We don't think we're exaggerating when we say that, somewhere in the United States, there's a music festival every single weekend this summer. Sure, there are the old standbys like Coachella, Bonnaroo, and Lollapalooza, but with the growing popularity of these events, it's easy for some of the latest names in the game to get overlooked. If you're on the East Coast, we've got five new festivals for you to check out before the season comes to a close.
Girl Talk at The Governors Ball, June 2011
What: The Governors Ball
When: June 23-24
Where: Randall's Island, New York City
Who to see (or at least say you saw): Fiona Apple, Beck, Passion Pit, Santigold, Cults
What to wear: To say we're excited to see Fiona Apple perform and play tunes from her new album "The Idler Wheel..." is a vast understatement. We suggest channeling her iconic, grungy '90s style for the festival — bare midriffs are totally on-trend this summer anyway.
Why you've gotta go: GovBall technically isn't "new" — it made its debut last June with a one-day blowout on Governor's Island. (Full disclosure: I was there, and it was awesome.) The event was so successful that it's expanded to a full weekend this year, and the artists on the bill cover such a wide range of genres that there's truly something for everyone. If the music lineup isn't enough to sway you, perhaps the menu will: Some of New York's most popular food trucks will be on hand to feed the crowds throughout the festival.
Tickets start at $95 for a single-day pass and are available on the Governors Ball website.
What: Firefly Music Festival
When: July 20-22
Where: Dover, Delaware
Who to see (or at least say you saw): The Killers, Jack White, The Flaming Lips, John Legend, Death Cab for Cutie
What to wear: The festival is being held just outside the Dover International Speedway (read: NASCAR races happen here) so we're thinking Americana is the way to go.
Why you've gotta go: The stellar lineup alone rivals some of the biggest, most established music festivals in the country. Plus, there are opportunities for glamping (luxury camping!), hot air balloon rides, an on-site wine bar, and a TOMS Shoes pop-up shop where local artists will customize a pair of kicks just for you.
Tickets start at $218 for a three-day general admission pass and are available on the Firefly Festival website.
What: Catalpa NYC
When: July 28-29
Where: Randall's Island, New York City
Who to see (or at least say you saw): Snoop Dogg, The Black Keys, A$AP Rocky, Girl Talk, Matt & Kim
What to wear: Something that's equal parts hip-hop and hipster. Think: a vintage Adidas tee, some high-top sneakers, and some wild nail art.
Why you've gotta go: Oh boy, this is gonna be a fun one: Not only will Snoop Dogg be performing his classic 1993 album "Doggystyle" in its entirety (think "Gin and Juice" and "Murder Was the Case"), there's a promise of some visually stunning art installations, an inflatable church where you can get married (seriously), and a High Times-sponsored reggae stage that will certainly help us to feel like we're on a weekend-long tropical vacation, mon!
Tickets start at $99 for a single-day pass and are available on the Catalpa NYC website.
Jay-Z!
What: Made in America Festival
When: September 1-2
Where: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Who to see (or at least say you saw): Jay-Z, Pearl Jam, D'Angelo, Skrillex, Odd Future
What to wear: Some really sweet Nikes. Bonus points if you can get your hands on a pair of Air Yeezy 2s.
Why you've gotta go: This is a no-brainer. Not only did Jay-Z handpick each artist that will play at the festival, who knows the next time you'll get a chance to see Pearl Jam perform live! Also, the possibly of a Beyoncé and Blue Ivy spotting — however slight it may be — is enough to get us on the next train to Philly.
Tickets start at $135 for a two-day pass and are available on the Made in America website.
What: Counterpoint Music Festival
When: September 27-29
Where: Atlanta, Georgia
Who to see (or at least say you saw): Pretty Lights, Crystal Castles, Washed Out, M83, Avicii
What to wear: Anything that's neon or will glow under a blacklight.
Why you've gotta go: Unfortunately, the summer has to end sometime, so why not send it out with a bang? This festival features some of the biggest talents in the immensely popular genre of electronic dance music — Skrillex, Avicii, Bassnectar, and Steve Angello of Swedish House Mafia to name a few — so it's sure to be an epic party, but there are also plenty of indie acts to help chill you out if you need a break from dancing.
Tickets start at $165 for a three-day pass and are available on the Counterpoint Festival website.
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