#this movie was camp noir deliciousness

[mandala-lore]

Top Ten (plus some) Movies Lore Watched in 2023

Before I get ahead of myself, Metropolis should certainly be on here - but I haven't finished it yet. Shameful, I know.

I considered just doing ten, which would've been bad enough, but then I thought I'd share even more unasked for opinions about movies I watched this year. It was a weird year, for me personally and for the world. But then. When it isn't a weird year? I watched a wide variety of stuff, not all of it great, and had lots of reactions I didn't have time to initially get down in writing.

Under a cut because I will not inflict endless scrolling on even my worst enemy.

BEST five movies (in no particular order) I watched this year. Highly recommend. You haven't lived until you've seen them:

Nope - It absolutely lives up to every bit of hype. It deserved more hype, actually. Jordan Peele doesn't fuck around except when he does but he really doesn't. Excellent balance of straight up terror, compelling characters, unpredictable moments, and subtle-yet-powerful social commentary. My personal favorite of his movies. (New to me)

And God Created Woman - Personally, I love a pretentious 60s French film about a woman's burgeoning sexuality ruining the lives of those around her (and imploding her own life). Don't examine me too closely. Devastating, feels like a fairytale collided with a small tragedy. Very tumblr-core, surprised it doesn't do more rounds tbh. (New to me)

Pinocchio - Guillermo del Toro can do whatever he wants forever. Nightmare Alley should be here, but I think I only watched it the whole way through in 2022. I was ready to cringe watch this but it captured my attention and my tears in the first five minutes. Stop motion is true cinema wizardry and we need more of it. The musical numbers felt unnecessary to me. (New to me)

Laura - Easily one of my top ten movies ever. Delicious film noir-esque murder mystery with sophisticated (for its era) gender and class commentary just beneath the surface. Striking dialogue, gorgeous fashion, and smooth, cool repressed characters who shatter at the end. Feels like it was written by Dorothy Parker, kinda. (Old fave)

Forbidden Planet - Ham-fisted Freudian/Jungian "psychology" filtered through a highly stylized retro sci-fi film overlayed on a Shakespeare play (but wait! There's more!). Gorgeous scenes, fun sex appeal, creepy monster, daddy issues. This movie truly has everything. (Old fave)

Akira Kurosawa's Dreams - Honorable mention. See how I don't obey my own rules? This could easily boot one or more of the above off the list, but I play favorites. I wish I had watched this movie sober, but the long, wordless scenes were extra impactful while I was high. (New to me)

New movies I loved, from most enjoyed to less:

The Menu - Fun, slightly camp, like a Bryan Fuller Hannibal episode but a feature length film. Stellar cast with brutal performances. Peak final girl energy. It's a Hannibal/Clarice AU fanfic to me - TO ME.

The Pale Blue Eye - We need more lowlight, moody, New England gothic films that are true to the spirit of 18-19th century American literature, even if not straight up adaptations. I got all the pleasure of reading a Poe or Hawthorne short story with an excellent mystery/true crime plot and, I think, one of Christian Bale's most underrated performances. Maybe not his best role ever, but certainly under celebrated. So much to unpack and paw over. It's a treasure chest, not just a treasure.

Asteroid City - Wes Anderson is a great director, I'm sorry, we just have to accept it. I was high when I watched it; I had so much fun tuning into small character moments. I can't make heads or tails of the scifi plot or 4th wall bending, and I'm not sure it was the THC's fault this time. But it has phenomenal rewatch potential, unlike a few of his other movies. I'm also going to unapologetically celebrate every halfway decent movie that isn't a reboot or franchise installment or toy-selling ruse.

Godzilla Minus One - Top three kaiju movies for sure. I felt the message was a little heavy handed, but only a little, and it's a freakin' kaiju movie so who cares. Godzilla was scary yet sympathetic, the characters were lovable, and the loss and tragedy felt almost too real. Needed more kaiju.

Enola Holmes 2 - Cute, high stakes teen mystery-action-historical movie. The first one was better, but this was a solid sequel.

Top TEN movies (no particular order) that were brand new to me:

Into the Spider-Verse - Again, I liked this less than the first, but it was a solid sequel.

Valerie & Her Week of Wonders - Love a movie that's like a waking dream/nightmare. Again with the burgeoning sexuality.

Paprika - I put this movie off for years, to the point where it didn't live up to my own internal hype, but it was still very good and I'm looking forward to exploring the rest of Satoshi Kon's oeuvre.

The Black Phone - I was surprised at how much I enjoyed every second of this movie. It was tense and sad and weird. Perfect balance of leaving the mystery intact. Creepy clown adjacent. Ethan Hawke should be creepy and evil more often, please, for me.

Malignant - James Wan doesn't always land for me, but when he does... Woo!

Leon the Professional - Well. I did say I love pretentious French films about burgeoning sexuality and tragedy...

The Notorious Bettie Page - After finishing, I thought, "This wasn't that great. Kind of a waste of time. What was that ending?" But then it stuck in my brain. Plus, the star's performance is incredibly gripping, I kept forgetting I was watching a biopic and not just... Bettie Page. Directing / editing was flawed.

Ginger Snaps - I have too many thoughts for this post. Teenage girl repressed violence burgeoning sexuality hunger as power, you get it, you get it.

Porco Rosso - A Ghibli movie I put off for years because I figured it wouldn't be that great. It was excellent and shot up into my top five Ghiblis.

Titus - 1999 film w/ Sir Anthony Hopkins & Jessica Lange. Images from this movie keep popping into my head months later.

Old Faves that I Saw with New Eyes:

Beetlejuice - [redacted]

The Black Cat - I watched this once years ago and though, "Lame. Boring. Two or three different plots that aren't speaking to each other." This time, I enjoyed how weird and ahead of its time it was. It's still 2-3 plots that don't speak to each other.

In a Lonely Place - Even Humphrey Bogart almost can't make this guy likable. Interesting gender stuff. Psychological portrait masquerading as film noir - or film noir masquerading as romantic drama, idk.

Batman Forever - specifically should be enjoyed back to back with professional wrestling, with a tough guy who lets his mask slip and indulges his inner child with you post-coitus. I know it's a specific vibe, I'm sorry.

House on Haunted Hill - Will make every list forever always. One of my top three films ever, I think. It's just so fun. I want Vincent Price to choke me out.

Nightmare Alley - I'm not sure if I first watched this in 2022 or 2023 but I caught the middle of it again just a few months ago so I'm counting it. One of del Toro's best. Highly underrated / under-watched. We should be talking about this movie more.

Spider Baby - This is probably the third of fourth time I've seen this movie. I love it more every time. Burgeoning sexu- *I am shot to death*

The Invisible Man - (1933) Fucking magical special effects for its era, hell even for today. We don't even see Claude Rains until the very end but he fucking delivers.

#film reviews #movie review #lore watches #2023 #top ten

[i-carian]

The Librarians | Gunpowder Milkshake (2021) there is little joy in life for me, and little terror in the grave. i've lived the parting hour to see of one i would have died to save.

#this movie was camp noir deliciousness #i will watch angela bassett in anything but omg #the visuals the aesthetics the themes #give me women beating the shit out of men in any genre #thank you more please #gunpowder milkshake #angela bassett #carla gugino #michelle yeoh #movie gifs #moviegifs #fyeahmovies #filmedits #women in film #tvandfilm #jugbetty gifs

[drawing-way-outside-the-lines]

Congo Shaw. *Main character. Voice Claim: (Geoff Pierson) https://youtu.be/mEd7fE7zzdc?t=1m30s Partner(s): Andy (husband), Evan (husband), Eonan (engaged). On the side he also considers himself a part of the four clover relationship, including Evan, Andy and their common friend Daniel. Parents: Paul Shaw, and Norah Willow Shaw (Not living)   Kids: Willow, Oscar and Aishlynn, (none biological) Samuel, Odette and Felix. Other family members: Living dad, Paul Shaw. Mom, Norah Willow Shaw. Age: 53 (Year 2019) 16th of April. Height: 196cm Body type: Muscular, hairy, what the gay world classifies as ‘bear’. Eye color: Dark/warm brown.  Human. About: ~ Easygoing, calm, warm personality, balanced, caring, romantic, humble, compassionate, sometimes has a problem letting go, sensitive, adventurous, gallant, creative, charming, helpful, kind, decent, honest, focused, logical, perceptive, organized, respectful, punctual, modest, rustic, secure, optimistic, skillful, rational, trustworthy, patient, hearty, he’s just a big cuddly bear. ~ Self taught carpenter. ~ Gay. ~ Has known he was gay since childhood. He tried sex with two females in his life, and liked it. But would probably never do it again. He has few past relationships, some were good, some not so good.   ~ Can be rather kinky during sex, if you finally drag the beast out of him. But in general he prefers romantic love making. ~ Has a thick full beard. ~ Has a really close relationship to his dad, as Congo’s mom died when he was a young kid. ~ Grew up on a mountain in a big log house, surrounded by dense forest, where he was home schooled, but did attend a real college. ~ Has one tattoo. The word 'trust’ on his ribs, symbolizing his 4 clover relationship with Andy, Evan and Daniel.  ~ Is a fantastic cook. Mainly cooks rustic meals with juicy meat, potatoes and thick gravy. ~ Has a piercing in right ear. ~ Makes insanely delicious hot chocolates. ~ Prefers Autumn over any season. ~ Warm fuzzy blankets are a must! ~ Huge romantic, loves holding hands, giving romantic gifts, walks in the moonlight, enjoying sunrise/sundown, going on dates. ~ Smells like: Mainly some sort of wood, resin, trees, and wood-oil because of his work as a carpenter. But when he’s freshly showered, he likes to wear cologne/perfume, and then his favorites are: Lalique - Encre Noire, Parfums de Marley - Herod, Burberry - London, DSquared - Rocky Mountain Wood, Guerlain - L’Homme Ideal, Bvlgari - Man In Black and Montblanc - Homme Exceptionnel ~ Loves his partners, his kids, his family and friends, wood, working with wood, the smell of wood, the feeling of wood, working on cars, gardening, hiking, cooking, nature, coffee, Whiskey, Blues, Jazz and Country music, old black and white movies, anything remotely romantic, camping, reading news paper, horses, dogs, home cooked meals, candle lights, roaring fireplace, taking care of people he loves, protecting people he loves, a cold beer after a long workday, baking, little old English pubs, home baked pies, the smell of hay, hot chocolate and bonfires. ~ His style is mainly lumberjack… yes, lumberjack.   ~ He’s always there for the people he loves, but trying too hard to be everyone’s rock, sometimes has it’s price. Congo’s tag Congo’s house/home Congo’s moodboard Handwriting/ask answer pic:

One Gif to describe him:  

One song to describe him:  Sean Rowe - I'll Follow Your Trail Personal playlist: 1. Frank Sinatra - It Had To Be You 2. Billie Holiday- All of Me 3. Ella Fitzgerald I'm in the Mood for Love 4. Muddy Waters - Catfish Blues 5. John Lee Hooker - Hobo blues 6. Creedence Clearwater Revival - Have You Ever Seen The Rain? 7. The Commitments - Mustang Sally 8. Colter Wall - Cowpoke 9. Stevie Ray Vaughan - Tin pan Alley 10. Aretha Franklin - I Say A Little Prayer 11. Etta James - At Last 12. Lady Antebellum - Need You Now 13. Nina Simone - My Baby Just Cares For Me 14. Blackberry Smoke - One Horse Town 15. Frank Sinatra - That's Life 16. Peggy Lee - Fever 17. Johnny Cash - Heart Of Gold 18. The White Buffalo - I Got You (Acoustic) 19. Chris Stapleton - Whiskey and You 20. Moon River - Andy Williams

#Congo Shaw #simography #ts3 #sims3 #sims 3 #simblr

[arianelalibre]

Sonja L. is a self-taught photographer born and raised in Helsinki, Finland.

She likes to mix elements from fashion photography, vintage advertisements, pop art and popular American culture’s clichés.

“My vision is to create glossy, delicious looking and distinctive life photos that are a feast for the eyes and always contain a small story. I want my pictures to look like stills from some random movie and often my photos contain hidden references to a surrounding culture and history.”

Her sublime work often deals with materialism, vanity, suburban housewives’ lifestyles and womanhood in the Western world with an extravagant and kitschy style

.

« My photos usually capture some ordinary moment in an extraordinary setting. They are at the same time both mundane and surreal. Visually I take inspiration from retro feelings of 1950’s-1960’s, vibrant colors of old Technicolor movies, vinyl album covers, 1980’s neon aesthetics, camp, and kitsch. »

<3: pop art, kitsch, camp, neon, 60s/70s/80s retro, neo-noir, lo-fi, synth, new wave

#pop art #kitsch #neon photograph #60s #70s #80s #retro-noir #lo-fi #synth #new wave #vintage advertisment #popular american culture #cliché #glossy #delicious looking #feast #storytelling #cinematographic #suburban housewife #womanhood #western culture #kitschy style #sonja L

[tinytouristtakessf-blog]

The last chapter in SF

Jan 25th, 2020.

An Introduction.

In 2017, Jess was introduced to our quiet, oversized, and mainstream lives... Little did we know, that everything was about to change. The winds swirled overhead as she landed and within a couple weeks our loud, mini, hippie-witch-grandma-babe became ingrained in our lives! 

Coming in hot with a list of must-see, -try, -listen, -taste, -climb items for SF, Jess managed to keep us busy trying new things and living our best fun-sized life.

In honor of one chapter coming to a close (and another very exciting one just beginning!!), we want to take a look back at some of the beautiful moments you’ve helped us create! Thank you for being a part of our lives in San Francisco, and we are so excited and proud of you for making big moves across the seas in New Zealand! Don’t forget us and please come back to re-visit your San Francisco community soon 😻

Love,

Everyone

Credit: (always) Inspired by the TinyTourist

2017

Let’s take a walk down memory lane back to 2017...

Enter 2017… when some of us all met Jess Tilles for first time. Something we may be too old to do but in our early 20s we were able to stick through 9 hours of drinking. Santa Con was the day into the night we were all obliterated… but Santas and mistletoe and FUN! We all look very youthful, oh what a few years in SF has done to our age. It was also one of the first and last times we all decided to go out in the Marina, and then proceed to eat Italian Homemade food. The beginning of an era!

Meanwhile at work... Jess quickly becomes a driving force of work parties with Holmes (and Eva and Jess discover they are both proponents of Bell sleeves). Of course Jess=where the party @ after having met most of the team at a highly questionable night tearing up the Castro prior Olga’s birthday.

Celebrating big moves to the bay, Jess, Shiri, and Leeza united in the gorgeous SF winter on Hattie St Balcony (a local’s hidden gem). It was then that Leeza and Jess instantly realized they were meant to meet and pursue all the best indie-folk-hippie music together. The rest of the concert saga is history!

2018

March 2018 

Jess and Leron feeling lucky on St. Patty’s day by wearing all black and going against the mainstream in classic Jess fashion.

April 2018

Jess and Eva jamtfo to Penguin Prison at at their favorite SF venue, The Independent on Eva’s bday. They groove from the front row where Jess has zero obstacles blocking her line of site. Eva gets to hold the gee-tar.

Parisa's first day in SF! A messy deep dish experience could only be ended with a super fun barcade.

August 2018

For many of us, it was our very first overnight backpacking trip that hot summer weekend in July. Leeza had on the heaviest pack and powered ahead of the group (per usual), while the rest of us fumbled behind. We all kept enthusiasm high and it was a glorious moment when we 1) dipped into the freezing cold water at the end of day one and 2) when we finally took our packs, shoes and socks off at the end of the hike, and we all agreed that we would not do that trail again if someone paid us a million fat ones. Such a memorable trip- it was a great shared bonding experience for us to be out exploring in nature, and struggling together but ultimately powering through. Caroline was peeing every 20 minutes of the hike as usual, Leron was making interesting jokes and Shiri and Jess kept our spirits high!

Jess has her first grown woman trip to LA with Eva. They stay in Sunset Junction (Micheltorena stairs pictured) and have a romantic werk wife stay at the legendary Casa Crawford Airbnb, where their room doesn’t lock and they share a bathroom with the elderly spooky owner. Highlights include swan boating on Echo Park Lake, yoga at Equinox, eating at Mh Zh and Sqirl, unwinding at Wi Spa, crashing a mansion party in the Hollywood hills, and celebrating Lauren’s 30th birthday. Jess also very much enjoys catching up with a friend in Venice Beach.

In spring 2018, Jess made moves in the city to make friends and become ~sporty~ with Shiri in the Play Recess league. Striking the perfect balance between minimal coordination and slap-cup, we learned to destroy the competition in what really counts! Culminating in an ultimate scavenger hunt debacle, Spinelli led the group to victory! (Not actually sure if we completed the scavenger, but the memories we do have were definitely winners :) ).

October 2018

Halloweenies with our favorite Grandmama. Photographed left to right: Grandmama (Jess), Wednesday (Caroline), thing (Cole), Gomez (Leron), Morticia (Shiri), Lurch (Jack) and Pugsley (Jacob)

In the spooky month of October 2019, the Fulton Fam got together to throw our first rager - an extravagant Addams family party. Thanks to the creative inspiration of the group, we were able to pull off some spooky vibes, including spider webs, grey hair, ridiculous mustaches, and more. 

Late 2018 marked the beginning of the Fulton house era- too many nights sitting around watching Fort Night, debating Zinc in double-blind tests, and hundreds more conversations that none of us can remember… We will never forget the eclectic energy Jess brought into the Fulton house. The large batches of pasta & pesto she cooked and the lotions & soaps she brewed up. Brew hahah. As the first alumnus of the Fulton house, Jess has since ventured out to #adult in her 2 bedroom apartment in Nob Hill.

Before Jess left us, we had one last BirthRight hoorah with Jacob’s new friends. There was a peculiar guy making brisket in our oven, and handing samples around like a Costco on a Saturday afternoon. Shiri infamously used her photoshop skills to crop the beloved Leron Gil into the house party he missed. Good times!

December 2018

How could we forget the numerous ski trips in 2019 with Jess? There were so many weekends bopping around down the slopes in Heavenly, Kirkwood and North Star. On this specific photographed trip, Jess and Caroline celebrated their birthdays with a weekend getaway to Northstar. Too much Secret Hitler was played. Things got wild. Other board games were forced upon us (lol). But looking back it was a great time hanging with friends, drinking champagne on the mountain and blasting some groovy tunes down the mountain.

Over the holidays, Chinese food is a tradition… a very delicious meal at Koi Palace! While living in Fulton, there was a 2 month hiatus where just Jess, Caroline and Jacob occupied the house. Some like to call that period of time “the cleanest time of Fulton”, others call bullshit. The three bonded over diverging political opinions, bitching about who never cleaned their dishes and doing korean face masks. 

2019

January 2019

Ringing in the New 2019 Year in San Francisco with a large group of our friends was quite the experience! Great to celebrate together together at the boom boom room with some live music (but also not great that the window got smashed 😂)

One of Jess’s many ascents at Mission Cliffs! Go Jess send it! 

 Only Jess and her gleaming charisma could rally coworkers to see a concert AND have work pay for our HH drinks (thanks for the sus hand-written receipt for expensing, @Madrone Art Bar). We saw her beloved Magic City Hippies at The Independent which was funky and upbeat Miami vibes all around. Also pictured are Mary and Georgine who are/soon working in New Zealand as well.

February 2019

Always remember the earplugs! Jess knows how to concert.

March 2019

Soccer moms go to Warby Parker. Epic picture and times of Jess with the Fulton boys.

April 2019

A new(ish) face joined the Holmes Fire SF team- finally Jess and Irene’s LDR was over! This was our first team building activity as a new group and with Jess in charge of course we ended up climbing!

Celebrating Eva’s Birthday with a fun rooftop HH at El Teco on a sunny spring day!

Jess, Eva and Irene order frozen pina coladas and take in the views before a Mission bar crawl of sorts, closing nice and early with burritos from El Farolito.

May 2019

Hanging out at the top of the SalesForce tower. Pro tip, bring a structural engineer for some great commentary.

Bay to Breakers with team eggs and team hippies (aka Jess’s typical aesthetic)!

Always discussing the most important topics at work- like water bottle sticker placement! #bigdecisions

July 2019

One of the best Holmes site visits ever!!

Jess and Eva drive up North for a wine country getaway they won a while back at a silent auction. En route they plow through La Croix cans, have a rad lunch in Sebastopol and dip their feet in the picturesque Russian River. Early evening, they taste and tour facilities at Moshin Vineyards in Forestville (shout outs to that delightfully dry pinot noir rosé) before stargazing (ft. skunk!) and cozying up in a cabin suite with the movie Sideways. The next day, they have a beautiful morning walk by the vineyards. By way of Jess’ parents, they land in Ronald McDonald’s home for a private tasting. Jess learns she loves fruit-forward wines!

September 2019

The second infamous backpacking trip! **GIRLS TRIP**!!!! The time we thought it’d be smart to not get camping food and cook kraft mac and cheese with no microwave. What it came out to be was a big bowl of cheese goop, with Ella, Anna, Olaf and unicorn characters drowned in there. A big SHOUTOUT to Marie for pulling through with the fancy face creams and sharing with the group, us talking about waxing *ahem* body parts and again, Leeza leading the charge with Foxy! At night, we laid out on the benches and stared up at the stars - the night was so clear! We couldn’t stop laughing over things I can no longer remember… except about discovering the world was indeed not flat. Once again, Caroline likely peed 20 times total, and was coughing and heaving (sorry for being sick!) 😅

Jess and Eva get weird in Portland! Where they sip rooftop beers, frolick in the Nike HQ ( a mass timber wonderland), meet Big Foot and Krampus, procure free passes to a saucy community event, dance to 80s music at a goth bar/visit crusty dive bars, have a prime strawberry cough (and beanie) experience @ Electric Lettuce, savor prime Bamboo sushi, and Jess gets a cute ass tragus piercing. Throughout the trip Jess wears a lot of black to Eva’s delight #moody #angsty. On their walks to the Portland office, Jess appreciates the changing fall leaves and residential neighborhoods, feeling reminded of home on the East Coast.

