRE Stadium a Sonic Temple.
Web: sonictemplefestival.com

 

Chicago Open Air

What: Chicago Open Air
Where:
Bridgeview, IL
When: May 18-19
Who: System of a Down, Tool, Ghost, and more
Why: Breathe in the Open Air of Chicago (well, Bridgeview…).
Web:
www.chicagoopenair.com

 

Hop Jam

What: Hop Jam
Where: Tulsa, OK
When: May 19
Who: Hanson, Phantom Planet, The Weeks, Wilderado, and more
Why: Hanson + beer – mmm… Hop.
Web: www.thehopjam.com

 

Love Street

What: Love Street
Where: Houston, TX
When: May 19
Who: Walk the Moon, Bishop Briggs, Toadies, and more
Why: Karbach Brewing throws a street fest.
Web: karbachbrewing.com/lsmf

 

Soul Beach

What: Soul Beach
Where: Aruba
When: May 22-28
Who: John Legend, Ella Mai, Charlie Wilson, H.E.R., Deon Cole, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and more
Why: Sweet soul comes to the beaches of Aruba.
Web: soulbeach.net/2019

 

Delfest

What: Delfest
Where: Cumberland, MD
When: May 23-26
Who: Del McCoury Band, The Travelin’ McCourys, The String Cheese Incident, Trampled by Turtles, Railroad Earth, I’m With Her, Billy Strings, Tyler Childers, Sam Bush, Younder Mountain String Band, Keller Williams, and more
Why: Del McCoury rolls out the bluegrass red carpet.
Web: delfest.com

 

Hot Luck

What: Hot Luck
Where: Austin, TX
When: May 23-26
Who: Archers of Loaf, Harlem, Leftover Salmon, Lucero, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Robert Ellis, The Suffers, Sunflower Bean, and more
Why: Food & music in a town that’s known for both. Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: www.hotluckfest.com

 

Boston Calling

What: Boston Calling
Where: Boston, MA
When: May 25-27
Who: Twenty One Pilots, Tame Impala, Travis Scott, Greta Van Fleet, CHVRCHES, ODESZA, Anderson .Paak, Logic, Brandi Carlile, Lord Huron, Hozier, Big Red Machine, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Christine & The Queens, Mitski, Guster, Chromeo, Black Star, Denzel Curry, Princess Nokia, Snail Mail, Tank & The Bangas, Young Fathers, Super Organism, White Reaper, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, Pale Waves, Adia Victoria, Bear Hands, and more
Why: Boston is seriously Calling – wicked pissah! See much more in our photo gallery here
Web: bostoncalling.com

 

BottleRock

What: BottleRock
Where:
Napa Valley, CA
When:
May 24-26
Who: Neil Young, Mumford & Sons, Imagine Dragons, Santana, Pharrell Williams, Logic, OneRepublic, Nathaniel Rateliff, Tash Sultana, Lord Huron, Gary Clark Jr., Sylvan Esso, Flogging Molly, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Big Boi, Cypress Hill, Jenny Lewis, Elle King, Citizen Cope, Bishop Briggs, Marian Hill, Anderson East, The Dandy Warhols, Sir Sly, Gang og Youths, Turkuaz, Against Me!, Paul Oakenfold, Madison Beer, The Crystal Method, Skylar Grey, Neon Trees, Midland, Shannon & The Clams, Jeff Goldblum, The Regrettes, Vintage Trouble, The Soul Rebels, Shannon Shaw, Wilderado, Welles, Moonalice, Slothrust, Liz Cooper & The Stampede, and many more
Why: The Napa Valley welcomes another year of a great new festival (to go with its great old wine). Read much more in our 2018 recap here
Web:
bottlerocknapavalley.com

 

California Roots

What: California Roots
Where: Monterey, CA
When: May 24-26
Who: Stick Figure, Ben Harper, Dirty Heads, Pepper, G. Love & Special Sauce, Rebelution, UB40 featuring Ali & Astro, Nahko and Medicine For the People, Cypress Hill, Matisyahu, and more
Why: Get in touch with your Cali Roots. See more in our 2015 photo gallery here
Web: californiarootsfestival.com

 

Rocklahoma

What: Rocklahoma
Where: Pryor, OK
When: May 24-26
Who: Disturbed, Korn, Shinedown, Bush, Seether, In This Moment, Steel Panther, Jackyl, Asking Alexandria, Tech N9NE, Blackberry Smoke, Buckcherry, Beartooth, Sevendust, Black Stone Cherry, Avatar, Fever 333, Lita Ford, Ace Frehley, 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 24-26
Who: moe., Umphrey’s McGee, Ben Harper, Zeds Dead, Big Gigantic, STS9, Rebelution, Chromeo, Gramatik, Flux Pavilion, Black Star, George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic, Lotus, Trampled by Turtles, Blues Traveler, Toots & The Maytals, Borgore, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Keller Williams, Papadosio, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, and more
Why: Summer Camp usually mixes a little something more into its jam.
Web: summercampfestival.com

 

Elements Lakewood

What: Elements Lakewood
Where: Northeast PA
When: May 24-27
Who: Disclosure, Fisher, Shiba San, Justin Martin, Big Gigantic, Sofi Tukker, Seth Troxler, and more
Why: Dance on a campground somewhere in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Web: www.elementsfest.us

 

Punk Rock Bowling

What: Punk Rock Bowling
Where: Las Vegas, NV
When: May 24-27
Who: Rancid, Descendents, The Specials, The Hives, Refused, FLAG, The Stranglers, The Damned, The Vandals, FEAR, The Undertones, Fucked Up, Adolescents, Street Boys, Teenage Bottlerocket, Sloppy Seconds, The Pietasters, The Coathangers, The Toasters, and more
Why: Las Vegas takes the punks bowling.
Web: www.punkrockbowling.com

 

Movement

What: Movement
Where: Detroit, MI
When: May 25-27
Who: Danny Brown, Orbital, Hot Since 82, Carl Craig, Disclosure, Maya Jane Coles, Soul Clap, Anna, Dubfire, Gucci Mane, Richie Hawtins, GRiZ, Hot Since 82, Shigeto, and more
Why: Electronic music returns to the city where techno (and much more in music) was born. Read much more in our 2018 recap here
Web: www.movement.us

 

Welcome Campers

What: Welcome Campers
Where: Camp Lenox, MA
When: May 25-27
Who: Wet, Torres, Savoire Adore, Ashe, Plastic Picnic, Liza Anne, and more
Why: The Wild Honey Pie goes to camp.
Web: www.thewildhoneypie.com

 

Soundset

What: Soundset
Where: St. Paul, MN
When: May 26
Who: Atmosphere, Flatbush Zombies, Joey Bada$$, Kirk Knight, Talib Kweli, Yasiin Bey, Cut Chemist, DJ Spinderella, G-Eazy, Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Wayne, Run the Jewels, SZA, Taylor Bennett, Tech n9ne, and more
Why: Minnesota State Fairgrounds gets some hip-hop.
Web: soundsetfestival.com

 

Candler Park

What: Candler Park
Where: Atlanta, GA
When: May 31 – June 1
Who: Dispatch, Greensky Bluegrass, Stephen Marley, Dr. Dog, Trampled by Turtles, Larkin Poe, and more
Why: Jam out in Candler Park, Atlanta.
Web:
candlerparkmusicfestival.com

 

Emerge

What: Emerge
Where: Las Vegas, NV
When: May 31 – June 1
Who: Ana Tijoux, Andrew Bird, Bedouine, Big Freedia, Bishop Briggs, Cherry Glazerr, Culture ABuse, David Miles Hogg, Hobo Johnson, Junglepussy, Ladies of LCD Soundsystem, Laura Jane Grace, LE1F, Leikeli47, Marian Hill, Nahko, Talib Kweli, Tank & The Bangas, and more
Why: A “music + impact” conference at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
Web:
www.emergelv.com

 

Bunbury

What: Bunbury
Where: Cincinnati, OH
When: May 31 – June 2
Who: Fall Out Boy, Greta Van Fleet, The 1975, Run the Jewels, Girl Talk, NF, Machine Gun Kelly, AWOLNATION, Stone Temple Pilots, Sublime with Rome, Dashboard Confessional, Clutch, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Bayside, Streetlight Manifesto, The Aces, Joywave, Jukebox the Ghost, Reignwolf, Great Good Fine OK, and more
Why: Nice mix of mainstream & alternative – and no bees!
Web: bunburyfestival.com

 

Camp Anarchy

What: Camp Anarchy
Where: Thornville, OH
When: May 31 – June 2
Who: The Offspring, Rancid, NOFX, Bad Religion, Pennywise, X, Fear, Suicidal Tendencies, Less Than Jake, T.S.O.L., The Damned, Sick of It All, Off!, The Suicide Machines, Voodoo Glow Skulls, The Bronx, and more
Why: Punks go to camp.
Web: campanarchyfest.com

 

Do-Division

What: Do-Division
Where: Chicago, IL
When: May 31 – June 2
Who: Russian Circles, WHY?, The Skatelites, Meat Puppets, The Cool Kids, Mikal Cronin, Ryley Walker, Laura Stevenson, Paul Cherry, Habibi, JJUUJJUU, and more
Why: Held on ten blocks of Chicago’s Division Street, Ashland to Leavitt, the Do-Division Street Fest and Sidewalk Sale features Chicago indie rock.
Web: do-divisionstreetfest.com

 

Governors Ball

What: Governors Ball
Where: New York, NY
When: May 31 – June 2
Who: The Strokes, Florence & The Machine, Tyler the Creator, Nas, SZA, Major Lazer, The 1975, Lil Wayne, Brockhampton, Gesaffelstein, Jorja Smith, Kacey Musgraves, ZHU, Vince Staples, Blood Orange, Lord Huron, Beast Coast, Louis the Child, Kaytranada, The Internet, Playboi Carti, Mitski, Lily Allen, MØ, Ty Dolla $ign, Noname, Charli XCX, Jessie Reyez, Bob Moses, Denzel Curry, Hippo Campus, The Voidz, Roling Blackouts Coastal Fever, Cautious Clay, Sunflower Bean, U.S. Girls, Soccer Mommy, and many more
Why: Governors Ball has become one of the country’s biggest music festivals – and it’s in New York City! Read & see much more in our 2015 recap here
Web: governorsballmusicfestival.com

 

Vans House Parties – Chicago

What: Vans House Parties – Chicago
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When:
May 31 – August 24
Who: Vince Staples, The Breeders, Julien Baker, BANKS, Taking Back Sunday, Anderson .Paak, The Rapture, Converge, and more
Why: Vans hosts a great series of free Chicago house parties at the city’s House of Vans.  See our venue review & photos of Brooklyn House of Vans here 
Web:
http://www.vans.com/house-of-vans.html

 


June

Emerge

What: Emerge
Where: Las Vegas, NV
When: May 31 – June 1
Who: Ana Tijoux, Andrew Bird, Bedouine, Big Freedia, Bishop Briggs, Cherry Glazerr, Culture ABuse, David Miles Hogg, Hobo Johnson, Junglepussy, Ladies of LCD Soundsystem, Laura Jane Grace, LE1F, Leikeli47, Marian Hill, Nahko, Talib Kweli, Tank & The Bangas, and more
Why: A “music + impact” conference at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
Web:
www.emergelv.com

 

Bunbury

What: Bunbury
Where: Cincinnati, OH
When: May 31 – June 2
Who: Fall Out Boy, Greta Van Fleet, The 1975, Run the Jewels, Girl Talk, NF, Machine Gun Kelly, AWOLNATION, Stone Temple Pilots, Sublime with Rome, Dashboard Confessional, Clutch, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Bayside, Streetlight Manifesto, The Aces, Joywave, Jukebox the Ghost, Reignwolf, Great Good Fine OK, and more
Why: Nice mix of mainstream & alternative – and no bees!
Web: bunburyfestival.com

 

Camp Anarchy

What: Camp Anarchy
Where: Thornville, OH
When: May 31 – June 2
Who: The Offspring, Rancid, NOFX, Bad Religion, Pennywise, X, Fear, Suicidal Tendencies, Less Than Jake, T.S.O.L., The Damned, Sick of It All, Off!, The Suicide Machines, Voodoo Glow Skulls, The Bronx, and more
Why: Punks go to camp.
Web: campanarchyfest.com

 

Do-Division

What: Do-Division
Where: Chicago, IL
When: May 31 – June 2
Who: Russian Circles, WHY?, The Skatelites, Meat Puppets, The Cool Kids, Mikal Cronin, Ryley Walker, Laura Stevenson, Paul Cherry, Habibi, JJUUJJUU, and more
Why: Held on ten blocks of Chicago’s Division Street, Ashland to Leavitt, the Do-Division Street Fest and Sidewalk Sale features Chicago indie rock.
Web: do-divisionstreetfest.com

 

Governors Ball

What: Governors Ball
Where: New York, NY
When: May 31 – June 2
Who: The Strokes, Florence & The Machine, Tyler the Creator, Nas, SZA, Major Lazer, The 1975, Lil Wayne, Brockhampton, Gesaffelstein, Jorja Smith, Kacey Musgraves, ZHU, Vince Staples, Blood Orange, Lord Huron, Beast Coast, Louis the Child, Kaytranada, The Internet, Playboi Carti, Mitski, Lily Allen, MØ, Ty Dolla $ign, Noname, Charli XCX, Jessie Reyez, Bob Moses, Denzel Curry, Hippo Campus, The Voidz, Roling Blackouts Coastal Fever, Cautious Clay, Sunflower Bean, U.S. Girls, Soccer Mommy, and many more
Why: Governors Ball has become one of the country’s biggest music festivals – and it’s in New York City! Read & see much more in our 2015 recap here
Web: governorsballmusicfestival.com

 

Vans House Parties – Chicago

What: Vans House Parties – Chicago
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When:
May 31 – August 24
Who: Vince Staples, The Breeders, Julien Baker, BANKS, Taking Back Sunday, Anderson .Paak, The Rapture, Converge, and more
Why: Vans hosts a great series of free Chicago house parties at the city’s House of Vans.  See our venue review & photos of Brooklyn House of Vans here 
Web:
http://www.vans.com/house-of-vans.html

 

Roots Picnic

What: Roots Picnic
Where: Philadelphia, PA
When: June 1
Who: The Roots, H.E.R., 21 Savage, Lil Baby, Raphael Saadiq, Tank & The Bangas, and more
Why: Tonight Show band (and more) brings their annual picnic, now at Fairmont Park.
Web: rootspicnic.com

 

UNTZ

What: UNTZ
Where: Mariposa, CA
When: June 1-2
Who: Space Jesus, Boogie T, and more
Why: Party right near Yosemite.
Web: www.theuntzfestival.com

 

SummerStage

What: SummerStage
Where: New York, NY
When: June 1 – September 24
Who: The B-52s, Bloc Party, Marina, The Growlers, Tash Sultana, King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard, Guster, Kurt Vile, Khruangbin, George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic, Emily King, Parquet Courts, Big Freedia, Alvvays, Young M.E., Railroad Earth, Avery*Sunshine, Ana Tijoux, Slick Rick, EPMD, Corinne Bailey Rae, Mountain Goats, Japanese Breakfast, The Wailers, OMD, Dinosaur Jr, Rubblebucket, Connan Mockasin, Galactic Fishbone, Jose James, The Courtneys, Durand Jones & The Indications, Dumpstapunk, Ellis, Miss Velvet, 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

 

Hot 97 Summer Jam

What: Hot 97 Summer Jam
Where: East Rutherford, NJ
When: June 2
Who: Cardi B, Migo, Meek Mill, Tory Lanez, and more
Why: Radio station Hot 87 puts on a hip-hop Summer Jam at MetLife Stadium.
Web: www.hot97.com/summerjam

 

BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!

