Coachella (April 14-16, 21-23) Indio, California
Coachella has singlehandedly made dropping a grand to travel out into the California desert heat cool for millennials. Infamous for selling out in a matter of hours, the three-day extravaganza takes place over two back-to-back weekends — the second of which is the most coveted. Always trying to outdo themselves (and everyone else), Goldenvoice selected Lady Gaga (in lieu of a pregnant Beyoncé), Kendrick Lamar, and Radiohead to headline this year.
Shaky Beats (May 5-7) Atlanta, Georgia
The Southern states are out to prove that they too can hang with the big boys, and they mean business. Blending together hip-hop and EDM, this three-day festival had such a successful inaugural year that they’re back for a second installment, taking over Atlanta with acts like The Chainsmokers, Kaskade, Flosstradamus, and Girl Talk.
Hangout Fest (May 19-21) Gulf Shores, Alabama
Could anything be
Sasquatch! (May 26-28) George, Washington
It might be chilly, but Washington’s Sasquatch! Music Festival will be nothing short of awesome, if only for the scenery. For those who can’t make it out to the sandy beaches of Hangout Fest, Sasquatch! features the same headliners. The main stage is situated on the edge of a cliff and overlooks the gorge below, giving fans both audio and visual overload.
Electric Daisy Carnival (Tokyo, April 29-30; Las Vegas, June 16-18; UK, July 8)
Though almost 10 years younger than Ultra, Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) quickly outgrew its humble, two-day rave in Los Angeles to become one of the biggest EDM festivals in the world with the main event taking place in Las Vegas every year. With its wonderland of neon lights, rides, and art, it’s no wonder why over 400,000 people made the weekend voyage last year.
Governors Ball (June 2-4) NYC
Last year’s Governors Ball was quite the experience — mainly due to the torrential downpour and subsequent flooding. After being forced to cancel Day 2 headliners Kanye West and Death Cab For Cutie, organizers scrapped the entire third day altogether as Randall's Island Park became a giant, muddy puddle. Assuming the weather behaves this year, fans will get to see Chance the Rapper, Lorde, Childish Gambino, and Phoenix grace the main stages.
Bonnaroo (June 8-11) Manchester, Tennessee
While Bonnaroo features a fairly eclectic lineup each year, it’s mainly a hub for rock fans. For those daring enough to brave both the Tennessee heat and the four nights of camping, the payoff is in the form of performances by U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Weeknd, and Flume.
Warped Tour (June 16-August 6)
Welcome to punk rock summer camp! Warped Tour has the esteemed title of being the only festival that tours the entire country, stopping in more than 40 cities during the summer months. Hawthorne Heights, Dance Gavin Dance, Goldfinger, The Adolescents, and The Ataris are set to perform on the seven stages, so get nostalgic about your teenage years and make the trip to your local tour stop.
KCON (NYC, June 24-25; LA, July 29-31)
Riding on
Essence Festival (June 29-July 2) New Orleans, LA
Dubbed “the party with a purpose,” Essence Music Festival began as a 25th-anniversary celebration for Essence Magazine in 1994, but the party basically never ended. Because it’s the biggest event that celebrates African-American culture in the US, it’s no surprise that musical heavyweights like Diana Ross, Mary J. Blige, Solange, and John Legend are set to light up the New Orleans Superdome this year.
FYF (July 21-23) Los Angeles, CA
This year’s edition of Fuck Yeah Festival is epic for several reasons. First of all, Missy Elliot is headlining the festival and it’s her only scheduled performance for 2017. Secondly, Björk is co-headlining alongside Elliot. We’re not sure where she’s been hiding, but the ethereal, Icelandic goddess is back and we couldn’t be happier. Erykah Badu is still on her festival grind and Run the Jewels is always a good time. What more could you want from a concert experience? Get excited.
Lollapalooza (August 3-6) Chicago, IL
Starting in 1991 as Jane’s Addictions way of bidding farewell to their fans, the North American festival gained footing and ran until 1997 before being reborn once more in 2003. The once exclusive tour has since debuted outside of the US in Chile, Brazil, Germany, Paris, and more locations. The festival’s organizers don’t mess around — with acts like Blink 182, Muse, Cage the Elephant and The Killers set to perform, it’s easy to understand why they’re known for their tip-top coordination.
Made in America (September 3-4) Philadelphia, Pennslyvania
Thank you,
Riot Fest (Chicago, September 15-17; Denver, on hiatus)
It’s a punk rock free for all at Riot Fest, and with three-day tickets starting at $130 — generally the cost of single-day admission to other events — this festival is a steal for anyone looking to experience the excitement of festival life without the hefty price tag. Normally taking place in both Chicago and Denver, the 2017 dates are limited to Chicago due to the untimely passing of one of the festival’s organizers. Though this year’s lineup has yet to be announced, last year’s included The Flaming Lips, Brand New, The Misfits (original lineup), and Glassjaw.
Austin City Limits (October 6-8, 13-15) Austin TX
Once the summer heat subsides, those looking to have some fun in the fall can head to Texas in early October for Austin City Limits — well, assuming tickets haven’t sold out like they have every year for the last decade. While only whispers of performers currently fill the air, last year included Kendrick Lamar, Radiohead, and LCD Soundsystem. If you’re looking for autumn adventure with an assumably great lineup, then this one’s for you.
