Not to rush you through your summer or anything, but if you're into music festivals, now is the time to plan your strategy, as some of the best are getting ready to roll out in August. And even if you don't think music fests are your thing, check out the list (in chronological order)—with everything from a Hamptons fusion of fashion and indie music to a legendary DJ blowout in the UK, you might be surprised to find something that will rock your world.
1. Michigan Womyn's Music Festival
Where: Walhalla, Michigan
When: Aug 2–7
What: Since its inception in 1976, this feminist, no-men-allowed lesbian Woodstock has brought thousands of women back to the land for a week of communally-run camping, workshops, veggie meals and live music.
The Lineup: Bernice Johnson Reagon, Toshi Reagon, MEN, Jill Sobule, Melissa Ferrick, Ferron and Bitch, Thao and more.
2. Lollapalooza
Where: Chicago
When: Aug 5–7
What: The grandaddy of alt-music festivals, begun in 1991 by Perry Farrell of Jane's Addiction, now hosts more than 130 multi-genre artists over multiple stages and 115 acres.
The Lineup: Coldplay, Foo Fighters, Eminem, Muse, A Perfect Circle, Bright Eyes, My Morning Jacket and more.
3. Musikfest
Where: Bethlehem, PA
When: Aug 5–14
What: Big-time rock, pop and country artists hit the stage at this 10-day blowout in the Lehigh Valley.
The Lineup: Stone Temple Pilots, Maroon 5, Miranda Cosgrove, Steve Miller Band, Alison Kraus & Union Station, Steely Dan, Train, Gavin DeGraw, Nick Jonas and more.
Where: San Francisco
When: Aug 12–14
What: A three-day fest of music, food, wine and art creates a vibrant urban village in Golden Gate Park.
The Lineup: Muse, Phish, the Black Keys, the Shins, Erykah Badu, the Roots, Arcade Fire, DeadMau5, Mavis Staples, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and more.
5. MTK: Music to Know Music Festival
Where: East Hampton, NY
When: Aug 13–14
What: The first-ever MTK fest takes over the East Hampton Airport for a marriage of music and fashion marketing (with the Olsen twins among those set to hawk threads at pop-up shops).
The Lineup: Vampire Weekend, Bright Eyes, Matt & Kim, Tom Tom Club, Cold War Kids, more.
Where: Hasselt, Belgium
When: Aug 18–20
What: From new alt acts to established contemporary bands, this open-air Belgian fest attracts thousands for camping and reveling.
The Lineup: Foo Fighters, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Skunk Anansie, Eminem, Deftones, the Offspring and more.
Where: Wales, UK
When: Aug 19–21
What: The three-day indie-music camping gathering has everything from folk to electro, plus film, theater and bonfire bashes.
The Lineup: Fleet Foxes, Noah and the Whale, Horse Meat Disco, Robyn Hitchcock, Iron and Wine, Anthem.
8. Creamfields
Where: Daresbury in Halton, Cheshire, UK
When: Aug 27–28
What: For 13 years, this major electronic festival has presented dance-music pioneers—both DJs and live performers.
The Lineup: The Chemical Brothers, Tiësto, Paul Van Dyk, Calvin Harris, Scratch Perverts, Tim Mason and more.
Also Read
8 comments