What: BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When: June 4 – August 10
Who: The National, Father John Misty, Mac DeMarco, Patti LaBelle, Bomba Esteréo, Calexico and Iron & Wine, Ibeyi, I’m With Her, Liz Phair, Tortoise, Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, Courtney Barnett, Jade Bird, Kimbra, Leikeli47, Oddisee, Tank & The Bangas, Ted Leo & The Pharmacists, Adia Victoria, Caroline Rose, Darlingside, and more
Why: Once again, Prospect Park Bandshell’s BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! delivers all summer long. See our venue review & photos of Prospect Park Bandshell here
Web: www.bricartsmedia.org/performing-arts/bric-celebrate-brooklyn

 

Twangfest

What: Twangfest
Where: St. Louis, MO
When: June 5-8
Who: Craig Finn, Sarah Shook & The Disarmers, Superchunk, James McMurtry, and more
Why: 88.1 KDHX brings some twang to Middle America.
Web: twangfest.com

 

Camp Greensky

What: Camp Greensky
Where: Wellston, MI
When: June 6-8
Who: Greensky Bluegrass, Del & Dawg, Stephen Marley, Billy Strings, Hiss Golden Messenger, Bombino, The Lil Smokies, and more to
Why: Ohio needs more music – especially southeastern Ohio.
Web: greenskybluegrass.com

 

Nelsonville

What: Nelsonville
Where: Nelsonville, OH
When: June 6-9
Who: Death Cab for Cutie, Mavis Staples, Tyler Childers, The Breeders, Mandonlin Orange, Thee Oh Sees, The Wood Brothers, Todd Snider, Allah-Las, Bully, Darlingside, Julia Jacklin, The Coathangers, Molly Burch, Mattson 2, JJUUJJUU, Laura Gibson, and more
Why: Ohio needs more music – especially southeastern Ohio.
Web: www.nelsonvillefest.org

 

Wanderlust Snowshoe

What: Wanderlust Snowshoe
Where: Snowshoe, WV
When: June 6-9
Who: Southern Avenue, The Harmaleighs, Druminyasa, October’s Child, Roothub, SuperTallPaul, and more
Why: Yoga + music fest Wanderlust wanders into West Virginia. See more in our photo gallery of 2018 Wanderlust Squaw Valley here
Web: wanderlust.com/festivals/snowshoe

 

Spring Awakening

What: Spring Awakening
Where: Chicago, IL
When: June 7-9
Who: Audien, Galantis, Gold Clap, Illenium, Oliver Heldens, Space Jesus, Zedd, Zomboy, Destructo, DJ Snake, Flosstradamus, What So not, Benny Benassi, Cheat Codes, Dillon Francis, GRiZ, GTA, Martin Garrix, Rusko, Troyboi, and more
Why: Spring awakens (in June?) in Chicago with electrodance at Addams-Medill Park.
Web: springawakeningfestival.com

 

North by Northeast

What: North by Northeast
Where: Toronto, ON, Canada
When: June 7-16
Who: More than you can count, eh
Why: Canada’s North-by-Northeast shifts to a traditional weekend festival arrangement, with acts from both sides of the border & more. See much more in our 2014 photo gallery here
Web: www.nxne.com

 

Sound of Music

What: Sound of Music
Where: Burlington, ON, Canada
When: June 8-16
Who: Bush, LIVE, Bedouin Soundclash, Cowboy Junkies, The Dirty Nil, and more
Why: It’s about time that Tim Horton’s sponsored a Canadian festival.
Web: soundofmusic.ca

 

Blue Ox

What: Blue Ox
Where: Eau Claire, WI
When: June 13-15
Who: Pert Near Standstone, Trampled by Turtles, Railroad Earth, Sam Bush Band, Del McCoury Band, The Infamous Stringdusters, Billy Strings, Charlie Parr, Pokey LaFarge, Jeff Austin, Fruition, Lil Smokes, Sarah Shook & The Disarmers, and more
Why: Country jam comes to Wisconsin. Read more in our 2015 recap here
Web: blueoxmusicfestival.com

 

Bonnaroo

What: Bonnaroo
Where: Manchester, TN
When: June 13-16
Who: Phish, Post Malone, The Lumineers, ODESZA, Childish Gambino, Grand Ole Opry, Solange, Hozier, Cardi B, Brandi Carlile, Kacey Musgraves, The Avett Brothers, Brockhampton, The National, Illenium, Walk the Moon, The Lonely Island, GRiZ, RL Grime, ZHU, 12th Planet, Beach House, Mac DeMarco, Joe Russo, NGHTMRE, Gucci Mane, Lil Dicky, G Jones, John Prine, Courtney Barnett, Jim James, Trampled by Turtles, The Wood Brothers, Maren Morris, Girl Talk, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, Catfish and The Bottlemen, Gramatik, Shovels & Rope, K. Flay, Nahko & Medicine For the People, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Quinn XCII, Bishop Briggs, Deafheaven, Hippo Campus, The Soul Rebels, The Lemon Twigs, Tokimonsta, Parquet Courts, Rival Sons, The Record Company, AC Slater, CHerry Glazerr, Rubblebucket, Bombino, and many, many more
Why: The granddaddy of indie-meets-jam & more music festivals celebrates another genre-crossing year.
Web: www.bonnaroo.com

 

Mountain Jam

What: Mountain Jam
Where: Bethel Woods, NY
When: June 13-16
Who: Willie Nelson & Family, Phil Lesh & Friends, Gov’t Mule, The Avett Brothers, The Revivalists, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Dispatch, Alison Krauss, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Toots & The Maytals, Lukas Nelson, Mandolin Orange, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, Amy Helm, Marco Benevento, Tyler Ramsey, The National Reserve, Consider the Source, Hollis Brown, and more
Why: Despite the name, the festival now in Bethel Woods is more than just another jam-fest.
Web: mountainjam.com

 

Country Summer

What: Country Summer
Where: Santa Rosa, CA
When: June 14-16
Who: Tim McGraw, Old Dominion, Jake Owen, Big & Rich, and more
Why: Have some Country in a warm northern California Summer. See much more in our photo gallery here
Web: countrysummer.com

 

Clearwater

What: Clearwater
Where: Croton Point Park, NY
When: June 15-16
Who: Mavis Staples, Ani DiFranco, Railroad Earth, The Wailers, The Del McCoury Band, The Lone Bellow, Birds of Chicago, and more
Why: Head upstate for the Clearwater of the Hudson River and all the folk you can shake a stick at – and celebrate the life of Pete Seeger. See much more in our 2013 photo gallery here
Web: www.clearwaterfestival.org

 

Stern Grove

What: Stern Grove
Where: San Francisco, CA
When: June 16 – August 18
Who: Digable Planets, Galactic, San Francisco Symphony, Mitski, Toots & The Maytals, Lee Fields & The Expressions, San Francisco Ballet, The Psychedelic Furs, James, Pink Martini, The Isley Brothers, and more
Why: The oldest free-admission festival of its kind in America is of course in San Francisco.
Web: www.sterngrove.org

 

Rockland-Bergen

What: Rockland-Bergen
Where: Tappan, NY
When: June 19-23
Who: John Prine, Steve Earle, Adam Falcon, Donna the Buffalo, Joe Purdy, and more
Why: Rockland & Bergen are crossing county (and state) lines.
Web: www.rocklandmusicfestival.com

 

Sled Island

What: Sled Island
Where: Calgary, AB, Canada
When: June 19-23
Who: Julien Baker, Japanese Breakfast, JPEGMafia, LE1F, Hop Along, Bully, Oblivians, Man or Astro-Man?, Cate Le Bon, Cass McCombs, Jessica Pratt, Har Mar Superstar, Kid Congo Powers, Bully, and more
Why: The mammoth & varied Sled Island returns to Calgary.
Web: www.sledisland.com

 

Telluride Bluegrass

What: Telluride Bluegrass
Where: Telluride, CO
When: June 20-23
Who: Brandi Carlile, Jim James, Kacey Musgraves, Gregory Alan Isakov, Sam Bush, Leftover Salmon, Chris Thile, Greensky Bluegrass, Bela Fleck & The Flecktones, Lake Street Dive, Railroad Earth, Sam Bush, Yonder Mountain String Band, Steep Canyon Rangers, Punch Brothers, and more
Why: The ski resort of Telluride’s bluegrass festival always brings some big names in along with the jam.
Web: www.bluegrass.com/telluride

 

Wanderlust Stratton

What: Wanderlust Stratton
Where: Bondville, VT
When: June 20-23
Who: Ziggy Alberts, India.Arie, and more
Why: Yoga + music fest Wanderlust wanders into Vermont. See more in our photo gallery of 2018 Wanderlust Squaw Valley here
Web: wanderlust.com/festivals/stratton

 

Bonanza

What: Bonanza
Where: Heber, UT
When: June 21-23
Who: DJ Snake, G-Eazy, Empire of the Sun, GRiZ, Chromeo, Blackbear, Machine Gun Kelly, Bishop Briggs, Alunageorge, Big Wild, Whethan, Yungblud, Sir Sly, Phantoms, Shaed, and more
Why: Of course a festival in Utah would be named “Bonanza”.
Web: bonanzacampout.com

 

Cluster

What: Cluster
Where: San Francisco, CA
When: June 21-23
Who: John Mulaney, Patton Oswalt, Issa Rae, My Favorite Murder, The Roots, Lovett or Leave It, Jonathan Van Ness, Ilana Glazer, Chelsea Peretti, Jeff Ross presents Roast Battle, Courtney Barnett, Craig Robinson, Anthony Jeselnik, Tig Notaro, Scott Aukerman, Whitney Cummings, Girl Talk, Sinbad, Adam Scott, Japanese Breakfast, Big Freedia, Nicole Byer, Todd Barry, Rory Scovel, Nick Thune, Soul Clap, Mac Sabbath, and more
Why: Comedy Central brings a cluster of comedians & musicians to San Francisco.
Web: www.clusterfest.com

 

Firefly

What: Firefly
Where: Dover, DE
When: June 21-23
Who: Panic! At the Disco, Passion Pit, Travis Scott, Post Malone, Vampire Weekend, Kygo, Tyler the Creator, Zedd, Death Cab for Cutie, DJ Snake, GRiZ, Brockhampton, Louis the Child, AWOLNATION, Young the Giant, Walk the Moon, Lykke Li, Alison Wonderland, Courtney Barnett, Gucci Mane, X Amabassadors, $uicideboy$, AJR, Quinn XCII, Dashboard Confessional, Bob Moses, TLC, 3LAU, Car Seat Headrest, Jessie Reyez, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Bishop Briggs, Hop Along, Andrew McMahon, Phosphorescent, Sir Sly, The Knocks, Tank & The Bangas, Yungblud, Jukebox the Ghost, Hippo Campus, Ekali, Snail Mail, Protoje, Naked Giants, Great Good Fine OK, Rubblebucket, Max Frost, Lawerence, The Record Company, Arkells, and many, many more more
Why: Delaware delivers in the festival game. Read & see much more in our 2018 recap here
Web: fireflyfestival.com

 

Saskatchewan Jazz

What: Saskatchewan Jazz
Where: Saskatoon, SK, Canada
When: June 21-30
Who: Five Alarm Funk, Lyle Lovett, The Roots, The Suffers, Walk Off the Earth, and more
Why: (Sa)Skat it up, jazz-cat.
Web: saskjazz.com

 

Gnarlytown

What: Gnarlytown
Where: San Pedro, CA
When: June 22
Who: Pennywise, Rancid, Action Bronson, OFF!, Madball, and more
Why: “Bike, Boards & Bands”.
Web: gnarlytown.com

 

Summerfest

What: Summerfest
Where: Milwaukee, WI
When: June 26 – 30 & July 2-7
Who: Thomas Rhett, Jason Aldean, Bon Iver, Zac Brown Band, Lionel Ritchie, Jennifer Lopez, The Killers, Death Cab for Cutie, Megadeath, Michael McDonald, Kane Brown, Lord Huron, Julien Baker, Walk the Moon, Lizzo, Brandi Carlile, Third Eye Blind, Lake Street Dive, Young the Giant, Nora Collins, X Ambassadors, Cole Swindell, Dark Star Orchestra, Jason Mraz, Dispatch, The Suffers, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Courtney Barnett, The Roots, First Aid Kit, Los Lonely Boys, Chicago, Collective Soul, Neon Trees, Foreigner, Quinn XCII, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Styx, Jimmy Eat World, Brothers Osborne, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Switchfoot, Sublime with Rome, Jesus Jones, Dumpstaphunk, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Semisonic, Dashboard Confessional, Vic Mensa, Matoma, Big Gigantic, 3 Doors Down, Jimmy Eat World, Styx, 10,000 Maniacs, Foghat, T-Pain, Ludacris, Reverend Horton Heat, Chaka Khan, Taking Back Sunday, The Head and The Heart, Atmosphere, Matisyahu, CHVRCHES, Ozomatli, Ludacris, Shaed, Andrew W.K., Hanson, Steve Aoki, Elle King, The Lonely Island, Catfish & The Bottlemen, Frenship, Guided by Voices, The National, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, X, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Judah & The Lion, 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: summerfest.com

 

Common Ground

What: Common Ground
Where: Lansing, MI
When: June 27-30
Who: Brandi Carlile, City and Colour, Robert Randolph, Zedd, Playboi Carti, Cole Swindell, YG, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Big Boi, Elephante, and more
Why: Find some Common Ground.
Web: www.commongroundfest.com

 

