With all the free time and sunshine that summer brings, there’s no better time to pile in the car with your friends and take a road trip. And there’s no better destination than a 3-day music festival. Is there anything better than lounging on a blanket, soaking up the sun and listening to your favorite songs!? I think not.

If you’ve got a little extra time on your hands this summer (or if you are desperate to get away from the overbearing parental units), there are plenty of music festivals you can hit up. All are awesome, all are chock full of some pretty great music, and all are a great way to reconnect with your college friends you had to leave behind when finals ended.

Lollapalooza: August 6-8th, Grant Park, Chicago
I’m literally hyperventilating just reading the lineup: MGMT, Slightly Stoopid, GAGA!?!?!?!?!?!? Not to mention the world-famous DJs spinning at Perry’s (I’m lookin’ at you, Kid Cudi), the art exhibit, awesome food, and a beer garden! Oh, and Chicago is supposed to be pretty spectacular in the summer, which means there’s no reason to skip out on this one. Check out the festival’s main site for ticket prices, places to stay, travel packages, and the ridiculously full lineup!

Bonnaroo: June 10-13, Manchester, TN
Bonnaroo’s got the real heavyweights this year: Jay-Z, Dave Matthews, Weezer, Kings of Leon, Tenacious D, Regina Spektor…need I say more? There’s also a karaoke “barn,” a comedy theater, and the totally unique silent disco – a dance party with headphones! Get all the info at www.bonnaroo.com.

Harmony Festival: June 11-13, Santa Rosa, CA
If you’re lucky enough to live on the west coast (or are in the mood for a really long road trip), go see indie rockers Michael Franti & Spearhead, India.Arie, the Dead Kennedy’s, K’naan and more at the Sonoma County fairgrounds. All-weekend passes are only $119, and it has a reputation as the most relaxing and laid-back of the summer music fests. Santa Rosa also features a sweet winery and an African safari, if you’re into that sorta thing.

Camp Bisco: July 15-17, Mariaville, NY
Bisco features artists like Thievery Corporation, Method Man, Disco Biscuits, and Girl Talk, for an overall awesome mix of electro-indie, hip-hop, and reggae. Not to mention a Color Wars contest to bring you back to your high-school spirit week and a huge lake for your enjoyment (water sports, anyone!?). There may not be much to do in upstate NY (trust), but this laid-back weekend should be worth your hard-earned gas money.

Lilith Fair: June 27th-August 16th, a city near you!
Gather your girlfriends and your Birkenstocks, because everyone’s favorite indie chicks are back on tour (plus some brand spankin’ new acts that we loooooove). The best part? You won’t have to travel too far to see them! Some of my personal faves that will make appearances are Colbie Callait, La Roux, Norah Jones, Tegan & Sara (seriously, download them if you haven’t already), and Ke$ha. If nothing else, it will be interesting to see how the show transitions from Sarah McLachlan to Tik Tok.

The weather is getting warmer, and I don’t know about you, but my feet are itching to get into some flip flops.  Is it summer yet?

Personally, I just survived one of the harshest winters in years (if you live in a warm climate, I hate you), combined with a crapload of work and stress.  Once summer hits, I’m going to call Benjamin Linus and ask him to freeze time so I can stay in July forever (pardon the Lost reference- I’m kind of obsessed).  I am currently making a To-Do list to make sure I enjoy every possible moment during the upcoming summer months.

1.  Music Festivals!

Once, I almost passed out due to the sweltering heat at the Warped Tour.  So worth it.  Music fests are a great way to hang out all day with thousands of strangers and listen to live music from not one, but several of your fave bands… or to discover new groups that you simply NEED to download on i-Tunes, like now.  If the festival spans a few days, make a road-trip-slash-camping-trip out of the ordeal with your favorites, and leave all of your worries behind.

A friend from England invited me to the Exit Fest in Serbia, featuring Moby, among others.  And to be honest, Serbia sounds fan-f**king-tastic right now.  But, let’s be honest.  What college student can afford Serbia in this economy?  Check out Starpulse for a rundown on festivals that might be coming to a city near you!

2.  Drive-in Movies!

When the air changes and I know it’s officially summer, I immediately crave a silver screen feature under the stars, complete with lawn chairs, blankets, and soccer-mom-vans that are oh-so-convenient on carload night.  Way more fun that being cooped up at home with a stack of Netflix orders, and cheaper than going to the cinema (you get two movies for less than the price of one!), the drive-in is a longstanding summertime tradition.

It’s too bad that many drive-in movie locations have buckled in recent years, but Driveinmovie.com has a listing of current locations across the country.

