Let it Rock: Summer Music Festivals Worth The Road Trip

By Sues

Who doesn’t love a good summer road trip? Especially if that road trip involves music. And I’m not just talking about turning up some old-school Madonna and rocking out in the car; I’m talking about days and days of awesome live music once you reach your destination.

Concerts are fun, but outdoor music festivals are memorable. They are life experiences. And they give you a lot more music bang for your buck. Looking to get away this summer? Why not grab some friends, pack up the car and head out to the biggest music festivals of the summer. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out. And if you’re lucky, you might even be able to hit them all!

Bonnaroo (Manchester, TN) -  June 11-14

You’ve likely heard of Bonnaroo, because it’s that good (and a total hippie fest). It’s actually become so successful that the people behind the festival bought the 7 acre farm where it happens every year! Although, I think the orginal owners were just getting upset about all the public urination and free love. But I bet you didn’t know that it’s a lot more than just music going on, from comedians, to art, workshops, and lots more.

But it’s really the music we care about, right? So, let’s get to it. My top choices performing at the Big Bon this year are: Wilco, MGMT, Phish, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Snoop Dog, Girl Talk, Of Montreal, Gomez, Jenny Lewis, Al Green, and plenty more.

Oh, and Jimmy Fallon is going to be there too. Not exactly sure what he’s got planned, but he’s in the lineup. All in all, a perfect summer weekend filled with music, friends and whatever other stuff you happen to stumble on while you’re there…

Lollapalooaza (Chicago, IL)- July 7-9

Lollapalooza is a definitely must-see festival for anyone who cares anything about music. It was once a traveling festival, but now it stands still for its 2 days. Luckily it stands still in Chicago, which is already an awesome place to visit. So, no complaints about getting to travel to Chicago AND getting to see tons of awesome bands at Lolla.

Who is it that’s so awesome? Gosh, where do I even start? Some of my favorites include The Killers, Kings of Leon, TV on the Radio, Neko Case, Band of Horses, Ben Folds, Vampire Weekend, Gomez, Lykke Li, and Bon Iver. Seriously, I could keep going but I’m containing myself. Also performing are Snoop Dogg, Asher Roth, Tool, Jane’s Addiction, Depeche Mode, Animal Collective, and tons and tons more. Basically, you can listen to all this amazing music while staring at the Chicago skyline. Sigh. Does it get any better than this?

All Points West (Jersey City, New Jersey)- July 31- August 2

It’s only the second year for the All Points West festival and it already has a totally rocking lineup. I mean, the festival is sometimes referred to as Coachella East, so you know it’s gonna be a good one.

Not only do you get to listen to fabulous music, but All Points West is working on taking the green initiative. They’re offering ferry service to get to the festival site, special parking for carpoolers, and a recycling program.

Some of the performers I’m more excited about at All Points West include Fleet Foxes, MGMT, Coldplay, the Gaslight Anthem, Beastie Boys, and Vampire Weekend. Not to mention, the kids from College Humor will be at the festival entertaining everyone. These are 3 days you will really regret missing.

Austin City Limits (Austin, TX)- Oct. 2-4

So, it’s not technically summer anymore, but I still think of Austin City Limits as being a summer tour. It’s actually the perfect time and location. Wherever you are, it could be starting to get cool outside come the start of October, but October in Austin is still nice and summery. So extend your summer and jam out at Austin City Limits.

The festival started in 2002 and gets bigger and bigger every year. This is one of my favorite festivals and it has some of the best music. For instance, this year’s Austin City Limits boasts Dave Matthews Band, Pearl Jam, Kings of Leon, John Legend, Sonic Youth, Bon Iver, Girl Talk, Brett Dennen, Andrew Bird, and about a billion more. Actually, there are about 130 bands, so you do the math. Lots of times, the best bands at Austin City Limits play secondary “secret” shows around town, so even if you can’t get close to the stage during the show, you can attempt to seek these out. And of course, you might be able to get up close and personal if you watch PBS’s Austin City Limits show, which often airs performances from the festival.