Electric Forest

What: Electric Forest
Where: Rothbury, MI
When: June 27-30
Who: The String Cheese Incident, ODESZA, Kygo, Bassnectar, Zeds Dead, 12th Planet, Alison Wonderland, Black Tiger Sex Machine, Bob Moses, Claude Vonstroke, Ekali, Gorgon City, Gramatik, Lettuce, Quinn XCII, STS9, T-Pain, Tokimonsta, Twiddle, Whethan, Cautious Clay, Boombox, EOTO, Escort, Lee Fields, Motion Potion, Mansionair, Minnesota, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Shaed, The Knocks, and more
Why: Nature meets technology as Electric Forest. Read much more in our 2017 recap here
Web: www.electricforestfestival.com

 

Kate Wolf

What: Kate Wolf
Where: Laytonville, CA
When: June 27-30
Who: Kris Kristofferson, Los Lobos, Booker T, John Hiatt, California Honeydrops, The Lone Bellow, Amy Helm, and more
Why: Ladies & gents are welcome at Kate Wolf.
Web: katewolfmusicfestival.com

 

Montreal Jazz Fest

What: Montreal Jazz Fest
Where: Montreal, QC, Canada
When: June 27 – July 6
Who: !!!, Ani DiFranco, Bela Fleck, Ben Harper, Beth Hart, Billy Martin, Bobby McFerrin, Bombino, Bonobo, Boz Scaggs, Bryan Adams, Charlie Musselwhite, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Christine and the Queens, Daneil Caesar, George Thorogood, Herbie Hancock, Jessie Reyez, John Medeski, Jose Gonzalez, Julie Doiron, Kamasi Washington, Kimbra, M. Ward, Martha Wainwright, Max Richter, Metronomy, Moon Hooch, My Brightest Diamond, Norah Jones, Olafur Arnalds, Patrick Watson, Pink Martini, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Rufus Wainwright, Ry Cooder, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, The War On Drugs, We Are Wolves, Ziggy Marley, and many more
Why: Of course Montreal has a big, classy jazz festival.
Web: www.montrealjazzfest.com/en-CA

 

LadyLand

What: LadyLand
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When: June 28-29
Who: Gossip, Honey Dijon, Allie X, Mykki Blanco, Pussy Riot, Yves Tumor, and more
Why: Celebrate Global Pride Day at Brooklyn Mirage’s LadyLand.
Web: www.ladylandfestival.com

 

Solid Sound

What: Solid Sound
Where: North Adams, MA
When: June 28-30
Who: Wilco, Courtney Barnett, The Feelies, Tortoise, Cate Le Bon, Jonathan Richman, Jeff Tweedy & Friends, The Minus 5, Clipping., Lonnie Holley, The Autumn Defense, and more
Why: Wilco’s off-year Solid Sound Festival returns to MASS MoCA. See more in our photo gallery here
Web: solidsoundfestival.com

 

Loveloud

What: Loveloud
Where: Salt Lake City, UT
When: June 29
Who: Imagine Dragons, Kesha, Martin Garrix, Dan Reynolds, Tegan & Sara, Grouplove, K. Flay, PVRIS, Laura Jane Grace, and more
Why: Imagine Dragons’ Dan Reynolds hosts a festival in Utah – to benefit LGBTQ+ charities.
Web: loveloudfest.com

 


July

Vans House Parties – Chicago

What: Vans House Parties – Chicago
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When:
May 31 – August 24
Who: Vince Staples, The Breeders, Julien Baker, BANKS, Taking Back Sunday, Anderson .Paak, The Rapture, Converge, and more
Why: Vans hosts a great series of free Chicago house parties at the city’s House of Vans.  See our venue review & photos of Brooklyn House of Vans here 
Web:
http://www.vans.com/house-of-vans.html

 

SummerStage

What: SummerStage
Where: New York, NY
When: June 1 – September 24
Who: The B-52s, Bloc Party, Marina, The Growlers, Tash Sultana, King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard, Guster, Kurt Vile, Khruangbin, George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic, Emily King, Parquet Courts, Big Freedia, Alvvays, Young M.E., Railroad Earth, Avery*Sunshine, Ana Tijoux, Slick Rick, EPMD, Corinne Bailey Rae, Mountain Goats, Japanese Breakfast, The Wailers, OMD, Dinosaur Jr, Rubblebucket, Connan Mockasin, Galactic Fishbone, Jose James, The Courtneys, Durand Jones & The Indications, Dumpstapunk, Ellis, Miss Velvet, 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

 

BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!

What: BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When: June 4 – August 10
Who: The National, Father John Misty, Mac DeMarco, Patti LaBelle, Bomba Esteréo, Calexico and Iron & Wine, Ibeyi, I’m With Her, Liz Phair, Tortoise, Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, Courtney Barnett, Jade Bird, Kimbra, Leikeli47, Oddisee, Tank & The Bangas, Ted Leo & The Pharmacists, Adia Victoria, Caroline Rose, Darlingside, and more
Why: Once again, Prospect Park Bandshell’s BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! delivers all summer long. See our venue review & photos of Prospect Park Bandshell here
Web: www.bricartsmedia.org/performing-arts/bric-celebrate-brooklyn

 

Stern Grove

What: Stern Grove
Where: San Francisco, CA
When: June 16 – August 18
Who: Digable Planets, Galactic, San Francisco Symphony, Mitski, Toots & The Maytals, Lee Fields & The Expressions, San Francisco Ballet, The Psychedelic Furs, James, Pink Martini, The Isley Brothers, and more
Why: The oldest free-admission festival of its kind in America is of course in San Francisco.
Web: www.sterngrove.org

 

Summerfest

What: Summerfest
Where: Milwaukee, WI
When: June 26 – 30 & July 2-7
Who: Thomas Rhett, Jason Aldean, Bon Iver, Zac Brown Band, Lionel Ritchie, Jennifer Lopez, The Killers, Death Cab for Cutie, Megadeath, Michael McDonald, Kane Brown, Lord Huron, Julien Baker, Walk the Moon, Lizzo, Brandi Carlile, Third Eye Blind, Lake Street Dive, Young the Giant, Nora Collins, X Ambassadors, Cole Swindell, Dark Star Orchestra, Jason Mraz, Dispatch, The Suffers, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Courtney Barnett, The Roots, First Aid Kit, Los Lonely Boys, Chicago, Collective Soul, Neon Trees, Foreigner, Quinn XCII, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Styx, Jimmy Eat World, Brothers Osborne, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Switchfoot, Sublime with Rome, Jesus Jones, Dumpstaphunk, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Semisonic, Dashboard Confessional, Vic Mensa, Matoma, Big Gigantic, 3 Doors Down, Jimmy Eat World, Styx, 10,000 Maniacs, Foghat, T-Pain, Ludacris, Reverend Horton Heat, Chaka Khan, Taking Back Sunday, The Head and The Heart, Atmosphere, Matisyahu, CHVRCHES, Ozomatli, Ludacris, Shaed, Andrew W.K., Hanson, Steve Aoki, Elle King, The Lonely Island, Catfish & The Bottlemen, Frenship, Guided by Voices, The National, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, X, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Judah & The Lion, 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: summerfest.com

 

Montreal Jazz Fest

What: Montreal Jazz Fest
Where: Montreal, QC, Canada
When: June 27 – July 6
Who: !!!, Ani DiFranco, Bela Fleck, Ben Harper, Beth Hart, Billy Martin, Bobby McFerrin, Bombino, Bonobo, Boz Scaggs, Bryan Adams, Charlie Musselwhite, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Christine and the Queens, Daneil Caesar, George Thorogood, Herbie Hancock, Jessie Reyez, John Medeski, Jose Gonzalez, Julie Doiron, Kamasi Washington, Kimbra, M. Ward, Martha Wainwright, Max Richter, Metronomy, Moon Hooch, My Brightest Diamond, Norah Jones, Olafur Arnalds, Patrick Watson, Pink Martini, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Rufus Wainwright, Ry Cooder, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, The War On Drugs, We Are Wolves, Ziggy Marley, and many more
Why: Of course Montreal has a big, classy jazz festival.
Web: www.montrealjazzfest.com/en-CA

 

Essence

What: Essence
Where: New Orleans, LA
When: July 4-7
Who: Missy Elliot, Doug E. Fresh, Mary J. Blige, Nas, H.E.R., Big Daddy Kane, Slick Rick, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Jermaine Dupri, Lil Jon, Pharrell Williams, Timbaland, and more
Why: Essence Magazine throws a festival in New Orleans.
Web: www.essence.com/festival

 

High Sierra

What: High Sierra
Where: Quincy, CA
When: July 4-7
Who: Dispatch, Umphrey’s McGee, Greensky Bluegrass, Jim James, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Galactic, Del McCoury, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Leftover Salmon, Mandolin Orange, Marcus King, ALO, The Travelin’ McCourys, 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

 

Waterfront Blues

What: Waterfront Blues
Where: Portland, OR
When:
July 4-7
Who: Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Shemekia Copeland, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, The California Honeydrops, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Vintage Trouble, Cyril Neville, Songhoy Blues, and more
Why: Head to Tom McCall Waterfront Park for some Blues.
Web:
www.waterfrontbluesfest.com

 

Festival d'été de QuébecWhat: Festival d’été de Québec
Where: Québec City, QC, Canada
When: July 4-14
Who: Twenty One Pilots, Kygo, Imagine Dragons, alt-J, Slipknot, Mariah Carey, Blink-182, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Eric Lapointe, Logic, Diplo, A Day To Remember, The Strumbellas, Jason Bonham, The Offspring, LIVE, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, CHVRCHES, Bishop Briggs, Buddy Guy, Couer de Pirate, Nick Murphy, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Courtney Barnett, Taking Back Sunday, Killswitch Engage, Daniel Caesar, Songhoy Blues, July Talk, Lil Pump, Bahams, Little Steven, First Aid Kit, Saves the Day, Kongos, Yungblud, Golden Dawn Arkestra, Sir Sly, Leikeli47, Between the Buried and Me, Mercury Rev, Hawthorne Heights, U.S. Girls, and 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/en/?lang=en-CA

 

Northern Lights Festival Boréal

What: Northern Lights Festival Boréal
Where: Sudbury, ON, Canada
When: July 5-7
Who: Basia Bulat, Bedouin Soundclash, K’NAAN, Sam Roberts Band, and more
Why: Sudbury’s Northern Lights Festival Boréal is basically a few Canadian heavy-hitters and others only Canadians have ever even heard of.
Web: nlfb.ca

 

Burger Boogaloo

What: Burger Boogaloo
Where: Oakland, CA
When: July 6-7
Who: Jesus & Mary Chain, Scientists, Dead Boys, Shannon & The Clams, Sheer Mag, and more
Why: Burger Records holds a Boogaloo.
Web: www.burgerboogaloo.com

 

Winnipeg FolkWhat: Winnipeg Folk
Where: Winnipeg, MB, Canada
When: July 11-14
Who: Alvvays, Car Seat Headrest, Cass McCombs, Charlotte Day Wilson, Courtnie Marie Andrews, Death Cab for Cutie, Half Moon Run, Jason Mraz, Johnathan Rice, Julia Jacklin, Kacey Musgraves, K’Naan, Larkin Poe, Lucy Rose, Mt. Joy, Rayland Baxter, Sarah Shook & The Disarmers, Snail Mail, Steve Gunn, The Devil Makes Three, The Lone Bellow, The Sheepdogs, This Is the Kit, Toubab Krewe, 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

 

Basilica Block Party

What: Basilica Block Party
Where:
Minneapolis, MN
When: July 12-13
Who: Kacey Musgraves, Jason Mraz, Dawes, Hanson, Anderson East, Lissie, CHVRCHES, Semisonic, Metric, The Jayhawks, and more
Why: 25th anniversary of Cities 97.1 Basilica Block Party.
Web:
www.basilicablockparty.org

 

80/35

What: 80/35
Where: Des Moines, IA
When: July 12-13
Who: Portugal. The Man, Elle King, Metric, MisterWives, Noname, Liz Phair, Yungblud, Lissie, Murder By Death, Open Mike Eagle, The Beths, The Envy Corps, Dressy Bessy, 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

 

Folk On the Rocks

What: Folk On the Rocks
Where:
Yellowknife, NT, Canada
When: July 12-14
Who: La Force, Wintersleep, Lido Pimienta, Alex Cuba, 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 12-14
Who: The Killers, Anderson .Paak, The Avett Brothers, Tyler Childers, Maggie Rogers, Portugal. The Man, Judah & The Lion, Playboi Carti, CHVRCHES, First Aid Kit, Midland, Highly Suspect, Chromeo, Moon Taxi, Andrew Bird, Nelly, Lauv, JUNGLE, Big Dild, Dawes, Anderson East, Lucius, Noname, Lettuce, Mt. Joy, Snakehips, Hop Along, Whethan, Yungblud, Liz Cooper & The Stampede, Julia Jacklin, Penny & Sparrow, and many more
Why: Forecastle comes with a vengeance and a top-tier line-up. Read and see much more in our 2018 recap here
Web: forecastlefest.com

 

Green River

What: Green River
Where:
Greenfield, MA
When: July 12-14
Who: First Aid Kit, The Wood Brothers, The Devil Makes Three, Rhiannon Giddens, Tyler Childers, and more
Why: This lighter jam-folk fest has hot air balloon rides.
Web:
www.greenriverfestival.com

 

Hillside

What: Hillside
Where:
Guelph, ON, Canada
When: July 12-14
Who: Alan Doyle, Rhiannon Giddens, Steve Earle & The Dukes, Bruce Cockburn, Fucked Up, Songhoy Blues, Yonatan Gat, Ellevator, and more
Why: While many Canadian festivals have flamed out, Hillside has passed its quarter century mark and is still going strong.
Web:
www.hillsidefestival.ca

 

Inkcarnation

What: Inkcarnation
Where: Mansfield, OH
When: July 12-14
Who: Shinedown, Godsmack, Five Finger Death Punch, LIVE, Taking Back Sunday, Seether, Skillet, Starset, Motionless In White, Buckcherry, Andrew W.K., and more
Why: Music + Tattoo.
Web: inkcarceration.com

 

Levitate

What: Levitate
Where:
Marshfield, MA
When: July 12-14
Who: Tedeschi Trucks Band, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Damian Marley, Joe Russo, Sublime with Rome, Michael Franti & Spearhead, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, The Wood Brothers, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Steel Pulse, Blackberry Smoke, Shovels & Rope, Soulive, Marco Benevento, and more
Why: Levitate to the jam.
Web:
www.levitatemusicfestival.com

 

Ride

What: Ride
Where: Telluride, CO
When: July 12-14
Who: Widespread Panic, Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Rose Hill Drive, Big Something, Black Pistol Fire, Dorothy, and more
Why: Ride into Telluride.
Web:
www.ridefestival.com

 

Pleasantville

What: Pleasantville
Where: Pleasantville, NY
When: July 13
Who: Everclear, Soul Asylum, Aimee Mann, Matthew Sweet, Bailen, and more
Why: Making Pleasantville even more pleasant.
Web:
www.pleasantvillemusicfestival.com

