1. Lollapalooza
When: August 1-3
Where: Grant Park – Chicago, IL
Cost: $190-$205 (three day pass)
Headliners: Radiohead, Rage Against The Machine, Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco
The festival of all festivals will continue to flirt with 90’s music as it entertains Chicago’s Kanye West and Lupe Fiasco performing outdoors with the city of Chicago as its landscape – can you ask for anything else?
2. Warped Tour
When: August 2
Where: First Midwest Bank Amphitheater,Tinley Park, IL
Cost: $27.25
Headliners: Reel Big Fish, Rise Against, Say Anything, Madina Lake, Cobra Starship, Chiodos, Angels nd Airwaves, The Audition, The Academy Is…,
The Vans Warped Tour has been a staple in the punk culture for the last 13 years, and still remains the best way to discover bands.
3. Bonnaroo
When: June 12-15
Where: A 700-acre farm in Manchester, TN
Cost: $244.50/4-day Pass
Headliners: Pearl Jam, Metallica, Jack Johnson, Kanye West, Chris Rock, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, the Allman Brothers Band, Death cab for Cutie, Tiesto, BB King, Sigur Ros, Ben Folds, O.A.R., M.I.A.
The festival that used to only cater to jam bands has diversified its lineup to be one of the best this summer.
4.Rothbury Music Festival
When: July 3-6
Where: Double JJ Ranch, Rothbury, MI
Cost: $244.75 / Standard Weekend Pass
Headliners: Dave Matthews Band, Widespread Panic, John Mayer, 311, Phil Lesh & Friends, Primus, Snoop Dogg, Modest Mouse
100% green from stage power to disposal, this fest promises to keep everyone happy. If you’ve got $1,423 – Be sure to spend it on the Good Life Package, which gets you “unrivaled VIP amenities.”
5. Rocklahoma
When: July 10-13
Where: Catch the Fever Campgrounds, Pryor, OK
Cost: $350 a seat
Headliners: Bret Michaels, Sebastian Bach, LA Guns, Lita Ford, Warrant, Cinderella
Lita Ford hits the stage after a 15-year hiatus, so put on your leopard print spandex and your maiden tee and get there.
6.Mile High
When: July 19-20
Where: Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Denver, CO
Cost: $85 / 1-day Pass, $150 / 2-day Pass
Headliners: Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer, the Roots, O.A.R., Steve Winwood
A festival that you can bring anyone to and have no arguments, plus, Steve Winwood will definitely have you crack a smile or two.
7.Pemberton
When: July 25-28
Where: Pemberton, BC, Canada
Cost: $255 / 3-day Pass
Headliners: Coldplay, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Jay-Z, Death Cab for Cutie, Interpol, N.E.R.D.
Located at the base of 8,300-foot Mt. Currie – spectacular views are a guarantee at this fest – put your Canadian stereotypes aside and go.
8.All Points West Festival
When: August 8-10
Where: Liberty State Park, NJ
Cost: $89 / 1-day Pass, $258 / 3-day Pass
Headliners: Radiohead, Jack Johnson, CSS, Kings of Leon, the Roots
Organized by the same guys that bring you Coachella each summer, All Points West is sure to be a hit in its introductory year.
9. Virgin Mobile Festival
When: August 9 – 10
Where: Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, MD
Cost: $175 / 2-day Pass, $97.50 / 1-day Pass
Headliners: Bob Dylan, Iggy and the Stooges, Foo Fighters, Kanye West
The Virgin Mobile Festival has an extremely specific and tasty menu, proudly serving crab melt pitas, grilled shrimp, steamed Maryland Blue Crabs from the Chesapeake Bay, and oysters on the half shell.
10.Outside Lands Festival
When: August 22 – 24
Where: Golden Gate State Park, San Francisco, CA
Cost: $225.50 / 3-day Pass
Headliners: Radiohead, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Jack Johnson, Beck, Wilco
Scoring big name acts for its first year, the Outside Lands Festival should fill up beautiful Golden Gate Park.