Coachella and Stagecoach have already kicked off the start of festival season, but that doesn’t mean they are the only festivals worth attending. As the weather heats up and fashion brands cook up unique beaded, lace, and detailed designs that have been deemed to be ‘festival-wear,’ it’s only right to attend at least one summer music festival that excites you.
So, whether you love Jazz, Country, EDM, or a mix of everything, we’ve put together the most riveting list of the most popular music festivals worth attending this summer. And if one doesn’t happen to be in a city near you … well, that might be the sign to plan a summer trip with your friends!
Essence Music Festival (New Orleans, LA)
If you believe in balance, this is the music festival that you need to add to your bucket list for the summer. Nicknamed ‘party with a purpose,’ the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans runs from July 3rd-5th. Yet, instead of being a weekend long bender, the daytime festivities include panel discussions, economic forums, and other unique experiences for festivalgoers.
Headliners: Cardi B, Kehlani, Patti Labelle, Josh Levi
Newport Jazz (Newport, RI)
If the chaos of the festival scene doesn’t excite you, but you want to be surrounded by fellow music lovers, it’s time to head to Rhode Island. From July 31 to August 2 the Newport Jazz Festival will be taking place. Founded in 1954, the festival is one of the oldest summer jazz festivals, featuring a combination of modern and classical jazz.Headliners: Herbie Hancock, Lake Street Dive, Little Simz, Gary Clark Jr.
Austin City Limits (Austin, TX)
This summer festival might feel a bit late in the season, but we’d be remiss to not include it. Austin City Limits features a variety of artists from October 2–11 across multiple stages in Austin, Texas. The festival runs on two consecutive three-day weekends, highlights some of the most popular artists in the country along with up-and-coming artists from Texas.
Headliners: Charli XCX, Blood Orange, Twenty One Pilots, Lorde
Lollapalooza (Chicago, IL)
The longest-running music festival in the U.S, Lollapalooza, has become a pop culture and fashion moment that is beginning to rival Coachella. With 1.3 million followers on Instagram, people clammer to Chicago from July 30–August 2, no matter who is headlining. But, of course, this festival always secures the best.
Headliners: Lorde, Olivia Dean, Charlie XCX, Tate McRae
Images courtesy of the respective music festivals
Outside Lands (San Francisco, CA)
Taking place at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, this music festival brings just about everything for everyone. From a wine garden to a weed garden and folk music to rap, Outside Lands is a diverse and unique festival that gathers everyone around one specific thought: enjoying music in the summertime.
August 7-August 9
Headliners: Charli XCX, The Strokes, Rufus Du Sol, Ethel Cain
—Sydney Yeager
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