Just another amazing Jill Hike ;) 

October 2019

OK - San Francisco was filled with challenges… and Tough Mudder was one of them! Although we found out that at the end of the race - you would be electrocuted - we persisted. We - as a team - got through to the finish line. So proud of everyone for completing the race! Although Caroline was the only one who copped out of electric shock. The number of times we dunked into mud baths and climbed 10 ft walls… 

Jess’s favorite time of the year and a visit from Tariq! Jess and Eva decorated the whole office to look super ~spooky~ON ANOTHER LEVEL (featuring creepy clown photos, hella cobwebs and caution tape, bloody stickers, and of course fake plastic bugs) and organized a halloween bar crawl around North Beach (@ Maggie McGarrie’s and Tupelo)!

November 2019

A big fan of live music, Jess is a great Concert buddy. Always down to explore new music and venues! This was such a fun bonding night where we got greyhounds, beers, caught up on life and danced at Polo & Pan. So fun!

Proxima Parada at Milk Bar birthday concert where Jess got a shout-out from the band! ft. a blurry instagram story and classic typos. Prior, the whole squad turns up at Hobson’s Choice over punch bowls.

HP marathon or studying for PE? Well! let's master both!

December 2019

One of the best days in December was unexpected. It started out with a simple brunch plan but ended in a full day of activities!!  New spot on polk was where Jess and Maries’ friendship began and continued to blossom!

After having an amazing meal (great eggs benedict) and hours of catching up we decided to walk back to our houses together (since we are neighbors!!). Jess was excited to see Marie’s new couch (that was 50% off hehe) and decided to come over. Kap, Jess and Marie did a long (super difficult) puzzle (connected a few pieces) and watched netflix. We order Thai food (Kap ordered us cookies) and we relaxed all day. It was a special day where the three of us reminisced about San Francisco and all of our time here. It was a day no one wanted to end!!

Holmes Holiday Party- Jess’s favorite drink was the beet cocktail 😉

Cozy three course italian dinner with wine at 3pm! Best part of the afternoon was my hot date, Jess ;)

Jess and her neighborhood park (shoutout to nob hill, the real MVP) winning Shiri over with its views on views.

January 2019

On one of Jess’s final few Tahoe ski weekends, she SENT IT down a black diamond on her first weekend back of the season. Harrison found a great photo opp for Jess, Marie and Caroline against the Xtreme advanced only sign. The weekend was filled with playing Mafia, jamming to tunes down the slope, exploring Squaw valley, having some nice Apres Ski, and getting fed some good, slow-cooked food (haha!). 

[JESS, INSERT YOUR PHOTOS FROM THE LAST WEEKEND IN SF!!!] 

NOTES FROM YOUR BIFFLES TO SEND YOU OFF <3

Dear Jess, 

Thank you for entering into my life and being saggitarius soulmates. I love that we are on the same page about so many things - planning, me-time, boys (kinda), beards, skiing, tardiness, traveling, being avoidant, being wholesome and SO MUCH MORE. I’m so happy we bonded over the last couple years we’ve known each other. I miss all the times I would knock on your door and catch up while you marie kondo-d your entire closet. Thank you for pushing me in new and different ways which you may not have realized (like forcing me to vote) and inspiring me to do good with the environment (hehe). 

You are kind-hearted, loyal, so brave and bold and I’m so proud of you for going out on this adventure to New Zealand!! I will miss you lots in San Francisco and miss the ridiculous random shit we would laugh at during out ski trips or cooking or when we could catch up at home. Thank you for always listening whenever I felt like blabbing on and helping keep me grounded. So excited to visit New Zealand and can’t wait to explore! Plz don’t forget all the great memz we had in SF!!

Love you lots XOXO

Caroline 

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Jess!!! We have done it all together and now we can add New Zealand to that list too! I’m so glad that we got to overlap in SF and I had you here to show me to ropes. I can’t wait to follow your kiwi adventures and see all the fun things you do. 

Love you lots!! 

Xoxo 

Irene 

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JESSICA. My favorite small person to kiss on the head. I am so glad we could bond over our love of funky music and skiing. I’ll always be here to make sure you don’t look like an egg on the ski slopes and can’t wait to visit you and your Kiwi men soon. You are a sweet, funny, life of the party small person who’s going to find so much success and kiwi men in NZ. Love you so much, and may the yearly backpacking live on!

-Leez

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Dear Jess, You are such a sweet soul that is thoughtful and cares about everyone around you. I’m so thankful I had the opportunity to meet ya (ty shiri!!) and get to know you over the last year and a half. I always have so much fun on our walks, breakfast dates, or ski trips (and so much more). I’m so extremely happy for you to be following your dreams (and a lil sad that we won’t be neighbors anymore). I can’t wait to come visit ya and enjoy more adventures together! Love ya, Marie!! 

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Jess - I love seeing how far we’ve come since our truss-ty mechanics class, traveling across the country and seeking out all the best from life! Although your soul belongs in a hippy world, I know you will find your people and place no matter where you land (just keep being YOU). New Zealand is lucky to be getting the tiniest force around. You will certainly be missed, but know that I’m just a WhatsApp message (or a quick flight!) away :). Excited for the tiny tourist travels ahead <3

Love, Shiri

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Blonde Meets Brunette. Relatively Tall Meets Considerably Short. East Coast Meets West Coast. Engineering Major Meets Fine Arts Major. Happy Music Meets Sad Music. On paper we might come across as opposites, but internally and emotionally I am so grateful for the rich grey areas and nuances we’ve discovered that we contain. The odds were slim for us to cross paths in this big ol’ universe,and I’m so grateful we found each other to help tame and ground the ups and downs of being-in-your-twenties. You have been a guiding, real, and empowering force since Day 1, and you’ve taught me so much. I can’t wait to see all you accomplish in this new chapter and far beyond! ALL the love to the best work wife there ever was.

Eva Slusser

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Yo,

Glad we have been able to go on a bunch of snowy adventures. Look forward to visiting your weird kiwi fire life sometime and I'm sorry I always assumed you were the mafia.

-Dave

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Jess,

It was great getting to know you even if it was only for a short amount of time. Will always remember you bombing it down that double black diamond at squaw, the hike in Berkeley, and the constant disapproving looks sent my way.

GO PRO CAPTURE

- H

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Jess!! Thank you for being the kindest soul your are. I enjoyed every bits and pieces of our friendship from Stas' lab to smoke control class to getting to bond more here in SF.

Can't wait to follow the tiny tourist adventures through this new kiwi chapter. Auckland is lucky to have you!

Love you and see you soon!

Parisa

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This post serves as written confirmation that I have previously stated thank you and please and no longer require these societal norms to be restated. Once I see you in New Zealand, reside in your dwelling and depart back to San Francisco, I will not provide a thank you note. I expect the same from you. 

See you soon,

Leron

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Jess - We will miss you, but having a friend leave SF is easier when you know theres great adventures ahead for them. I’m excited for all your NZ adventures, and I would be lying if I said I wasn’t jealous. Keep us in the loop and I look forward to seeing you in the future.

-jacob

[devilishdewitt]

Cinématrographié Cabaret Show, April 2019

The time has come for the second instalment of Cabaret Show Cinématrographié!

Did it sizzle or shine?

 Read on…

The vivacious Alice Shpiller and her beguiling partner-in-crime Katrin Gajndr brought their cinematographic creation back to it’s namesake location - Cinematographie karaoke.

The theme was, fittingly, ”movies”. The audience were encouraged to dress up as their favourite movie characters, but alas, the public is yet to indulge in the wonders of theme dressing.

The evening began with Alice Shpiller appearing as a modern version of the Little Mermaid - lip-syncing to "Part of Your World”, roaming from table to table & live streaming the whole thing. Her costume was just the right amount of camp (more camp than most Met Gala attendees, GOOD MORNING KARLIE KLOSS), and the performance was a sweet little warmup - perfectly in the style of the show, preparing us for what is to come - genuine beauty with a side of charming goofiness .

All was great! Apart from the wig. 

To be honest, the wig made me quite sad.

Actually, to be perfectly frank, that wig was actively upsetting, darling.

It would be a service to mankind if it were thrown away and allowed to succumb to oblivion.

Shpillers’ hosting was definitely more coherent than last time - the jokes landed, the charm was undeniable and she felt more confident and in control. It was truly entertaining - I was equally excited by the acts and the hosting, and it’s a marvellous feeling!

It wasn’t long until we saw the first burlesque performance of the night - Katrin Gajndrs’ “Woman in Red”, inspired by the 1984 film. Dearest reader, I was smitten. The way she moved, the way she looked at the audience, the drive, the passion, the grace, the fun she had - she cast a powerful spell, not a soul went untouched by her classy, sassy performance. One of the best acts I’ve ever seen in Russia. Yes, you’ve read that right. Flawless mix of irony, indulgence & power in her attitude. The moves were sensually precise, she knew what she was doing and oh lordy was she enjoying it! Brava!

However, even her radiance couldn’t outshine the terror that was the stage lights (if they even deserve such a name). Horrible is a word that covers the situation pretty extensively. On a few particularly painful occasions I imagined that the lights from the audiences phones would do a better job than the chaotic colourful mess that this establishment calls “lights”.

However, even they didn’t take away from the excellence of the beginning of the show. Something else did. Or should I say…someone.

Miss April. Honey. Allow me to help.

You have a delicious chance to learn from the best (I mean Gajndr, not myself, you cheeky little thing!).

No lip colour, flat hair, ordinary lingerie, upsetting lack of the most basic acting skills, lack of story, drive and imagination just won’t do.

Especially when you take something as legendary as Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Especially when you’re on stage straight after Katrin. Especially when you have access to the expert advise of Shpiller & Gajndr! 

Dearest reader, I was infuriated.

A slender lady who happens to be a good dancer walks in looking quite mediocre, bites a pastry, takes a sip of coffee, leaves them on the front table (all this is done with no energy whatsoever), goes on stage, takes off her dress, reveals a very basic set of black underwear (not lingerie) and gets in a bed that the stage kittens have meticulously prepared for her.

What for? What is the purpose? What can you possibly add to Holly Golightly? There’s so much that could’ve been done with this number - take the fact that Holly in the book is much more risqué than Holly in the film and dance the night away with your vision of Capotes timeless heroine!

Were they really so desperate for an act they let this half-baked croissant mop around, languidly perusing the stage?

An act of cruel sympathy, blind hope and/or unnecessary cruelty.

Thank goodness we were saved by Kristabel Otem.

Good God how I love that woman.

Sin City.

Need I say more?

Kristabel Otem.

Sin City.

My little noir heart pounded with inexplicable joy.

It hit every mark, was deliciously erotic, devilishly ironic and just wonderfully done.

And then a miracle appeared.

A sublime beauty.

The Swan Tsarevna.

A costume so gorgeous, I believe my jaw did indeed hang loose in the air for a few moments.

How I wish Lisa Alisa did the costume justice.

It’s a fantastic idea - an iconic Russian fairytale heroine, a song by one the best known folk rock bands in Russia…but unfortunately the performer brought her own brand of haste, hurry & dare I say, clumsiness. Someone, please give that girl a stage presence lesson. She’s literally two steps away from truly spreading her gorgeous wings and embracing her undoubtable talent.

After an intermission full of exciting murmurs, Shpiller emerged in a new emploi - Clockwork Orange diva. It worked marvellously well - the look really suited her, the vibe was playfully ultraviolent and her acting was excellent. There was no shedding of the clothes, but it was an enthralling number.

Overall I vigorously applaud the fact that the spotlight was directed at an eclectic collection of fantastic movies. Moving away from the ordinary does an artwork good!

A new incarnation of Lisa appeared - or did it? A tribute to Sally Rand, white costume, white feather fans, it looked a bit too similar to the Swan Princess act and lacked any character development. It was the same act, but with a different costume. Sigh.

And again, the screeches of excitement…I can imagine it working quite well on a few occasions, but at the moment she’s overusing it.

Shpiller! Contemporary dance tribute to “The Raven”! Unexpected, unusual, perhaps somewhat questionable, but she was convincing and clearly had a story to tell.

It’s her show, so why the hell not?

Kristabel performed as a 1920’s detective (Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries)  and it was splendid. I just love how she unapologetically shows us different sides of her character - a coy Kristabel? Enchanting!

And then came The Dragon. Oh, dear reader, you might already know that I have a deep admiration for the art of Katerina Sahara. Her Dragon was as enrapturing as the first time I saw it. Despite the fact that there were a few technical mishaps (completely unnoticeable by the spectators, I assure you), and that she herself was not particularly pleased with this performance, it was hypnotising. The power! the smoothness! She immediately transports us all to a dimension of gorgeousness. A fantastic act by a fantastic performer.

Ah! Can you hear it? The time has come for the unavoidable venue promotion!

Ringmaster Alice gathered a group of enthusiastic air-musicians (some of them were real musicians, it seemed), the DJ turned on the karaoke version of “Bohemian Rhapsody” and off we went! Alice effortlessly ran from table to table, engaging every single member of the public into everyone’s favourite epic musical number. I do wish she paid a bit more attention to the “band” though, they were left somewhat abandoned on stage while she flew around. It did seem, however, that some of them were indeed entertainers, for they felt quite confident on the stage.

I must say, participating and witnessing it was great fun. Honestly, you can do no wrong with Bohemian Rhapsody, and my God, Shpiller has some pipes!

The grand finale of the night was the famous Cleopatra act by the mistress of the eve, Katrin Gajndr. Bathing in a chalice of real milk, surrounded by two slaves, legends have travelled of the exquisite vision of this act. However, somehow, it just did not deliver. It seemed as if Gajndr was either distracted or upset; there was no energy at all. The slaves were also quite timid and did not do the classic fabulousness of the act any justice. Good morning, this is performing 101 - a smoothing caress of a brush does a wig good.  It’s still a spectacle, of course, but not quite as rich as the majestic Queen of the Nile.

THE FINALE

Ladies, congratulations!

The second instalment of Cinematographie truly was a major improvement from the first show. To put it quite simply, it was fun.

 It was fun! I felt very entertained. Shpiller was feeling her mojo that night, and it was truly intoxicating. Gajndr was extraordinary (yes, even despite Cleopatra not quite rising to the occasion). Lisa Alisa had moments of divine beauty, Sahara stayed true to her fabulous brand, Kristabel revealed more colours of her tremendously intriguing diamond, and Miss April…well, everybody’s gotta start somewhere, right?

Extremely excited to see what they cook up next!

✶✶✶✶

UPDATE

As this review was being prepared, the next show has been announced - July 6th, Yes I Can-Can, in honor of Katrin’s birthday! And at a theatrical venue, too - how very curious!

#katrin gajndr #kristabel otem #lisa alisa #katerina sahara #alice shpiller #russian burlesque #burlesque #cleoparta #sin city #swan princess #miss fishers murder mysteries

[topfygad]

TOP 50 Music Festivals in the USA • US Festival Bucket List [2020]

Looking for the best music festivals in the USA!? Well, you’ve come to the right place, because I’ve compiled the ultimate US festival bucket list to keep you plenty busy for many festival seasons to come!

In the last decade, the popularity of the festival industry and amount of new events hitting North America has been exponential, and every year they’ve just been getting bigger and better! From weekend-long camping adventures, dusk-til-dawn mega raves, and small boutique festivals – this list has got it covered! 

While attending ALL of these would require a significantly large amount of money, time, and energy – it would certainly be the adventure of a lifetime (and something I’m personally trying to achieve)!  

So without further ado, here’s what I think are…

Credit: Alive Coverage

1) Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival

Photo by Andrew Jorgensen

When: June 11-14, 2020

Where: Great Stage Park, Manchester, Tennessee

www.bonnaroo.com | www.facebook.com/bonnaroo

The most positive place on this planet, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience, every time.

“Bonnaroo is…Thousands of happy campers. 700 acres of Tennessee nature. 150 epic performances. 10+ Stages of music. Dozens of comedians. 4 of the best days ever. An escape into Excitement. Music. Art. Discoveries. Trees. Fresh Air. Green Grass. A mini film fest. Friends (Old / New). Adventure. Overwhelming happiness. Hugging a stranger by accident. Sharing and Generosity. Funky Dancing. Hyperbolic verbiage. System overload. The perfect bite of ice cream. Sandals. Fallovers. Chirping Birds. Flashing Lights. Food and Drink. Variety. Singing. Laughing. Short shorts. High-Fives. Rocky IV in the cinema tent at 3am. Spicy Pie. Memories. Someone dressed up like Teen Wolf. Holy Cow(!) Moments. Interesting factoids. Egg sandwiches. More music. Adventure. Deep Breaths. Big smiles. This. That. The Other. Hellos and Goodbyes and reminders of all that we have to celebrate and look forward to next year and in the future.”

Photo by Andrew Jorgensen

Bonnaroo features a diverse lineup of 150+ musicians and other performance artists every year. With 10+ stages and entertainment that goes ALL NIGHT LONG, you will NOT be bored. AND Camping at Bonnaroo is hardly “camping” by most definitions of the word – it’s a non-stop adventure of discovery and human connection with your fellow Bonnaroovians, and a key to the one-of-a-kind Bonnaroo experience.

Watch this incredible short film below for just a small glimpse about what Bonnaroo is all about!

2) Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival

When: Fri, Apr 10, 2020 – Sun, Apr 19, 2020 (Two Weekends)

Where: Empire Polo Club, Indio, California

Website: https://ift.tt/1ANevsK

Coachella is arguably the most iconic and famous music & arts festival in the United States (and quite possibly the entire world). If you haven’t been, I can guarantee you it’ll certainly be an experience that you’ll never forget. While it may be notoriously expensive, I personally think it’s worth every penny. Each year Coachella provides an undeniably impressive line-up spanning nearly every music genre, epic stage production, world-class food & drink vendors and a fantastic festival atmosphere.

Being a favorite among the dozens of quality music festivals in California, tickets do sell-out almost instantly, so make sure your festival squad plan ahead and scoop up some tickets while you can! I’ve attended Coachella in 2014 & 2018, and I had the time of my life, and can’t wait to return to the magical  Empire Polo Club for another round for Coachella 2020! 

Check out this Coachella after movie below for some stunning footage!

3) Governor’s Ball

Photo by Greg Noire via Gov Ball’s Facebook

When: June 5-7, 2020

Where: Randall’s Island Park, New York City

https://ift.tt/2j4ln1d

For the east coast residents looking to enjoy an unbelievable festival with the iconic NYC skyline as a backdrop, make your way to Governor’s Ball. Widely recognized as one of the biggest and best festivals in New York, this definitely deserves a top spot on your bucket list! Located on the beautiful and well-maintained Randall’s Island Park, festival-goers are treated to three days of world-class music, phenomenal stages, and good vibes. 

“We started all this 8 years ago because we were music lovers who lived in a city that needed – that deserved – a contemporary music festival. Music is always our primary focus, and with 60+ artists of all genres across 4 stages, there is something for everyone.”

4) Outside Lands Music Festival

When: August 7-9, 2020

Where: Golden Gate Park, San Fransisco, California

Website: https://ift.tt/2n7PdZe

Outside Lands is Northern California’s premiere music festival, and I can personally say that it’s an absolute blast! It’s a local favorite among San Franciscans, and there really is a special and relaxing festival vibe for these three days in Golden Gate Park. While tickets, food, and drink costs are rather high (like everything in SF), it’s an incredible event that you should definitely check out at least once! 

The line-ups are always super-diverse (and I always discover tons of new artists), the production is fantastic, and you’ll simply fall in love with the venue (located in the heart of San Francisco). While Outside Lands Music Festival finishes early (around 10 PM), the city is filled with afterparties and sideshows of the artists on the line-up, and it really is a great time to visit the city. If you don’t want to spend the money for the full 3-day general admission, just buy a one-day ticket for your preferred day of the line-up, and spend the rest of your time partying it up in San Francisco’s thriving nightlife scene

Read my festival reviews from 2017 & 2018:

 Outside Lands Music Festival: The Ultimate Golden Gate Park Party

Outside Lands Festival 2018 | Top 10 Weekend Highlights

5) Austin City Limits 

Photo by Sydney Gawlik

When: October 4 – Oct 13, 2019 (Two Weekends)

Where: Austin, Texas

https://ift.tt/2goek2e

2 Weekends, 8 Stages, and Over 130 bands

Since its first edition in 2002, Austin City Limits has grown to become one of the largest and most well-known festivals in the US! With its growth in popularity, it’s expanded to a two-weekend event that offers its attendees some of the best international artists spanning all genres, fine arts exhibits by local artists, and incredible Texas BBQ, as well dozens of other delicious food & drink vendors.

6) Lollapalooza

Credit: Charles Reagan

When: July 30- August 2, 2020

Where: Grant Park, Chicago

Genre: Various

https://ift.tt/2e5AEOR

“What started as a single-stage music showcase put together in 1991 by Perry Farrell, lead singer of Jane’s Addiction, has since evolved into a larger-than-life music experience like no other. Connecting with the city’s deep musical legacy, Lollapalooza set down roots and made Chicago its home in 2005—and it hasn’t looked back. Now a destination event, thousands of fans travel from around the world to experience the massive crowds, scenic lakefront setting, and incredible entertainment every summer.”

