By Karen Greenberg 

Music festivals are a great way to really enjoy the great summer weather with friends. With diverse lineups, epic entertainment, and cool scenes, they’re well worth the price tag. Even better, festivals aren’t concentrated in a couple of major cities, but come to areas all over the country. Everyone can find a great festival near them, so check out our guide to who’s performing, when, and where. Then grab your crew and head out on the road for some awesome music and an experience you won’t forget!

Governor’s Ball Music Festival

New York City, June 23-24

Headliners include Beck, Kid Cudi, Modest Mouse, and Fiona Apple. Right off the tip of Manhattan, the festival at Randall’s Island will be a huge NY hotspot for anyone looking to eat, drink, and dance the night away. Enter their “Dance-Off Contest” to win free tickets, backstage passes and more.

Summerfest

Milwaukee, June 27-July 1, July 3-8

Known as the world’s largest music festival, this year’s lineup boasts top acts including Rascal Flatts, Train, Kelly Clarkson, Big Time Rush, Aerosmith, Ben Folds Five, Gavin Degraw, Foo Fighters, and many more. With some of the world’s biggest names taking the stage, the 11-day festival is sure to live up to its reputation.

Essence Music Festival

New Orleans, July 6-8

The long-running celebration of African-American music includes legendary headliners like Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige, Fantasia, Trey Songz, Estelle, and more. Don’t miss the opportunity to see all of these renowned artists in one place.

Firefly Music Festival

Dover, Delaware, July 20-22

This new festival will be host to a variety of edgy rock/pop acts such as The Killers, The Black Keys, Jack White, Death Cab for Cutie, Young the Giant, John Legend, OK GO, and Lupe Fiasco. With a mix this cool, it’s no wonder tickets are selling out fast. You can still get regular 3 day passes, so grab them fast!

Lollapalooza

Chicago, August 3-5

Probably one of the most well-known music festivals in the country, this year’s lineup is super-current with headliners like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Florence + The Machine, Avicii, Calvin Harris, J. Cole, and Black Sabbath. Tickets are officially sold out, but if you can find a way to get your hands on some, you’ll have your pass to the hottest party in town.

Outside Lands

San Francisco, August 10-12

This artsy scene will break the August heat with chill acts like Metallica, Stevie Wonder, Beck, Skrillex, Nora Jones, Regina Spektor, and Passion Pit. If you like good art, wine, music, and everything San Francisco culture has to offer, this is the festival for you.

Bumbershoot

Seattle, September 1-3

What better way to finish off the summer than with a festival that includes music, theater, and visual arts? Top headliners include artist of the moment Gotye, Tony Bennett, Jane’s Addiction, Big Sean, Skrillex, and Keane. The website offers many different ticket packages, so check it all out for the best summer closeout you can get.

Image Source