 

Greatest Day Ever

What: Greatest Day Ever
Where: Coney Island, NY
When: July 13-14
Who: Carnage, Zeds Dead, Pusha T, JUNGLE, Lil Baby, Snakehips, Cashmere Cat, Party Favor, and more
Why: Head to Ford Amphitheater on Coney Island for the Greatest Day Ever.
Web:
www.thegreatestdayever.com

 

Camp Bisco

What: Camp Bisco
Where: Scranton, PA
When:
July 18-20
Who: The Disco Biscuits, Bassnectar, ODESZA, Tipper, STS9, Umphrey’s McGee, Ganja WHite Night, Space Jesus, Aqueous, Manic Focus, Minnesota, Rusko, The Soul Rebels, GZA, Tauk, Twiddle, and more
Why: Electro-jam festival regulars The Disco Biscuits revive Camp Bisco, now in Scranton. Read & see more in our 2013 recap here
Web:
campbisco.com

 

Rock Fest

What: Rock Fest
Where:
Cadott, WI
When: July 18-20
Who: Rob Zombie, Five Finger Death Punch, Evanescence, Breaking Benjamin, Marilyn Manson, Mastodon, Three Days Grace, In This Moment, Skillet, Killswitch Engage, Starset, Of Mice & Men, Jackyl, Styper, Bad Wolves, and more
Why: “Where We Just Rock”
Web:
www.rock-fest.com

 

Great South Bay

What: Great South Bay
Where: Patchogue, NY
When: July 18-21
Who: America, Taking Back Sunday, Slightly Stoopid, Sublime with Rome, Lotus, Dweezil Zappa, War, Glassjaw, SOJA, Menzingers, and more
Why: Jam fest on Long Island.
Web: www.greatsouthbaymusicfestival.com

 

Grey Fox Bluegrass

What: Grey Fox Bluegrass
Where:
Oak Hill, NY
When: July 18-21
Who: Billy Strings, Del McCoury Band, Leftover Salmon, Mandolin Orange, Steep Canyon Rangers, I’m With Her, The Travelin’ McCourys, The Lil Smokies, and more
Why: Blue or Grey is welcome in the Catskills.
Web:
www.greyfoxbluegrass.com

 

Wanderlust Squaw Valley

What: Wanderlust Squaw Valley
Where: North Lake Tahoe, CA
When: July 18-21
Who: Above & Beyond, Thievery Corporation, and more
Why: Yoga + music fest Wanderlust wanders into Lake Tahoe. See more in our 2018 photo gallery here
Web: wanderlust.com/festivals/squaw-valley

 

Pinknic

What: Pinknic
Where: New York, NY
When:
July 19-20
Who: Mark Ronson, Chromeo, PNAU, Breakbot, Moon Boots, and more
Why: Rosé gets its own festival.
Web:
pinknic.com

 

Pitchfork

What: Pitchfork
Where:
Chicago, IL
When: July 19-21
Who: HAIM, The Isley Brothers, Robyn, Charli XCX, Belle & Sebastian, Mavis Staples, Earl Sweatshirt, Stereolab, Whitney, Khruangbin, Kurt Vile, Jeremih, Sky Ferreira, Pusha T, Snail Mail, Parquet Courts, Low, Soccer Mommy, Freddie Gibs, Neneh Cherry, Julia Holter, Jay Som, Amen Dunes, JPEGMAFIA, Cate Le Bon, 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. See much more in our photo gallery here
Web:
pitchforkmusicfestival.com

 

Coney Island

What: Coney Island
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When: July 20
Who: The Feelies, Bane’s World, The Mystery Lights, and more
Why: Free music returns to Coney Island.
Web: www.cimusicfestival.com

 

Ozy Fest

What: Ozy Fest
Where: New York, NY
When: July 20-21
Who: John Legend, Miguel, A R I Z O N A, Rachael Ray, Alex Rodriguez, Padma Lakshmi, Malcolm Gladwell, Trevor Noah, Mark Cuban, Spike Lee, Stacey Abrams, John Kasich, Dulce Sloan, Deepak Chopra, Elizabeth Vargas, Ronny Chieng, Dr Oz, and more
Why: Ozy mashes up TED Talks & music festival with some big-name speakers (and some music & comedy). Read & see much more in our 2018 recap here
Web: www.ozy.com/ozyfest

UPDATE: Cancelled due to heatwave

 

MRG30

What: MRG30
Where: Raleigh, NC
When: July 24-27
Who: Superchunk, Fucked Up, Ibibio Sound Machine, Hiss Golden Messenger, Wye Oak, The Mountain Goats, Swearin’, Titus Andronicus, Destroyer, and more
Why: Merge Records celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Web: www.mergerecords.com

 

FloydFest

What: FloydFest
Where: Floyd, VA
When: July 24-28
Who: The String Cheese Incident, Phil Lesh, Kacey Musgraves, Brandi Carlile, Tyler Childers, Leftover Salmon, Margo Price, Fantastic Negrito, Lukas Nelson, Hot Tuna, Keller Williams, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, The Motet, Jade Bird, The War and Treaty, Becca Mancari, 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 24 – August 11
Who: Lalah Hathaway, Coco, Jeff Tweedy, Lee Fields & The Expressions, Rhiannon Giddens, Roy Wood Jr., H.E.R., Patty Griffin, and more
Why: The famed venue heads Out of Doors at Damrosch Park Bandshell.
Web:
lcoutofdoors.org

 

Peach

What: Peach
Where: Scranton, PA
When: July 25-28
Who: Phil Lesh, Warren Haynes, Trey Anastasio, The String Cheese Incident, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, moe., Greensky Bluegrass, Lotus, Blues Traveler, Lettuce, Stephen Marley, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, The Infamous Stringdusters, Yonder Mountain String Band, Billy Strings, Larkin Poe, Fruition, Big Something, and more
Why: Bringing the jam to the home of Joe Biden & Dunder-Mifflin.
Web: www.thepeachmusicfestival.com

 

Newport Folk

What: Newport Folk
Where: Newport, RI
When: July 26-28
Who: Sheryl Crow, Jeff Tweedy, Hozier, Portugal. The Man, Gregory Alan Isakov, Jade Bird, Courtney Marie Andrews, Cedric Burnside, Dawes, I’m With Her, Lake Street Dive, Liz Cooper & The Stampede, Lukas Nelson, Maggie Rogers, Mountain Man, Phil Lesh, Rayland Baxter, Stephen Marley, Todd Snider, Phil Lesh, Trey Anastasio, Adia Victoria, Amy Ray, Kevin Morby, Lucy Dacus, Noname, The Nude Party, and more
Why: The festival where Bob Dylan was called “Judas” for going electric is still going strong. See much more in our photo gallery here
Web: www.newportfolk.org

 

Wicker Park Fest

What: Wicker Park Fest
Where:
Chicago, IL
When:
July 26-28
Who: Screaming Females, Durand Jones & The Indications, Leikeli47, Open Mike Eagle, WAVVES, Superchunk, Murder By Death, L.A. Witch, Amyl & The Sniffers, and more
Why: One of Chicago’s many parks has one of its better park festivals. See more in our 2011 photo gallery here
Web:
www.wickerparkfest.com

 

XPoNential

What: XPoNential
Where:
Camden, NJ
When: July 26-28
Who: Hozier, Elvis Costello & The Imposters, Blondie, Amy Ray Band, Guster, Japanese Breakfast, Dawes, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, , Gregory Alan Isakov, Bettye Lavette, Lucy Dacus, The Wood Brothers, Low Cut Connie, Foxtrot & The Get Down, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, Caroline Rose, Y La Bamba, and more
Why: WXPN 88.5 holds an Americana alt-country fest at Camden’s Waterfront.
Web:
xpnfest.org

 

Mo Pop

What: Mo Pop
Where: Detroit, MI
When: July 27-28
Who: Tame Impala, Vampire Weekend, Ella Mai, Kali Uchis, Lizzo, The Story So Far, Noname, Snail Mail, and more
Why: A really good festival in the Motor City.
Web: mopopfestival.com

 


August

Vans House Parties – Chicago

What: Vans House Parties – Chicago
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When:
May 31 – August 24
Who: Vince Staples, The Breeders, Julien Baker, BANKS, Taking Back Sunday, Anderson .Paak, The Rapture, Converge, and more
Why: Vans hosts a great series of free Chicago house parties at the city’s House of Vans.  See our venue review & photos of Brooklyn House of Vans here 
Web:
http://www.vans.com/house-of-vans.html

 

SummerStage

What: SummerStage
Where: New York, NY
When: June 1 – September 24
Who: The B-52s, Bloc Party, Marina, The Growlers, Tash Sultana, King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard, Guster, Kurt Vile, Khruangbin, George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic, Emily King, Parquet Courts, Big Freedia, Alvvays, Young M.E., Railroad Earth, Avery*Sunshine, Ana Tijoux, Slick Rick, EPMD, Corinne Bailey Rae, Mountain Goats, Japanese Breakfast, The Wailers, OMD, Dinosaur Jr, Rubblebucket, Connan Mockasin, Galactic Fishbone, Jose James, The Courtneys, Durand Jones & The Indications, Dumpstapunk, Ellis, Miss Velvet, 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

 

BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!

What: BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When: June 4 – August 10
Who: The National, Father John Misty, Mac DeMarco, Patti LaBelle, Bomba Esteréo, Calexico and Iron & Wine, Ibeyi, I’m With Her, Liz Phair, Tortoise, Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, Courtney Barnett, Jade Bird, Kimbra, Leikeli47, Oddisee, Tank & The Bangas, Ted Leo & The Pharmacists, Adia Victoria, Caroline Rose, Darlingside, and more
Why: Once again, Prospect Park Bandshell’s BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! delivers all summer long. See our venue review & photos of Prospect Park Bandshell here
Web: www.bricartsmedia.org/performing-arts/bric-celebrate-brooklyn

 

Stern Grove

What: Stern Grove
Where: San Francisco, CA
When: June 16 – August 18
Who: Digable Planets, Galactic, San Francisco Symphony, Mitski, Toots & The Maytals, Lee Fields & The Expressions, San Francisco Ballet, The Psychedelic Furs, James, Pink Martini, The Isley Brothers, and more
Why: The oldest free-admission festival of its kind in America is of course in San Francisco.
Web: www.sterngrove.org

 

Lincoln Center Out of Doors

What: Lincoln Center Out of Doors
Where:
New York, NY
When:
July 24 – August 11
Who: Lalah Hathaway, Coco, Jeff Tweedy, Lee Fields & The Expressions, Rhiannon Giddens, Roy Wood Jr., H.E.R., Patty Griffin, and more
Why: The famed venue heads Out of Doors at Damrosch Park Bandshell.
Web:
lcoutofdoors.org

 

Magic City Blues

What: Magic City Blues
Where: Billings, MT
When: August 1-3
Who: George Thorogood & The Destroyers, Little Hurricane, Marcia Ball, Kalo, and more
Why: Urban music in the most un-urban of states.
Web: www.magiccityblues.com

 

Lollapalooza

What: Lollapalooza
Where: Chicago, IL
When: August 1-4
Who: Ariana Grande, Childish Gambino, Twenty One Pilots, The Strokes, Tame Impala, FLume, The Chainsmokers, J Balvin, Kacey Musgraves, Lil Wayne, Janelle Monáe, Meek Mill, Hozier, Rüfüs Du Sol, Gary Clark Jr., Tenacious D, 21 Savage, Death Cab for Cutie, The Revivalists, H.E.R., Maggie Rogers, Perry Farrell, Alesso, Louis the Child, RL Grime, 6LACK, NF, Slash, Madeon, Gryffin, San Holo, Fitz & The Tantrums, Judah & The Lion, Mitski, Bring Me the Horizon, Chevelle, AHR, Matoma, Whethan, Bishop Briggs, Hayley Kiyoko, Denzel Curry, Party Favor, Japanese Breakfast, Lane 8, Sharon Van Etten, Francis & The Lights, Idles, Sigrid, Bad Suns, (Sandy) Alex G, Cautious Clay, Jade Bird, Mondo Cozmo, Emily King, Men I Trust, Elephante, Fantastic Negrito, Crizzly, Max Frost, Bayonne, Shaed, Sam Fender, Arkells, and many, many more
Why: The granddaddy of today’s indie fests still brings a hell of a line-up right to Chicago’s Grant Park. Read & see much more in our big recap here
Web: www.lollapalooza.com

 

Mile of Music

What: Mile of Music
Where: Appleton, WI
When: August 1-4
Who: Birds of Chicago, Devon Gilfillian, Wild Adriatic, and more
Why: A Mile of Music comes to Appleton. Read & see much more in our 2014 recap here
Web: mileofmusic.com

 

Wanderlust Whistler

What: Wanderlust Whistler
Where: Whistler, BC, Canada
When: August 1-4
Who: Broken Social Scene, Nahko & Medicine For the People, and more
Why: Yoga + music fest Wanderlust wanders into Whistler. See more in our photo gallery of 2018 Wanderlust Squaw Valley here
Web: wanderlust.com/festivals/whistler

 

Secret Stages

What: Secret Stages
Where: Birmingham, AL
When: August 2-3
Who: Lilly Hiat, Esther Rose, Dylan Le Blanc, and more
Why: A mostly free event in Birmingham’s Historic Loft District.
Web: www.secretstages.net

 

Area 506

What: Area 506
Where: St. Johns, NB, Canada
When: August 2-4
Who: City and Colour, Interpol, Tokyo Police Club, Wintersleep, Rural Alberta Advantage, and more
Why: Celebrate all things New Brunswick (Canada).
Web: area506.ca

 

Arise

What: Arise
Where: Loveland, CO
When: August 2-4
Who: Tipper, Beats Antique, Railroad Earth, Leftover Salmon, Aqueous, and more
Why: Arise in Loveland.
Web: arisefestival.com

 

Hinterland

What: Hinterland
Where: St. Charles, IA
When: August 2-4
Who: Hozier, Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, Brandi Carlile, Kacey Musgraves, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Maggie Rogers, Hippo Campus, The Wood Brothers, Dawes, Jade Bird, Colter Wall, Brent Cobb, Ron Gallo, The Maytags, and more
Why: Head to America’s Hinterland for this nice new festival. See much more in our photo gallery here
Web: hinterlandiowa.com

 

Newport Jazz

What: Newport Jazz
Where: Newport, RI
When: August 2-4
Who: Herbie Hancock, Common, Kamasi Washington, Thundercat, Dianne Reeves, Corinne Baily Rae, Tank & The Bangas, The Bad Plus, Terence Blanchard, Sun Ra Arkestra, and more
Why: While best known for its storied folk festival (see above), little Newport in little Rhode Island has a jazz fest the following weekend to boot!
Web: www.newportjazz.org