Lollapalooza is Chicago’s biggest (and longest) summer festival that brings together the biggest names in music every year! Located in the beautiful Grant Park with the Chicago skyline as a backdrop, it’s a four-day adventure that will surely be a highlight of your summer. Plus, you’ll be able to destroy those festival hangovers with some delicious deep-dish pizza! 

7) Ultra Music Festival

Photo credit: RUDGR

When: March 20-22, 2020

Where: Miami

https://ift.tt/1TDR79B

For over 20 years, ULTRA Music Festival has invited guests to downtown Miami for a weekend of top-notch electronic music, and in recent years, has been producing events in nearly every corner of the globe. From Australia to Japan, Buenos Aires to Croatia – ULTRA has proven repeatedly it’s one of the best music festival productions in the world. 

While in 2019, ULTRA was forced to move venues due to issues with the city of Miami, I’m stoked that ULTRA 2020 will be returning to its iconic venue of Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami, Florida. It’s always the main highlight of Miami Music Week, and is truly an experience that every EDM fan should experience at least once in their life. While ticket prices may be high for the average festival attendee, once you get a look at the star-studded line-up, it makes perfect sense! 

“For EDM fans around the world, Ultra in Miami is a must-stop on the international circuit. While most of the United States is shivering in parkas waiting for the summer festival season, Ultra fans are dancing their asses off in sunny Miami. The show always delivers surprises – both in the musical acts and the fans that attend.”

8) Firefly Music Festival

Credit: Alive Coverage

When: June 2020

Where: The Woodlands, Dover, Delaware

https://ift.tt/HTHiEm

“Taking place annually in the beautiful Woodlands of Dover, Delaware – Firelfy Music Festival is the East Coast’s largest music and camping festival! Featuring incredible live performances by genre-bending artists, unique food and drink vendors and a one-of-a-kind onsite camping experience, The Great Atlantic Campout, Firefly Music Festival has become a can’t miss summer event for legions of fans.”

“Firefly. This is like the new Glastonbury of America!”   – Marcus Mumford of Mumford and Sons

9) Electric Daisy Carnival

When: May 15-17, 2020

Where: Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas

Homepage

All Are Welcome Under the Electric Sky | Dusk Til’ Dawn

Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC for short) Las Vegas is the largest electronic dance music festival in North America, but pretty much every EDM fan already knows that. What started in 1997 as a warehouse party in Los Angeles, has turned into one of the wildest, massive, and mesmerizing dance music festivals in the entire world, and simply should be at TOP at every raver’s bucket list!  

Now I’ve personally attended EDC three different times now: the last edition that was hosted in Los Angeles (2011), the first year it was brought out to Las Vegas (2012), and once again in Vegas back in 2014. It truly is unlike any festival I’ve been to in the USA, and is one of the most impressive events in the world! I’ve gotta give it up to Pasquale Rotella and the team over Insomniac events because they go above & beyond to ensure the “headliners” (the attendees) all have a life-changing experience every year!! 

“EDC is a unique multi-day festival pushing the boundaries of imagination and setting standards in the live entertainment industry. By incorporating carnival themes and attractions, cutting-edge stage production, world-class talent, and innovative art and technology, EDC is more than an electronic music festival – it is an unparalleled multi-sensory experience unlike any other. The brand has created a passionate community of accepting fans that have turned EDC into a way of life. The foundation upon which the phenomenon was built is one of unity, love, self expression, and respect for one another.”

10) Electric Forest 

Image via Don Idio – https://ift.tt/2oV7eeP

When: Late June 2020

Where: Rothbury, Michigan

https://ift.tt/2Oq1RPq

“Have you ever felt anything like it? The beat of the bass charging the atmosphere with electrifying energy. Bolts of lightning streaking through the forest, arcing around the trees, and captivating the crowd into awe.A mind-melting experience of community, woodland, and rhythm bringing 45,000 people together every year in a musical-matrix of natural and electric vibrations…”

Out of all the US music festivals on this list, I’d argue that Electric Forest wins for having the best venue! Tucked deep in the woods of Michigan, once a year pops up a magical land filled magical lights & lasers shining through the massive trees, epic stages with performances from world-class artists, and top-notch vibes from the loving #ForestFamily. Make sure you snag tickets to this one early, because they are certainly hard to come by! It’s one of the most highly sought after music festivals in the country, and is guaranteed to be one of the highlights of your summer!   

While I have yet to attend myself, I’m really hoping that Electric Forest 2020 will be my year! Everyone I know who has been says nothing buy incredible things, and that it’s simply a place you have to visit to fully understand it! 

11) Hangout Festival

When: May 15-17, 2020

Where: The Gulf Shores, Alabama

https://ift.tt/VUw58j

Hangout Music Festival is a massive 3-Day beach extravaganza complete with beach clubs, ocean swimming, sailing expeditions, roller discos, free yoga, beach volleyball, a puppy kissing booth, Ferris wheel views, beautiful art installations, and so much more! While Alabama might not be the first place you think of for a “destination festival”, Hangout Music Festival is produced by Goldenvoice (the same company behind Coachella), so you know it’s guaranteed to be an incredible beach and music festival vacation. Take a look through their previous line-ups, and you’ll understand the talent they bring out. 

Join the Hangout Music Festival 2020 Facebook Event

12) South by South West (SXSW) 

Atmosphere – Outdoor Stage – Photo by David Brendan Hall

When: March 13-22, 2020

Where: Austin

Home

“It’s not that South by Southwest takes over Austin — downtown Austin becomes SXSW for nine days in March. Music, art, interactive, panels, comedy, and movies all vie for your attention span. Let’s put it this way. You could skip media for a year, come to Austin for the week, and still come out ahead on pop culture.

Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries. The event, an essential destination for global professionals, features sessions, showcases, screenings, exhibitions, and a variety of networking opportunities. SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together.”

  13) Electric Zoo 

When: End of August 2020

Where: Randall’s Island Park

http://electriczoo.com/

“Established in 2009 by Made Event, the internationally renowned Electric Zoo Festival is one of New York City’s largest music festivals and features the top names in electronic music, bringing a wide variety of acts from around the world and across the spectrum of electronic music’s various sub-genres. International editions of Electric Zoo have taken place in Mexico City, Tokyo, Shanghai, and São Paulo.

Electric Zoo celebrates the joy of electronic music every year by putting on one of the biggest, most immersive festival experiences in the world.”

It is said that change is not only a natural part of life but the only way to reveal true beauty. Just think about the metamorphosis that a caterpillar undergoes to become an exquisite butterfly. It’s pretty mind-blowing. Thus, we’ve taken such inspiration and tied it into this year’s theme, Electric Zoo: Evolved.

14) Kaaboo Del Mar Festival

Credit: Alive Coverage

When: September 18-20, 2020

Where: Petco Park

https://ift.tt/1EIlrIN

Southern California’s largest music, comedy, art and culinary festival!

“Forget what you know about music festivals, we’ve shifted the paradigm and built something new. KAABOO is the perfect weekend escape, described in a word that comes from whatever the hell we feel like yelling when we’re high on life and having fun. A curated three-day sound voyage that combines rock-n-roll music and tastemaking events in a modern wonderland on the warm shores of the pacific. Where every detail is designed for your enjoyment and clean, comfortable amenities inspire you to break from your busy life, let loose and enjoy the experience. Welcome to KAABOO, the place where all of your senses align.”

And exciting news, that beginning in September 2020, KAABOO Del Mar, will celebrate its sixth festival event with a move to America’s number one ballpark (Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres) and its surrounding venues, and will feature a variety of headlining music hitmakers and legends of varying genres, and offer an unrivaled level of entertainment throughout the weekend.

15) BUKU Music + Art Project

Credit: Alive Coverage

When: March 20-21, 2020

Where: New Orleans, Louisiana

https://ift.tt/2QBnEVY

Urban music+art festival meets epic warehouse party celebrating the progressive subculture of New Orleans.

“Buku is a New Orleans playground. The lines between fan and performer are blurred. Am I looking at art or sitting on it? Does it matter? Let go and immerse yourself in: BUKULTURE. Music & art feel different like this! We believe in those who strive to be dope. Originality, creativity, freedom, and community is our anthem. If you’re in the BUKREWE, you know! If not, come join us”

16) Lightning In A Bottle

When: May 20-25, 2020

Where: Buena Vista Lake, Kern County, California

https://ift.tt/RiiYhm

Lightning in a Bottle, or more commonly referred to as “LIB”, is one of the largest transformational music festivals in the USA

While it always boasts an incredible electronic line-up, there is much to more to this spiritually awakening festival.  Many friends of mine have called it their favorite festival they’ve ever attended, and it will easily be a life-changing festival experience.  Go to some workshops, do some yoga, take a refreshing dip in the lake, watch the sunrise, and party like there’s no tomorrow!

Celebrating Art, Music, Performance, Sustainability & Life. 

“The history of LIB spans more than a decade, and friends, family, and co-horts of The Do LaB are thrilled and astounded that it’s been more than ten years of making miracles and catching Lightning in a Bottle!”

17) Shaky Knees Music Festival

When: May 20-25, 2020

Where: Central Park, Atlanta, Georgia

https://ift.tt/2jdX8hF

“Drawing in nearly 40,000 attendees, Shaky Knees Festival brings a highly desired indie scene to the streets of downtown Atlanta, Georgia. In an era where most festival headliners feature a variation of EDM/DJ acts, Shaky Knees lives to show another side of modern-day music.

With more than 60 bands each year Shaky Knees is a rock lover’s dream. Since its inception in 2013, Shaky Knees has featured a diverse lineup ranging from world-renowned acts to up-and-coming artists.”

18) Made in America 

Credit: Matthew Chen

When: August / September (Labor Day weekend)

Where: Philadelphia

Home

“The Made in America music festival is a massive musical celebration that takes over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway each Labor Day weekend in Philadelphia. With dozens of top performers and multiple stages on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the two-day music festival curated by Jay-Z is one of the year’s can’t-miss events. Every year, Jay-Z hand-picks a lineup of both established and up-and-coming musicians to perform throughout the weekend — and sometimes, you can even find Jay-Z singing along in the crowd.”

Credit: Michael Allen

19) Summerfest

When: June 24- July 5, 2020

Where: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

http://summerfest.com/

“Summerfest presented by American Family Insurance is the World’s Largest Music Festival and Milwaukee’s cornerstone summer celebration that attracts the music industry’s hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites.”

Lasting for over 11 days across 11 different stages, and 800 performances – Summerfest is attended by a staggering 800,000 people! So check it out for one day, or all 11, but just make sure you add it to your US festival bucket list!

Join the Summerfest 2020 Facebook Event

20) Lost Lands

Image via https://ift.tt/2oV7eeP

When: September 27-29, 2019

Where: Thornville, Ohio

Genre: EDM, Bass, Dubstep

Lost Lands 2019 Home Page

ESCAPE THE CONFINES OF THE WORLD OUTSIDE AND FIND YOURSELF IN AN IMMERSIVE ENVIRONMENT SURROUNDED BY DINOSAURS, BEATS, AND BASS. LOST LANDS MANIFESTS A FORWARD-THINKING VISION TO DELIVER AN UNFORGETTABLE FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE AND UNITE HEADBANGERS TOGETHER AS ONE TRIBE.

“Experience Lost Lands, presented by Excision, at the beautiful Legend Valley in Thornville, OH this September! See the land before time in all its glory — dinosaurs included. The insane Lost Lands lineup is curated by Excision himself, & it’s sure to rattle the fields right down to their core.  Grab your tickets and catch the top artists from the past 65 million years and join us for the filthiest 3 days of bass you have ever experienced!”

21) Movement Electronic

Credit: Katie Laskowska

When: Memorial Day Weekend 2020

Where: Detroit

https://www.movement.us

“Each year on Memorial Day weekend, thousands of people from across the globe gather in the birthplace of Techno to celebrate the heritage of Detroit and its musical influence over countless generations, new and old. Movement Music Festival is one of the longest-running dance music events in the world, committed to showcasing authentic electronic music and providing an experience unlike any other. The festival takes place in Hart Plaza – Detroit’s legendary riverfront destination. ”

22) Groove Cruise

When: January 9-13, 2020  

Departing: Miami 

OFFICIAL GROOVE CRUISE WEBSITE

Groove Cruise is the OG music festival cruise, and will without-a-doubt be one of the best experiences of your life! I’ve personally attended three different Groove Cruise voyages, and it’s truly the most loving atmosphere I’ve ever encountered in the music festival industry. There’s something unexplainably magical that occurs when the #GCFAM gets together, and they always deliver stacked line-ups with a mix of EDM, House, Trance, and Techno, as well provide a deliver a wide variety of unique activities onboard the cruise. Plus, they sail to beautiful locations in the Caribbean and Meixico, so it’s the perfect music vacation for music festival lovers!

Check out my Groove Cruise festival reviews for a bit more information, and I hope to see you on board!

23) Life is Beautiful 

Credit: Alive Coverage

When: September 2020

Where: Downtown Las Vegas

https://ift.tt/1Ap4TrE

“Life is Beautiful takes over Downtown Las Vegas for a three-day weekend each year, promising festival-goers a host of surprises in four key areas: Art, Music, Food and Learning – truly providing something for everyone. The lineup mixes popular acts such as Imagine Dragons, Kendrick Lamar, Major Lazer, Brandon Flowers and Hozier with classic icons such as Duran Duran and Stevie Wonder.

Street art, huge murals, installations and a multi-sensory Art Motel entice art-lovers, and a VIP area – complete with celebrity chef cooking demos, real grass to lounge on and free lemonade – helps you forget the desert heat.”

24) Imagine Music Festival

When: September 2020

Where: Atlanta Motor Speedway, Atlanta

https://ift.tt/1lsxj5G

We look forward to bringing your imagination to life! Welcome to the Imagine Music Festival.

When it comes to the best EDM festivals in America, this is the ONE I’m personally dying to check out myself! Everyone I know who has attended has expressed how amazing it is, and every year the Imagine Festival crew wow their attendees with stacked line-ups, impressive stage designs, and unbeatable rave community vibes!

  It’s no surprise it’s recently been voted as one of “Top 20 Festivals in the World” by Fest300, as well as in the “Top Ten Emerging Music Festivals by USA Today”!  

  “When Imagine Music Festival arrives, the event will transport festival-goers to an immersive aquatic fairytale featuring multiple magnificent stages with world-class sound and lighting production. Wander through fantastic atmospheres filled with mind-bending circus performers, mermaids, sea creatures, art installations, vendors, CAMPING and more, creating an unforgettable 360-degree experience.”

  25) HARD Summer Music Festival

Credit: Doug Van Sant

When: August 2020

Where: The Speedway in Fontana, San Bernadino, California

Homepage

This annual two-day mega-festival has been a Southern California favorite for over a decade, and always manages to put together an unbelievably stacked line-up, incredible stage production, and overall stellar festival experience. 

The team over at HARD Events has been a key player in the growth of the EDM scene in the United States, and fun fact, my first massive rave in the USA was HARD Haunted Mansion back in 2009! From producing events like HARD Day of the Dead, Holy Ship, and HARD Red Rocks: attending one of their events will always impress!

26) Paradiso Festival

When: June 2020

Where: The Gorge Amphitheatre, Washington

https://ift.tt/1s0R77h

“Each year we come together on a pilgrimage to find a balance between a modern digital world and the natural environment surrounding us. Experience three stages with world-class visuals & audio production, thrilling rides & attractions, some of the biggest names in electronic dance music, a stunning natural backdrop you have to see to believe, and the best part of all, the Paradiso family.

In the distance, do you hear it? A warm whisper calling out to those spirits yearning for wanderlust that vows to lead those who follow to a paradise where nature and technology seamlessly coexist. This promise is for those who don’t seek to stand still, but instead jump headfirst into the motion in the hopes of discovering adventures hidden just over the horizon. Will you be one of those who answer the call?

27) ROLLING LOUD 

Rolling Loud LA 2019 Line-Up

When: December 14-15, 2019 September & October 2020

Where: Miami, Flordia | Oakland, California | Queens, NY

https://ift.tt/15wlY52

 “Rolling Loud Festival is a 3-day music event that started in Miami, FL and is now the largest Hip-Hop festival in the world. We now also hosts festivals in Northern California and Southern California, with plans to expand internationally to Japan, China and Europe in the near future. Some of the biggest names that have performed on the Rolling Loud stage includes the likes of Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Future, Lil Wayne, A$AP Rocky, Travis Scott, Young Thug, Post Malone, Migos, Kodak Black, Lil Uzi Vert, 21 Savage, Lil Yachty, Lil B, and many more.”

For the hip-hop festival fans out there, this should definitely be on your dream festivals! 

28) Pitchfork Music Festival

When: July 2020

Where: Union Park, Chicago

Genre: Alternative Rock / Indie / Electronic / Hip Hop

https://ift.tt/30Or7lc

“Celebrating its 14th year in 2019, the internationally recognized Pitchfork Music Festival presents 40+ acts over the course of three days each summer in Chicago’s Union Park. The festival highlights the best in new and emerging music. Since 2006, this independently run festival has consistently proven to be one of the most welcoming, comfortable, reasonably priced, and rewarding weekends of music around.

Hosting 60,000 attendees of all ages from 45 states and 26 countries, Pitchfork Music Festival offers a wide array of activities beyond the music. With 50 individual vendors, as well as specialty record and craft fairs, the festival works to support local businesses while promoting the Chicago arts and food communities as a whole. We maintain a commitment to keeping ticket prices low, providing new and useful amenities, and working with the city’s best local vendors each year. Stay tuned for more festival feature updates.”

29) New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

When: April 23- May 3, 2020

Where: Union Park, Chicago

Genre: Jazz

https://ift.tt/s4YWq3

For all the jazz fans out there, if the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival isn’t on your bucket list yet, then you’re not a true jazz fan! It’s one of the longest-running and largest jazz festivals in the USA, and is the perfect time to visit the great city of New Orleans!

“Started in 1970, “Jazz Fest” continues to showcase the most important names in music both locally and nationally. Celebrating 49 years of musical and cultural memories, Jazz Fest stands alone in presenting the highest caliber artists in such varied genres as gospel, blues, traditional and contemporary jazz, rock, R&B, Cajun, country, zydeco and much more.”

30) Louder Than Life Rock Festival

The Largest Rock Festival in America

When: September 2020

Where: Highland Festival Grounds, Louisville, Kentucky

Genre: Rock

https://ift.tt/1hjNDLo

Complete with dozens of the biggest names in rock & roll, massive stages, and unique bars – the annual Louder Than Life festival is an adventure every rocker needs to experience for themselves. The 2019 line-up included headling sets from Guns N Roses, Slipknot, Rob Zombie, Marlilyn Manson, and tons more! There aretons of delicious food & drink options spread around the epic festival grounds and lots of unique festival experiences for attendees to check out during these three-days of incredible rock music!

31) Friendship

When: January 6-10, 2020

Where:  Miami

https://ift.tt/2Mh4KiP

2018 was the inaugural sold-out cruise for the brand new festival cruise, “FRIENDSHIP”. With a star-studded line-up with names like Boys Noize, Dixon, and Rufus Du Sol – it looked like an epic time! I had some friends who went (who even got engaged during one of Destructo’s legendary sets), and they had nothing but great things to say about it.  It’s one of the new music festival cruises in the scene, but I’ve got a feeling the Friendship will be around for many years to come!

Friendship is returning for their 2nd voyage from January 6-10, departing from Miami and sailing to the iconic CocoCay island in the Bahamas! With a jam-packed line-up, awesome activities, and incredible vibes – it’s going to be a top-notch experience for all those who are lucky enough to book a room on board!

“Get ready to cruise out with some of the best international music acts aboard a glamorous ship to sea. It’s the perfect setting to make new friends and gather with old ones. States DESTRUCTO, “There is a place where my friends and I go and we do fun things—the kind of fun things that build everlasting memories that I could never put a price on and I absolutely never could because these times are priceless and irreplaceable. At the end when I look back and reminisce about these times I had and the experiences that molded me and watered me enough to grow, I’ll think about all the friends I’ve made along the way and how I am a part of their story and they are more than all my friends. They are all my family. That is FRIENDSHIP.”

32) iHeart Radio Music Festival

Photo via iHeartRadio Facebook

When: September 2020

Where: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas

https://ift.tt/2MuYDFE

“Since 2011, iHeartRadio Music Festival has taken place each year in Las Vegas, in September. It boasts a myriad of world-class musical acts, and has quickly become a fixture on the festival scene. For the first several years, the festival was held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. However, as of last year, the main festival stage was moved to the T-Mobile Arena. But that’s not the only place to see great music: the festival also features the iHeartRadio Daytime Village, a second venue that features additional up and coming acts.

As an attendee at this amazing festival, you are treated to performance after performance, both indoors and outdoors, all weekend long. Prepare for music overload, in the best way possible! This is truly the experience of a lifetime for music lovers of all ages. As you’ll see in a moment as we divulge this year’s lineup, it’s really no surprise that this festival has established itself as one of the most well-known and well-regarded music experiences in such a short time.”

33) Stagecoach Music Festival

When: April 26-28, 2019

Where: Indio, California

https://ift.tt/2oVuJV4

“The five-day transformation from the massive Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival into Stagecoach: California’s Country Music Festival by the Los Angeles-based Goldenvoice company is always shocking to people who go to both events. 

Instead of surreal and sometimes psychedelic installation art of Coachella, there are giant cowboy boots and a bronze bucking horse. The attire morphs from flower crowns and H&M branded fashions to red, white and blue everything – including shirts, pants, bandannas and long flowing sashes bearing the U.S. flag. Held at Indio’s Empire Polo Club, this festival celebrates new and established country music artists.”