3.  Keg Parties!

Whether it’s a high school reunion in your hometown or the dudes across the hall just got their own duplex, summer is the prime time to party.  Pool parties, hot tub parties, bonfire parties… the possibilities are endless.  Plus, since so many people are on break or taking vacations, you’ll never run into the same crowd twice.  You might meet someone new who’s visiting a friend at the party, or run into someone from school you haven’t Facebooked in forever.  Besides, you can finally wear halter tops without freezing your buns off on the walk home.

4.  W-A-T-E-R!

I’m just going to lump all aquatic activities into one category.

Swimming Pools. Beaches. Lakes. Hot Tubs. Slip N’ Slides.

Jetskiing. Tubing. White Water Rafting. Chicken Tournaments.

I can’t wait to alternate my vintage style Juicy Couture one-piece (with a little ruffle to hide the thighs I wish were more toned) with the bikini that makes my cleavage take the focus off of said thighs.  As much as I’m looking forward to weekend beach trips, I’m also excited to work up a sweat at the gym and come home to dive straight into my parents’ in-ground pool.  My skin is going to get so prune-y it’s ridiculous.

5.  Road Trips!

This can apply to any of the above.  But road trips are pretty much the best part of summer.  The driving part is sometimes even better than reaching the final destination when you factor in the windows-down-sing-alongs, pumping your fists feverishly to make truck drivers blow the horn, and bonding with your pals because you’ve been couped up in a car for hours on end and will talk about anything to make the time pass.

Organize a road trip to a music festival, a crazy party, or a beach town.  Invite a group of low-maintenance, fun-loving friends, and set out on an adventure.  (Note: I say low-maintenance because you don’t want a princess who complains about rest area bathrooms, lack of electrical outlets for her hair straightener, or the fact that you keep driving through dead zones and she can’t call her shnookums and tell him how much she misses him already).

With the possible exception of the music festivals, all of these totally fun events can happen pretty much spur-of-the-moment.  I plan to live totally spontaneously this summer in order to make the most of every sunshine-filled day that passes.  What’s everyone else looking forward to this summer? I want to add to my list….

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.

(Former) Detroit Mayor, Kwame Kilpatrick, is out of the clink.

Get some dating tips from Drew Barrymore.

Little boy goes to dentist, gets stoned. Just like Michael Phelps!

5 pieces that flatter every body.

Miley Cyrus hates Asian people.

Dissecting winter’s most controversial fashions.

Brody Jenner’s got a new BFF (and he’s so much cooler than Spencer)!

Kiehl’s goes V-Day crazy.

He’s Just Not That Into You premieres and everyone looks hot.

Rebecca Romijn just had twins?!

[Photo courtesy of www.jaunted.com]

Although I always hit my local festies (including Hookahville and any festival @ Nelson’s Ledges – check them out if you’re in the area!), after my amazing, mind-bending experience at Bonnaroo two years ago, I feel that it’s time to expand my horizons and venture out of state (and of my mind) another time.

But, while scouring the internet for my next super-hippie-indie-rock-y adventure, I realized that what I really needed was one list. A list that compared not only locations and dates, but also prices of the various festivals spreading good vibes and sweet music throughout the summer. So, I’m going to create it. Here is the first installment of my semi-comprehensive list of the major (and minor) music festivals still to come this summer: the Midwest.

So bust out the flowy skirts, a nice pair of Birkenstocks and some moonshine and hit the road. And act fast, cause most ticket prices increase the longer you wait to buy them.

Midwest Festies:

Name: Summer Camp

Date: May 23-25

Location: Chillicothe, IL

Ticket Price: Currently $155, $170 at gate

Who’s gonna be there? moe., Umphrey’s McGee, Flaming Lips, O.A.R., The Roots, Blind Melon, The New Pornographers and more

Website: www.summercampfestival.com

Name: Wakarusa

Date: June 5-8

Location: Lawrence, KS

Ticket Price: 4-Day passes currently at Level 4 (“Procrastinator”) for $159 while supplies last

Who’s gonna be there? The Flaming Lips, Emmylou Harris, Ben Folds, Sound Tribe Sector 9, CAKE, Built to Spill, Tea Leaf Green, Blackalicious and more

Website: www.wakarusa.com

Name: Bonnaroo

Date: June 12-15

Location: Manchester, TN

Ticket Price: On Sale Now. Priced at three levels. First level starts at $209.50. After that level is sold out, prices increase to $229.50 and then again to $244.50.