 

Osheaga

What: Osheaga
Where: Montréal, QC, Canada
When: August 2-4
Who: The Lumineers, The Chemical Brothers, Childish Gambino, Tame Impala, Logic, Flume, J Balvin, City and Colour, Hozier, Kaytranada, Janelle Monáe, Interpol, Gucci Mane, Rüfüs Du Sol, Metric, Mac DeMarco, Beach House, Kurt Vile, $uicideboy$, Young the Giant, The Black Madonna, Louis the Child, Jessie Reyez, Mitski, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, The Glorious Sons, Hayley Kiyoko, Black Tiger Sex Machine, Denzel Curry, Kodaline, Sofi Tukker, Sigrid, GRiZ, Bob Moses, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, JPEGMAFIA, U.S. Girls, Bea Miller, Sharon Van Etten, Francis & The Lights, Bayonne, Reignwolf, Real Estate, Taylor Bennett, Mallrat, and many, many more
Why: Osheaga stays in the top-tier with another killer line-up. Read & see much more in our 2013 recap here
Web: www.osheaga.com

 

Pickathon

What: Pickathon
Where:
Happy Valley, OR
When: August 2-4
Who: Nathaniel Rateliff, Khruangbin, Mandolin Orange, Tyler Childers, Lucius, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Fruit Bats, Mountain Man, Damien Jurado, Lambchop, Laura Veirs, Julia Jacklin, The Marías, Courtney Marie Andrews, JJUUJJUU, Young Jesus, Sam Evian, Nap Eyes, The Cordovas, and more
Why: Pick an instrument at Pickathon. Read & see much more in our 2016 recap here
Web:
pickathon.com

 

Satchmo

What: Satchmo
Where: New Orleans, LA
When: August 2-4
Who: Calvin Johnson, Irma Thomas, Soul Rebels, and more
Why: Satchmo – comin’ through with the music.
Web:
satchmosummerfest.org

 

Petaluma

What: Petaluma
Where: Petaluma, CA
When: August 3
Who: ALO, David Nelson, The Mother Hips, Hot Buttered Rum, and more
Why: Get down in Petaluma. See more in our 2014 photo gallery here
Web: www.petalumamusicfestival.org

 

HARD SUMMER

What: HARD SUMMER
Where: Fontana, CA
When: August 3-4
Who: Major Lazer, Kid Cudi, Dillon Francis, ZHU, Tchami, Excision, NGHTMRE, Alison Wonderland, RL Grime, Juice WRLD, Claude VonStroke, Flosstradamus, What So Not, Jessie Reyez, GTA, Whethan, Duke Dumont, Flux Pavilion, A-Trak, JPEGMAFIA, Juistin Marin, Soulja Boy, Kill the Noise, Ghastly, 12th Planet, Space Jesus, and more
Why: HARD returns this SUMMER with some hard beats. See more in our 2014 photo gallery here
Web: hardfest.com

 

The Big What?

What: The Big What?
Where: Pittsboro, NC
When: August 8-10
Who: Big Something, Too Many Zooz, Sunsquabi, The Mantras, Toubab Krewe, The Nth Power, and more
Why: Big What? comes to Pittsboro.
Web: thebigwhat.com

 

Bellwether

What: Bellwether
Where:
Waynesville, OH
When: August 9-10
Who: Beach House, Cake, Cold War Kids, Guided By Voices, Twin Shadow, STRFKR, Real Estate, Pinback, Black Moth Super Rainbow, Caroline Rose, and more
Why: Southwestern Ohio is a Bellwether.
Web:
bellwetherfest.com

 

Beach Road Weekend

What: Beach Road Weekend
Where:
Martha’s Vineyard, MA
When: August 9-11
Who: John Fogerty, Phil Lesh & Friends, Dispatch, Grace Potter, Galactic, Matisyahu, The Original Wailers, Alejandro Escovdeo, Mason Jennings, North Mississippi Allstars, and more
Why: Have a Weekend on the Beach Road in Martha’s Vineyard.
Web:
www.beachroadweekend.com

 

Outside Lands

What: Outside Lands
Where:
San Francisco, CA
When: August 9-11
Who: Paul Simon, Childish Gambino, Twenty One Pilots, The Lumineers, Flume, Blink-182, Kygo, Anderson .Paak, Leon Bridges, Kacey Musgraves, Lil Wayne, Hozier, RL Grime, Ella Mai, Counting Crows, Flying Lotus, Mavis Staples, Bebe Rexha, The Neighbourhood, Santigold, Better Oblivion Community Center, Toro y Moi, Denzel Curry, San Holo, Judah & The Lion, Big Wild, Bob Moses, Edie Brickell, Phosphorescent, Bea Miller, Aurora, Nahko & Medicine For the People, California Honeydrops, Cautious Clay, The Marias, Cherry Glazerr, Weyes Blood, Taylor Bennett, SYML, Alex Lahey, and many, many more
Why: San Francisco’s gorgeous Golden Gate Park plays host to another year of Outside Lands, with three days of an incredible line-up. Read much more in our 2018 recap here
Web:
www.sfoutsidelands.com

 

Beloved

What: Beloved
Where:
Tidewater, OR
When: August 9-12
Who: Nahko and Medicine For the People, Sudan Archives, Digable Planets, and more
Why: The globe comes to Oregon to celebrate The Beloved with sacred music.
Web:
belovedfestival.com

 

Shambhala

What: Shambhala
Where: Salmo, BC, Canada
When: August 9-12
Who: Bonobo, Chase & Status, Excision, GRiZ, Kaskade, Liquid Stranger, Nero, Rusko, Silk City, TroyBoi, Zeds Dead, ZHU, A Tribe Called Red, AC Slater, Beats Antique, Chali 2na, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Justin Martin, Minnesota, Paul Oakenfold, Poolside, Z-Trip, and more
Why: Electro-DJs come to Canada – Shambhala!
Web: www.shambhalamusicfestival.com

 

Moonrise

What: Moonrise
Where: Baltimore, MD
When: August 10-11
Who: Illenium, NGHTMRE, R3HAB, Slushii, Tiësto, Yellow Claw, Cheat Codes, Party Favor, 21Savage, Big Gigantic, Blackbear, Excision, Gryffin, Jai Wolf, Desiigner, 12th Planet, Rusko, Space Jesus, Troyboi, and more
Why: The moon rises over Baltimore. Read much more in our 2014 recap here
Web: www.moonrisefestival.com

 

Railbird

What: Railbird
Where: Lexington, KY
When: August 10-11
Who: The Raconteurs, Hozier, Brandi Carlile, Tyler Childers, Old Crow Medicine Show, Gary Clark Jr., St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Mandolin Orange, Mavis Staples, Lucinda Williams, I’m With Her, Robert Earl Keen, Drew Holcomb, Jade Bird, Low Cut Connie, Billy Strings, Fruit Bats, and more
Why: New festival with Music. Bourbon. Equine.
Web: www.railbirdfest.com

 

Real Street

What: Real Street
Where: Anaheim, CA
When: August 10-11
Who: A$AP Rocky, Cardi B, Future, Migos, 2 Chainz, Big Sean, Meek Mill, Miguel, Rae Sremmurd, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Jay Rock, and more
Why: Get Real (including A$AP Rocky’s first post-Swedish jail appearance).
Web: realstreetfest.com

 

Salmon Arm Roots & Blues

What: Salmon Arm Roots & Blues
Where: Salmon Arm, BC, Canada
When: August 15-18
Who: Birds of Chicago, Early Spirit, Jenie Thai, Tal National, The Harpoonist and The Axe Murderer, and more
Why: British Columbia opens its Salmon Arms for artists from around the world.
Web: www.rootsandblues.ca

 

Baja Beach

What: Baja Beach
Where: Rosarita Beach, Mexico
When: August 16-17
Who: Cardi B, Ozuna, J Balvin, Bad Bunny, and more
Why: Get down in Mexico’s Baja California.
Web: bajabeachfest.com

 

Beer By the Bay

What: Beer By the Bay
Where: Horseshoe Bay, TX
When: August 16-17
Who: LeAnn Rimes, Roger Creager, The Derailer, and more
Why: Have a beer by the bay.
Web: beerbyhsbresort.com

 

Country Jam

What: Country Jam
Where: Thornville, OH
When: August 16-17
Who: Jason Aldean, Old Dominion, Randy Houser, and more
Why: 92.3 WCOL brings country to Ohio.
Web:
https://countryjamcampout.com

 

Maha

What: Maha
Where: Omaha, NE
When: August 16-17
Who: Lizzo, Jenny Lewis, Courtney Barnett, Matt & Kim, Oh Sees, Matt Maeson, Snail Mail, and more
Why: Head to O’Maha.
Web: mahafestival.com

 

Bethel Woods

What: Bethel Woods
Where: Bethel Woods, NY
When: August 16-18
Who: Ringo Starr, Arlo Guthrie, Santana, Doobie Brothers, and more
Why: Celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the most famous music festival at the original location.
Web: www.bethelwoodscenter.org/the-museum/woodstock50anniversary

 

Psycho Vegas

What: Psycho Vegas
Where: Las Vegas, NV
When: August 16-18
Who: The Misfits, Megadeath, Electric Wizard, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Clutch, Bad Religion, High On Fire, The Black Angels, Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats, Glassjaw, Deafheaven, and more
Why: Vegas goes Psycho.
Web: www.vivapsycho.com

 

Riverfest Elora

What: Riverfest Elora
Where: Elora, ON, Canada
When: August 16-18
Who: City and Colour, Jessie Reyez, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Alice Merton, A Tribe Called Red, 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 16-18
Who: Ani DiFranco, Mandolin Orange, The Oh Hellos, Patty Larkin, Ben Folds, Violent Femmes, Haley Heynderickx, Josh Ritter, St. Paul & The Brokyn Bones, and more
Why: Folks go up in the Rocky Mt.
Web: www.bluegrass.com/folks

 

Hot August

What: Hot August
Where:
Cockeysville, MD
When:
August 17
Who: Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Turkuaz, Billy Strings, Melvin Seal & JGB, Samantha Fish, The Lil Smokes, and more
Why: It’s hot in August.
Web:
www.hotaugustmusicfestival.com

 

L.A. Tailgate

What: L.A. Tailgate
Where: Los Angeles, CA
When: August 17-18
Who: Brantley Gilbert, Brett Eldredge, Lee Brice, Tyler Far, Locash, and more
Why: Los Angeles Tailgates with some country.
Web:
latailgatefest.com

 

Hermosa Beach

What: Hermosa Beach
Where: Hermosa Beach, CA
When: August 17-18 & 24-25
Who: Atlas Genius, The White Buffalo, Iglu & Hartly, Mariachi El Bronxe, Steve Byrne, Jamie Kennedy, and more
Why: Free weekends at Hermosa Beach.
Web:
hermosasummerseries.com

 

Yola

What: Yola
Where: Los Angeles, CA
When: August 18
Who: Lykke Li, Charli XCX, Cat Power, Courtney Love, Sophie, Megan Thee Stallion, and more
Why: A celebration of women by women.
Web: www.yolafest.com

 

Mutek - Montréal

What: Mutek – Montréal
Where: Montréal, QC, Canada
When: August 20-25
Who: BYZ, CMD, Desert Bloom, Matmos, Persuasion, Tim Hecker, Wajatta, and more
Why: Montréal gets even more artsy with Mutek.
Web: www.mutek.org

 

Lockn'

What: LOCKN’
Where: Arrington, VA
When: August 22-25
Who: Bob Weir, Trey Anastasio, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, The Revivalists, Vulfpeck, Jason Isbell, Gary Clark Jr., Old Crow Medicine Show, Otell & Friends, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Khruangbin, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Steel Pulse, Chris Robinson, Edie Brickell & New Bohemians, Liz Cooper & The Stampede, Nahko and Medicine For the People, Melvin Seals & JGB, The Soul Rebels, Keller Williams, Fruition, Galactic, Soulive, and more
Why: LOCKN’ the jam. Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: www.locknfestival.com

 

Breakaway – Michigan

What: Breakaway – Michigan
Where: Grand Rapids, MI
When: August 23-24
Who: Kaskade, Louis the Child, Wiz Khalifa, Big Gigantic, Blackbear, Troyboi, Wax Motif, and more
Why: After a successful first three years, Breakaway expands to Michigan.
Web: www.breakawayfestival.com

 

Breakaway – Ohio

What: Breakaway – Ohio
Where: Columbus, OH
When: August 23-24
Who: Future, Bassnectar, Young Thug, Louis the Child, Blackbear, Troyboi, Matoma, and more
Why: After a successful first three years, Breakaway expands to Columbus.
Web: www.breakawayfestival.com

 

Afropunk

What: Afropunk
Where: Brooklyn, NY
When: August 24-25
Who: Jill Scott, FKA Twigs, Kamasi Washington, Gary Clark Jr., Santigold, Leon Bridges, Lianne La Havas, Danny Brown, Goldlink, Nao, Death Grips, Toro y Moi, Kelsey Lu, Leikeli47, h09909, Tank & The Bangas, The Suffers, and more
Why: Commodore Barry Park is the site for Afropunk. See more in our 2015 photo gallery here
Web: afropunkfest.com

 

Thing

What: Thing
Where: Port Townshend, WA
When: August 24-26
Who: Violent Femmes, De La Soul, Café Tacvba, Calexicoand Iron & Wine, Jeff Tweedy, Kute Vile, Khruangbin, Tank & The Bangas, Parquet Courts, Phosphorescent, Japanese Breakfast, Napoleon Dynamite Live, Natasha Lyonne, John Reilly, Snail Mail, Macauly Culkin, and more
Why: The people behind Sasquatch! bring the Thing.
Web: thingnw.org

 

Appaloosa

What: Appaloosa
Where: Front Royal, VA
When: August 30 – September 1
Who: Scythian, Steep Canyon Rangers, Dustbowl Revival, and more
Why: Get out of D.C. and get back to the roots.
Web: appaloosafestival.com

 

Bumbershoot

What: Bumbershoot
Where: Seattle, WA
When: August 30 – September 1
Who: Tyler the Creator, The Lumineers, Rezz, Louis the Child. H.E.R., Jai Wolf, LP, Taking Back Sunday, Hippie Sabotage, Carly Rae Jepsen, Alina Baraz, Clairo, Rival Sons, Bob Moses, Reignwolf, A R I Z O N A, SOB x RBE, Gallant, Bea Miller, Matt Maeson, Madison Beer, The Aces, Kolars, morgxn, Y La Bamba, Alex Lahey, and more
Why: Seattle welcomes the impressive Bumbershoot. See more in our 2017 photo gallery here
Web:
www.bumbershoot.com

 