34) Camp Bisco

When: July 2020

Where: Montage Mountain, Scranton, Pennsylvania 

Genre: Electronic

http://campbisco.com

“Camp Bisco is an outdoor music festival held at the picturesque Montage Mountain, a world-class concert venue & waterpark located in Scranton, PA. Camp Bisco is a 3-day, rain-or-shine event with camping. Camp Bisco will feature 3 days and nights of music on 3 stages. Anyone who has been before can tell you, Camp Bisco is the best event of its kind and we’re so excited to see you all again! Join us at Montage Mountain for our 17th installment of this amazing weekend for the ultimate escape to your reality.”

35) Wanderlust Festival

Credit: Melissa Gayle Photography

When: July 2020 Dates TBA

Where: Various Locations

Website: https://ift.tt/23ZVpPh

Wanderlust is different than your standard music festival, as it’s more of a retreat/ getaway/ vacation with a big emphasis on music and community! The few friends I know who have attended told me it’s truly special, and they can’t wait to them for many years to come! 

They also host events ALL around the world, so definitely worth checking out their website and keeping up-to-date with their calendar if you’re into this type of transformational event!

“This Way to True North.

For 10 years, Wanderlust has gathered teachers, experts, musicians, and creators at stunning resorts for transformational experiences—each unique unto itself. Over the last decade, yogis have grown their practice, connected with community, and made life-altering discoveries. To celebrate our tenth year, we’re making our festivals accessible to all.

From mountain resorts to majestic city parks, 4-day retreats to 2-day urban escapes, the festival experience is now within your grasp. Step into what’s beyond: new ideas, new friends, new foods, new moves. And at the end of all this blissed-out exploring you’ll find you’ve come home—to yourself.

Music is the heartbeat of Wanderlust festivals. You’ll feel the pulse in the subtle spinning of a brilliant DJ, in the sweet rhythms of our acoustic meditations, and classes accompanied by perfectly paired beats will leave your body awash in energy. Whatever your taste, the musical discoveries that await at Wanderlust will leave you with new favorites for practice and party alike.”

36) Dirtybird Campout

Credit: Aaron Glassman

You’re never too old to go to summer camp! Dust off your camping gear and calibrate your compasses, Dirtybird Campout is coming…

When: October 2020

Where: Modesto Reservoir Campgrounds, California

Website: https://ift.tt/1LHQLwz

“What remains most special about Dirtybird Campout is its ability to craft an intimate space for guests to let their inner children out to play and create unforgettable memories, soundtracked by top selectors in house, techno, and bass. Campers are invited to immerse themselves in a wide variety of activities just steps away from camp and the stages—from tug-of-war to archery, to kickball—often alongside DIRTYBIRD ‘Camp Counselors’ themselves. It’s this open and fun atmosphere that keeps its ranks filled year after year. 

So I’ve been a HUGE fan of the Dirtybird Record label for a long time, and Dirtybird Campout is the annual event that’s an unforgettable adult summer camp/music festival experience. It started in 2015, and has grown bigger, better, and wilder every year! Definitely add this one to your list!

Read my Dirtybird Campout 2016 Festival Review to get a better understanding!

“Whether you went to summer camp back in the day, or found yourself at Campout over the last four years, those memories of sun-drenched hours full of outdoor activities, hazy summer afternoons, and sleepless nights under the stars, have fostered an unmatched sense of belonging and an unparalleled community for many. It is this family feel that has made Dirtybird Campout one of North America’s most celebrated and unique festival weekends.”

37) Decadence Arizona

Arizona’s Biggest New Year’s Eve Celebration Music Festival

Decadence 2018 | Photo by Jacob Tyler Dunn

When: December 30-31, 2019

Where: Chandler

https://ift.tt/2bDzR5G

“Decadence is a 2-day New Year’s Eve experience that features a diverse lineup of artists that is sure to please all… If you live on the West-coast, love music, and yearn for adventure… you will want to gather your friends and make the journey to DECADENCE where you can say your final goodbyes to 2019 and kick off 2020 with a BANG.”

  38) Lucidity Festival

When: April 10-12, 2020

Where: Live Oak Campground, Santa Barbara, California

Website:  https://ift.tt/2ImxHsH

Sound baths, acro yoga, dance workshops, fire breathers, circus performers, food vendors, fashion stalls, blacklight tea parties, cacao ceremonies, art galleries, epic DJ’s, live bands, crazy costumes, and an incredible amount of Oxytocin filled hugging. I had an unbelievably magical experience at Lucidity Festival, and think the world would be a better place if everyone attended it once in their life.

It’s truly one of the most unique, colorful, and intimate community-oriented camping festivals I’ve ever attended!  

Check out my review article about my experience here:  Ludicity Festival – Rising Dawn | Top 12 Festival Highlights!  I, unfortunately, I couldn’t make it back for the 2019 edition since I was traveling through Spain, but I’m really hoping to make a return for 2020!!

39) Voodoo Festival

Credit: Sydney Gawlik

When: October 25-27, 2019

Where: City Park, New Orleans, Lousisiana 

https://ift.tt/2nYtJgl

“Voodoo is a musical gumbo stirring together music, art, community, cuisine and all the mystery and adventure that Halloween weekend in New Orleans conjures up. With more than 65 bands over three days, Voodoo is more than just a Festival – it is an experience. There’s plenty to do in between sets. Across the Festival Grounds of City Park, Voodoo hosts interactive and immersive large-scale art installations, the Brew Dat Beer Hall and the House of Blues Voodoo, a handcrafted shopping experience at the Market Place, and more”

40) Okeechobee Music Festival

When: March 5-8, 2020

Where: Okeechobee

Homepage

“Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival is a 4-day surreal experience, filled with multi-genre music, immersive art and transformative events, deep in the heart of Florida’s wild wilderness. A gathering of all walks of life where the common ground is music, magic and mystery from dusk til dawn.”

“Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival burst onto the Florida scene in 2016 and immediately become a fan favorite. Taking place in early March, Okeechobee is now the first major music festival of the US festival season and provides a glimpse of touring summertime artists. The festival’s home at Sunshine Grove is a treat for campers with lush grassy fields, a sandy beach, and a majestic grove.”

  The Okeechobee Music + Arts Festival is back this year for a full weekend of music, camping, art, and unique transformational experiences! The festival will take place amongst 800 acres of lush grasslands, lakes, woods, and jungle in Sunshine Grove, Florida, with nature-filled and lakeside camping options.

In addition to OMF’s three main stages, dance music lovers will gravitate towards Jungle 51, a dusk till dawn dance party nestled in the heart of the jungle that has hosted some of the biggest names in house and techno in recent years. From dawn till dusk, OMF attendees will again be able to experience Aquachobee Beach, situated in the scenic background where Sunshine Grove’s jungle meets the white sand beach, that will give Okeechobeeings the chance to catch daytime live music sets while swimming and sunbathing.

Camp OMF 2020 will kick-off on Thursday, March 5 with a nighttime pre-party, and each day, Chobeewobee Village will feature an eclectic mix of immersive art, food & beverage offerings,  performances, yoga classes, life-enhancing workshops, speakers, as well as its signature artisan vendors in a bazaar-style experience. Also on site, a 24-hour general store, 24-hour food options, showers, free portalets, and local and craft food and beverage options complete the experience. Featuring an array of comfortable accommodations varying from tent camping to deluxe preset RV and glamping, all Okeechobee 2020 ticket and camping options can be explored.

41) Bumbershoot Festival

When: Labor Day Weekend, September 2020

Where: Seattle, Washington

https://ift.tt/2q2UxNX

“Now approaching half a century, Bumbershoot is one of Seattle’s largest cultural touchstones. Each year, thousands of people from across the country flock to Seattle Center to attend this acclaimed festival, which has become one of the biggest and most-loved contemporary festivals in North America, while having maintained its Northwest spirit and innovative roots.”

42) Arise Music Festival

Credit: Eric Allen Photography

When: August 2020

Where: Sunrise Ranch, Loveland

ARISE Music Festival | Aug 2-4, 2019

“The ARISE Music Festival is much more than a music festival…it’s a movement.  Held on an organic ranch in a picturesque Colorado Rocky Mountain valley oasis just 60 minutes north of Denver. 3 days and nights of camping, music, art, workshops, films, yoga and so much more!

At the core of the ARISE mission is a firm belief that creating a festival experience which inspires positivity, joy and active engagement in issues of social justice is a call to celebrate the beauty and wonder of this precious life.”

ARISE plants 1 tree for every ticket sold.

43) Afropunk Festival

When: August 2020

Where: Atlanta & Brooklyn

https://ift.tt/MSy7Tl

AFROPUNK is an influential community of young, gifted people of all backgrounds who speak through music, art, film, comedy, fashion and more. AFROPUNK is a voice for the unwritten, unwelcome and unheard.

Afro: as in, born of African spirit and heritage; see also black (not always), see also rhythm and color, see also other, see also underdog.

Punk: as in, rebel, opposing the simple route, imbued with a DIY ethic, looking forward with simplicity, rawness and open curiosity; see also other, see also underdog.

AFROPUNK is defining culture by the collective creative actions of the individual and the group. It is a safe place, a blank space to freak out in, to construct a new reality, to live your life as you see fit, while making sense of the world around you.

“The AFROPUNK festival is not only a diverse multicultural music fest that has an international influence and platform, but also a growing movement of non-conforming, forward-looking creatives and individuals who live fearlessly and authentically within their unique truth.” – VOX ATL

44) Watershed Festival

When: July 31- August 2nd, 2020

Where: The Gorge Amphitheater, Washington

Genre: Country

https://ift.tt/1fqwdtb

Watershed Country Music Festival will return to the Gorge for a wild weekend of twangin’ goodness. Put on your “Shedder gear” (trucker hats?) and get ready for three whole days of down-home studs.

Watershed Music Festival is the largest country music festival in the Pacific Northwest and is a must-attend for country fans all over the U.S (and the entire world). Located at the beautiful Gorge Amphitheater, you’ll enjoy sets by the biggest names in country music with an unbeatable backdrop! 

45) Elements Lakewood Music & Arts Music Festival

When: May 22-25, 2020

Where: Lakewood, Pennsylvania

Genre: Various

https://ift.tt/2olyFIF

“Anticipate hidden forests, beachfront parties, wellness workshops, outdoor activities, interactive performers, and captivating experiences of all kinds. This is Elements Lakewood. We can’t wait to be back in the woods dancing, laughing, and inhibiting our own world together. Your energy and smiling faces inspire us to outdo ourselves each year.

We’ve been dreaming all year of creating new forest escapes, treehouses, and nique experiences to surprise you with. 2019 brings more immersive spaces to become a part of, unique art cars to climb on, large sculptures to explore, secret paths to uncover, exhibits to question, and alternate realities to enter.”

46) Snowglobe Music Festival

California’s Ultimate New Year’s Eve Festival

When: December 29 – January 1, 2019

Where: South Lake Tahoe, California

Website: https://ift.tt/GLp9tl

“Literally And Figuratively The Chillest Festival Ever.”

This 3-Day EDM Festival is the New Years Eve event of your winter dreams!  Spend your days snowboarding in the beautiful Lake Tahoe mountains, and then party all night to some of the world’s biggest electronic DJ’s!

47) The Common Ground Music Festival

When: June 2020

Where: Lansing

https://ift.tt/2VhHW6C

“The Common Ground Music Festival is a multiple-day music festival entering its 19th year. The festival has highlighted more than 400 artists including 38 Grammy award winners and 22 Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame inductees. Each July, more than 40,000 people come to Lansing, Michigan to enjoy the best in music, entertainment food, and beverage. This annual celebration features an outstanding lineup of musical acts, focusing on top-level, national and regional music performers of many genres including contemporary and classic rock, pop, alternative, country, hip hop, rhythm & blues, soul and more.”

48) Sonic Bloom Festival

Credit: Juliana Moskow

When:  June 18-21, 2020

Where: Spanish Peaks Country

https://ift.tt/1mSGFsP

“SONIC BLOOM is a 4-day camping festival that brings electronic music, dance, art and human performance together in an atmosphere that inspires open channels of co-creativity for everyone involved.”

Out of all the music festivals in Colorado, this is the one I’m DYING to go to.  It looks like such an amazing festival, and I know many friends who have gone and said how amazing it is.  The line-ups are always awesome, but the reason people go to is the VIBE.  If you’re looking for a good Colorado festival, then this should be your top priority (in my opinion).

49) Wet Electric Festival

Credit: Mix 247 EDM

When: April 2020

Where: Phoenix / Tempe   

Home

“Experience all the fun of a rowdy pool party with a banging electronic dance music festival at Wet Electric in Tempe, Arizona! The festival takes over an entire waterpark for two days filled with world-renowned DJs and electronic musicians, extravagant cabanas, wave pools, waterslides, several bars and more. Past performers include artists such as Paul Oakenfold, Lil Jon, The Crystal Method, Swanky Tunes, Robbie Rivera, Darude, Dash Berlin and many others.”

50) Boston Calling

When: May 2020

Where: Allston, Massachusetts 

https://ift.tt/2oXczCe

Genre: Various

“Across the street from Harvard Business School, a renowned music festival shakes up the scholarly vibes of nearby Cambridge, Massachusetts, once a year. While most music festivals tend to focus on a few genres, Boston Calling doesn’t discriminate between all the sounds you love; this is the kind of festival you attend when you’re a fan of music, through and through. If you’re the type of person who can go from dancing to lively electronic beats to headbanging to gnarly guitar riffs without delay, consider Boston Calling your music mecca.”

Best New Festival Coming to the US in 2020 

Primavera Sound Los Angeles

Earlier this year European festival juggernaut Primavera Sound announced they’d be premiering in the US in 2020 to celebrate its 20th anniversary! How exciting is that!? After living in Barcelona for two different summer, I know Primavera Sound means serious business, and I can’t wait to see what type of line-up they create in my home-state of California. 

When: September 19-20, 2020

Where: LA Historic State Park 

Bonus Special Event* Burning Man

When: August 30 – September 7, 2020

Where: Black Rock City, Nevada (Two Hours Away from Reno) 

https://burningman.org/

Last, I couldn’t complete this article discussing the best parties and events in the US without mentioning Burning Man. BUT – it’s NOT A MUSIC FESTIVAL, which is why I’ve added it as a bonus special event.

After attending Burning Man for the past two years though, I can say it’s one of the most magical and life-changing experiences! It’s a temporary city filled with countless themed camps, LED lights, dust storms, techno sunrise dances, amazing people, and unbeatable burner vibes. 

While it’s definitely the most challenging event on this list to prepare for, it’s by far the most rewarding and memorable. If you’re interested in attending Burning Man, feel free to reach out to me with any questions! I’m happy to discuss the 10 principles, best preparation methods, how to find a camp, and tips for getting tickets!

You can read through my articles on Burner Accessories & Burner Goggles though to help with the shopping list!

What USA Music Festivals do you think deserve a spot on this list…?

This list took me quite some time to put together, and I hope you’ve enjoyed reading it and finding some new events around the US! But I’d love to hear from you to see if I missed any specific event! There are thousands of festivals every year in the US (it’s a pretty massive country), so I couldn’t include all of them, but I do think I did a pretty great job at compiling the best US festivals in 2020!  

Looking for more music festivals in the USA?

My travel blog is filled with articles just like this that will help you find some of the most fun, magical, and awesome music festivals and parties around the United States. Check out a few of my favorite below, and feel free to reach out to me and let me know about any that I’m missing! 

Thanks for reading about the Best Music Festivals in the USA!

Share these 2020 US Festivals with your festival squad!

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[hollywoodgothique]

When the 4th Horseman of the Apocalypse arrives, power will be given unto him to bring forth…pizza?

And I looked, and behold a pale horse. And his name that sat upon him was Death. And Hell followed with him.

With that quote hanging over the bar, you might expect War, Famine, Pestilence, and Death to be lurking within the gloomy confines of The 4th Horseman, impatiently waiting for the countdown to Armageddon to signal the end of times. Instead, you will encounter craft beer, fine wine, and “apocalyptic pizza” that truly is worthy of its name – it’s so good you won’t mind if the world is ending.

The 4th Horseman Review: Apocalyptic Horror in Long Beach

The 4th Horseman is a horror-themed “pizza place” in Long Beach, presided over by its own quartet of apocalyptic riders:  Ryan Hughes, chef Adam Schmalz, Jeremy Schott (Dark Art Emporium), and Martin Svab (Phantom Carriage Brewery and Blendery). The latter two provide interesting points of comparison and contrast, which help define what the 4th Horseman is.

Like Dark Art Emporium, The 4th Horseman is an entertaining anomaly in Long Beach. The sunny surroundings and ocean breezes evoke feelings of summer fun, suitable for a nautical theme or maybe a sports bar. Instead, the 4th Horseman is decked out in horror-movie regalia: posters, lobby cards, drawings, and even arcade games.

Robot Holocaust (1986)

The effect is similar to Phantom Carriage, but whereas that Carson City brewery (named after a silent Swedish horror film) is attuned to the moody atmosphere of black-and-white genre classics, the 4th Horseman embraces a grungy grindhouse vibe, enhanced with throbbing music; the combination suggests an apocalypse informed less by the Book of Revelation than by low-budget ’80s exploitation filmmaking of the Mad-Max-wannabe variety. Sure, Hammer horror and Famous Monsters of Filmland are represented on the walls, but the tone is better exemplified by a prominently displayed poster from the no-budget camp classic Robot Holocaust, which became an early – and hysterically funny – target of Mystery Science Theater 3000.

In other words, reverence for the genre is not required; you need not be a card-carrying horror geek to enjoy the 4th Horseman, just someone who enjoys pizza and beer in an amusingly tongue-in-cheek setting, redolent of drive-in theatres, midnight movies, and double-bill horror shows.

The 4th Horseman Review: Pizza and Brew

Poe’s Raven enjoys “Slasher” pizza.

Apocalyptic ambiance aside, since opening earlier this year, the 4th Horseman has quickly earned a reputation as a purveyor of excellent pizza, garnering praise-filled write-ups in the Long Beach Post, Thrill List, OC Weekly, and Los Angeles Eater. During our recent excursion to Long Beach for Midsummer Scream (reviewed here), we detoured to the 4th Horseman, to judge for ourselves whether that reputation is warranted.

Apparently, chef Adam Schmalz’s culinary philosophy is that anything that goes into a sandwich can go into a pizza; the result is a wide variety of delicious pies hiding behind unsavory names such as “Rosemary’s Baby” and “Angel of Death.” Some are simple (“Slasher” with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and Pepperoni); others are more outré (“Memento Mori” with beef bulgogi, kimchi, gochujang, roasted pineapple).

We opted for a slice of “The Black Horse,” a vegetarian offering with sauce, mozzarella, roasted peppers, balsamic mushrooms, kalamata olives, and fresh basil. What we received was more than a mere slice – more like a mini-pizza. Not that we’re complaining: like James Bond, we “hate small portions of anything, particularly when they taste bad,” and we had no cause to worry on either count. The crust was perfect, with exactly the right amount of crunch. The flavors blended incredibly well with the basil coming through just enough to unify the mix. We weren’t even hungry, but we couldn’t resist gorging ourselves on every last crumb.

Wine and beer are on the menu at 4th Horseman.

(By way of comparison, we had lunched on a flatbread pizza earlier in the day at the Long Beach Convention Center. Compared to “The Black Horse,” the flatbread pizza was not worthy of being tossed in the 4th Horseman’s garbage dump.)

For libation, we went off the usual menu, ordering a chalkboard special listed behind the cash register. 4th Horseman is a beer and wine bar, loaded with Lager, Ale, Sour, Stout, Cider, Cabernet, Chardonnay, and Pino Noir; nevertheless, we opted for a cocktail entitled “Zombie Queen.”

As you can guess from the name, this was meant to be a tropical drink along the lines of a Passion Fruit Zombie. Ordering cocktails in a beer-and-wine bar is almost always a dubious proposition; most likely you will get a ghastly wannabe with some watery wine aperitif failing to substitute for hard liquor. The Zombie Queen was a notable exception: with its refreshing flavor – fruity but not too sweet – we would have mistaken it for a legit cocktail served at a Tiki bar. The 4th Horseman’s bartender should consider adding this to the regular menu.

The 4th Horseman Review: Conclusion

When we seek out horror-themed bars, breweries, and distilleries, we’re usually looking for atmosphere and setting. The most we expect from the menu is a few clever names lending a sinister aura to otherwise typical items. The 4th Horseman is an exception to this rule – an establishment worth recommending solely on the basis of its food and beverage. The post-apocalyptic horror decor is certainly worth a look, but much more worthwhile is sitting down to eat and drink.

The 4th Horseman Review: Full Disclosure

Proprietor Ryan Hughes helped me out of a jam when my car was towed from a lot next door (“no parking” signs were not prominently displayed). If you think that made me write good things about the 4th Horseman’s pizza, you obviously have not tasted their pizza.

The 4th Horseman Review: Photo Gallery

Annd behold a pale horse, and his name that sat upon him was Death.

Famous Monsters and Hammer Horror adorn the walls

Lilly Munster

George A. Romero’s Martin

Nightmare Castle, Microsave Massacre, Curse of the Dead, Scream of Fear

Review: The 4th Horseman (bar & kitchen) When the 4th Horseman of the Apocalypse arrives, power will be given unto him to bring forth...pizza?

#4th Horseman #Creepy Cocktails #themed locations

[topfygad]

TOP 50 Music Festivals in the USA • US Festival Bucket List [2020]

Looking for the best music festivals in the USA!? Well, you’ve come to the right place, because I’ve compiled the ultimate US festival bucket list to keep you plenty busy for many festival seasons to come!

In the last decade, the popularity of the festival industry and amount of new events hitting North America has been exponential, and every year they’ve just been getting bigger and better! From weekend-long camping adventures, dusk-til-dawn mega raves, and small boutique festivals – this list has got it covered! 

