It’s Not Too Late To Find a Festival This Summer
There are few summer trademarks as significant as music festivals - days strung together in unsympathetic heat, outfits coordinated for the event, strangers evolved into acquaintances for a weekend. Overpriced waters and food truck meals fuel the hours of cramped viewership of acts beloved and foreign - and (more times than not) it's all worth it.
Though some of the biggest name-recognition festivals in Coachella and Bonnaroo have passed, there are plenty of festivals still in play to make core summer memories to, along with some notable names to see live on each lineup. Below are 10 festivals still on the calendar this summer, along with where, when, and who you should know for each event.
Lollapalooza
When: August 1-4
Where: Chicago, IL
Headliners: Megan Thee Stallion, SZA, The Killer, Blink-182, Future x Metro Boomin
Sets to Catch: While known to never disappoint live, Dominic Fike’s unexpected hit in “misses” makes his name pop a bit more on the ticket. Bass-mastermind Blu DeTiger is also sure to stun, alongside the contagious joy of an Olivia Dean live set. True undercard standouts include the fast-rising Been Stellar and new-soul aficionado Kyle Dion - and that’s just to name a few.
Day In Day Out
When: July 12-14
Where: Seattle, WA
Headliners: Carly Rae Jepsen, Bleachers, The Head and The Heart
Sets to Catch: Though she’s been quiet since 2022’s Janky Star, Grace Ives has left a lasting impression that can be expected to shine through on stage. The blissful jams of Men I Trust should be a priority, along with the uber-talented acts in Sudan Archives and Illuminati Hotties.
Minnesota Yacht Club
When: July 19-20
Where: St Paul, MN
Headliners: Alanis Morissette, Gwen Stefani, Red Hot Chili Peppers
Sets to Catch: A name to get to know in the alternative scene is Wilderado, who are sure to come away from the festival with more fans than they arrived with. Morgan Wade has been gaining traction quickly in her country lane, and her performance of “Wilder Days” will likely rank as one of the best of the weekend. And though The Hold Steady have been around for awhile, their latest releases prove the band still has plenty left in the tank.
Pitchfork
When: July 19-21
Where: Chicago, IL
Headliners: Black Pumas, Jamie XX, Alanis Morissette
Sets to Catch: In scanning the lineup poster, 100 gecs should immediately make your eyes pop. But of course, as one of the most trusted voices in music, the rest of the acts are nothing to sniff at: MUNA is a consistent must-see, Wednesday is a sure-fire good time, and Rosali brings one of the year’s most well-rounded releases to life in Chicago. Jessica Pratt is worth the price of admission alone, and chances are there won’t be a bad set across the entire weekend.
Broccoli City
When: July 27-28
Where: Washington, D.C.
Headliners: Megan Thee Stallion, Gunna, PARTYNEXTDOOR
Sets to Catch: No one made more of an impression as a newcomer in rap last year than Veeze. Perhaps two of the most self-assured and enigmatic artists of the moment can be found in Amaarae and Jordan Ward. Kaytranada is loaded with ammunition after his latest album release, and always knows how to get the crowd jumping when he’s behind the boards. A very well-rounded weekend in D.C. for all who find their way.
Hinterland
When: August 2-4
Where: St Charles, IA
Headliners: Hozier, Vampire Weekend, Noah Kahan
Sets to Catch: All in attendance can expect the red-hot Chappell Roan to continue her run of epic festival performances to close out the summer. While she casts a big shadow, her peers on the ticket are more than up for the challenge: The Last Dinner Party are more than capable of providing a good time themselves with their audacious brand of art-rock; Orville Peck’s country edge is a perfect fit for the festival’s ethos; and Hans Williams is the cream-of-the-crop of young performers with a chance to leave an impression on the audience. The sneaky pick for one of the top sets of the weekend is Blondshell, who’s ‘90’s grunge-inspired tracks will bring a nostalgic energy to the Hinterland grounds.
Newport Jazz
When: August 2-4
Where: Newport, RI
Headliners: André 3000, Dinner Party, Nile Rodgers and Chic
Sets to Catch: Supremely talented and endlessly likable, Laufey should draw one of the biggest crowds of all artists on the ticket. Aja Monet is likely to have the most profound impact on her audience, delivering spectacular spoken word and poetry meant explicitly for the soul. Lianne La Havas and Makaya McCraven both boast spectacular discographies that are only more mesmerizing when performed live - find a good position in the crowd when these two take the stage.
Outside Lands
When: August 9-11
Where: San Francisco, CA
Headliners: The Killers, Sabrina Carpenter, Sturgill Simpson
Sets to Catch: Ryan Beatty and his band put on an incredibly intimate show, with Beaty’s live vocals rivaling some of the most prolific singers of today. Another kind of intimacy can be found in Channel Tres, who knows how to extrapolate every moment to its full potential. For those in the smaller print, the unfiltered genuineness of Medium Build will be a treat to see in concert, along with the shoegaze-revivalist Wisp and the rare presence of OGI should offer a diverse but satisfying array of performances.
Fool In Love
When: August 31
Where: Los Angeles, CA
Headliners: Lionel Richie, Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, Durand Jones & The Indications
Sets to Catch: There’s nowhere to go wrong with this old-school, classic-filled lineup, but you’ll want to watch the clock to make sure you’re prepared for sets from George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Dionne Warwick, and Santana. No justification needed, but a little explanation provided here.
Music at the Intersection
When: September 14-15
Where: St Louis, MO
Headliners: Black Pumas, Chaka Khan, Big Boi
Sets to Catch: Keyon Harrold has earned impressive credits while proving himself a thrilling musician, showcasing a sound that figures to translate well to concert settings. A must-see set will be that of Samara Joy, a Grammy-winning jazz artist who leaves little room for words in her talent. Afro-Cuban innovator Cimafunk has a fresh take on the rhythm and funk of the past - even if the name doesn’t look familiar, his style is worth your attention.
