July 24th-26th: Newport, Rhode Island
Newport Folk Festival has a rich history in creating some of the most iconic moments in folk and rock history, from Bob Dylan going electric to The Felice Brothers playing in the mud through a storm! Teeming with all things Americana, the festival takes place in Fort Adams State Park, allowing for panoramic views overlooking Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. Grab a cushy spot on the main lawn and listen to some of the best that modern day folk, rock, country, blues, soul has to offer. This year's lineup boasts a wealth of hungry new acts like Sturgill Simpson and Shakey Graves, plus Leon Bridges' mellow soul and a rare acoustic set from Dinosaur Jr.'s J Mascis.
July 31th-August 2nd: Telluride, Colorado
The historic mining town of Telluride is the perfect backdrop for one of the best jazz festivals in the country, nestled amid the 14,000 foot peaks of the majestic San Juan Mountain range. The Telluride Jazz Festival is a three-day live music festival on the first weekend of August each year, offering a deep list of critically acclaimed artists in jazz, funk, soul, latin, world beat and brass bands. On Sunday, homage is paid to the influence of the Big Easy with a New Orleans party that kicks of with a parade down Main Street. Beyond the great music, themed parade, instructional workshops, wine and spirit tastings, delicious food, and craft beer, Telluride and the Western Slope region also offer world class mountain recreation. 350-foot Bridal Veil Falls (the largest waterfall in Colorado), scenic Bear Creek Falls, and the San Miguel River trail are all accessible from the festival.
July 31st-August 2nd: Chicago, Illinois
Lollapalooza is a burgeoning festival that will be taking over Grant Park in Chicago soon. The eclectic lineup will feature something for everyone, like Paul McCartney, Metallica, Florence and the Machine, Alabama Shakes, and Bassnectar. With great live music, local eats, an art market, craft brews, and scenic view of Chicago to boot, Lollapalooza will satisfy your summer festival needs!
Darrington, Washington: August 6th-9th
Summer Meltdown is hosted at one of the most scenic venues in the entire United States, The Whitehorse Mountain Amphitheater. Between a glacier-capped mountain and a calm lazy river, the venue is a 40-acre natural playground. Grab a shaded camp spot under a forest of Douglas Firs, go swimming and hiking in the Mt. Baker National Forest and then listen to a myriad of artists play in the built-in amphitheater bowl. Whitehorse Mountain Amphitheater is an hour and half northeast of Seattle, or southeast of Bellingham. Additionally, guests of Summer Meltdown can sign up for guided river rafting, rock climbing, horseback riding, and other outdoor activities while they are there!
San Francisco, California: August 7th-9th
Five stages will be spread across Golden Gate Park for this festival full of music, art exhibits, gourmet food and wine tastings. The festival centers around music, food, drink, comedy, and art, and is only a drive across the Golden Gate Bridge away from San Francisco. This festival brings something for everyone featuring the likes of Elton John, Mumford & Sons, The Black Keys, Wilco, Kendrick Lamar, among many others.
Music, food, travel and fun–what could be better! We hope you take advantage of the summer months and travel to one of these fun festivals soon! Be sure to share your favorite photos with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