While attending ALL of these would require a significantly large amount of money, time, and energy – it would certainly be the adventure of a lifetime (and something I’m personally trying to achieve)!  

So without further ado, here’s what I think are…

Credit: Alive Coverage

1) Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival

Photo by Andrew Jorgensen

When: June 11-14, 2020

Where: Great Stage Park, Manchester, Tennessee

www.bonnaroo.com | www.facebook.com/bonnaroo

The most positive place on this planet, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience, every time.

“Bonnaroo is…Thousands of happy campers. 700 acres of Tennessee nature. 150 epic performances. 10+ Stages of music. Dozens of comedians. 4 of the best days ever. An escape into Excitement. Music. Art. Discoveries. Trees. Fresh Air. Green Grass. A mini film fest. Friends (Old / New). Adventure. Overwhelming happiness. Hugging a stranger by accident. Sharing and Generosity. Funky Dancing. Hyperbolic verbiage. System overload. The perfect bite of ice cream. Sandals. Fallovers. Chirping Birds. Flashing Lights. Food and Drink. Variety. Singing. Laughing. Short shorts. High-Fives. Rocky IV in the cinema tent at 3am. Spicy Pie. Memories. Someone dressed up like Teen Wolf. Holy Cow(!) Moments. Interesting factoids. Egg sandwiches. More music. Adventure. Deep Breaths. Big smiles. This. That. The Other. Hellos and Goodbyes and reminders of all that we have to celebrate and look forward to next year and in the future.”

Photo by Andrew Jorgensen

Bonnaroo features a diverse lineup of 150+ musicians and other performance artists every year. With 10+ stages and entertainment that goes ALL NIGHT LONG, you will NOT be bored. AND Camping at Bonnaroo is hardly “camping” by most definitions of the word – it’s a non-stop adventure of discovery and human connection with your fellow Bonnaroovians, and a key to the one-of-a-kind Bonnaroo experience.

Watch this incredible short film below for just a small glimpse about what Bonnaroo is all about!

2) Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival

When: Fri, Apr 10, 2020 – Sun, Apr 19, 2020 (Two Weekends)

Where: Empire Polo Club, Indio, California

Website: https://ift.tt/1ANevsK

Coachella is arguably the most iconic and famous music & arts festival in the United States (and quite possibly the entire world). If you haven’t been, I can guarantee you it’ll certainly be an experience that you’ll never forget. While it may be notoriously expensive, I personally think it’s worth every penny. Each year Coachella provides an undeniably impressive line-up spanning nearly every music genre, epic stage production, world-class food & drink vendors and a fantastic festival atmosphere.

Being a favorite among the dozens of quality music festivals in California, tickets do sell-out almost instantly, so make sure your festival squad plan ahead and scoop up some tickets while you can! I’ve attended Coachella in 2014 & 2018, and I had the time of my life, and can’t wait to return to the magical  Empire Polo Club for another round for Coachella 2020! 

Check out this Coachella after movie below for some stunning footage!

3) Governor’s Ball

Photo by Greg Noire via Gov Ball’s Facebook

When: June 5-7, 2020

Where: Randall’s Island Park, New York City

https://ift.tt/2j4ln1d

For the east coast residents looking to enjoy an unbelievable festival with the iconic NYC skyline as a backdrop, make your way to Governor’s Ball. Widely recognized as one of the biggest and best festivals in New York, this definitely deserves a top spot on your bucket list! Located on the beautiful and well-maintained Randall’s Island Park, festival-goers are treated to three days of world-class music, phenomenal stages, and good vibes. 

“We started all this 8 years ago because we were music lovers who lived in a city that needed – that deserved – a contemporary music festival. Music is always our primary focus, and with 60+ artists of all genres across 4 stages, there is something for everyone.”

4) Outside Lands Music Festival

When: August 7-9, 2020

Where: Golden Gate Park, San Fransisco, California

Website: https://ift.tt/2n7PdZe

Outside Lands is Northern California’s premiere music festival, and I can personally say that it’s an absolute blast! It’s a local favorite among San Franciscans, and there really is a special and relaxing festival vibe for these three days in Golden Gate Park. While tickets, food, and drink costs are rather high (like everything in SF), it’s an incredible event that you should definitely check out at least once! 

The line-ups are always super-diverse (and I always discover tons of new artists), the production is fantastic, and you’ll simply fall in love with the venue (located in the heart of San Francisco). While Outside Lands Music Festival finishes early (around 10 PM), the city is filled with afterparties and sideshows of the artists on the line-up, and it really is a great time to visit the city. If you don’t want to spend the money for the full 3-day general admission, just buy a one-day ticket for your preferred day of the line-up, and spend the rest of your time partying it up in San Francisco’s thriving nightlife scene

Read my festival reviews from 2017 & 2018:

 Outside Lands Music Festival: The Ultimate Golden Gate Park Party

Outside Lands Festival 2018 | Top 10 Weekend Highlights

5) Austin City Limits 

Photo by Sydney Gawlik

When: October 4 – Oct 13, 2019 (Two Weekends)

Where: Austin, Texas

https://ift.tt/2goek2e

2 Weekends, 8 Stages, and Over 130 bands

Since its first edition in 2002, Austin City Limits has grown to become one of the largest and most well-known festivals in the US! With its growth in popularity, it’s expanded to a two-weekend event that offers its attendees some of the best international artists spanning all genres, fine arts exhibits by local artists, and incredible Texas BBQ, as well dozens of other delicious food & drink vendors.

6) Lollapalooza

Credit: Charles Reagan

When: July 30- August 2, 2020

Where: Grant Park, Chicago

Genre: Various

https://ift.tt/2e5AEOR

“What started as a single-stage music showcase put together in 1991 by Perry Farrell, lead singer of Jane’s Addiction, has since evolved into a larger-than-life music experience like no other. Connecting with the city’s deep musical legacy, Lollapalooza set down roots and made Chicago its home in 2005—and it hasn’t looked back. Now a destination event, thousands of fans travel from around the world to experience the massive crowds, scenic lakefront setting, and incredible entertainment every summer.”

Lollapalooza is Chicago’s biggest (and longest) summer festival that brings together the biggest names in music every year! Located in the beautiful Grant Park with the Chicago skyline as a backdrop, it’s a four-day adventure that will surely be a highlight of your summer. Plus, you’ll be able to destroy those festival hangovers with some delicious deep-dish pizza! 

7) Ultra Music Festival

Photo credit: RUDGR

When: March 20-22, 2020

Where: Miami

https://ift.tt/1TDR79B

For over 20 years, ULTRA Music Festival has invited guests to downtown Miami for a weekend of top-notch electronic music, and in recent years, has been producing events in nearly every corner of the globe. From Australia to Japan, Buenos Aires to Croatia – ULTRA has proven repeatedly it’s one of the best music festival productions in the world. 

While in 2019, ULTRA was forced to move venues due to issues with the city of Miami, I’m stoked that ULTRA 2020 will be returning to its iconic venue of Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami, Florida. It’s always the main highlight of Miami Music Week, and is truly an experience that every EDM fan should experience at least once in their life. While ticket prices may be high for the average festival attendee, once you get a look at the star-studded line-up, it makes perfect sense! 

“For EDM fans around the world, Ultra in Miami is a must-stop on the international circuit. While most of the United States is shivering in parkas waiting for the summer festival season, Ultra fans are dancing their asses off in sunny Miami. The show always delivers surprises – both in the musical acts and the fans that attend.”

8) Firefly Music Festival

Credit: Alive Coverage

When: June 2020

Where: The Woodlands, Dover, Delaware

https://ift.tt/HTHiEm

“Taking place annually in the beautiful Woodlands of Dover, Delaware – Firelfy Music Festival is the East Coast’s largest music and camping festival! Featuring incredible live performances by genre-bending artists, unique food and drink vendors and a one-of-a-kind onsite camping experience, The Great Atlantic Campout, Firefly Music Festival has become a can’t miss summer event for legions of fans.”

“Firefly. This is like the new Glastonbury of America!”   – Marcus Mumford of Mumford and Sons

9) Electric Daisy Carnival

When: May 15-17, 2020

Where: Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas

Homepage

All Are Welcome Under the Electric Sky | Dusk Til’ Dawn

Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC for short) Las Vegas is the largest electronic dance music festival in North America, but pretty much every EDM fan already knows that. What started in 1997 as a warehouse party in Los Angeles, has turned into one of the wildest, massive, and mesmerizing dance music festivals in the entire world, and simply should be at TOP at every raver’s bucket list!  

Now I’ve personally attended EDC three different times now: the last edition that was hosted in Los Angeles (2011), the first year it was brought out to Las Vegas (2012), and once again in Vegas back in 2014. It truly is unlike any festival I’ve been to in the USA, and is one of the most impressive events in the world! I’ve gotta give it up to Pasquale Rotella and the team over Insomniac events because they go above & beyond to ensure the “headliners” (the attendees) all have a life-changing experience every year!! 

“EDC is a unique multi-day festival pushing the boundaries of imagination and setting standards in the live entertainment industry. By incorporating carnival themes and attractions, cutting-edge stage production, world-class talent, and innovative art and technology, EDC is more than an electronic music festival – it is an unparalleled multi-sensory experience unlike any other. The brand has created a passionate community of accepting fans that have turned EDC into a way of life. The foundation upon which the phenomenon was built is one of unity, love, self expression, and respect for one another.”

10) Electric Forest 

Image via Don Idio – https://ift.tt/2oV7eeP

When: Late June 2020

Where: Rothbury, Michigan

https://ift.tt/2Oq1RPq

“Have you ever felt anything like it? The beat of the bass charging the atmosphere with electrifying energy. Bolts of lightning streaking through the forest, arcing around the trees, and captivating the crowd into awe.A mind-melting experience of community, woodland, and rhythm bringing 45,000 people together every year in a musical-matrix of natural and electric vibrations…”

Out of all the US music festivals on this list, I’d argue that Electric Forest wins for having the best venue! Tucked deep in the woods of Michigan, once a year pops up a magical land filled magical lights & lasers shining through the massive trees, epic stages with performances from world-class artists, and top-notch vibes from the loving #ForestFamily. Make sure you snag tickets to this one early, because they are certainly hard to come by! It’s one of the most highly sought after music festivals in the country, and is guaranteed to be one of the highlights of your summer!   

While I have yet to attend myself, I’m really hoping that Electric Forest 2020 will be my year! Everyone I know who has been says nothing buy incredible things, and that it’s simply a place you have to visit to fully understand it! 

11) Hangout Festival

When: May 15-17, 2020

Where: The Gulf Shores, Alabama

https://ift.tt/VUw58j

Hangout Music Festival is a massive 3-Day beach extravaganza complete with beach clubs, ocean swimming, sailing expeditions, roller discos, free yoga, beach volleyball, a puppy kissing booth, Ferris wheel views, beautiful art installations, and so much more! While Alabama might not be the first place you think of for a “destination festival”, Hangout Music Festival is produced by Goldenvoice (the same company behind Coachella), so you know it’s guaranteed to be an incredible beach and music festival vacation. Take a look through their previous line-ups, and you’ll understand the talent they bring out. 

Join the Hangout Music Festival 2020 Facebook Event

12) South by South West (SXSW) 

Atmosphere – Outdoor Stage – Photo by David Brendan Hall

When: March 13-22, 2020

Where: Austin

Home

“It’s not that South by Southwest takes over Austin — downtown Austin becomes SXSW for nine days in March. Music, art, interactive, panels, comedy, and movies all vie for your attention span. Let’s put it this way. You could skip media for a year, come to Austin for the week, and still come out ahead on pop culture.

Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries. The event, an essential destination for global professionals, features sessions, showcases, screenings, exhibitions, and a variety of networking opportunities. SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together.”

  13) Electric Zoo 

When: End of August 2020

Where: Randall’s Island Park

http://electriczoo.com/

“Established in 2009 by Made Event, the internationally renowned Electric Zoo Festival is one of New York City’s largest music festivals and features the top names in electronic music, bringing a wide variety of acts from around the world and across the spectrum of electronic music’s various sub-genres. International editions of Electric Zoo have taken place in Mexico City, Tokyo, Shanghai, and São Paulo.

Electric Zoo celebrates the joy of electronic music every year by putting on one of the biggest, most immersive festival experiences in the world.”

It is said that change is not only a natural part of life but the only way to reveal true beauty. Just think about the metamorphosis that a caterpillar undergoes to become an exquisite butterfly. It’s pretty mind-blowing. Thus, we’ve taken such inspiration and tied it into this year’s theme, Electric Zoo: Evolved.

14) Kaaboo Del Mar Festival

Credit: Alive Coverage

When: September 18-20, 2020

Where: Petco Park

https://ift.tt/1EIlrIN

Southern California’s largest music, comedy, art and culinary festival!

“Forget what you know about music festivals, we’ve shifted the paradigm and built something new. KAABOO is the perfect weekend escape, described in a word that comes from whatever the hell we feel like yelling when we’re high on life and having fun. A curated three-day sound voyage that combines rock-n-roll music and tastemaking events in a modern wonderland on the warm shores of the pacific. Where every detail is designed for your enjoyment and clean, comfortable amenities inspire you to break from your busy life, let loose and enjoy the experience. Welcome to KAABOO, the place where all of your senses align.”

And exciting news, that beginning in September 2020, KAABOO Del Mar, will celebrate its sixth festival event with a move to America’s number one ballpark (Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres) and its surrounding venues, and will feature a variety of headlining music hitmakers and legends of varying genres, and offer an unrivaled level of entertainment throughout the weekend.

15) BUKU Music + Art Project

Credit: Alive Coverage

When: March 20-21, 2020

Where: New Orleans, Louisiana

https://ift.tt/2QBnEVY

Urban music+art festival meets epic warehouse party celebrating the progressive subculture of New Orleans.

“Buku is a New Orleans playground. The lines between fan and performer are blurred. Am I looking at art or sitting on it? Does it matter? Let go and immerse yourself in: BUKULTURE. Music & art feel different like this! We believe in those who strive to be dope. Originality, creativity, freedom, and community is our anthem. If you’re in the BUKREWE, you know! If not, come join us”

16) Lightning In A Bottle

When: May 20-25, 2020

Where: Buena Vista Lake, Kern County, California

https://ift.tt/RiiYhm

Lightning in a Bottle, or more commonly referred to as “LIB”, is one of the largest transformational music festivals in the USA

While it always boasts an incredible electronic line-up, there is much to more to this spiritually awakening festival.  Many friends of mine have called it their favorite festival they’ve ever attended, and it will easily be a life-changing festival experience.  Go to some workshops, do some yoga, take a refreshing dip in the lake, watch the sunrise, and party like there’s no tomorrow!

Celebrating Art, Music, Performance, Sustainability & Life. 

“The history of LIB spans more than a decade, and friends, family, and co-horts of The Do LaB are thrilled and astounded that it’s been more than ten years of making miracles and catching Lightning in a Bottle!”

17) Shaky Knees Music Festival

When: May 20-25, 2020

Where: Central Park, Atlanta, Georgia

https://ift.tt/2jdX8hF

“Drawing in nearly 40,000 attendees, Shaky Knees Festival brings a highly desired indie scene to the streets of downtown Atlanta, Georgia. In an era where most festival headliners feature a variation of EDM/DJ acts, Shaky Knees lives to show another side of modern-day music.

With more than 60 bands each year Shaky Knees is a rock lover’s dream. Since its inception in 2013, Shaky Knees has featured a diverse lineup ranging from world-renowned acts to up-and-coming artists.”

18) Made in America 

Credit: Matthew Chen

When: August / September (Labor Day weekend)

Where: Philadelphia

Home

“The Made in America music festival is a massive musical celebration that takes over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway each Labor Day weekend in Philadelphia. With dozens of top performers and multiple stages on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the two-day music festival curated by Jay-Z is one of the year’s can’t-miss events. Every year, Jay-Z hand-picks a lineup of both established and up-and-coming musicians to perform throughout the weekend — and sometimes, you can even find Jay-Z singing along in the crowd.”

Credit: Michael Allen

19) Summerfest

When: June 24- July 5, 2020

Where: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

http://summerfest.com/

“Summerfest presented by American Family Insurance is the World’s Largest Music Festival and Milwaukee’s cornerstone summer celebration that attracts the music industry’s hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites.”

Lasting for over 11 days across 11 different stages, and 800 performances – Summerfest is attended by a staggering 800,000 people! So check it out for one day, or all 11, but just make sure you add it to your US festival bucket list!

Join the Summerfest 2020 Facebook Event

20) Lost Lands

Image via https://ift.tt/2oV7eeP

When: September 27-29, 2019

Where: Thornville, Ohio

Genre: EDM, Bass, Dubstep

Lost Lands 2019 Home Page

ESCAPE THE CONFINES OF THE WORLD OUTSIDE AND FIND YOURSELF IN AN IMMERSIVE ENVIRONMENT SURROUNDED BY DINOSAURS, BEATS, AND BASS. LOST LANDS MANIFESTS A FORWARD-THINKING VISION TO DELIVER AN UNFORGETTABLE FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE AND UNITE HEADBANGERS TOGETHER AS ONE TRIBE.

“Experience Lost Lands, presented by Excision, at the beautiful Legend Valley in Thornville, OH this September! See the land before time in all its glory — dinosaurs included. The insane Lost Lands lineup is curated by Excision himself, & it’s sure to rattle the fields right down to their core.  Grab your tickets and catch the top artists from the past 65 million years and join us for the filthiest 3 days of bass you have ever experienced!”

21) Movement Electronic

Credit: Katie Laskowska

When: Memorial Day Weekend 2020

Where: Detroit

https://www.movement.us

“Each year on Memorial Day weekend, thousands of people from across the globe gather in the birthplace of Techno to celebrate the heritage of Detroit and its musical influence over countless generations, new and old. Movement Music Festival is one of the longest-running dance music events in the world, committed to showcasing authentic electronic music and providing an experience unlike any other. The festival takes place in Hart Plaza – Detroit’s legendary riverfront destination. ”

22) Groove Cruise

When: January 9-13, 2020  

Departing: Miami 

OFFICIAL GROOVE CRUISE WEBSITE

Groove Cruise is the OG music festival cruise, and will without-a-doubt be one of the best experiences of your life! I’ve personally attended three different Groove Cruise voyages, and it’s truly the most loving atmosphere I’ve ever encountered in the music festival industry. There’s something unexplainably magical that occurs when the #GCFAM gets together, and they always deliver stacked line-ups with a mix of EDM, House, Trance, and Techno, as well provide a deliver a wide variety of unique activities onboard the cruise. Plus, they sail to beautiful locations in the Caribbean and Meixico, so it’s the perfect music vacation for music festival lovers!

Check out my Groove Cruise festival reviews for a bit more information, and I hope to see you on board!

23) Life is Beautiful 

Credit: Alive Coverage

When: September 2020

Where: Downtown Las Vegas

https://ift.tt/1Ap4TrE

“Life is Beautiful takes over Downtown Las Vegas for a three-day weekend each year, promising festival-goers a host of surprises in four key areas: Art, Music, Food and Learning – truly providing something for everyone. The lineup mixes popular acts such as Imagine Dragons, Kendrick Lamar, Major Lazer, Brandon Flowers and Hozier with classic icons such as Duran Duran and Stevie Wonder.

Street art, huge murals, installations and a multi-sensory Art Motel entice art-lovers, and a VIP area – complete with celebrity chef cooking demos, real grass to lounge on and free lemonade – helps you forget the desert heat.”

24) Imagine Music Festival

When: September 2020

Where: Atlanta Motor Speedway, Atlanta

https://ift.tt/1lsxj5G

We look forward to bringing your imagination to life! Welcome to the Imagine Music Festival.

When it comes to the best EDM festivals in America, this is the ONE I’m personally dying to check out myself! Everyone I know who has attended has expressed how amazing it is, and every year the Imagine Festival crew wow their attendees with stacked line-ups, impressive stage designs, and unbeatable rave community vibes!

  It’s no surprise it’s recently been voted as one of “Top 20 Festivals in the World” by Fest300, as well as in the “Top Ten Emerging Music Festivals by USA Today”!  

  “When Imagine Music Festival arrives, the event will transport festival-goers to an immersive aquatic fairytale featuring multiple magnificent stages with world-class sound and lighting production. Wander through fantastic atmospheres filled with mind-bending circus performers, mermaids, sea creatures, art installations, vendors, CAMPING and more, creating an unforgettable 360-degree experience.”

  25) HARD Summer Music Festival

Credit: Doug Van Sant

When: August 2020

Where: The Speedway in Fontana, San Bernadino, California

Homepage

This annual two-day mega-festival has been a Southern California favorite for over a decade, and always manages to put together an unbelievably stacked line-up, incredible stage production, and overall stellar festival experience. 

The team over at HARD Events has been a key player in the growth of the EDM scene in the United States, and fun fact, my first massive rave in the USA was HARD Haunted Mansion back in 2009! From producing events like HARD Day of the Dead, Holy Ship, and HARD Red Rocks: attending one of their events will always impress!

26) Paradiso Festival

When: June 2020

Where: The Gorge Amphitheatre, Washington

https://ift.tt/1s0R77h

“Each year we come together on a pilgrimage to find a balance between a modern digital world and the natural environment surrounding us. Experience three stages with world-class visuals & audio production, thrilling rides & attractions, some of the biggest names in electronic dance music, a stunning natural backdrop you have to see to believe, and the best part of all, the Paradiso family.

In the distance, do you hear it? A warm whisper calling out to those spirits yearning for wanderlust that vows to lead those who follow to a paradise where nature and technology seamlessly coexist. This promise is for those who don’t seek to stand still, but instead jump headfirst into the motion in the hopes of discovering adventures hidden just over the horizon. Will you be one of those who answer the call?

