Summer is the season of fun. Filled with barbeques, pool parties and beach outings, it really doesn’t get better. The best thing about summer these days, though, has to be the music festivals. More and more keep popping up across the United States, and they are all pretty spectacular.
Read on to discover the very best summer music festivals in the U.S.!
Lollapalooza (Chicago)
Launched in 1993 by Jane’s Addiction frontman Perry Farrell, this annual festival has grown to be one of the biggest juggernauts in musical festival history. Originally conceived as a festival reserved solely for alternative rock music, Lollapalooza toured the nation annually until 1997. Then, after lying dormant for a long time, it was revived and improved in 2003. No longer a touring festival, it resided permanently in Chicago and has signed on to do so until 2018.
Another big change is the lineups: Long removed from its alternative heydey, the summer fest now features popular performers from a wide array of musical genres. If you’re ever in Chicago during summer, make it a point to get to Lollapalooza; you won’t be disappointed!
FYF Festival (Los Angeles)
This relative newcomer to the scene is one of the hottest new music festivals around. Founded in 2004, the summer fest takes place each year at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena in Exposition Park. The event has showcased a ton of popular musical artists and a ton of different genres, such as EDM, hip hop, pop, alternative and indie rock.
The festival also offers up art installations and a night market, where festival-goers can eat delicious, artisanal treats while watching their favorite bands perform.
Governor’s Ball (New York City)
One of the hottest music festivals on the scene, New York City’s Governor’s Ball, is another can’t-miss attraction. Launched in 2011, the relatively new three-day festival on Randall’s Island features an expansive and eclectic array of indie, hip hop, pop, electronica and folk artists (many of which are huge names).
The festival also offers up a delicious slice of New York City food culture, with restaurants and food trucks abounding. There are also myriad activities to partake in if you need a quick break from the music, such as a silent disco, ping pong tables and lawn games.
South by Southwest (Austin)
Launched in 1987, the South by Southwest music festival is the largest of its kind in the entire world. With a staggering 2,000-plus acts as of 2014, South by Southwest (or “SXSW”) brings in an average of 28,000 registrants. Yes, everyone wants to play this festival. But the popular summer fest isn’t just for music; it’s a world-renowned film festival as well!
[tweetthis]Did you know? The SXSW music and film festival is the largest of its kind in the entire world.[/tweetthis]
Austin City Limits (Austin)
Based on the PBS music series of the same name, the Austin City Limits Music Festival is one of the most revered and beloved music fests in the country. Founded in 2002, the Texas-based event is hosted annually in Austin on two consecutive three-day weekends. The event draws a number of huge musical acts in all kinds of genres, ranging from indie rock to hip hop. Music isn’t the only thing the festival offers, though. Austin City Limits is filled with awesome things like an art market, a kids area for families and the most delicious thing of all: the “Austin Eats” festival food court, which offers all the best food from Austin’s best restaurants. This festival is not to be missed!
Looking for a delicious breakfast before heading out to the Austin City Limits festival? Check out this list of the best breakfast burritos in Austin! And if you’ve always had an interest in exploring Austin as a potential place to live, check out these apartments!
From LA to New York City, music festivals are gaining popularity across the country. Do you know of another great venue? Comment below!