The Must-See Music Festivals of the Summer: A Guide to the Best Events
With the sun shining bright and the weather finally warming up, the summer music festival season is just around the corner. For music lovers, this is the most exciting time of the year. From hip-hop to electronic, pop to rock, and everything in between, there’s something for every taste and inclination. In this guide, we’ll take you through the hottest music festivals of the summer, giving you the inside scoop on the best events to attend.
As the music scene continues to evolve, so do the opportunities for fans to experience their favorite artists live. Gone are the days of waiting in line for hours, only to get stuck in a crowded, noisy, and overpriced festival. Today’s festivals are more than just your average musical gatherings; they’re immersive experiences that combine music, art, and culture to create unforgettable memories. With the rise of boutique festivals, there’s now a plethora of options to choose from, each with its own unique flavor and style.
Festival Hopping 2.0: Exploring the Best Festival Scene Ever
From Coachella to Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo to Governors Ball, there’s a multitude of options for music enthusiasts. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of a particular genre or genre-hopper, this year’s summer lineup has something for everyone. Here are some of the top festivals to add to your bucket list:
For the Electronic Music Fans
Luminaria (June 12-14, Los Angeles, USA) – A brand-new festival, Luminaria promises to electrify the electronic music scene with an all-star lineup featuring deadmau5, Zedd, and Kaskade.
Rediscover Presents: Summer of Love (June 26-28, Somerset, UK) – A celebration of 30 years of pirate radio station KISS FM, this three-day festival boasts a mix of electronic, indie, and pop acts, with appearances by Calvin Harris, Dua Lipa, and Gorgon City.
For the Hip-Hop and R&B Enthusiasts
Atlanta’s Jasmine Blue Festival (June 20-21, Atlanta, Georgia, USA) – This two-day festival in the heart of the A features some of hip-hop’s rising stars, including Tobe Nwigwe, EarthGang, and IDK.
Keith Sweat’s Love from the 5th (July 4, Philadelphia, USA) – Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this annual BBQ and music festival is all about throwbacks, family, and good vibes, with performances by SWV, Ginuwine, and an appearance by the one and only Keith Sweat himself.
For the Rock and Alternative Fans
Outside Lands (August 30 – September 1, San Francisco, USA) – Another California love child, this eight-year-old festival combines indie rock, folk, and mainstream acts in the midst of Golden Gate Park, with headlining sets from Paul Simon, Weezer, and Alicia Vikander.
StillCornerville Music Festival (June 5-7, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA) – This small-town, small-budget festival is showcasing some of the best up-and-coming alt-rock and indie acts from the Midwest and beyond, including Halfnoise, The Veleries, and Dad – Band.
CURTIS JONES &YP Present: The Stringman Festival (July 24-26, London, UK) – Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Britpop legend Pulp, this festival is a veritable pilgrimage for fans of the genre, featuring performances from Richard Hawley, El Presidente, and a special appearance by Jarvis Cocker.
For the Pop and Country Fans
You Bloom Music Festival (June 5-7, Hampton, Virginia, USA) – A newbie on the block, this two-day festival in the heart of the South is all about empowering women, promoting unity, and throwing down to the beat of pop, rock, and country, with lineup appearances by Chloe x Halle, Daya, and We the State.
Electric Zoo (September 4-6, New York, New York, USA) – Back from the dead, Electric Zoo returns to Randall’s Island with a menagerie of acts, ranging from Charlotte Lawrence to Green Velvet to Disclosure.
Welcome to Rockville (June 12-14, Jacksonville, Florida, USA) – The popular rock and alternative festival makes its return to Jacksonville’s Metropolitan Park, featuring Alesana, Dinosaur Pile-Up, and Royal Blood.
Wildcard Picks of the Summer Festival Season
Though these festivals are already on the radar, some hidden gems have managed to slip under the radar. Don’t sleep on these underdog festivals, which promise to deliver a unique experience and some of the best music of the summer:
Under the Radar
Desert Hearts (May 22-25, Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, USA) – This six-year-old festival in the desert is all about showcasing some of the world’s best underground electronic talent, including kEditText, Set Mo, and Doorly.
So You’re At It Festival (June 27-28, Athens, Greece) – Billed as the "first and only" Greek festival, SYATI boasts a line-up chock-full of indie, rock, and, of course, Greek talent, featuring the likes of Tchortz & PADMEN.
L’beat Festival (July 2-5, Toulouse, France) – This French bash is the perfect blend of laid-back vibes, great food, and top-notch music, with performances by Klang Family, SoKo, and Plastic Bertrand.
These are just a few of the many music festivals happening this summer. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a newcomer to the scene, there’s something for everyone. Pick your poison, or better yet, attend them all and make the most of the summer of love.