27) ROLLING LOUD 

Rolling Loud LA 2019 Line-Up

When: December 14-15, 2019 September & October 2020

Where: Miami, Flordia | Oakland, California | Queens, NY

https://ift.tt/15wlY52

 “Rolling Loud Festival is a 3-day music event that started in Miami, FL and is now the largest Hip-Hop festival in the world. We now also hosts festivals in Northern California and Southern California, with plans to expand internationally to Japan, China and Europe in the near future. Some of the biggest names that have performed on the Rolling Loud stage includes the likes of Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Future, Lil Wayne, A$AP Rocky, Travis Scott, Young Thug, Post Malone, Migos, Kodak Black, Lil Uzi Vert, 21 Savage, Lil Yachty, Lil B, and many more.”

For the hip-hop festival fans out there, this should definitely be on your dream festivals! 

28) Pitchfork Music Festival

When: July 2020

Where: Union Park, Chicago

Genre: Alternative Rock / Indie / Electronic / Hip Hop

https://ift.tt/30Or7lc

“Celebrating its 14th year in 2019, the internationally recognized Pitchfork Music Festival presents 40+ acts over the course of three days each summer in Chicago’s Union Park. The festival highlights the best in new and emerging music. Since 2006, this independently run festival has consistently proven to be one of the most welcoming, comfortable, reasonably priced, and rewarding weekends of music around.

Hosting 60,000 attendees of all ages from 45 states and 26 countries, Pitchfork Music Festival offers a wide array of activities beyond the music. With 50 individual vendors, as well as specialty record and craft fairs, the festival works to support local businesses while promoting the Chicago arts and food communities as a whole. We maintain a commitment to keeping ticket prices low, providing new and useful amenities, and working with the city’s best local vendors each year. Stay tuned for more festival feature updates.”

29) New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

When: April 23- May 3, 2020

Where: Union Park, Chicago

Genre: Jazz

https://ift.tt/s4YWq3

For all the jazz fans out there, if the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival isn’t on your bucket list yet, then you’re not a true jazz fan! It’s one of the longest-running and largest jazz festivals in the USA, and is the perfect time to visit the great city of New Orleans!

“Started in 1970, “Jazz Fest” continues to showcase the most important names in music both locally and nationally. Celebrating 49 years of musical and cultural memories, Jazz Fest stands alone in presenting the highest caliber artists in such varied genres as gospel, blues, traditional and contemporary jazz, rock, R&B, Cajun, country, zydeco and much more.”

30) Louder Than Life Rock Festival

The Largest Rock Festival in America

When: September 2020

Where: Highland Festival Grounds, Louisville, Kentucky

Genre: Rock

https://ift.tt/1hjNDLo

Complete with dozens of the biggest names in rock & roll, massive stages, and unique bars – the annual Louder Than Life festival is an adventure every rocker needs to experience for themselves. The 2019 line-up included headling sets from Guns N Roses, Slipknot, Rob Zombie, Marlilyn Manson, and tons more! There aretons of delicious food & drink options spread around the epic festival grounds and lots of unique festival experiences for attendees to check out during these three-days of incredible rock music!

31) Friendship

When: January 6-10, 2020

Where:  Miami

https://ift.tt/2Mh4KiP

2018 was the inaugural sold-out cruise for the brand new festival cruise, “FRIENDSHIP”. With a star-studded line-up with names like Boys Noize, Dixon, and Rufus Du Sol – it looked like an epic time! I had some friends who went (who even got engaged during one of Destructo’s legendary sets), and they had nothing but great things to say about it.  It’s one of the new music festival cruises in the scene, but I’ve got a feeling the Friendship will be around for many years to come!

Friendship is returning for their 2nd voyage from January 6-10, departing from Miami and sailing to the iconic CocoCay island in the Bahamas! With a jam-packed line-up, awesome activities, and incredible vibes – it’s going to be a top-notch experience for all those who are lucky enough to book a room on board!

“Get ready to cruise out with some of the best international music acts aboard a glamorous ship to sea. It’s the perfect setting to make new friends and gather with old ones. States DESTRUCTO, “There is a place where my friends and I go and we do fun things—the kind of fun things that build everlasting memories that I could never put a price on and I absolutely never could because these times are priceless and irreplaceable. At the end when I look back and reminisce about these times I had and the experiences that molded me and watered me enough to grow, I’ll think about all the friends I’ve made along the way and how I am a part of their story and they are more than all my friends. They are all my family. That is FRIENDSHIP.”

32) iHeart Radio Music Festival

Photo via iHeartRadio Facebook

When: September 2020

Where: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas

https://ift.tt/2MuYDFE

“Since 2011, iHeartRadio Music Festival has taken place each year in Las Vegas, in September. It boasts a myriad of world-class musical acts, and has quickly become a fixture on the festival scene. For the first several years, the festival was held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. However, as of last year, the main festival stage was moved to the T-Mobile Arena. But that’s not the only place to see great music: the festival also features the iHeartRadio Daytime Village, a second venue that features additional up and coming acts.

As an attendee at this amazing festival, you are treated to performance after performance, both indoors and outdoors, all weekend long. Prepare for music overload, in the best way possible! This is truly the experience of a lifetime for music lovers of all ages. As you’ll see in a moment as we divulge this year’s lineup, it’s really no surprise that this festival has established itself as one of the most well-known and well-regarded music experiences in such a short time.”

33) Stagecoach Music Festival

When: April 26-28, 2019

Where: Indio, California

https://ift.tt/2oVuJV4

“The five-day transformation from the massive Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival into Stagecoach: California’s Country Music Festival by the Los Angeles-based Goldenvoice company is always shocking to people who go to both events. 

Instead of surreal and sometimes psychedelic installation art of Coachella, there are giant cowboy boots and a bronze bucking horse. The attire morphs from flower crowns and H&M branded fashions to red, white and blue everything – including shirts, pants, bandannas and long flowing sashes bearing the U.S. flag. Held at Indio’s Empire Polo Club, this festival celebrates new and established country music artists.”

34) Camp Bisco

When: July 2020

Where: Montage Mountain, Scranton, Pennsylvania 

Genre: Electronic

http://campbisco.com

“Camp Bisco is an outdoor music festival held at the picturesque Montage Mountain, a world-class concert venue & waterpark located in Scranton, PA. Camp Bisco is a 3-day, rain-or-shine event with camping. Camp Bisco will feature 3 days and nights of music on 3 stages. Anyone who has been before can tell you, Camp Bisco is the best event of its kind and we’re so excited to see you all again! Join us at Montage Mountain for our 17th installment of this amazing weekend for the ultimate escape to your reality.”

35) Wanderlust Festival

Credit: Melissa Gayle Photography

When: July 2020 Dates TBA

Where: Various Locations

Website: https://ift.tt/23ZVpPh

Wanderlust is different than your standard music festival, as it’s more of a retreat/ getaway/ vacation with a big emphasis on music and community! The few friends I know who have attended told me it’s truly special, and they can’t wait to them for many years to come! 

They also host events ALL around the world, so definitely worth checking out their website and keeping up-to-date with their calendar if you’re into this type of transformational event!

“This Way to True North.

For 10 years, Wanderlust has gathered teachers, experts, musicians, and creators at stunning resorts for transformational experiences—each unique unto itself. Over the last decade, yogis have grown their practice, connected with community, and made life-altering discoveries. To celebrate our tenth year, we’re making our festivals accessible to all.

From mountain resorts to majestic city parks, 4-day retreats to 2-day urban escapes, the festival experience is now within your grasp. Step into what’s beyond: new ideas, new friends, new foods, new moves. And at the end of all this blissed-out exploring you’ll find you’ve come home—to yourself.

Music is the heartbeat of Wanderlust festivals. You’ll feel the pulse in the subtle spinning of a brilliant DJ, in the sweet rhythms of our acoustic meditations, and classes accompanied by perfectly paired beats will leave your body awash in energy. Whatever your taste, the musical discoveries that await at Wanderlust will leave you with new favorites for practice and party alike.”

36) Dirtybird Campout

Credit: Aaron Glassman

You’re never too old to go to summer camp! Dust off your camping gear and calibrate your compasses, Dirtybird Campout is coming…

When: October 2020

Where: Modesto Reservoir Campgrounds, California

Website: https://ift.tt/1LHQLwz

“What remains most special about Dirtybird Campout is its ability to craft an intimate space for guests to let their inner children out to play and create unforgettable memories, soundtracked by top selectors in house, techno, and bass. Campers are invited to immerse themselves in a wide variety of activities just steps away from camp and the stages—from tug-of-war to archery, to kickball—often alongside DIRTYBIRD ‘Camp Counselors’ themselves. It’s this open and fun atmosphere that keeps its ranks filled year after year. 

So I’ve been a HUGE fan of the Dirtybird Record label for a long time, and Dirtybird Campout is the annual event that’s an unforgettable adult summer camp/music festival experience. It started in 2015, and has grown bigger, better, and wilder every year! Definitely add this one to your list!

Read my Dirtybird Campout 2016 Festival Review to get a better understanding!

“Whether you went to summer camp back in the day, or found yourself at Campout over the last four years, those memories of sun-drenched hours full of outdoor activities, hazy summer afternoons, and sleepless nights under the stars, have fostered an unmatched sense of belonging and an unparalleled community for many. It is this family feel that has made Dirtybird Campout one of North America’s most celebrated and unique festival weekends.”

37) Decadence Arizona

Arizona’s Biggest New Year’s Eve Celebration Music Festival

Decadence 2018 | Photo by Jacob Tyler Dunn

When: December 30-31, 2019

Where: Chandler

https://ift.tt/2bDzR5G

“Decadence is a 2-day New Year’s Eve experience that features a diverse lineup of artists that is sure to please all… If you live on the West-coast, love music, and yearn for adventure… you will want to gather your friends and make the journey to DECADENCE where you can say your final goodbyes to 2019 and kick off 2020 with a BANG.”

  38) Lucidity Festival

When: April 10-12, 2020

Where: Live Oak Campground, Santa Barbara, California

Website:  https://ift.tt/2ImxHsH

Sound baths, acro yoga, dance workshops, fire breathers, circus performers, food vendors, fashion stalls, blacklight tea parties, cacao ceremonies, art galleries, epic DJ’s, live bands, crazy costumes, and an incredible amount of Oxytocin filled hugging. I had an unbelievably magical experience at Lucidity Festival, and think the world would be a better place if everyone attended it once in their life.

It’s truly one of the most unique, colorful, and intimate community-oriented camping festivals I’ve ever attended!  

Check out my review article about my experience here:  Ludicity Festival – Rising Dawn | Top 12 Festival Highlights!  I, unfortunately, I couldn’t make it back for the 2019 edition since I was traveling through Spain, but I’m really hoping to make a return for 2020!!

39) Voodoo Festival

Credit: Sydney Gawlik

When: October 25-27, 2019

Where: City Park, New Orleans, Lousisiana 

https://ift.tt/2nYtJgl

“Voodoo is a musical gumbo stirring together music, art, community, cuisine and all the mystery and adventure that Halloween weekend in New Orleans conjures up. With more than 65 bands over three days, Voodoo is more than just a Festival – it is an experience. There’s plenty to do in between sets. Across the Festival Grounds of City Park, Voodoo hosts interactive and immersive large-scale art installations, the Brew Dat Beer Hall and the House of Blues Voodoo, a handcrafted shopping experience at the Market Place, and more”

40) Okeechobee Music Festival

When: March 5-8, 2020

Where: Okeechobee

Homepage

“Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival is a 4-day surreal experience, filled with multi-genre music, immersive art and transformative events, deep in the heart of Florida’s wild wilderness. A gathering of all walks of life where the common ground is music, magic and mystery from dusk til dawn.”

“Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival burst onto the Florida scene in 2016 and immediately become a fan favorite. Taking place in early March, Okeechobee is now the first major music festival of the US festival season and provides a glimpse of touring summertime artists. The festival’s home at Sunshine Grove is a treat for campers with lush grassy fields, a sandy beach, and a majestic grove.”

  The Okeechobee Music + Arts Festival is back this year for a full weekend of music, camping, art, and unique transformational experiences! The festival will take place amongst 800 acres of lush grasslands, lakes, woods, and jungle in Sunshine Grove, Florida, with nature-filled and lakeside camping options.

In addition to OMF’s three main stages, dance music lovers will gravitate towards Jungle 51, a dusk till dawn dance party nestled in the heart of the jungle that has hosted some of the biggest names in house and techno in recent years. From dawn till dusk, OMF attendees will again be able to experience Aquachobee Beach, situated in the scenic background where Sunshine Grove’s jungle meets the white sand beach, that will give Okeechobeeings the chance to catch daytime live music sets while swimming and sunbathing.

Camp OMF 2020 will kick-off on Thursday, March 5 with a nighttime pre-party, and each day, Chobeewobee Village will feature an eclectic mix of immersive art, food & beverage offerings,  performances, yoga classes, life-enhancing workshops, speakers, as well as its signature artisan vendors in a bazaar-style experience. Also on site, a 24-hour general store, 24-hour food options, showers, free portalets, and local and craft food and beverage options complete the experience. Featuring an array of comfortable accommodations varying from tent camping to deluxe preset RV and glamping, all Okeechobee 2020 ticket and camping options can be explored.

41) Bumbershoot Festival

When: Labor Day Weekend, September 2020

Where: Seattle, Washington

https://ift.tt/2q2UxNX

“Now approaching half a century, Bumbershoot is one of Seattle’s largest cultural touchstones. Each year, thousands of people from across the country flock to Seattle Center to attend this acclaimed festival, which has become one of the biggest and most-loved contemporary festivals in North America, while having maintained its Northwest spirit and innovative roots.”

42) Arise Music Festival

Credit: Eric Allen Photography

When: August 2020

Where: Sunrise Ranch, Loveland

ARISE Music Festival | Aug 2-4, 2019

“The ARISE Music Festival is much more than a music festival…it’s a movement.  Held on an organic ranch in a picturesque Colorado Rocky Mountain valley oasis just 60 minutes north of Denver. 3 days and nights of camping, music, art, workshops, films, yoga and so much more!

At the core of the ARISE mission is a firm belief that creating a festival experience which inspires positivity, joy and active engagement in issues of social justice is a call to celebrate the beauty and wonder of this precious life.”

ARISE plants 1 tree for every ticket sold.

43) Afropunk Festival

When: August 2020

Where: Atlanta & Brooklyn

https://ift.tt/MSy7Tl

AFROPUNK is an influential community of young, gifted people of all backgrounds who speak through music, art, film, comedy, fashion and more. AFROPUNK is a voice for the unwritten, unwelcome and unheard.

Afro: as in, born of African spirit and heritage; see also black (not always), see also rhythm and color, see also other, see also underdog.

Punk: as in, rebel, opposing the simple route, imbued with a DIY ethic, looking forward with simplicity, rawness and open curiosity; see also other, see also underdog.

AFROPUNK is defining culture by the collective creative actions of the individual and the group. It is a safe place, a blank space to freak out in, to construct a new reality, to live your life as you see fit, while making sense of the world around you.

“The AFROPUNK festival is not only a diverse multicultural music fest that has an international influence and platform, but also a growing movement of non-conforming, forward-looking creatives and individuals who live fearlessly and authentically within their unique truth.” – VOX ATL

44) Watershed Festival

When: July 31- August 2nd, 2020

Where: The Gorge Amphitheater, Washington

Genre: Country

https://ift.tt/1fqwdtb

Watershed Country Music Festival will return to the Gorge for a wild weekend of twangin’ goodness. Put on your “Shedder gear” (trucker hats?) and get ready for three whole days of down-home studs.

Watershed Music Festival is the largest country music festival in the Pacific Northwest and is a must-attend for country fans all over the U.S (and the entire world). Located at the beautiful Gorge Amphitheater, you’ll enjoy sets by the biggest names in country music with an unbeatable backdrop! 

45) Elements Lakewood Music & Arts Music Festival

When: May 22-25, 2020

Where: Lakewood, Pennsylvania

Genre: Various

https://ift.tt/2olyFIF

“Anticipate hidden forests, beachfront parties, wellness workshops, outdoor activities, interactive performers, and captivating experiences of all kinds. This is Elements Lakewood. We can’t wait to be back in the woods dancing, laughing, and inhibiting our own world together. Your energy and smiling faces inspire us to outdo ourselves each year.

We’ve been dreaming all year of creating new forest escapes, treehouses, and nique experiences to surprise you with. 2019 brings more immersive spaces to become a part of, unique art cars to climb on, large sculptures to explore, secret paths to uncover, exhibits to question, and alternate realities to enter.”

46) Snowglobe Music Festival

California’s Ultimate New Year’s Eve Festival

When: December 29 – January 1, 2019

Where: South Lake Tahoe, California

Website: https://ift.tt/GLp9tl

“Literally And Figuratively The Chillest Festival Ever.”

This 3-Day EDM Festival is the New Years Eve event of your winter dreams!  Spend your days snowboarding in the beautiful Lake Tahoe mountains, and then party all night to some of the world’s biggest electronic DJ’s!

47) The Common Ground Music Festival

When: June 2020

Where: Lansing

https://ift.tt/2VhHW6C

“The Common Ground Music Festival is a multiple-day music festival entering its 19th year. The festival has highlighted more than 400 artists including 38 Grammy award winners and 22 Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame inductees. Each July, more than 40,000 people come to Lansing, Michigan to enjoy the best in music, entertainment food, and beverage. This annual celebration features an outstanding lineup of musical acts, focusing on top-level, national and regional music performers of many genres including contemporary and classic rock, pop, alternative, country, hip hop, rhythm & blues, soul and more.”

48) Sonic Bloom Festival

Credit: Juliana Moskow

When:  June 18-21, 2020

Where: Spanish Peaks Country

https://ift.tt/1mSGFsP

“SONIC BLOOM is a 4-day camping festival that brings electronic music, dance, art and human performance together in an atmosphere that inspires open channels of co-creativity for everyone involved.”

Out of all the music festivals in Colorado, this is the one I’m DYING to go to.  It looks like such an amazing festival, and I know many friends who have gone and said how amazing it is.  The line-ups are always awesome, but the reason people go to is the VIBE.  If you’re looking for a good Colorado festival, then this should be your top priority (in my opinion).

49) Wet Electric Festival

Credit: Mix 247 EDM

When: April 2020

Where: Phoenix / Tempe   

Home

“Experience all the fun of a rowdy pool party with a banging electronic dance music festival at Wet Electric in Tempe, Arizona! The festival takes over an entire waterpark for two days filled with world-renowned DJs and electronic musicians, extravagant cabanas, wave pools, waterslides, several bars and more. Past performers include artists such as Paul Oakenfold, Lil Jon, The Crystal Method, Swanky Tunes, Robbie Rivera, Darude, Dash Berlin and many others.”

50) Boston Calling

When: May 2020

Where: Allston, Massachusetts 

https://ift.tt/2oXczCe

Genre: Various

“Across the street from Harvard Business School, a renowned music festival shakes up the scholarly vibes of nearby Cambridge, Massachusetts, once a year. While most music festivals tend to focus on a few genres, Boston Calling doesn’t discriminate between all the sounds you love; this is the kind of festival you attend when you’re a fan of music, through and through. If you’re the type of person who can go from dancing to lively electronic beats to headbanging to gnarly guitar riffs without delay, consider Boston Calling your music mecca.”

Best New Festival Coming to the US in 2020 

Primavera Sound Los Angeles

Earlier this year European festival juggernaut Primavera Sound announced they’d be premiering in the US in 2020 to celebrate its 20th anniversary! How exciting is that!? After living in Barcelona for two different summer, I know Primavera Sound means serious business, and I can’t wait to see what type of line-up they create in my home-state of California. 

When: September 19-20, 2020

Where: LA Historic State Park 

Bonus Special Event* Burning Man

When: August 30 – September 7, 2020

Where: Black Rock City, Nevada (Two Hours Away from Reno) 

https://burningman.org/

Last, I couldn’t complete this article discussing the best parties and events in the US without mentioning Burning Man. BUT – it’s NOT A MUSIC FESTIVAL, which is why I’ve added it as a bonus special event.

After attending Burning Man for the past two years though, I can say it’s one of the most magical and life-changing experiences! It’s a temporary city filled with countless themed camps, LED lights, dust storms, techno sunrise dances, amazing people, and unbeatable burner vibes. 

While it’s definitely the most challenging event on this list to prepare for, it’s by far the most rewarding and memorable. If you’re interested in attending Burning Man, feel free to reach out to me with any questions! I’m happy to discuss the 10 principles, best preparation methods, how to find a camp, and tips for getting tickets!

You can read through my articles on Burner Accessories & Burner Goggles though to help with the shopping list!

What USA Music Festivals do you think deserve a spot on this list…?

This list took me quite some time to put together, and I hope you’ve enjoyed reading it and finding some new events around the US! But I’d love to hear from you to see if I missed any specific event! There are thousands of festivals every year in the US (it’s a pretty massive country), so I couldn’t include all of them, but I do think I did a pretty great job at compiling the best US festivals in 2020!  

Looking for more music festivals in the USA?

My travel blog is filled with articles just like this that will help you find some of the most fun, magical, and awesome music festivals and parties around the United States. Check out a few of my favorite below, and feel free to reach out to me and let me know about any that I’m missing! 

Thanks for reading about the Best Music Festivals in the USA!

Share these 2020 US Festivals with your festival squad!

Related Posts

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TOP 50 Music Festivals in the USA • US Festival Bucket List [2020]

Looking for the best music festivals in the USA!? Well, you’ve come to the right place, because I’ve compiled the ultimate US festival bucket list to keep you plenty busy for many festival seasons to come!