Electric Zoo

What: Electric Zoo
Where: Randall’s Island, NY
When: August 30 – September 1
Who: Above & Beyond, Afrojack, Alison Wonderland, Armin Van Buuren, Benny Benassi, Boombox Cartel, Destructo, Borgore, Diplo, Dog Blood, Eric Prydz, Excision, Flux Pavilion, Golf Clap, Kaskade, Kill the Noise, Liquid Stranger, NGHTMRE, Oliver Heldens, R3HAB, Whethan, and more
Why: Electric Zoo is managing to bring European-style electronic craziness on New York City’s Randall’s Island for another year. See much more in our photo gallery here
Web:
 electriczoofestival.com

 

Muddy Roots

What: Muddy Roots
Where: Cookeville, TN
When: August 30 – September 1
Who: Cock Sparrer, The Damned, MC50, FEAR, OFF!, The Soul Rebels with GZA, The Dead Kennedys, Fishbone, The Dwarves, The Queers, Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band, and more
Why: Country, punk, and more have Muddy Roots.
Web:
www.muddyrootsrecords.com/index.php

 

What: Seven Peaks
Where: Buena Vista, CO
When: August 30 – September 1
Who: Travis Tritt, Tracy Lawrence, Diamond Rio, Deana Carter, Hot Country Knights, Luke Bryan, Maren Morris, Steep Canyon Rangers, Dierks Bentley, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and more
Why: Dierks Bentley throws his own festival among the Peaks of Colorado.
Web:
sevenpeaksfestival.com

 

Pasadena Daydream

What: Pasadena Daydream
Where: Pasadena, CA
When:
August 31
Who: The Cure, Pixies, Deftones, Mogwai, Throwing Muses, The Joy Formidable, Chelsea Wolfe, The Twilight Sad, and more
Why: The Cure & more come to the Rose Bowl.
Web:
pasadenadaydream.com

 

Made In America

What: Made In America
Where: Philadelphia, PA
When:
August 31 – September 1
Who: Travis Scott, Cardi B, Juice Wrld, James Blake, Kaskade, Anderson .Paak, Kodak Black, Jorja Smith, Jacob Banks, Kaytranada, Kayzo, Madlib & Freddie Gibbs, Madeintyo, Elephante, and more
Why: Jay-Z’s doing everything from sports agenting to festivals, such as Philadelphia’s Made In America.
Web:
www.madeinamericafest.com

 


September

SummerStage

What: SummerStage
Where: New York, NY
When: June 1 – September 24
Who: The B-52s, Bloc Party, Marina, The Growlers, Tash Sultana, King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard, Guster, Kurt Vile, Khruangbin, George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic, Emily King, Parquet Courts, Big Freedia, Alvvays, Young M.E., Railroad Earth, Avery*Sunshine, Ana Tijoux, Slick Rick, EPMD, Corinne Bailey Rae, Mountain Goats, Japanese Breakfast, The Wailers, OMD, Dinosaur Jr, Rubblebucket, Connan Mockasin, Galactic Fishbone, Jose James, The Courtneys, Durand Jones & The Indications, Dumpstapunk, Ellis, Miss Velvet, 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

 

Appaloosa

What: Appaloosa
Where: Front Royal, VA
When: August 30 – September 1
Who: Scythian, Steep Canyon Rangers, Dustbowl Revival, and more
Why: Get out of D.C. and get back to the roots.
Web: appaloosafestival.com

 

Bumbershoot

What: Bumbershoot
Where: Seattle, WA
When: August 30 – September 1
Who: Tyler the Creator, The Lumineers, Rezz, Louis the Child. H.E.R., Jai Wolf, LP, Taking Back Sunday, Hippie Sabotage, Carly Rae Jepsen, Alina Baraz, Clairo, Rival Sons, Bob Moses, Reignwolf, A R I Z O N A, SOB x RBE, Gallant, Bea Miller, Matt Maeson, Madison Beer, The Aces, Kolars, morgxn, Y La Bamba, Alex Lahey, and more
Why: Seattle welcomes the impressive Bumbershoot. See more in our 2017 photo gallery here
Web:
www.bumbershoot.com

 

Electric Zoo

What: Electric Zoo
Where: Randall’s Island, NY
When: August 30 – September 1
Who: Above & Beyond, Afrojack, Alison Wonderland, Armin Van Buuren, Benny Benassi, Boombox Cartel, Destructo, Borgore, Diplo, Dog Blood, Eric Prydz, Excision, Flux Pavilion, Golf Clap, Kaskade, Kill the Noise, Liquid Stranger, NGHTMRE, Oliver Heldens, R3HAB, Whethan, and more
Why: Electric Zoo is managing to bring European-style electronic craziness on New York City’s Randall’s Island for another year. See much more in our 2018 photo gallery here
Web:
electriczoofestival.com

 

Muddy Roots

What: Muddy Roots
Where: Cookeville, TN
When: August 30 – September 1
Who: Cock Sparrer, The Damned, MC50, FEAR, OFF!, The Soul Rebels with GZA, Fishbone, The Dwarves, The Queers, Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band, and more
Why: Country, punk, and more have Muddy Roots.
Web:
www.muddyrootsrecords.com/index.php

 

What: Seven Peaks
Where: Buena Vista, CO
When: August 30 – September 1
Who: Travis Tritt, Tracy Lawrence, Diamond Rio, Deana Carter, Hot Country Knights, Luke Bryan, Maren Morris, Steep Canyon Rangers, Dierks Bentley, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and more
Why: Dierks Bentley throws his own festival among the Peaks of Colorado.
Web:
sevenpeaksfestival.com

 

Made In America

What: Made In America
Where: Philadelphia, PA
When:
August 31 – September 1
Who: Travis Scott, Cardi B, Juice Wrld, James Blake, Kaskade, Anderson .Paak, Kodak Black, Jorja Smith, Jacob Banks, Kaytranada, Kayzo, Madlib & Freddie Gibbs, Madeintyo, Elephante, and more
Why: Jay-Z’s doing everything from sports agenting to festivals, such as Philadelphia’s Made In America.
Web:
www.madeinamericafest.com

 

Prog Power USA

What: Prog Power USA
Where: Atlanta, GA
When: September 4-7
Who: Seventh Wonder, Demons & Wizards, Threshold, Orden Ogan, and more
Why: Progressive & metal meet in Atlanta, USA.
Web: progpowerusa.com

 

Hopscotch

What: Hopscotch
Where: Raleigh, NC
When:
September 5-7
Who: James Blake, Sleater-Kinney, CHVRCHES, Phantogram, Little Brother, Raphael Saadiq, Jenny Lewis, Kurt Vile, Dirty Projectors, Deerhunter, JPEGMAFIA, Channel Tress, !!!, Boris, Joey Purp, Gruff Rhys, Snail Mail, Boogarins, Lucy Dacus, Wolf Eyes, Bambara, The Nude Party, and more
Why: The Independent Weekly throws a great fest at venues across Raleigh.
Web:
hopscotchmusicfest.com

 

Dancefestopia

What: Dancefestopia
Where: Kansas City, MO
When: September 5-8
Who: To be anounced
Why: Get your dance on in the middle of the country.
Web: www.dancefestopia.com

 

Moon River

What: Moon River
Where: Chattanooga, TN
When: September 7-8
Who: Jason Isbell, Brandi Carlile, Goodbye Road, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Moon Taxi, Drew & Ellie Holcomb, The Wood Brothers, Josh Ritter, The Lone Bellow, The Oh Hellos, Joy Williams, Rayland Baxter, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, The Suffers, and more
Why: Drew Holcomb brings Ellie and more. See much more in our 2015 photo gallery here
Web: moonriverfestival.com

 

One Music Fest

What: One Music Fest
Where: Atlanta, GA
When: September 7-8
Who: Gucci Mane, Rae Sremmurd, Tory Lanez, Rick Ross, DMZ, Wu-Tang Clan, Three 6 Mafia, KP the Great & His Superfriends (featuring Pharrell Williams & Usher), Raphael Saadiq, and more
Why: One big Fest at Atlanta’s Lakewood Amphitheatre.
Web: www.onemusicfest.com

 

Harvest Jazz & Blues

What: Harvest Jazz & Blues
Where: Fredericton, NB, Canada
When: September 10-15
Who: Robert Plant & The Sensational Space Shifters, Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Lucinda Williams, Charlie Musselwhite, The White Buffalo, 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

 

Basilica SoundScape

What: Basilica SoundScape
Where: Hudson, NY
When: September 13-15
Who: Bad Waitress, The Body, Circuit des Yeux, Jerusalem In My Heart, Low, Waxahatchee, and more
Why: Head up the Hudson for a SoundScape. See more in our 2013 photo gallery here
Web: basilicahudson.org/soundscape

 

Kaaboo

What: Kaaboo
Where: Del Mar, CA
When: September 13-15
Who: Kings of Leon, Dave Matthews Band, Mumford & Sons, Duran Duran, Black Eyed Peas, Onerepublic, Maren Morris, Sheryl Crow, Snoop Dogg & Wu-Tang Clan, The Revivalists, REO Speedwagon, Bryan Adams, The Bangles, Sublime with Rome, The Cult, Boyz II Men, Squeeze, Colbie Caillat, Silversun Pickups, Switchfoot, Lifehouse, Cash Cash, Cheat Codes, Little Steven, Xavier Rudd, Andrew McMahon, Southside Johnny, Toots & The Maytals, Edie Brickells & New Bohemians, Plain White T’s, Blind Melon, Vintage Trouble, Chevy Metal, Tim Reynolds, The Bacon Brothers, Pete Holmes, Wayne Brady, Kevin Smith, Bob Saget, Tig Notaro, Jen Kirkman, and more
Why: Kaaboom! Read much more in our 2018 recap here
Web: www.kaaboodelmar.com

 

Riot

What: Riot Fest
Where: Chicago, IL
When: September 13-15
Who: Blink-182, Slayer, Bikini Kill, The Raconteurs, Rise Against, The Flaming Lips, Jawbreaker, Ween, Bloc Party, Die Antwoord, Patti Smith, Taking Back Sunday, Rancid, Violent Femmes, Descendents, Manchester Orchestra, The B-52s, Dashboard Confessional, The Story So Far, Avail, The Struts, Against Me!, PVRIS, Pennywise, Anthrax, Bob Mould, Hot Snakes, American Football, Guided By Voices, Ride, Lucero, Testament, Andrew W.K., Senses Fail, The Get Up Kids, Village People, Less Than Jake, Hot Water Music, Glassjaw, GWAR, The Selecter, Anti-Flag, Nick Lowe, Cursive, Surfer Blood, Whit Reaper, Cherry Glazerr, Dave Hause, Caroline Rose, The Beaches, Skating Polly, and many more
Why: Riot Fest collects punks & more, old & young. Read and see much more in our big recap here
Web: www.riotfest.org

 

Telluride Blues & Brews

What: Telluride Blues & Brews
Where: Telluride, CO
When: September 13-15
Who: John Fogerty, Phil Lesh, Boz Scaggs, Anders Osborne, Ryan Bingham, Hiss Golden Messenger, The Allman Betts Band, Samantha Fish, Durand Jones & The Indications, Phil Cook, Low Cut Connie, and more
Why: Have some blues – and some brews.
Web: www.tellurideblues.com

 

Lights On

What: Lights On
Where: Concord, CA
When: September 14
Who: H.E.R., Jhene Aiko, Daniel Caesar, Summer Walker, Ari Lennox, and more
Why: H.E.R. throws her own festival.
Web: lightsonfest.com

 

Grand Point North

What: Grand Point North
Where: Burlington, VT
When: September 14-15
Who: Grace Potter, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Lucius, J.S. Ondara, Lucy Dacus, Bailen, and more
Why: Vermont & Grace Potter do the jam right. See much more in our 2017 photo gallery here
Web: www.grandpointnorth.com

 

Hometown Rising

What: Hometown Rising
Where: Louisville, KY
When: September 14-15
Who: Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Dwight Yoakam, Brett Young, Jake Owen, Trace Adkins, Bret Michaels, and more
Why: The Hometown country is Rising.
Web: hometownrising.com

 

Music Midtown

What: Music Midtown
Where: Atlanta, GA
When: September 14-15
Who: Travis Scott, Panic! At the Disco, Cardi B, Billie Eilish, Vampire Weekend, Lizzo, Charlie Puth, 6LACK, Lil Yachty, Lord Huron, Tash Sultana, Kali Uchis, Walk the Moon, Quinn XCII, Banks, Local Natives, MØ, Jaden Smith, Sigrid, Taylor Bennett, Bad Suns, Noah Cyrus, Madison Beer, Reignwolf, Band of Skulls, The Coathangers, Kevin Garrett, and more
Why: Music comes to Midtown Atlanta.
Web: www.musicmidtown.com

 

Wanderlust Chicago

What: Wanderlust Chicago
Where: Chicago, IL
When: September 14-15
Who: DJ Taz Rashid, Jesse Blake, and more
Why: Yoga + music fest Wanderlust wanders into Chicago. See more in our 2018 photo gallery of Wanderlust Squaw Valley here
Web: wanderlust.com/festivals/chicago

 

Thrival

What: Thrival
Where: Pittsburgh, PA
When: September 18-20
Who: Buku, Beauty Slap, and more
Why: A thrilling festival in Pittsburgh.
Web: thrivalfestival.com

 

Lincoln Calling

What: Lincoln Calling
Where: Lincoln, NE
When:
September 19-23
Who: Lee Fields & The Expressions, Soccer Mommy, Cautious Clay, A Tribe Called Red, Charly Bliss, Fat Tony, and more
Why: Lincoln, Nebraska is Calling.
Web: www.lincolncalling.com

 

Bourbon & Beyond

What: Bourbon & Beyond
Where: Louisville, KY
When: September 20-22
Who: Foo Fighters, Robert Plant, Zac Brown Band, ZZ Top, Hall & Oates, John Fogerty, Nathaniel Rateliff, Trey Anastasio, Leon Bridges, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Alison Krauss, The Flaming Lips, LIVE, Grace Potter, Squeeze, Jenny Lewis, Kurt Vile, Margo Price, Del McCoury, Joan Jett, Lukas Nelson, Samantha Fish, Margo Price, Little Steven, Greensky Bluegrass, Blackberry Smoke, Maggie Rose, Edie Brickell, White Reaper, Travelin’ McCourys, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Ben Sollee, Lil Smokies, and more
Why: Bourbon, bands & Beyond. See more in our 2018 photo gallery here
Web:
 bourbonandbeyond.com

 

Imagine

What: Imagine
Where: Atlanta, GA
When:
September 20-22
Who: Diplo, Rezz, Above & Beyond, Alison Wonderland, Zeds Dead, marshmello, Matoma, Ghastly, Louis the Child, Claude Von Stroke, and more
Why: Imagine all the DJs…
Web: www.imaginefestival.com

