A bucket-list trip for audiophiles of all kinds, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is more than just a music festival--it’s a movement. Coachella represents a modern cultural experience that hits all the right spots: from cutting-edge fashion, art, and music to high-profile celebrity attendees, coupled with an adrenaline-fueled atmosphere and energy. While an experience worth trekking over to the Southern California desert, a single, general admission pass will set you back a cool $400 for three days? Nothing but pennies in your pocket? Hit up these music festivals instead:
Bonnaroo
Manchester, Tennessee
Once a homegrown folk rock and jam fest, Bonnaroo is named one of the “50 Moments That Changed Rock and Roll” by Rolling Stone Magazine. Covering a variety of genres raging from rap to pop, expect a silent disco and many comedy events amongst its roster. Rock with a cause as Bonnaroo actively supports recycling and sustainability through its environmental efforts as only food and drinks in organic, recyclable materials are available in the festival.
Unique vendors and products sold by craftsmen and artisans, a silent disco, a comedy and cinema tent, and a Ferris wheel also pepper the event. Top acts Eminem, The Arctic Monkeys, Radiohead, and U2 have all performed on Bonnaroo’s exclusive stage.
Burning Man
Black Rock Desert, Nevada
A once-in-a-lifetime new-age event focusing around self-expression and the arts, Burning Man is held in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert. A festival of all things unique, expect to see performances from campers, art-driven events, and its annual burning of a wooden effigy shaped like a man.
Often described as an experiment in community and art, this late summer event is rooted in its ten main principles, which include “radical inclusion”, civic responsibility, and self-expression. The 2017 art theme is “Radical Ritual.”
Lollapalooza
Grant Park, Chicago
A music festival with a wide array of genres spanning over 170 artists taking the stage, Lollapalooza is also a venue for both political and non-profit organizations to share ideas and resources across its 160,000-strong festival goers.
Conceived by Jane’s Addiction lead vocals, Perry Ferrell, Lollapalooza made its debut outside the US in 2010. Acts such as The Black Keys, Jane’s Addiction, The Killers, and The Cure have all headlined Lollapalooza.
Firefly Music Festival
Dover, Delaware
The East Coast’s most popular music festival, Firefly Music Festival takes place in The Woodlands of Dover International Speedway. Its seven stages, The Porch Stage, The Lawn Stage, The Backyard Stage, the Treehouse, The Coffee House, The Pavilion and The Firefly Stage, spread across the venue, Firefly also hosts outdoor camping for its attendees.
In addition to musical acts, The Firefly Music Festival offers other activities. An arcade tent is set up, which houses arcade and video games. Headliners include Bombay Bicycle Club, Death Cab for Cutie, and The Killers.
The Governor’s Ball Music Festival
Randall’s Island Park, New York City
A convergence of electronic, folk, hip-hop, and rock take over sprawling New York City park. Earning a spot among festival attendees, The Governor’s Ball Music Festival also features a wide array of New York’s top restaurants and food trucks, along with activities and games.
2017’s line-up included Chance the Rapper, Phoenix, and Dua Lipa.
Newport Folk Festival
Newport, Rhode Island
An annual folk-oriented music festival in Newport, Rhode Island, its rich history makes Newport Folk Festival one of the most celebrated and focal point in the ever-expanding genre of folk music. In recent years, the Newport Folk Festival has developed a controversial reputation for selling out of tickets before announcing the lineup. Unlike most festivals, the festival "rolls out" their lineup over the course of the year instead of releasing a lineup poster on one day.
Founded in 1959, the Newport Folk Festival was a witness to Bob Dylan shaking up the folk sensibility by being backed by electric in 1965. Hooray For The Riff Raff and the Avett Brothers top-billed the festival in 2017.
Pitchfork Music Festival
Union Park, Chicago
Featuring a spectrum of tunes including electronic, hip-hop, jazz, punk, and rock among other genre-bending beats, Pitchfork Music Festival also houses vendors offering various beverages, food, and art for attendees to enjoy.
This year’s line-up includes Japandroids, Tame Impala, and Chaka Khan.
Once you’ve made up your mind over which music festivals you’d cross off your bucket list, make sure to prepare music festival essentials to bring with you. And to be able to enjoy these music fests to the fullest, how about going hands-free? Check out our hydration packs and fanny packs that can keep your things secured, your outfit trendy, and your experience all in all memorable!