Headliners: Pearl Jam, Metallica, Jack Johnson

Other popular acts include: Kanye West, Death Cab for Cutie, Against Me!, M.I.A., Tegan & Sara and many, many more

Website: www.bonnaroo.com

Name: All Good Music Festival

Date: July 11-13

Location: Preston County (Marvin’s Mountaintop Masontown), WV

Ticket Price: Weekend pass now $139.00

Headliners: Phil Lesh, Widespread Panic

Other popular acts include: Michael Franti & Spearhead, Keller Williams, Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi Soul Stew Revival, Gov’t Mule and more

Website: www.allgoodfestival.com

Name: Rothbury Festival

Date: July 11-13

Location: Rothburg, MI

Ticket Price: Weekend ticket $244.75

Headliners: Dave Matthews Band, Widespread Panic

Other popular acts include: John Mayer, 311, Snoop Dogg, Modest Mouse, Colbie Callat, Atmosphere, The Dresden Dolls

Website: www.rothburyfestival.com

Name: 10,000 Lakes Festival

Date: July 23-26

Location: Detroit Lakes, MN

Ticket Price: $130.00 for music and camping. Ticket prices increase on May 15

Headliners: Phil Lesh & Friends, The Flaming Lips, Michael Franti

Other popular acts include: Leftover Salmon, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Slightly Stoopid, Dark Star Orchestra

Website: http://www.10klf.com

Name: Lollapalooza

Date: August 1-3

Location: Chicago, IL

Ticket Price: Advance day pass currently $190, will go up to $205 when Advance sells out

Headliners: Radiohead, Rage Against the Machine, Kanye West

Other popular acts include: Nine Inch Nails, Wilco, G. Love, The Raconteurs, Bloc Party, Brand New, Girl Talk

Website: www.lollapalooza.com

Did I forget your fave festival? Post a link the comments to share with your fellow CC readers. Rock On.

Fortunately for me, Coachella is just the first of many insanely great music lineups hitting the spring / summer festival scene this year. And next week when finals are in the bag, there will be nothing stopping me from sitting in on the action. Rollingstone.com has pulled together a fantastic list of music fests, line-ups and the pros and cons of each. Here is a brief rundown of the ones that made the list and a few that didn’t.

The Bamboozle – May 5th – 6th (Meadowlands Sports Complex, New Jersey)

Lineup Highlights: My Chemical Romance, MC Hammer, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Hellogoodbye

Sasquatch – May 26th – 27th (George, Washington)

Lineup Highlights: Bjork, Beastie Boys, Arcade Fire, Interpol, Spoon, M.I.A., Neko Case, The Blacks Angels

Bonnaroo – June 14th – 17th (Manchester, Tennesee)

Lineup Highlights: The Police, Widespread Panic, The White Stripes, The Flaming Lips, Wilco, Franz Ferdinand, Damien Rice, The Decembrists, The Roots, The Black Keys

Summerfest - June 28th – July 8th (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)

Lineup Highlights: Toby Keith with Miranda Lambert, Bon Jovi, Roger Waters, The Fray with OK Go and John Mayer with Ben Folds

Live Earth - July 7th (Giants Stadium – Rutherford, NJ)

Lineup Highlights: Akon, Alicia Keys, Bon Jovi, Dave Matthews Band, Fall Out Boy, John Mayer, Kanye West, Kelly Clarkson, Ludacris, The Police, Rihanna, Roger Waters, Sheryl Crow, Smashing Pumpkins

Live Earth – July 7th (Wembley Stadium, London, UK)

Lineup Highlights: Beastie Boys, Black Eyed Peas, Bloc Party, Corinne Bailey Rae, Damien Rice, Duran Duran, Foo Fighters, Genesis, James Blunt, John Legend, Keane, Madonna, Paolo Nutini, Razorlight, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Snow Patrol

Pitchfork Music Festival – July 13th – 15th (Union Park – Chicago, Illinois)

Lineup Highlights: Sonic Youth, Cat Power, Girl Talk, De La Soul, Stephen Malkmus, New Pornographers, Iron and Wine, Grizzly Bear, Of Montreal, The Ponys

Rock The Bells - July 28th – 29th (Randalls Island, New York)

Lineup Highlights: Rage Against The Machine, The Wu-Tang Clan, Cypress Hill, The Roots, Mos Def

Rocklahoma – July 13th – 15th (Pryor, Oklahoma)

Lineup Highlights: Poison, Ratt, Vince Neil, Warrant, Slaughter, L.A. Guns, Winger, Dokken, Jackyl, Faster Pussycat, Firehouse

Lollapalooza – August 3rd – 5th (Grant Park – Chicago, Illinois)

Lineup Highlights: Pearl Jam, Daft Punk, Modest Mouse, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Snow Patrol, Spoon, Iggy Pop and the Stooges, Amy Winehouse

Bumbershoot - September 1st – 3rd (Seattle, Washington)

Lineup Highlights: The Shins, Wu Tang Clan, Panic! At The Disco, Crowded House, DeVotchka, Plain White T’s, Lupe Fiasco, Gogol Bordello

Austin City Limits – September 14th – 16th (Zilker Park – Austin, Texas)

Lineup Highlights: (TBD – May) Wilco, Kings of Leon, Bloc Party