10 Music Festivals To Go To After You Get Vaccinated
With the vaccine rollout increasing, music festivals are starting to reschedule their dates to the end of summer/early fall. Since we are all itching to go see our favorite artists after over a year without concerts, I made a list of 10 music festivals to go to once you get vaxxed.
1. Firefly Music Festival–Dover, DE
I went to Firefly two summers ago and absolutely loved it. This three-day music festival has a little bit of everything for everyone- tons of top-name artists, with artists such as Eminem, Post Malone, and The Killers having headlined at one point or another. At the Dover Racetrack, you have the opportunity to camp in tents with your friends or stay in hotels nearby. I camped, and it truly was such a great experience to meet all these new people there to enjoy the music. However, if you want a less gross experience, I would recommend the hotel route, because it is often hot and the line for the showers at the campgrounds is long. Although this year’s lineup has yet to be released, the canceled 2020 festival headlined Billie Eilish, Blink-182, Illenium, and Khalid.
2. Bonnaroo–Manchester, TN
If you’re more into indie rock or alt-pop music, then Bonnaroo is the music festival you’ll want to attend. This four-day festival starts typically on a Wednesday for early campers and has musical acts normally beginning at noon each day. Another plus of going is that sustainability is extremely encouraged, and it has been named “Best Festival” by Rolling Stone magazine in 2008. 2020’s festival was canceled due to the pandemic, but this year’s lineup includes Lizzo, The Foo Fighters, Tame Impala, and Tyler, The Creator.
3. Rolling Loud- Miami, FL
Calling all hip-hop fans, Rolling Loud is all the rage right now. Albeit expensive, this music festival has all of the biggest names in the rap scene right now, and it is the hottest festival on the market. Big names include Post Malone, A$AP Rocky, Travis Scott, Lil Uzi Vert, and 21 Savage. If you have the money to spend and want to get to see as many artists as you possibly can in the shortest amount of time, you won’t want to miss Rolling Loud.
4. Electric Zoo–New York City, NY
For those who enjoy a more EDM vibe, look no further because Electric Zoo will be happening in September. Artists on the lineup include Alesso, Zeds Dead, Steve Aoki, and Galantis. The best part about the lineup is that they are consistently adding more big names as the date gets closer, so you’re sure to see someone you love if you go. Top international DJs are seen at this festival, making it one of the biggest EDM festivals in North America. If you’re looking to go international, there are multiple Electric Zoo music festivals across the globe.
5. Lollapalooza–Chicago, IL
You’ve definitely heard of Lollapalooza, and if you haven’t, then you may want to check it out. All sorts of music artists perform, and this year’s lineup is no different. Paul McCartney, Chance the Rapper, The Weeknd, Lorde, Milky Chance, NGHTMRE, and The Neighbourhood all are acts that will be there. There are literally so many artists on here that you won’t want to miss, ranging over multiple genres, it makes me so sad that I don’t have enough funds to go to.
6. Outside Lands–San Francisco, CA
If you live out on the West Coast, I haven’t forgotten about you. This festival has a little bit of everything, including The 1975, Vampire Weekend, The Strokes, Young Thug, and Kehlani. Located in Golden Gate Park, this three-day festival is sure to have beautiful views and just overall good vibes. Because who wouldn’t want to listen to 070 Shake in California?
7. Riot Fest–Chicago, Illinois
Be prepared to get some real throwback names in this lineup. This is one of those rare music festivals that has three lineup announcements, and we only know one so far. My Chemical Romance, The Smashing Pumpkins, The All-American Rejects, and Mayday Parade are just some of the many nostalgia-inducing names. For weekend passes starting at $159.98, this is such a steal and you won’t find these acts at every festival.
8. Imagine Music Festival–Chattahoochee Hills, GA
Another EDM music festival that you won’t want to miss is this one. For three days in September, you can see Illenium, Kaskade, and Fisher alongside a whole host of EDM acts. The twist about this festival is that there is a daytime pool party that Kaskade will be at, and not all of the acts are even announced yet. It sounds like something you won’t want to miss if you can’t get to Electric Zoo and love some EDM.
9. EDC Las Vegas–Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas is always a good time, but you could make it more fun by going to one of the most famous EDM music festivals of all time. Over 100,000 people from across the world go to rave at EDC, and this year is expected to be an even crazier party. DJs like Alan Walker and Tïesto are expected to make an appearance, with previous acts included Cash Cash, Diplo, and Alesso. If I could go to this, I’m sure it would be quite close to a religious experience.
10. The Governors Ball Music Festival–New York, NY
Gov Ball is one of the more famous music festivals over here on the East Coast if you’re from the area. Camping is not the vibe over at Gov Ball, you’ll probably end up taking a short ferry ride onto Randalls Island, where you’ll have an amazing three days. If you’re looking for a more clean, non-camping type of music festival: this one is for you. Artists like A R I Z O N A, Stevie Nicks, Missy Elliot, and Miley Cyrus were all scheduled to perform at the canceled 2020 festival. This year’s lineup has yet to be released, but if it is anything similar to 2020’s lineup, you’ll have a stellar time.