In the last decade, the popularity of the festival industry and amount of new events hitting North America has been exponential, and every year they’ve just been getting bigger and better! From weekend-long camping adventures, dusk-til-dawn mega raves, and small boutique festivals – this list has got it covered! 

While attending ALL of these would require a significantly large amount of money, time, and energy – it would certainly be the adventure of a lifetime (and something I’m personally trying to achieve)!  

So without further ado, here’s what I think are…

Credit: Alive Coverage

1) Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival

Photo by Andrew Jorgensen

When: June 11-14, 2020

Where: Great Stage Park, Manchester, Tennessee

www.bonnaroo.com | www.facebook.com/bonnaroo

The most positive place on this planet, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience, every time.

“Bonnaroo is…Thousands of happy campers. 700 acres of Tennessee nature. 150 epic performances. 10+ Stages of music. Dozens of comedians. 4 of the best days ever. An escape into Excitement. Music. Art. Discoveries. Trees. Fresh Air. Green Grass. A mini film fest. Friends (Old / New). Adventure. Overwhelming happiness. Hugging a stranger by accident. Sharing and Generosity. Funky Dancing. Hyperbolic verbiage. System overload. The perfect bite of ice cream. Sandals. Fallovers. Chirping Birds. Flashing Lights. Food and Drink. Variety. Singing. Laughing. Short shorts. High-Fives. Rocky IV in the cinema tent at 3am. Spicy Pie. Memories. Someone dressed up like Teen Wolf. Holy Cow(!) Moments. Interesting factoids. Egg sandwiches. More music. Adventure. Deep Breaths. Big smiles. This. That. The Other. Hellos and Goodbyes and reminders of all that we have to celebrate and look forward to next year and in the future.”

Photo by Andrew Jorgensen

Bonnaroo features a diverse lineup of 150+ musicians and other performance artists every year. With 10+ stages and entertainment that goes ALL NIGHT LONG, you will NOT be bored. AND Camping at Bonnaroo is hardly “camping” by most definitions of the word – it’s a non-stop adventure of discovery and human connection with your fellow Bonnaroovians, and a key to the one-of-a-kind Bonnaroo experience.

Watch this incredible short film below for just a small glimpse about what Bonnaroo is all about!

2) Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival

When: Fri, Apr 10, 2020 – Sun, Apr 19, 2020 (Two Weekends)

Where: Empire Polo Club, Indio, California

Website: https://ift.tt/1ANevsK

Coachella is arguably the most iconic and famous music & arts festival in the United States (and quite possibly the entire world). If you haven’t been, I can guarantee you it’ll certainly be an experience that you’ll never forget. While it may be notoriously expensive, I personally think it’s worth every penny. Each year Coachella provides an undeniably impressive line-up spanning nearly every music genre, epic stage production, world-class food & drink vendors and a fantastic festival atmosphere.

Being a favorite among the dozens of quality music festivals in California, tickets do sell-out almost instantly, so make sure your festival squad plan ahead and scoop up some tickets while you can! I’ve attended Coachella in 2014 & 2018, and I had the time of my life, and can’t wait to return to the magical  Empire Polo Club for another round for Coachella 2020! 

Check out this Coachella after movie below for some stunning footage!

3) Governor’s Ball

Photo by Greg Noire via Gov Ball’s Facebook

When: June 5-7, 2020

Where: Randall’s Island Park, New York City

https://ift.tt/2j4ln1d

For the east coast residents looking to enjoy an unbelievable festival with the iconic NYC skyline as a backdrop, make your way to Governor’s Ball. Widely recognized as one of the biggest and best festivals in New York, this definitely deserves a top spot on your bucket list! Located on the beautiful and well-maintained Randall’s Island Park, festival-goers are treated to three days of world-class music, phenomenal stages, and good vibes. 

“We started all this 8 years ago because we were music lovers who lived in a city that needed – that deserved – a contemporary music festival. Music is always our primary focus, and with 60+ artists of all genres across 4 stages, there is something for everyone.”

4) Outside Lands Music Festival

When: August 7-9, 2020

Where: Golden Gate Park, San Fransisco, California

Website: https://ift.tt/2n7PdZe

Outside Lands is Northern California’s premiere music festival, and I can personally say that it’s an absolute blast! It’s a local favorite among San Franciscans, and there really is a special and relaxing festival vibe for these three days in Golden Gate Park. While tickets, food, and drink costs are rather high (like everything in SF), it’s an incredible event that you should definitely check out at least once! 

The line-ups are always super-diverse (and I always discover tons of new artists), the production is fantastic, and you’ll simply fall in love with the venue (located in the heart of San Francisco). While Outside Lands Music Festival finishes early (around 10 PM), the city is filled with afterparties and sideshows of the artists on the line-up, and it really is a great time to visit the city. If you don’t want to spend the money for the full 3-day general admission, just buy a one-day ticket for your preferred day of the line-up, and spend the rest of your time partying it up in San Francisco’s thriving nightlife scene

Read my festival reviews from 2017 & 2018:

 Outside Lands Music Festival: The Ultimate Golden Gate Park Party

Outside Lands Festival 2018 | Top 10 Weekend Highlights

5) Austin City Limits 

Photo by Sydney Gawlik

When: October 4 – Oct 13, 2019 (Two Weekends)

Where: Austin, Texas

https://ift.tt/2goek2e

2 Weekends, 8 Stages, and Over 130 bands

Since its first edition in 2002, Austin City Limits has grown to become one of the largest and most well-known festivals in the US! With its growth in popularity, it’s expanded to a two-weekend event that offers its attendees some of the best international artists spanning all genres, fine arts exhibits by local artists, and incredible Texas BBQ, as well dozens of other delicious food & drink vendors.

6) Lollapalooza

Credit: Charles Reagan

When: July 30- August 2, 2020

Where: Grant Park, Chicago

Genre: Various

https://ift.tt/2e5AEOR

“What started as a single-stage music showcase put together in 1991 by Perry Farrell, lead singer of Jane’s Addiction, has since evolved into a larger-than-life music experience like no other. Connecting with the city’s deep musical legacy, Lollapalooza set down roots and made Chicago its home in 2005—and it hasn’t looked back. Now a destination event, thousands of fans travel from around the world to experience the massive crowds, scenic lakefront setting, and incredible entertainment every summer.”

Lollapalooza is Chicago’s biggest (and longest) summer festival that brings together the biggest names in music every year! Located in the beautiful Grant Park with the Chicago skyline as a backdrop, it’s a four-day adventure that will surely be a highlight of your summer. Plus, you’ll be able to destroy those festival hangovers with some delicious deep-dish pizza! 

7) Ultra Music Festival

Photo credit: RUDGR

When: March 20-22, 2020

Where: Miami

https://ift.tt/1TDR79B

For over 20 years, ULTRA Music Festival has invited guests to downtown Miami for a weekend of top-notch electronic music, and in recent years, has been producing events in nearly every corner of the globe. From Australia to Japan, Buenos Aires to Croatia – ULTRA has proven repeatedly it’s one of the best music festival productions in the world. 

While in 2019, ULTRA was forced to move venues due to issues with the city of Miami, I’m stoked that ULTRA 2020 will be returning to its iconic venue of Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami, Florida. It’s always the main highlight of Miami Music Week, and is truly an experience that every EDM fan should experience at least once in their life. While ticket prices may be high for the average festival attendee, once you get a look at the star-studded line-up, it makes perfect sense! 

“For EDM fans around the world, Ultra in Miami is a must-stop on the international circuit. While most of the United States is shivering in parkas waiting for the summer festival season, Ultra fans are dancing their asses off in sunny Miami. The show always delivers surprises – both in the musical acts and the fans that attend.”

8) Firefly Music Festival

Credit: Alive Coverage

When: June 2020

Where: The Woodlands, Dover, Delaware

https://ift.tt/HTHiEm

“Taking place annually in the beautiful Woodlands of Dover, Delaware – Firelfy Music Festival is the East Coast’s largest music and camping festival! Featuring incredible live performances by genre-bending artists, unique food and drink vendors and a one-of-a-kind onsite camping experience, The Great Atlantic Campout, Firefly Music Festival has become a can’t miss summer event for legions of fans.”

“Firefly. This is like the new Glastonbury of America!”   – Marcus Mumford of Mumford and Sons

9) Electric Daisy Carnival

When: May 15-17, 2020

Where: Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas

Homepage

All Are Welcome Under the Electric Sky | Dusk Til’ Dawn

Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC for short) Las Vegas is the largest electronic dance music festival in North America, but pretty much every EDM fan already knows that. What started in 1997 as a warehouse party in Los Angeles, has turned into one of the wildest, massive, and mesmerizing dance music festivals in the entire world, and simply should be at TOP at every raver’s bucket list!  

Now I’ve personally attended EDC three different times now: the last edition that was hosted in Los Angeles (2011), the first year it was brought out to Las Vegas (2012), and once again in Vegas back in 2014. It truly is unlike any festival I’ve been to in the USA, and is one of the most impressive events in the world! I’ve gotta give it up to Pasquale Rotella and the team over Insomniac events because they go above & beyond to ensure the “headliners” (the attendees) all have a life-changing experience every year!! 

“EDC is a unique multi-day festival pushing the boundaries of imagination and setting standards in the live entertainment industry. By incorporating carnival themes and attractions, cutting-edge stage production, world-class talent, and innovative art and technology, EDC is more than an electronic music festival – it is an unparalleled multi-sensory experience unlike any other. The brand has created a passionate community of accepting fans that have turned EDC into a way of life. The foundation upon which the phenomenon was built is one of unity, love, self expression, and respect for one another.”

10) Electric Forest 

Image via Don Idio – https://ift.tt/2oV7eeP

When: Late June 2020

Where: Rothbury, Michigan

https://ift.tt/2Oq1RPq

“Have you ever felt anything like it? The beat of the bass charging the atmosphere with electrifying energy. Bolts of lightning streaking through the forest, arcing around the trees, and captivating the crowd into awe.A mind-melting experience of community, woodland, and rhythm bringing 45,000 people together every year in a musical-matrix of natural and electric vibrations…”

Out of all the US music festivals on this list, I’d argue that Electric Forest wins for having the best venue! Tucked deep in the woods of Michigan, once a year pops up a magical land filled magical lights & lasers shining through the massive trees, epic stages with performances from world-class artists, and top-notch vibes from the loving #ForestFamily. Make sure you snag tickets to this one early, because they are certainly hard to come by! It’s one of the most highly sought after music festivals in the country, and is guaranteed to be one of the highlights of your summer!   

While I have yet to attend myself, I’m really hoping that Electric Forest 2020 will be my year! Everyone I know who has been says nothing buy incredible things, and that it’s simply a place you have to visit to fully understand it! 

11) Hangout Festival

When: May 15-17, 2020

Where: The Gulf Shores, Alabama

https://ift.tt/VUw58j

Hangout Music Festival is a massive 3-Day beach extravaganza complete with beach clubs, ocean swimming, sailing expeditions, roller discos, free yoga, beach volleyball, a puppy kissing booth, Ferris wheel views, beautiful art installations, and so much more! While Alabama might not be the first place you think of for a “destination festival”, Hangout Music Festival is produced by Goldenvoice (the same company behind Coachella), so you know it’s guaranteed to be an incredible beach and music festival vacation. Take a look through their previous line-ups, and you’ll understand the talent they bring out. 

Join the Hangout Music Festival 2020 Facebook Event

12) South by South West (SXSW) 

Atmosphere – Outdoor Stage – Photo by David Brendan Hall

When: March 13-22, 2020

Where: Austin

Home

“It’s not that South by Southwest takes over Austin — downtown Austin becomes SXSW for nine days in March. Music, art, interactive, panels, comedy, and movies all vie for your attention span. Let’s put it this way. You could skip media for a year, come to Austin for the week, and still come out ahead on pop culture.

Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries. The event, an essential destination for global professionals, features sessions, showcases, screenings, exhibitions, and a variety of networking opportunities. SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together.”

  13) Electric Zoo 

When: End of August 2020

Where: Randall’s Island Park

http://electriczoo.com/

“Established in 2009 by Made Event, the internationally renowned Electric Zoo Festival is one of New York City’s largest music festivals and features the top names in electronic music, bringing a wide variety of acts from around the world and across the spectrum of electronic music’s various sub-genres. International editions of Electric Zoo have taken place in Mexico City, Tokyo, Shanghai, and São Paulo.

Electric Zoo celebrates the joy of electronic music every year by putting on one of the biggest, most immersive festival experiences in the world.”

It is said that change is not only a natural part of life but the only way to reveal true beauty. Just think about the metamorphosis that a caterpillar undergoes to become an exquisite butterfly. It’s pretty mind-blowing. Thus, we’ve taken such inspiration and tied it into this year’s theme, Electric Zoo: Evolved.

14) Kaaboo Del Mar Festival

Credit: Alive Coverage

When: September 18-20, 2020

Where: Petco Park

https://ift.tt/1EIlrIN

Southern California’s largest music, comedy, art and culinary festival!

“Forget what you know about music festivals, we’ve shifted the paradigm and built something new. KAABOO is the perfect weekend escape, described in a word that comes from whatever the hell we feel like yelling when we’re high on life and having fun. A curated three-day sound voyage that combines rock-n-roll music and tastemaking events in a modern wonderland on the warm shores of the pacific. Where every detail is designed for your enjoyment and clean, comfortable amenities inspire you to break from your busy life, let loose and enjoy the experience. Welcome to KAABOO, the place where all of your senses align.”

And exciting news, that beginning in September 2020, KAABOO Del Mar, will celebrate its sixth festival event with a move to America’s number one ballpark (Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres) and its surrounding venues, and will feature a variety of headlining music hitmakers and legends of varying genres, and offer an unrivaled level of entertainment throughout the weekend.

15) BUKU Music + Art Project

Credit: Alive Coverage

When: March 20-21, 2020

Where: New Orleans, Louisiana

https://ift.tt/2QBnEVY

Urban music+art festival meets epic warehouse party celebrating the progressive subculture of New Orleans.

“Buku is a New Orleans playground. The lines between fan and performer are blurred. Am I looking at art or sitting on it? Does it matter? Let go and immerse yourself in: BUKULTURE. Music & art feel different like this! We believe in those who strive to be dope. Originality, creativity, freedom, and community is our anthem. If you’re in the BUKREWE, you know! If not, come join us”

16) Lightning In A Bottle

When: May 20-25, 2020

Where: Buena Vista Lake, Kern County, California

https://ift.tt/RiiYhm

Lightning in a Bottle, or more commonly referred to as “LIB”, is one of the largest transformational music festivals in the USA

While it always boasts an incredible electronic line-up, there is much to more to this spiritually awakening festival.  Many friends of mine have called it their favorite festival they’ve ever attended, and it will easily be a life-changing festival experience.  Go to some workshops, do some yoga, take a refreshing dip in the lake, watch the sunrise, and party like there’s no tomorrow!

Celebrating Art, Music, Performance, Sustainability & Life. 

“The history of LIB spans more than a decade, and friends, family, and co-horts of The Do LaB are thrilled and astounded that it’s been more than ten years of making miracles and catching Lightning in a Bottle!”

17) Shaky Knees Music Festival

When: May 20-25, 2020

Where: Central Park, Atlanta, Georgia

https://ift.tt/2jdX8hF

“Drawing in nearly 40,000 attendees, Shaky Knees Festival brings a highly desired indie scene to the streets of downtown Atlanta, Georgia. In an era where most festival headliners feature a variation of EDM/DJ acts, Shaky Knees lives to show another side of modern-day music.

With more than 60 bands each year Shaky Knees is a rock lover’s dream. Since its inception in 2013, Shaky Knees has featured a diverse lineup ranging from world-renowned acts to up-and-coming artists.”

18) Made in America 

Credit: Matthew Chen

When: August / September (Labor Day weekend)

Where: Philadelphia

Home

“The Made in America music festival is a massive musical celebration that takes over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway each Labor Day weekend in Philadelphia. With dozens of top performers and multiple stages on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the two-day music festival curated by Jay-Z is one of the year’s can’t-miss events. Every year, Jay-Z hand-picks a lineup of both established and up-and-coming musicians to perform throughout the weekend — and sometimes, you can even find Jay-Z singing along in the crowd.”

Credit: Michael Allen

19) Summerfest

When: June 24- July 5, 2020

Where: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

http://summerfest.com/

“Summerfest presented by American Family Insurance is the World’s Largest Music Festival and Milwaukee’s cornerstone summer celebration that attracts the music industry’s hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites.”

Lasting for over 11 days across 11 different stages, and 800 performances – Summerfest is attended by a staggering 800,000 people! So check it out for one day, or all 11, but just make sure you add it to your US festival bucket list!

Join the Summerfest 2020 Facebook Event

20) Lost Lands

Image via https://ift.tt/2oV7eeP

When: September 27-29, 2019

Where: Thornville, Ohio

Genre: EDM, Bass, Dubstep

Lost Lands 2019 Home Page

ESCAPE THE CONFINES OF THE WORLD OUTSIDE AND FIND YOURSELF IN AN IMMERSIVE ENVIRONMENT SURROUNDED BY DINOSAURS, BEATS, AND BASS. LOST LANDS MANIFESTS A FORWARD-THINKING VISION TO DELIVER AN UNFORGETTABLE FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE AND UNITE HEADBANGERS TOGETHER AS ONE TRIBE.

“Experience Lost Lands, presented by Excision, at the beautiful Legend Valley in Thornville, OH this September! See the land before time in all its glory — dinosaurs included. The insane Lost Lands lineup is curated by Excision himself, & it’s sure to rattle the fields right down to their core.  Grab your tickets and catch the top artists from the past 65 million years and join us for the filthiest 3 days of bass you have ever experienced!”

21) Movement Electronic

Credit: Katie Laskowska

When: Memorial Day Weekend 2020

Where: Detroit

https://www.movement.us

“Each year on Memorial Day weekend, thousands of people from across the globe gather in the birthplace of Techno to celebrate the heritage of Detroit and its musical influence over countless generations, new and old. Movement Music Festival is one of the longest-running dance music events in the world, committed to showcasing authentic electronic music and providing an experience unlike any other. The festival takes place in Hart Plaza – Detroit’s legendary riverfront destination. ”

22) Groove Cruise

When: January 9-13, 2020  

Departing: Miami 

OFFICIAL GROOVE CRUISE WEBSITE

Groove Cruise is the OG music festival cruise, and will without-a-doubt be one of the best experiences of your life! I’ve personally attended three different Groove Cruise voyages, and it’s truly the most loving atmosphere I’ve ever encountered in the music festival industry. There’s something unexplainably magical that occurs when the #GCFAM gets together, and they always deliver stacked line-ups with a mix of EDM, House, Trance, and Techno, as well provide a deliver a wide variety of unique activities onboard the cruise. Plus, they sail to beautiful locations in the Caribbean and Meixico, so it’s the perfect music vacation for music festival lovers!

Check out my Groove Cruise festival reviews for a bit more information, and I hope to see you on board!

23) Life is Beautiful 

Credit: Alive Coverage

When: September 2020

Where: Downtown Las Vegas

https://ift.tt/1Ap4TrE

“Life is Beautiful takes over Downtown Las Vegas for a three-day weekend each year, promising festival-goers a host of surprises in four key areas: Art, Music, Food and Learning – truly providing something for everyone. The lineup mixes popular acts such as Imagine Dragons, Kendrick Lamar, Major Lazer, Brandon Flowers and Hozier with classic icons such as Duran Duran and Stevie Wonder.

Street art, huge murals, installations and a multi-sensory Art Motel entice art-lovers, and a VIP area – complete with celebrity chef cooking demos, real grass to lounge on and free lemonade – helps you forget the desert heat.”

24) Imagine Music Festival

When: September 2020

Where: Atlanta Motor Speedway, Atlanta

https://ift.tt/1lsxj5G

We look forward to bringing your imagination to life! Welcome to the Imagine Music Festival.

When it comes to the best EDM festivals in America, this is the ONE I’m personally dying to check out myself! Everyone I know who has attended has expressed how amazing it is, and every year the Imagine Festival crew wow their attendees with stacked line-ups, impressive stage designs, and unbeatable rave community vibes!

  It’s no surprise it’s recently been voted as one of “Top 20 Festivals in the World” by Fest300, as well as in the “Top Ten Emerging Music Festivals by USA Today”!  

  “When Imagine Music Festival arrives, the event will transport festival-goers to an immersive aquatic fairytale featuring multiple magnificent stages with world-class sound and lighting production. Wander through fantastic atmospheres filled with mind-bending circus performers, mermaids, sea creatures, art installations, vendors, CAMPING and more, creating an unforgettable 360-degree experience.”

  25) HARD Summer Music Festival

Credit: Doug Van Sant

When: August 2020

Where: The Speedway in Fontana, San Bernadino, California

Homepage

This annual two-day mega-festival has been a Southern California favorite for over a decade, and always manages to put together an unbelievably stacked line-up, incredible stage production, and overall stellar festival experience. 

The team over at HARD Events has been a key player in the growth of the EDM scene in the United States, and fun fact, my first massive rave in the USA was HARD Haunted Mansion back in 2009! From producing events like HARD Day of the Dead, Holy Ship, and HARD Red Rocks: attending one of their events will always impress!

26) Paradiso Festival

When: June 2020

Where: The Gorge Amphitheatre, Washington

https://ift.tt/1s0R77h

“Each year we come together on a pilgrimage to find a balance between a modern digital world and the natural environment surrounding us. Experience three stages with world-class visuals & audio production, thrilling rides & attractions, some of the biggest names in electronic dance music, a stunning natural backdrop you have to see to believe, and the best part of all, the Paradiso family.

