Turns out Beyoncé isn’t the only one skipping out on Coachella this year. For most college students, finding their way to Indio, California to listen to music, spot celebrities, and avoid dust storms isn’t incredibly feasible. Don’t worry! Coachella is just a harsh teaser of the incredible events that summer holds. Luckily, there is an equal amount of music fests during spring term and summer happening all around the country to keep you jamming and dancing from the start of spring term all the way until the end of summer break.
Whether you know every lyric to every song in the US Top 50 charts, or you can belt out every note to even the most obscure indie songs; here’s your must-see list of concerts with lineups that will never disappoint.
(Photo via @styleintheway)
Coachella: April 14-16 & 21-23 Indio, CA
While Beyoncé may not be gifting the crowds with her presence, Lady Gaga will be stepping up to the plate with her addictive oldies and raw new songs. Schoolboy Q, Kaleo, Broods, and Banks will also give you all the more reasons to buy a pass.
Rolling Loud: May 5-7 Miami, FL
The creative verses and heart pounding beats coming from this fest will be stuck in your head for the rest of the term, especially with the lineup of performers including Kendrick Lamar, Tyler the Creator, Future, and Lil Yachty.
(Photo via @biancacanales)
Sasquatch Festival: May 26-28 Quincy, WA
The music here has a perfect blend of alternative, electronic, rap, and pop. Chance the Rapper and Frank Ocean show off their talents again at this three-day event, and even Saturday Night Live and Portlandia’s Fred Armisen will be there to provide laughs.
Governors Ball: June 2-4, New York City
When Childish Gambino, Lorde, Cage the Elephant, Chance the Rapper, and Beach House all share the same space with 61 other talented musicians it’s obvious you can’t not go. Last years activities also included a silent disco and mini golfing, how could you miss this year’s surprises?
(Photo via @geowollner)
Bonnaroo: June 8-11 Manchester, TN
This fest hosts more than music. Art exhibits, amusement rides and comedians will all be present. But if that’s not enough to win you over the big name headliners like The Weeknd, Chance the Rapper, U2, and Lorde certainly will
Electric Daisy Carnival: June 16-18 Las Vegas, NV
Pulling inspiration from both nature and electronics, this festival is a show within itself. LED lights displays, wildly costumed dancers, and hypnotic rhythms will make you wish this three-day concert would never end.
(Photo via @mandisashields)
Essence Music Festival: June 29-July 2 New Orleans, LA
Solange and Chance the Rapper will also be appearing at this star-studded fest. India.Arie’s soothing voice, Shaggy’s catchy beats, and John Legend’s soulful tunes will undoubtedly reel you in.
Panorama: July 28-30 Randall’s Island Park, NY
The once elusive Frank Ocean will be kicking off Panorama along with the brilliant Solange Knowles. Towkio, Mura Masa, and Bishop Briggs will also deliver beats for nonstop dancing.
(Photo via @maureesullivan)
Lollapalooza: August 3-6 Chicago, IL
Lesser known artists like the soulful Cobi and candy pop Flor will instantly capture your attention and invade your Spotify playlists long after Lollapalooza ends. The Killers, Big Sean, and The XX aren’t too shabby of headliners either.
Outside Lands: August 11-13 San Francisco, CA
Come for the music, stay for the food. While the lineup has yet to be announced previous headliners have included little known acts such as Elton John, Radiohead, and Paul McCartney (NBD). While we don’t know whose names will grace the lineup this year, one thing is for sure: there will be eats.
(Photo via @kaycaden)
Which music festival are you most excited to attend? Let us know in the comments below!
