If you’re a music lover like me, you can probably relate to the excitement I feel every year when the summer music festival lineups are announced. Going to a music festival in the summer is probably one of the best experiences you could have, and each year I try to attend at least one. Although most of the festivals I have attended are on the East Coast, there are countless festival across the country- even the world- to cater to different musical tastes. Here, I’ve narrowed it down to the top 5 music festivals that never disappoint and ALWAYS bring the good vibes.
Firefly Music Festival
June 14-17, 2018
Firefly’s lineup this year has had people buzzing since it was announced. Arctic Monkeys, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Jimmy Eat World, and MGMT are all slated to play at the festival, as well as countless other hot artists. The festival, located in Dover, Delaware, offers on-site camping for people who will be traveling, as well as VIP options for people who want to experience the festival in the most luxe way possible.
Pitchfork Music Festival
July 20-22, 2018
Pitchfork Music Festival, held in Chicago, is one of the more underrated music festivals. The festival has been known to give smaller acts a chance to perform, many of whom got their start through a social media platform or talent booking app, like Alex G, who started his career by recording songs in his college bedroom and posting them online. This summer, you can catch acts like Tame Impala (my personal favorite), Earl Sweatshirt, Lauryn Hill, and Courtney Barnett at the Pitchfork Music Festival.
Shaky Knees Music Festival
May 4-6, 2018
Located in Atlanta, Shaky Knees is one of the best annual music festivals in the South. Jack White, David Byrne (of Talking Heads), Cake, and Franz Ferdinand are all scheduled to appear at Shaky Knees, and the festival also offers different tiers of VIP options, and attendees have access to tons of food and drink tents. Shaky Knees is definitely one of the most popular music festivals in the South, so if you’re in the area be sure to check it out!
Governors Ball Music Festival
June 1-3, 2018
This year’s Governors Ball lineup is not one to miss, with acts like Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Khalid, Post Malone, and Kali Uchis slated to perform. The festival, held at Randall’s Island Park in New York City, offers the unique opportunity for festival goers to be close to Manhattan and be able to go back and forth between the city and the festival. Governors Ball continues to be one of the most famous music festivals since its start in 2011, and it’s also a prime place to spot celebrities in the crowd!
Bottlerock Napa Valley
May 25-27, 2018
Bottlerock Napa Valley is an annual music festival located in Napa Valley, California. This year’s lineup includes The Killers, Muse, Bruno Mars, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Phantogram, along with many others. The festival includes a variety of amazing experiences for attendees, including celebrity chefs, craft beer and cocktails, and cabanas to hang out in. The festival also offers several VIP options, where festival goers can choose to watch performances from the side of the stage, or from the comfort of private viewing decks, which offer elevated views of the main stage. Bottlerock Napa Valley is one of the most luxurious music festival experiences a music lover could have!