 

Life Is Beautiful

What: Life Is Beautiful
Where: Las Vegas, NV
When: September 20-22
Who: Chance the Rapper, The Black Keys, Post Malone, Billie Eilish, Vampire Weekend, Zedd, Lil Wayne, Portugal. The Man, Rüfüs Du Sol, Janelle Monae, Louis the Child, Of Monsters and Men, Rae Sremmurd, Walk the Moon, Lord Huron, Maggie Rogers, Phantogram, Toto, Monsta X, Dashboard Confessional, Tash Sultana, Carly Rae Jepsen, Gryffin, Slushii, Hot Chip, Banks, Oliver Heldens, A R I Z O N A, Whethan, Lewis Capaldi, Gallant, Nervo, Durand Jones & The Indications, Bea Miller, Cautious Clay, Taylor Bennett, Madison Beer, Space Jesus, Desus & Mero, Pod Save America, Cirque du Soleil, and many more
Why: Life Is Beautiful in Las Vegas. Read much more in our 2018 recap here
Web:
lifeisbeautifulfestival.com

 

Farm Aid

What: Farm Aid
Where: East Troy, WI
When: September 21
Who: Willie Nelson & Family, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews & Time Reynolds, Bonnie Raitt, Luke Combs, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Margo Price, Jamey Johnson, Tanya Tucker, Brothers Osborne, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, and more
Why: The Redheaded Stranger keeps America growing.
Web: www.farmaid.org/festival

 

Holler On the Hill

What: Holler On the Hill
Where: Indianapolis, IN
When: September 21-22
Who: Citizen Cope, Mt. Joy, Nikki Lane, Justin Townes Earle, Murder By Death, John Moreland, Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears, Mipso, Kristin Hersh, Will Hoge, Red Wanting Blue, Lilly Hiatt, American Aquarium, Susto, and more
Why: Holler On the Hill – pretty straightforward.
Web:
holleronthehill.com

 

Pilgrimage

What: Pilgrimage
Where: Franklin, TN
When: September 21-22
Who: The Killers, Foo Fighters, Keith Urban, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Leon Bridges, LIVE, The Head and The Heart, Jenny Lewis, Phosphorescent, Wynonna & The Big Noise, Better Than Ezra, Lukas Nelson, Edie Brickell, Rayland Baxter, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Justin Townes Earle, The War and Treaty, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, The Wild Reeds, Adia Victoria, Butch Walker, Shooter Jennings, Songhoy Blues, Caroline Rose, The Watson Twins, Anna Rose, and more
Why: Make a Pilgrimage to Tennessee.
Web:
pilgrimagefestival.com

 

Sea.Hear.Now

What: Sea.Hear.Now
Where: Asbury Park, NJ
When: September 21-22
Who: Dave Matthews Band, The Lumineers, Dropkick Murphys, Dispatch, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, The B-52s, Bad Religion, The Struts, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Sharon Van Etten, Cat Power, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Donavon Frankenreiter, Steel Pulse, Jade Bird, Blind Melon, Low Cut Connie, Dave Hause, and more
Why: Rock Asbury Park.
Web:
www.seahearnowfestival.com

 

Pop Montreal

What: Pop Montréal
Where: Montréal, QC, Canada
When: September 25-29
Who: Laurie Anderson, Mavis Staples, Tirzah, Aldous Harding, Weyes Blood, Nick Cave, Hollerado, Jerusalem In My Heart, Xiu Xiu, Basia Bulat, Tinariwen, Shonen Knife, Yamantaka // Sonic Titan, Colin Stetson,, and more
Why: The artistic alt-SXSW showcases acts based on artistic style, not commercial viability, in the snowy but beautifully European Montreal.
Web: www.popmontreal.com

 

Together

What: Together
Where: Boston, MA
When: September 25-29
Who: Daniel Avery, Midland, Powder, 5ive, and more
Why: The Together New England Electronic Music Festival goes into its ninth year.
Web: togetherboston.com

 

Pygmalion

What: Pygmalion
Where: Champaign-Urbana, IL
When:
September 26-28
Who: Eric Andre, Michelle Wolf, The New Pornographers, Japanese Breakfast, Mdou Moctar, Lady Lamb, Boogarins, Bleached, and more
Why: Central Illinois’s Pygmalion Music Festival returns its fifteenth year.
Web:
www.thepygmalionfestival.com

 

Goner

What: Goner
Where: Memphis, TN
When:
September 26-29
Who: The Mummies, The Oblivians, King Brothers, Giorgio Murderer, Nots, and more
Why: Goner Fest brings a weekend of rock ‘n’ roll to Memphis for a sixteenth year.
Web:
www.goner-records.com/gonerfest

 

Louder Than Life

What: Louder Than Life
Where: Louisville, KY
When: September 27-29
Who: Slipknot, Guns N’ Roses, Disturbed, Rob Zombie, Godsmack, A Day To Remember, Chevelle, Ice Cube, Breaking Benjamin, Die Antwoord, Halestorm, I Prevail, Architects, Halestorm, Three Days Grace, Sum 41, Dropkick Murphys, Beartooth, Motionless In White, Stone Temple Pilots, White Reaper, Suicidal Tendencies, GWAR, The Crystal Method, Melvins, Ho99o9, Sick Puppies, Andrew W.K., Frank Carter, New Years Day, Badflwer, Anti-Flag, Redd Kross, Parlor Mob, and more
Why: Louisville is Louder Than Life.
Web:
louderthanlifefestival.com

 

Ohana

What: Ohana
Where: Dana Point, CA
When: September 27-29
Who: The Strokes, Eddie Vedder, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nathaniel Rateliff, Incubus, Tash Sultana, LP, Devendra Banhart, White Reaper, Glen Hansard, Mudhoney, Jenny Lewis, Jacob Banks, Lukas Nelson, Poolside, Donavon Frankenreiter, Benjamin Booker, Sunflower Bean, L.A. Witch, Mt. Joy, Lewis Capaldi, and more
Why: Doheny State Beach welcomes some nice sounds to the shore.
Web:
www.theohanafest.com

 

Wildwood Revival

What: Wildwood Revival
Where: Athens, GA
When: September 27-29
Who: Lucinda Williams, Mandolin Orange, Shovels & Rope, Son Volt, Langhorne Slim, Rayland Baxter, The Texas Gentlemen, T. Hardy Morris, Cedric Burnside, and more
Why: It’s a Revival in Athens.
Web:
wildwoodrevival.com

 

Global Citizen

What: Global Citizen
Where: New York, NY
When: September 28
Who: Queen with Adam Lambert, Pharrell Williams, Alicia Keys, Onerepublic, H.E.R., Carole King, French Montana, Jon Batiste & Stay Human, Hugh Jackman, and more
Why: Giant names try to bring awareness to the Great Lawn at Central Park.
Web: www.globalcitizen.org/en/festival

 

Woodsist

What: Woodsist
Where: Accord, NY
When: September 28
Who: Whitney, Real Estate, Woods, Kevin Morby, Waxahatchee, and more
Why: Woodsist Records throws their party at Arrowood Farms.
Web: www.woodsist.com

 

CRSSD – Fall

What: CRSSD – Fall
Where: San Diego, CA
When: September 28-29
Who: Portugal. The Man, Hot Chip, Kaytranada, Friendly Fires, Yaeji, Shiba San, Richie Hawtin, and more
Why: Spinning up a strong electronic festival at San Diego’s Waterfront Park. Read much more in our Spring 2017 recap here
Web: crssdfest.com

 

High Tide Beach Party

What: High Tide Beach Party
Where:
Huntington Beach, CA
When: September 28-29
Who: Sammy Hagar & The Circle, KC & The Sunshine Band, The Beach Boys, Vince Neil, Night Ranger, Blue Öyster Cult, Steel Panther, Michael Anthony, Jason Bonham, Richie ambora, and more
Why: Sammy Hagar has a Beach Barty – and car show.
Web: www.hightidebeachparty.com

 

Rolling Loud - Bay Area

What: Rolling Loud – Bay Area
Where:
Oakland, CA
When: September 28-29
Who: Future, Migos, G-Eazy, Lil Uzi Vert, 21 Savage, Juice Wrld, Kodak Black, Playboi Carti, Gunna, Young Thug, Trippie Redd, Tyga, Kamaiyah, Little Yachty, Smokepurpp, Curren$y, Megan Thee Stallion, and more
Why: Oakland is Rolling Loud.
Web: www.rollingloud.com

 


October

Breakaway – North Carolina

What: Breakaway – North Carolina
Where: Charlotte, NC
When: October 4-5
Who: Future, Lil Baby, Illenium, Kaskade, and more
Why: After a successful first three years, Breakaway expands to North Carolina.
Web: www.breakawayfestival.com

 

Middle of the Map

What: Middle of the Map
Where:
Kansas City, MO
When: October 4-5
Who: Clairo, Snail Mail, Beabadobee, Hello Yello, Michigander, and more
Why: Head to the middle of the Google Map. See more in our 2015 photo gallery here
Web: middleofthemapfest.com

 

Dirtybird Campout

What: Dirtybird Campout
Where: Waterford, CA
When: October 4-6
Who: Claude Von Stroke, Justin Martin, Shiba San, Dam-Funk, Cut Chemist, Jhene Aiko, and more
Why: DJs come to Modesto Reservoir.
Web: www.dirtybirdcampout.com/west

 

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass

What: Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
Where: San Francisco, CA
When: October 4-6
Who: Adia Victoria, Bedouine, Bettye Lavette, Bill Frisell, Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears, The Budos Band, Calexio and Iron & Wine, Emmylou Harris, Fantastic Negrito, Grace Potter, Hayes Carll, Hiss Golden Messenger, The Infamous Stringdusters, J.S. Ondara, Jackie Greene, Joan Osborne, Kronos Quartet, Kurt Vile & The Violators, Live From Here with Chris Thile, Liz Cooper & The Stampede, Mandolina Orange, Margo Price, Mdou Moctar, Meat Puppets, Mercury Rev & Beth Orton, Michael Nesmith, The Milk Carton Kids, Moonalice, The New Pornographers, Nikki Lane, Punch Brothers, Rayland Baxter, Robert Earl Keen, Robert Ellis, Robert Plant, Shooter Jennings, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Steve Earle, Tank & The Bangas, Tanya TUcker, Travis Meadows, The Waterboys, Y La Bamba, Yola, and 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 4-6 & 11-13
Who: Guns n’ Roses, Mumford & Sons, Childish Gambino, The Cure, Cardi B, Billie Eilish, Tame Impala, Robyn, Kacey Musgraves, The Raconteurs, Gary Clark Jr., Lizzo, Thom Yorke, James Blake, Lil Uzi Vert, 21 Savage, Tyler Childers, King Princess, Third Eye Blind, Kali Uchis, Rebelution, GRiZ, RL Grime, Jenny Lewis, Banks, Kaytranada, LANY, Troyboi, Jai Wolf, The Kooks, Judah & The Lion, Sigrid, Natalia LaFourcade, K.Flay, Denzel Curry, Bruce Hornsby, CAAMP, MisterWives, FIDLAR, Taylor Bennett, Bea Miller, Jospeh, IDLES, Pink Sweat$, THe Aces, Madison Beer, Black Pistol Fire, Cherry Glazerr, Men I Trust, Sam Fender, The Band Camino, Weyes Blood, The Comet Is Coming, Asleep At the Wheel, Julia Jacklin, Dylan LeBlanc, Kevin Garrett, Chris Shiflett, Caroline Rose, and many, many more
Why: ‘The Live Music Capital of the World’ & America’s longest-running live music show bring their festival back to Zilker Park with another ridiculously stocked line-up of both old & new, mainstream & not – for two weekends! Read & see much more in our big recap here
Web: www.aclfestival.com

 

Shoals Fest

What: Shoals Fest
Where: Florence, AL
When: October 5
Who: Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, Sheryl Crow, Mavis Staples, Amanda Shires, and more
Why: Celebrating the Muscle Shoals Sound.
Web: www.shoalsfest.net

 

A3C

What: A3C
Where: Atlanta, GA
When: October 8-13
Who: Dapper Dan, T.I., Just Blaze, Mike Will Made It, Charlamagne Tha God, Megan Thee Stallion, and more
Why: This festival & conference is “Hip-Hop’s Family Reunion”.
Web: www.a3cfestival.com

 

Desert Daze

What: Desert Daze
Where: Joshua Tree, CA
When: October 10-13
Who: DEVO, Wu-Tang Clan, Ween, Stereolab, Animal Collective, The Flaming Lips, Flying Lotus, The Claypool Lennon Delirium, The Black Angels, Parquet Courts, Dungen, Fred Armisen, Pussy Riot, Alvvays, Khruangbin, Temples, Connan Mockasin, Lightning Bolt, DIIV, Atlat Sound, White Fence, Nick Hakim, METZ, Wand, Blanck Mass, Post Animal, Sasami, Mdou Moctar, The KVB, Surfbort, and more
Why: Head into the Desert for Daze. Read more in our 2017 recap here
Web: desertdaze.org

 

Hillberry

What: Hillberry
Where: Eureka Springs, AR
When:
October 10-13
Who: Railroad Earth, Del McCoury Band, Leftover Salmon, Billy Strings, Galactic, Yonder Mountain String Band, and more
Why: Railroad Earth brings a harvest festival to Arkansas.
Web: hillberryfestival.com

 

Breakaway – Nashville

What: Breakaway – Nashville
Where: Nashville, TN
When: October 11-12
Who: Fisher, Lil Baby, Kaskade, Zeds Dead, and more
Why: After a successful first three years, Breakaway expands to Nashville.
Web: www.breakawayfestival.com

 

Aftershock

What: Aftershock
Where: Sacramento, CA
When: October 11-13
Who: Tool, Blink-182, Slipknot, Staind, Rob Zombie, A Day To Remember, Chevelle, Lamb of God, Bring Me the Horizon, Halestorm, Marilyn Manson, BABYMETAL, Gojira, Stone Temple Pilots, Dropkick Murphys, Sum 41, Bad Religion, Architects, Falling In Reverse, Highly Suspect, Clutch, I Prevail, Fidlar, The Crystal Method, Frank Carter, The Interrupters, Beartooth, Motionless In White, Fishbone, Badflower, Ho99o9, HEALTH, Parlor Mob, and more
Why: Today’s hard rock comes to the capitol of the Bear Republic.
Web: www.aftershockconcert.com

 

Exit 111

What: Exit 111
Where: Manchester, TN
When: October 11-13
Who: Guns N’ Roses, Def Leppard, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Slayer, ZZ Top, Deftones, Coheed & Cambria, Ghost, Megadeth, Mastodon, Lamb of God, Alter Bridge, Gojira, Seether, Black Label Society, Cheap Trick, Ministry, Skillett, Blackberry Smoke, Black Stone Cherry, Nothing More, Of Mice & Men, Thrice, Whitechapel, New Years Day, Dead Sara, and more
Why: Hard rock comes to the grounds of Bonnaroo.
Web: www.exit111festival.com