In the distance, do you hear it? A warm whisper calling out to those spirits yearning for wanderlust that vows to lead those who follow to a paradise where nature and technology seamlessly coexist. This promise is for those who don’t seek to stand still, but instead jump headfirst into the motion in the hopes of discovering adventures hidden just over the horizon. Will you be one of those who answer the call?

27) ROLLING LOUD 

Rolling Loud LA 2019 Line-Up

When: December 14-15, 2019 September & October 2020

Where: Miami, Flordia | Oakland, California | Queens, NY

https://ift.tt/15wlY52

 “Rolling Loud Festival is a 3-day music event that started in Miami, FL and is now the largest Hip-Hop festival in the world. We now also hosts festivals in Northern California and Southern California, with plans to expand internationally to Japan, China and Europe in the near future. Some of the biggest names that have performed on the Rolling Loud stage includes the likes of Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Future, Lil Wayne, A$AP Rocky, Travis Scott, Young Thug, Post Malone, Migos, Kodak Black, Lil Uzi Vert, 21 Savage, Lil Yachty, Lil B, and many more.”

For the hip-hop festival fans out there, this should definitely be on your dream festivals! 

28) Pitchfork Music Festival

When: July 2020

Where: Union Park, Chicago

Genre: Alternative Rock / Indie / Electronic / Hip Hop

https://ift.tt/30Or7lc

“Celebrating its 14th year in 2019, the internationally recognized Pitchfork Music Festival presents 40+ acts over the course of three days each summer in Chicago’s Union Park. The festival highlights the best in new and emerging music. Since 2006, this independently run festival has consistently proven to be one of the most welcoming, comfortable, reasonably priced, and rewarding weekends of music around.

Hosting 60,000 attendees of all ages from 45 states and 26 countries, Pitchfork Music Festival offers a wide array of activities beyond the music. With 50 individual vendors, as well as specialty record and craft fairs, the festival works to support local businesses while promoting the Chicago arts and food communities as a whole. We maintain a commitment to keeping ticket prices low, providing new and useful amenities, and working with the city’s best local vendors each year. Stay tuned for more festival feature updates.”

29) New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

When: April 23- May 3, 2020

Where: Union Park, Chicago

Genre: Jazz

https://ift.tt/s4YWq3

For all the jazz fans out there, if the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival isn’t on your bucket list yet, then you’re not a true jazz fan! It’s one of the longest-running and largest jazz festivals in the USA, and is the perfect time to visit the great city of New Orleans!

“Started in 1970, “Jazz Fest” continues to showcase the most important names in music both locally and nationally. Celebrating 49 years of musical and cultural memories, Jazz Fest stands alone in presenting the highest caliber artists in such varied genres as gospel, blues, traditional and contemporary jazz, rock, R&B, Cajun, country, zydeco and much more.”

30) Louder Than Life Rock Festival

The Largest Rock Festival in America

When: September 2020

Where: Highland Festival Grounds, Louisville, Kentucky

Genre: Rock

https://ift.tt/1hjNDLo

Complete with dozens of the biggest names in rock & roll, massive stages, and unique bars – the annual Louder Than Life festival is an adventure every rocker needs to experience for themselves. The 2019 line-up included headling sets from Guns N Roses, Slipknot, Rob Zombie, Marlilyn Manson, and tons more! There aretons of delicious food & drink options spread around the epic festival grounds and lots of unique festival experiences for attendees to check out during these three-days of incredible rock music!

31) Friendship

When: January 6-10, 2020

Where:  Miami

https://ift.tt/2Mh4KiP

2018 was the inaugural sold-out cruise for the brand new festival cruise, “FRIENDSHIP”. With a star-studded line-up with names like Boys Noize, Dixon, and Rufus Du Sol – it looked like an epic time! I had some friends who went (who even got engaged during one of Destructo’s legendary sets), and they had nothing but great things to say about it.  It’s one of the new music festival cruises in the scene, but I’ve got a feeling the Friendship will be around for many years to come!

Friendship is returning for their 2nd voyage from January 6-10, departing from Miami and sailing to the iconic CocoCay island in the Bahamas! With a jam-packed line-up, awesome activities, and incredible vibes – it’s going to be a top-notch experience for all those who are lucky enough to book a room on board!

“Get ready to cruise out with some of the best international music acts aboard a glamorous ship to sea. It’s the perfect setting to make new friends and gather with old ones. States DESTRUCTO, “There is a place where my friends and I go and we do fun things—the kind of fun things that build everlasting memories that I could never put a price on and I absolutely never could because these times are priceless and irreplaceable. At the end when I look back and reminisce about these times I had and the experiences that molded me and watered me enough to grow, I’ll think about all the friends I’ve made along the way and how I am a part of their story and they are more than all my friends. They are all my family. That is FRIENDSHIP.”

32) iHeart Radio Music Festival

Photo via iHeartRadio Facebook

When: September 2020

Where: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas

https://ift.tt/2MuYDFE

“Since 2011, iHeartRadio Music Festival has taken place each year in Las Vegas, in September. It boasts a myriad of world-class musical acts, and has quickly become a fixture on the festival scene. For the first several years, the festival was held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. However, as of last year, the main festival stage was moved to the T-Mobile Arena. But that’s not the only place to see great music: the festival also features the iHeartRadio Daytime Village, a second venue that features additional up and coming acts.

As an attendee at this amazing festival, you are treated to performance after performance, both indoors and outdoors, all weekend long. Prepare for music overload, in the best way possible! This is truly the experience of a lifetime for music lovers of all ages. As you’ll see in a moment as we divulge this year’s lineup, it’s really no surprise that this festival has established itself as one of the most well-known and well-regarded music experiences in such a short time.”

33) Stagecoach Music Festival

When: April 26-28, 2019

Where: Indio, California

https://ift.tt/2oVuJV4

“The five-day transformation from the massive Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival into Stagecoach: California’s Country Music Festival by the Los Angeles-based Goldenvoice company is always shocking to people who go to both events. 

Instead of surreal and sometimes psychedelic installation art of Coachella, there are giant cowboy boots and a bronze bucking horse. The attire morphs from flower crowns and H&M branded fashions to red, white and blue everything – including shirts, pants, bandannas and long flowing sashes bearing the U.S. flag. Held at Indio’s Empire Polo Club, this festival celebrates new and established country music artists.”

34) Camp Bisco

When: July 2020

Where: Montage Mountain, Scranton, Pennsylvania 

Genre: Electronic

http://campbisco.com

“Camp Bisco is an outdoor music festival held at the picturesque Montage Mountain, a world-class concert venue & waterpark located in Scranton, PA. Camp Bisco is a 3-day, rain-or-shine event with camping. Camp Bisco will feature 3 days and nights of music on 3 stages. Anyone who has been before can tell you, Camp Bisco is the best event of its kind and we’re so excited to see you all again! Join us at Montage Mountain for our 17th installment of this amazing weekend for the ultimate escape to your reality.”

35) Wanderlust Festival

Credit: Melissa Gayle Photography

When: July 2020 Dates TBA

Where: Various Locations

Website: https://ift.tt/23ZVpPh

Wanderlust is different than your standard music festival, as it’s more of a retreat/ getaway/ vacation with a big emphasis on music and community! The few friends I know who have attended told me it’s truly special, and they can’t wait to them for many years to come! 

They also host events ALL around the world, so definitely worth checking out their website and keeping up-to-date with their calendar if you’re into this type of transformational event!

“This Way to True North.

For 10 years, Wanderlust has gathered teachers, experts, musicians, and creators at stunning resorts for transformational experiences—each unique unto itself. Over the last decade, yogis have grown their practice, connected with community, and made life-altering discoveries. To celebrate our tenth year, we’re making our festivals accessible to all.

From mountain resorts to majestic city parks, 4-day retreats to 2-day urban escapes, the festival experience is now within your grasp. Step into what’s beyond: new ideas, new friends, new foods, new moves. And at the end of all this blissed-out exploring you’ll find you’ve come home—to yourself.

Music is the heartbeat of Wanderlust festivals. You’ll feel the pulse in the subtle spinning of a brilliant DJ, in the sweet rhythms of our acoustic meditations, and classes accompanied by perfectly paired beats will leave your body awash in energy. Whatever your taste, the musical discoveries that await at Wanderlust will leave you with new favorites for practice and party alike.”

36) Dirtybird Campout

Credit: Aaron Glassman

You’re never too old to go to summer camp! Dust off your camping gear and calibrate your compasses, Dirtybird Campout is coming…

When: October 2020

Where: Modesto Reservoir Campgrounds, California

Website: https://ift.tt/1LHQLwz

“What remains most special about Dirtybird Campout is its ability to craft an intimate space for guests to let their inner children out to play and create unforgettable memories, soundtracked by top selectors in house, techno, and bass. Campers are invited to immerse themselves in a wide variety of activities just steps away from camp and the stages—from tug-of-war to archery, to kickball—often alongside DIRTYBIRD ‘Camp Counselors’ themselves. It’s this open and fun atmosphere that keeps its ranks filled year after year. 

So I’ve been a HUGE fan of the Dirtybird Record label for a long time, and Dirtybird Campout is the annual event that’s an unforgettable adult summer camp/music festival experience. It started in 2015, and has grown bigger, better, and wilder every year! Definitely add this one to your list!

Read my Dirtybird Campout 2016 Festival Review to get a better understanding!

“Whether you went to summer camp back in the day, or found yourself at Campout over the last four years, those memories of sun-drenched hours full of outdoor activities, hazy summer afternoons, and sleepless nights under the stars, have fostered an unmatched sense of belonging and an unparalleled community for many. It is this family feel that has made Dirtybird Campout one of North America’s most celebrated and unique festival weekends.”

37) Decadence Arizona

Arizona’s Biggest New Year’s Eve Celebration Music Festival

Decadence 2018 | Photo by Jacob Tyler Dunn

When: December 30-31, 2019

Where: Chandler

https://ift.tt/2bDzR5G

“Decadence is a 2-day New Year’s Eve experience that features a diverse lineup of artists that is sure to please all… If you live on the West-coast, love music, and yearn for adventure… you will want to gather your friends and make the journey to DECADENCE where you can say your final goodbyes to 2019 and kick off 2020 with a BANG.”

  38) Lucidity Festival

When: April 10-12, 2020

Where: Live Oak Campground, Santa Barbara, California

Website:  https://ift.tt/2ImxHsH

Sound baths, acro yoga, dance workshops, fire breathers, circus performers, food vendors, fashion stalls, blacklight tea parties, cacao ceremonies, art galleries, epic DJ’s, live bands, crazy costumes, and an incredible amount of Oxytocin filled hugging. I had an unbelievably magical experience at Lucidity Festival, and think the world would be a better place if everyone attended it once in their life.

It’s truly one of the most unique, colorful, and intimate community-oriented camping festivals I’ve ever attended!  

Check out my review article about my experience here:  Ludicity Festival – Rising Dawn | Top 12 Festival Highlights!  I, unfortunately, I couldn’t make it back for the 2019 edition since I was traveling through Spain, but I’m really hoping to make a return for 2020!!

39) Voodoo Festival

Credit: Sydney Gawlik

When: October 25-27, 2019

Where: City Park, New Orleans, Lousisiana 

https://ift.tt/2nYtJgl

“Voodoo is a musical gumbo stirring together music, art, community, cuisine and all the mystery and adventure that Halloween weekend in New Orleans conjures up. With more than 65 bands over three days, Voodoo is more than just a Festival – it is an experience. There’s plenty to do in between sets. Across the Festival Grounds of City Park, Voodoo hosts interactive and immersive large-scale art installations, the Brew Dat Beer Hall and the House of Blues Voodoo, a handcrafted shopping experience at the Market Place, and more”

40) Okeechobee Music Festival

When: March 5-8, 2020

Where: Okeechobee

Homepage

“Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival is a 4-day surreal experience, filled with multi-genre music, immersive art and transformative events, deep in the heart of Florida’s wild wilderness. A gathering of all walks of life where the common ground is music, magic and mystery from dusk til dawn.”

“Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival burst onto the Florida scene in 2016 and immediately become a fan favorite. Taking place in early March, Okeechobee is now the first major music festival of the US festival season and provides a glimpse of touring summertime artists. The festival’s home at Sunshine Grove is a treat for campers with lush grassy fields, a sandy beach, and a majestic grove.”

  The Okeechobee Music + Arts Festival is back this year for a full weekend of music, camping, art, and unique transformational experiences! The festival will take place amongst 800 acres of lush grasslands, lakes, woods, and jungle in Sunshine Grove, Florida, with nature-filled and lakeside camping options.

In addition to OMF’s three main stages, dance music lovers will gravitate towards Jungle 51, a dusk till dawn dance party nestled in the heart of the jungle that has hosted some of the biggest names in house and techno in recent years. From dawn till dusk, OMF attendees will again be able to experience Aquachobee Beach, situated in the scenic background where Sunshine Grove’s jungle meets the white sand beach, that will give Okeechobeeings the chance to catch daytime live music sets while swimming and sunbathing.

Camp OMF 2020 will kick-off on Thursday, March 5 with a nighttime pre-party, and each day, Chobeewobee Village will feature an eclectic mix of immersive art, food & beverage offerings,  performances, yoga classes, life-enhancing workshops, speakers, as well as its signature artisan vendors in a bazaar-style experience. Also on site, a 24-hour general store, 24-hour food options, showers, free portalets, and local and craft food and beverage options complete the experience. Featuring an array of comfortable accommodations varying from tent camping to deluxe preset RV and glamping, all Okeechobee 2020 ticket and camping options can be explored.

41) Bumbershoot Festival

When: Labor Day Weekend, September 2020

Where: Seattle, Washington

https://ift.tt/2q2UxNX

“Now approaching half a century, Bumbershoot is one of Seattle’s largest cultural touchstones. Each year, thousands of people from across the country flock to Seattle Center to attend this acclaimed festival, which has become one of the biggest and most-loved contemporary festivals in North America, while having maintained its Northwest spirit and innovative roots.”

42) Arise Music Festival

Credit: Eric Allen Photography

When: August 2020

Where: Sunrise Ranch, Loveland

ARISE Music Festival | Aug 2-4, 2019

“The ARISE Music Festival is much more than a music festival…it’s a movement.  Held on an organic ranch in a picturesque Colorado Rocky Mountain valley oasis just 60 minutes north of Denver. 3 days and nights of camping, music, art, workshops, films, yoga and so much more!

At the core of the ARISE mission is a firm belief that creating a festival experience which inspires positivity, joy and active engagement in issues of social justice is a call to celebrate the beauty and wonder of this precious life.”

ARISE plants 1 tree for every ticket sold.

43) Afropunk Festival

When: August 2020

Where: Atlanta & Brooklyn

https://ift.tt/MSy7Tl

AFROPUNK is an influential community of young, gifted people of all backgrounds who speak through music, art, film, comedy, fashion and more. AFROPUNK is a voice for the unwritten, unwelcome and unheard.

Afro: as in, born of African spirit and heritage; see also black (not always), see also rhythm and color, see also other, see also underdog.

Punk: as in, rebel, opposing the simple route, imbued with a DIY ethic, looking forward with simplicity, rawness and open curiosity; see also other, see also underdog.

AFROPUNK is defining culture by the collective creative actions of the individual and the group. It is a safe place, a blank space to freak out in, to construct a new reality, to live your life as you see fit, while making sense of the world around you.

“The AFROPUNK festival is not only a diverse multicultural music fest that has an international influence and platform, but also a growing movement of non-conforming, forward-looking creatives and individuals who live fearlessly and authentically within their unique truth.” – VOX ATL

44) Watershed Festival

When: July 31- August 2nd, 2020

Where: The Gorge Amphitheater, Washington

Genre: Country

https://ift.tt/1fqwdtb

Watershed Country Music Festival will return to the Gorge for a wild weekend of twangin’ goodness. Put on your “Shedder gear” (trucker hats?) and get ready for three whole days of down-home studs.

Watershed Music Festival is the largest country music festival in the Pacific Northwest and is a must-attend for country fans all over the U.S (and the entire world). Located at the beautiful Gorge Amphitheater, you’ll enjoy sets by the biggest names in country music with an unbeatable backdrop! 

45) Elements Lakewood Music & Arts Music Festival

When: May 22-25, 2020

Where: Lakewood, Pennsylvania

Genre: Various

https://ift.tt/2olyFIF

“Anticipate hidden forests, beachfront parties, wellness workshops, outdoor activities, interactive performers, and captivating experiences of all kinds. This is Elements Lakewood. We can’t wait to be back in the woods dancing, laughing, and inhibiting our own world together. Your energy and smiling faces inspire us to outdo ourselves each year.

We’ve been dreaming all year of creating new forest escapes, treehouses, and nique experiences to surprise you with. 2019 brings more immersive spaces to become a part of, unique art cars to climb on, large sculptures to explore, secret paths to uncover, exhibits to question, and alternate realities to enter.”

46) Snowglobe Music Festival

California’s Ultimate New Year’s Eve Festival

When: December 29 – January 1, 2019

Where: South Lake Tahoe, California

Website: https://ift.tt/GLp9tl

“Literally And Figuratively The Chillest Festival Ever.”

This 3-Day EDM Festival is the New Years Eve event of your winter dreams!  Spend your days snowboarding in the beautiful Lake Tahoe mountains, and then party all night to some of the world’s biggest electronic DJ’s!

47) The Common Ground Music Festival

When: June 2020

Where: Lansing

https://ift.tt/2VhHW6C

“The Common Ground Music Festival is a multiple-day music festival entering its 19th year. The festival has highlighted more than 400 artists including 38 Grammy award winners and 22 Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame inductees. Each July, more than 40,000 people come to Lansing, Michigan to enjoy the best in music, entertainment food, and beverage. This annual celebration features an outstanding lineup of musical acts, focusing on top-level, national and regional music performers of many genres including contemporary and classic rock, pop, alternative, country, hip hop, rhythm & blues, soul and more.”

48) Sonic Bloom Festival

Credit: Juliana Moskow

When:  June 18-21, 2020

Where: Spanish Peaks Country

https://ift.tt/1mSGFsP

“SONIC BLOOM is a 4-day camping festival that brings electronic music, dance, art and human performance together in an atmosphere that inspires open channels of co-creativity for everyone involved.”

Out of all the music festivals in Colorado, this is the one I’m DYING to go to.  It looks like such an amazing festival, and I know many friends who have gone and said how amazing it is.  The line-ups are always awesome, but the reason people go to is the VIBE.  If you’re looking for a good Colorado festival, then this should be your top priority (in my opinion).

49) Wet Electric Festival

Credit: Mix 247 EDM

When: April 2020

Where: Phoenix / Tempe   

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“Experience all the fun of a rowdy pool party with a banging electronic dance music festival at Wet Electric in Tempe, Arizona! The festival takes over an entire waterpark for two days filled with world-renowned DJs and electronic musicians, extravagant cabanas, wave pools, waterslides, several bars and more. Past performers include artists such as Paul Oakenfold, Lil Jon, The Crystal Method, Swanky Tunes, Robbie Rivera, Darude, Dash Berlin and many others.”

50) Boston Calling

When: May 2020

Where: Allston, Massachusetts 

https://ift.tt/2oXczCe

Genre: Various

“Across the street from Harvard Business School, a renowned music festival shakes up the scholarly vibes of nearby Cambridge, Massachusetts, once a year. While most music festivals tend to focus on a few genres, Boston Calling doesn’t discriminate between all the sounds you love; this is the kind of festival you attend when you’re a fan of music, through and through. If you’re the type of person who can go from dancing to lively electronic beats to headbanging to gnarly guitar riffs without delay, consider Boston Calling your music mecca.”

Best New Festival Coming to the US in 2020 

Primavera Sound Los Angeles

Earlier this year European festival juggernaut Primavera Sound announced they’d be premiering in the US in 2020 to celebrate its 20th anniversary! How exciting is that!? After living in Barcelona for two different summer, I know Primavera Sound means serious business, and I can’t wait to see what type of line-up they create in my home-state of California. 

When: September 19-20, 2020

Where: LA Historic State Park 

Bonus Special Event* Burning Man

When: August 30 – September 7, 2020

Where: Black Rock City, Nevada (Two Hours Away from Reno) 

https://burningman.org/

Last, I couldn’t complete this article discussing the best parties and events in the US without mentioning Burning Man. BUT – it’s NOT A MUSIC FESTIVAL, which is why I’ve added it as a bonus special event.

After attending Burning Man for the past two years though, I can say it’s one of the most magical and life-changing experiences! It’s a temporary city filled with countless themed camps, LED lights, dust storms, techno sunrise dances, amazing people, and unbeatable burner vibes. 

While it’s definitely the most challenging event on this list to prepare for, it’s by far the most rewarding and memorable. If you’re interested in attending Burning Man, feel free to reach out to me with any questions! I’m happy to discuss the 10 principles, best preparation methods, how to find a camp, and tips for getting tickets!

You can read through my articles on Burner Accessories & Burner Goggles though to help with the shopping list!

What USA Music Festivals do you think deserve a spot on this list…?

This list took me quite some time to put together, and I hope you’ve enjoyed reading it and finding some new events around the US! But I’d love to hear from you to see if I missed any specific event! There are thousands of festivals every year in the US (it’s a pretty massive country), so I couldn’t include all of them, but I do think I did a pretty great job at compiling the best US festivals in 2020!  

Looking for more music festivals in the USA?

My travel blog is filled with articles just like this that will help you find some of the most fun, magical, and awesome music festivals and parties around the United States. Check out a few of my favorite below, and feel free to reach out to me and let me know about any that I’m missing! 

Thanks for reading about the Best Music Festivals in the USA!

Share these 2020 US Festivals with your festival squad!

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