The 6 Hottest Summer Festivals in the U.S.

By Meghen Jones

The sun is shining, the heat has kicked in, and that only means one thing. It’s summer time! For college students, that means taking a break from all the late-night study sessions, homework, and waking up early for class. However, summer can be a bit boring when you have no clue of what to do with all that spare time.

Why not spice up your summer by attending one of the many rockin’ music festivals available across the U.S. from East Coast to West Coast. Whether you like pop, rock, hip-hop, or electronic music, there’s something for everyone. Plus, you will experience the ultimate level of excitement when you see some of your favorite musical artists perform live. With so many festivals to choose from, uCribs has narrowed it down to our top 6 picks of music festivals that will have you dancing the day (or night!) away.

Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival

June 7 – 10 in Manchester, Tennessee

Headliners: Eminem, The Killers, Muse

Just combine art, food, music, and camping and you have whipped up the perfect formula for a successful music festival. This concoction has made Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival the success it is today—16 years after its conception. It’s impossible to not be thrilled by the excitement of Bonnaroo with over 150 amazing performances spread across 10 stages. The fun doesn’t just end with the music and arts; enhance your festival-going experience when you participate in any of the activities available to attendees such as yoga, parades, Roo Run, and more. And let’s not forget about the next-level eats that are bound to have your mouth watering! Prepare to have the best four days of your life when you attend Bonnaroo—out on a lil’ farm in Manchester, Tennessee!

Taste of Country Music Festival

June 8 – 10 in Hunter Mountain, New York

Headliners: Eric Church, Florida Georgia Line, Sam Hunt

Take a moment and think about all the times you’ve drove around with your windows down, and your favorite country song is blasting through the speakers. There’s nothing quite like the good ol’ tunes of country music that combine the old art of storytelling with the groove of modern pop music. Embrace your love for country at the biggest country music party in the U.S.— the Taste of Country Music Festival. With performances by Dustin Lynch, Jimmie Allen, LeAnn Rimes and more, you are sure to have the time of your life. So, grab your closest friends and enjoy a unique, festival-going experience like no other.

Essence Music Festival

July 5 – 8 in New Orleans, Louisiana

Headliners: Mary J. Blige, Xscape, SWV

If you have ever wanted to experience the city of New Orleans, then there is no better time than during the Essence Music Festival.  This three-day festival is full of music, entertainment, empowerment, and culture. Kick off your weekend with soulful performances by artists such as   the phenomenal Erykah Badu, then top it all off by seeing the legendary Janet Jackson perform live—all while soaking in what makes Louisiana truly special. And if you want to catch something super entertaining and out-of-the-ordinary, check out actor, Idris Elba, as he gives festival-goers a taste of his DJ skills. Yes, you read that correctly! Idris. Elba. Is. DJing.  While you’re there, you can even take some time to discover the treasures of the French Quarter where the festival is held.

Capitol Hill Block Party

July 20 – 22 in Seattle, Washington

Headliners: Dillon Francis, Brockhampton, Oh Wonder

Do you consider yourself a hipster? Or do you just find yourself vibing to the latest and greatest indie music? (Don’t worry—while you seem in denial, we won’t tell anyone you’re a hipster.) You can dive into all those chill tunes you groove to at the Capitol Hill Block Party as you bask in a tidal wave of indie rock music. There will be amazing performances by Betty Who, Jamila Woods, and more, and if you purchase a V.I.P. pass, you will enojoy unlimited access to the V.I.P. Lounge, private facilities, complimentary food and beverages, other rad freebies, and a stylish swag bag. Step into the heart of Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood and prepare to have the best weekend of your summer!

Panorama

July 27 – 29 in New York City, New York

Headliners: Janet Jackson, Jhene Aiko, The Weeknd

If you missed out on the West Coast fun of Coachella, then you can experience the East Coast alternative—Panorama. At Panorama, you can celebrate the evolution of DJ culture while enjoying a dance party atmosphere full of non-stop electronic music. Panaroma even features a cool, interactive experience called The Lab that combines technology, artistry, and design—created and executed by New York-based artists. Not only will you want to wear your dancing shoes, but it’s also safe say that you may want to come hungry with the temptation of so many sweet treats and savory foods to indulge in. When you mix good music with tasty food, it pretty much solves the equation for happiness.

Made in America

September 1 – 2 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Headliners: TBA

If I told you that Jay Z, the Hip-Hop Legend, has his own music festival, would you go? Honestly, I think just about everyone would compete to be first in line to purchase tickets. Jay Z holds the Made in America festival each year during Labor Day weekend, and it’s one that you want to be front and center for. Experience pop, hip-hop, and electronic performances from your favorite, modern musical artists. Previous performances have included J. Cole, The Chainsmokers, Migos, and of course, Jay Z himself. So, if you want your summer to end with a bang, then the Made in America festival is exactly where you need to be!

Summer music festivals are the perfect time of year to bond with other fanboys and fangirls from all across the U.S. (and even beyond!) over music, food, art, and loads of entertainment. Turn off your latest Spotify playlist, and go enjoy the thrill of your favorite songs being performed live! Oh, and when it’s all said and done, you can cross seeing your favorite musician(s) live off of your bucket list.

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