 

The Festy Experience

What: The Festy Experience
Where: Charlottesville, VA
When: October 11-13
Who: Dawes, Della Mae, Samantha Fish, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Langhorne Slim & The Lost at Last Band, Rubblebucket, Anders Osborne, and more
Why: Have The Festy Experience. Read & see much more in our 2017 recap here
Web: www.thefesty.com

 

New Yorker

What: New Yorker
Where: New York, NY
When: October 11-13
Who: Pete Buttigieg, Dua Lipa, Paul Rudd, Kenan Thompson, Alfre Woodard, Patti Smith, Hasan Minhaj, Desus & Mero, Rob Delaney, Florence & The Machine, Bill Nye, John Kasich, Terry Gross, Willem Dafoe, Sarah Paulson, Nancy Pelosi, Sarah Silverman, Liz Phair, David Byrne, Julian & Joaquin Castro, Bon Iver, and more
Why: 20th anniversary of the high-brow.
Web: festival.newyorker.com

 

O+

What: O+
Where: Kingston, NY
When: October 11-13
Who: !!!, Elvis Perkins, The World/Inferno Friendship Society, Sam Cohen, Sound of Ceres, The Giraffes, and more
Why: Bringing health care to underinsured musicians.
Web: opositivefestival.org/kingston

 

Afropunk Atlanta

What: Afropunk Atlanta
Where: Atlanta, GA
When: October 12-13
Who: Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, FKA Twigs, Danny Brown, Gallant, Smino, Sir, Fantastic Negrito, Fever 33, Cautious Clay, Brittany Howard, and more
Why: Afropunk (see above) heads down south. See more in our 2015 Afropunk Brooklyn photo gallery here
Web: afropunkfest.com/atlanta

 

All Things Go Fall Classic

What: All Things Go Fall Classic
Where: Washington, D.C.
When: October 12-13
Who: CHVRCHES, Melanie Martinez, LANY, Betty Who, Coin, Léon, Muna, Arkells, Sneaks, and more
Why: All Things Go holds its Fall Classic at D.C.’s Union Market. See more in our 2018 photo gallery here
Web: www.allthingsgofallclassic.com

 

On the Beach

What: On the Beach
Where:
Huntington Beach, CA
When: October 12-13
Who: Slightly Stoopid, The Dirty Heads, 311, Chronixx, The Interrupters, and more
Why: Super chill on the beach.
Web: onthewaterfest.com

 

Rolling Loud - New York

What: Rolling Loud – New York
Where:
New York, NY
When: October 12-13
Who: Travis Scott, A$AP Rocky, Meek Mill, Lil Uzi Vert, Wu-Tang Clan, Juice WRLD, Playboi Carti, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Kodak Black, Young Thug, YG, Tyga, Gunna, Pusha T, Sheck Wes, Lil Skies, Wale, DMX, Desiigner, Action Bronson, Young M.E., Machine Gun Kelly, Polo G, Denzel Curry, Rico Nasty, Megan Thee Stallion, and more
Why: New York is Rolling Loud.
Web: www.rollingloud.com

 

Megacruise

What: Megacruise
Where: Los Angeles, CA to Ensenada, Mexico
When: October 13-18
Who: Megadeth, Anthrax, Testament, Queensryche, Suicidal Tendencies, DragonForce, Overkill, Corrosion of Conformity, Lamb of God, and more
Why: Megadeth heads to the high seas.
Web: megacruise.com

 

Mondo

What: Mondo
Where: New York, NY
When: October 15-18
Who: Calliope Musicals, Dirty Bird, The New Tarot, SUSTO, Jazzy Amra, David Keenan, TAUK, and more
Why: From the creators of the late CMJ (QRO 2015 recap) comes this latest NYC multi-venue fest. Read & see much more in our big 2016 inaugural recap here
Web: www.mondo.nyc

 

Octfest

What: Octfest
Where: New York, NY
When: October 19
Who: Parquet Courts, Mogwai, Screaming Females, Dungen, Lower Dens, METZ, Priests, and more
Why: Beer meets indie music. Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: www.octfest.co

 

Tecate Live Out

What: Tecate Live Out
Where: Monterrey, Mexico
When:
October 19
Who: Beck, Vampire Weekend, Cage the Elephant, The Offspring, The Kooks, The Neighbourhood, LP, Jai Wolf, A R I Z O N A, Jenny Lewis, Alec Benjamin, Tokimonsta, HEALTH, The Aces, Ladies of LCD Soundsystem, and more
Why: Head down to Monterrey – Mexico – to Live Out with a Tecate.
Web: liveoutoficial.com.mx

 

All My Friends

What: All My Friends
Where: Los Angeles, CA
When:
October 19-20
Who: Justice, Black Coffee, Idris Elba, Destructo, and more
Why: All My Friends are headed to downtown Los Angeles.
Web:
amfdtla.com

 

Las Rageous

What: Las Rageous
Where: Las Vegas, NV
When: October 18-19
Who: Bring Me the Horizon, Rob Zombie, The Used, Chevelle, Dance Gavin Dance, Sleeping With Sirens, I Prevail, Atreyu, Frank Carter, and more
Why: Rage in Vegas with this strong, heavy line-up. Read & see much more in our 2017 recap here
Web: www.lasrageous.com

 

Mempho

What: Mempho
Where: Memphis, TN
When: October 19-20
Who: The Raconteurs, Brandi Carlile, Wu-Tang Clan, The Revivalists, Margo Price, Lovelytheband, Valerie June, Matt Maeson, Reignwolf, Lord T & Eloise, and more
Why: A new festival with some top-notch acts.
Web: www.memphofest.com

 

Voodoo Experience

What: Voodoo Experience
Where: New Orleans, LA
When: October 25-27
Who: Guns n’ Roses, Beck, Post Malone, Rezz, Bassnectar, Brandi Carlile, Interpol, The National, Bring Me the Horizon, ZHU, Big Gigantic, Young the Giant, Sheck Wes, Hippo Campus, Clairo, Bishop Briggs, Snails, The Glitch Mob, Big Wild, Opiuo, Jai Wolf, Moon Taxi, Hobo Johnson, Denzel Curry, Temples, Ashe, Japanese Breakfast, Bea Miller, Liily, Seratones, Sun Seeker, and many more
Why: Expect sights & sounds that you won’t/can’t forget in the Big Easy just before All Hallow’s Eve. Read & see much more in our big 2017 recap here
Web: www.voodoofestival.com

 


November & December

Days N Vegas

What: Days N Vegas
Where: Vegas, NV
When: November 1-3
Who: J. Cole, Travis Scott, Kendrick Lamar, Tyler the Creator, Migos, Lil Uzi Vert, 21 Savage, Schoolboy Q, Brockhampton, Lil Baby, Juice Wrld, Miguel, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Kali Uchis, Flatbush Zombies, Lil Nas X, 6LACK, GoldLink, Sheck Wes, Jay Rock, Isaiah Rashad, Denzel Curry, Megan Thee Stallion, Smino, and more
Why: Have a big three days n Vegas.
Web:
daynvegas2019.com

 

Fest 18

What: Fest 18
Where: Gainesville, FL
When: November 1-3
Who: Jawbreaker, Less Than Jake, Against Me!, Jawbox, Stiff Little Fingers, The Bronx, American Steel, Mariachi El Bronx, Iron Reagan, Off With Their Heads, Joyce Manor, Teenage Bottlerocket, Torche, Masked Intruder, War On Women, Laura Jane Grace, A Wilhelm Scream, Screaming Females, Tim Barry, and more
Why: Punk of all stripes returns to north Florida after Halloween.
Web:
www.thefestfl.com

 

Dia De Los Deftones

What: Dia De Los Deftones
Where: San Diego, CA
When: November 2
Who: Deftones, CHVRCHES, Gojira, Megan Thee Stallion, JPEGMAFIA, Hum, and more
Why: Deftones bring a whole Dia to Petco Park.
Web: www.deftones.com

 

Levitation

What: Levitation
Where: Austin, TX
When: November 7-10
Who: John Cale, The Flaming Lips, Dinosaur Jr., Angel Olsen, Kurt Vile & The Violators, Mercury Rev, High On Fire, Tobacco, Chelsea Wolfe, TR/ST, Deafheaven, The Black Angels, BEAK>, Red Fang, Flipper, Black Mountain, David J, Devendra Banhart, Black Moth Super Rainbow, A Place To Bury Strangers, Torche, The KVB, The Coathangers, and more
Why: Levitation comes to Austin, to play host to a mixture of indie & psych, thanks to The Black Angels (QRO spotlight on). Read & see much more in our 2018 recap here
Web: levitation-austin.com

 

EDC Orlando

What: EDC Orlando
Where: Orlando, FL
When: November 8-10
Who: 3LAU, deadmau5, DJ Snake, Steve Aoki, Party Favor, Yellow Claw, Above & Beyond, Afrojack, Black Tiger Sex Machine, Excision, San Holo, Alison Wonderland, Diplo, Eric Prydz, Fisher, Gorgon City, Green Velvet, R3HAB, RL Grime, ZHU, and more
Why: Electric Daisy Carnival is made for South Florida.
Web: orlando.electricdaisycarnival.com

 

Camp Flog Gnaw

What: Camp Flog Gnaw
Where: Los Angeles, CA
When: November 9-10
Who: Tyler, the Creator, Solange, YG, Yasiin Bey, Brockhampton, Juice WRLD, H.E.R., Daniel Caesar, The Internet, FKA Twigs, GoldLink, 21 Savage, Blood Orange, Earl Sweatshirt, Clairo, Thundercat, Willow Smith, IDK, Omar Apollo, Yuna, and more
Why: Tyler, the Creator goes to Camp.
Web: www.campfloggnaw.com

 

Our Future

What: Our Future
Where: Los Angeles, CA
When: November 10
Who: Kid Ink, Joyner Lucas, Bamby Salcedo, and more
Why: Los Angeles’ La Plaza de Cultura y Artes holds a free festival for activist youth.
Web: www.ourfuturefest.org

 

Vets Aid

What: Vets Aid
Where: Houston, TX
When: November 10
Who: ZZ Top, Joe Walsh, Brad Paisley, Sheryl Crow, Jason Isbell, and more
Why: Joe Walsh throws a festival to aid the vets.
Web: www.vetsaid.org

 

Utopia

What: Utopia
Where: Burnet, TX
When: November 14-16
Who: Brownout!, Son Volt, Jackie Venson, Fruition, Israel Nash, The Nth Power, Erika Wennerstrom, Toubab Krewe, The Deer, and more
Why: Head to Utopia: Down In the Oaks. Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: www.utopiafest.com

 

Adult Swim

What: Adult Swim
Where: Los Angeles, CA
When: November 15-16
Who: Dethlock, Jamie xx, Vince Staples, 2 Chainz, Young Thug, Eric Andre, Captain Murphy, Tierra Whack, Lil Nas X, Leikeli47, Freddie Gibb & Madlib, Tim Hecker, Clipping., HEALTH, Iron Reagan, Jena Friedman, Speedy Ortiz, and more
Why: Late night on Cartoon Network throws its own festival – there go my nipples again…
Web: www.adultswimfestival.com

 

M For Montreal

What: M For Montreal
Where: Montreal, PQ, Canada
When:
November 20-23
Who: Blick Bassy, Bodywash, Charlie Shulz, Ciaran Lavery, Close Talker, Corridor, Jealous of the Birds, Loving, Mappe Of, N0V3L, Nap Eyes, Odonis Odonis, Operator Music Band, Tennis System, The High Dials, and more
Why: ‘M’ doesn’t just stand for ‘murder’.
Web:
www.mformontreal.com

 

Riptide

What: Riptide
Where: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
When:
November 23-24
Who: The Killers, Jimmy Eat World, Catfish and The Bottlemen, The Revivalists, Judah & The Lion, Reel Big Fish, Switchfoot, Silversun Pickups, K.Flay, Fuel, Barns Courtney, SHAED, Matt Maeson, Soul Asylum, White Reaper, morgxn, New Politics, Meg Myers, The Band Camino, I Don’t Know How But They Found Me, and more
Why: Broward County has its own festival. Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: 
www.riptidefest.com

 

Closer To the Sun

What: Closer To the Sun
Where: Riviera Maya, Mexico
When:
December 5-9
Who: Slightly Stoopid, Dirty Heads, Stephen Marley, Stick Figure, SOJO, Toots & The Maytals, Chali 2na & Cut Chemist, and more
Why: Get high & Closer To the Sun.
Web:
www.closertothesun.com

 

Intersect

What: Intersect
Where: Las Vegas, NV
When:
December 6-7
Who: Foo Fighters, Kacey Musgraves, Beck, Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, Brandi Carlile, The Black Madonna, Channel Tres, Flying Lotus, CHVRCHES, Gesaffelstein, H.E.R., Jamie xx, Kaytranada, Leon Bridges, Spoon, Thundercat, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Toro y Moi, and more
Why: Intersect with some big names in Vegas.
Web:
intersect.aws

 

 

Welcome To Jam Rock

What: Welcome To Jam Rock
Where: Ft. Lauderdale, FL to Montego Bay, Jamaica
When:
December 9-14
Who: Stephen Marley, Buju Banton, Popcaan, Julian Marley, and more
Why: Go on the high seas.
Web:
welcometojamrockreggaecruise.com

 

Strings & Sol

What: Strings & Sol
Where: Puerto Moreles, Mexico
When:
December 12-16
Who: Yonder Mountain String Band, Greensky Bluegrass, Railroad Earth, The Infamous Stringdusters, Leftover Salmon, The Travelin’ McCourys, and more
Why: Jam on the Strings in the Sol down Mexico way.
Web:
www.stringsandsol.com

 

Emerald Cup

What: Emerald Cup
Where: Santa Rosa, CA
When:
December 14-15
Who: Big Gigantic, Gogol Bordello, STS9, Antibalas, Chali 2na, Cut Chemist, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Lyrics Born, Margo Price, Protoje, Doug Benson, and more
Why: Light ’em up for this Cali marijuana festival. See more in our 2018 photo gallery here
Web:
theemeraldcup.com

 

SnowGlobe

What: SnowGlobe
Where: South Lake Tahoe, CA
When:
December 29-31
Who: Skrillex, Fisher, Gigantic Nghtmre, GRiZ, Louis the Child, ZHU, Vince Staples, E-40, Whethan, JPEGMAFIA, A-Trak, Channel Tres, and more to be announced
Why: MTV holds of a New Year’s Eve snow festival.
Web: 
www.snowglobemusicfestival.com

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