Coachella leave you wanting more? Check out this compilation of major music festivals around the country.
Jazzfest
Description – A huge jazz and rock festival that has helped revive the Big Easy, Jazzfest (AKA New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival) takes place over ten days and features hundreds of big name musicians who are ready to let the good times roll.
Location - New Orleans
Dates -
April 29-May 8
Happening Since - 1970
2010 Headliners - Pearl Jam, Aretha Franklin, Allman Brothers, My Morning Jacket, Black Crowes, Widespread Panic
2011 Headliners - Arcade Fire, Bon Jovi, Jimmy Buffett, Sonny Rollins, Kid Rock,
John Mellencamp, Wilco, Robert Plant, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Willie Nelson,
The Strokes, John Legend & The Roots
Joshua Tree Music Festival
Description – This intimate desert festival held at Joshua Tree Lake Campground near Joshua Tree National Park is the antithesis to the mega-fests that otherwise claim music lovers' attention in SoCal. Based around a bowl of sound and set under a purple carpet of stars, this camping festival highlights the surrounding natural scenery and is a breath of fresh air in the festival world. No security detail with orange vests, no corporate sponsors. Just fresh air, desert breezes and music from all over the world.
Location - Joshua Tree, CA
Dates – May 13-15,2011
Happening Since - 2003
2010 Headliners - Stanton Warriors, Midnite, Mexican Institute of Sound, Fort Knox Five, Bonerama, Gaudi, Delhi 2 Dublin, Orgone
2011 Headliners - Vieux Farka Toure, Pimps of Joytime, Chali 2NA & The House of Vibe, Rubblebucket, Locos Por Juana, Sean Hayes, Youssoupha Sidibe
Lightning in a Bottle
Description – This sustainable festival put on by The Do Lab at Oak Canyon Ranch is a beautiful participatory experience of live music and dance-friendly beats, incredible art installations, smiling faces, mind and body workshops and more. The antidote to soulless raves, this four-day outdoor event is uniquely full of heart and a true community experience.
Location - Oak Canyon Ranch, Silverado CA
Dates – May 27-30
Happening Since – 2004
2010 Headliners: The Glitch Mob, Booka Shade, Beats Antique, EOTO, Apparat, Daedelus, Adam Freeland.
2011 Headliners: Pretty Lights, Thievery Corporation, Lucent Dossier, Beats Antique
Description - Now expanded to three days of music, Summer Camp Music Festival sets six stages across the beautiful Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe, Illinois. This outdoor camping event has not only been growing, but also booking an impressive roster of live bands, jam music and electronic artists. Priding itself on a "family" atmosphere, Summer Camp does not allow campers to bring in any alcohol, and has a special activity zones for kids.
Location - Chillicothe, IL
Dates - May 27-29
Happening Since - 2001
2010 Headliners - STS9, Gov't Mule, The Avett Brothers, G Love & Special Sauce, Keller Williams, Pretty Lights, Slightly Stoopid, Bassnectar, Zappa Plays Zappa, EOTO, Victor Wooten, Cornmeal, Willie Nelson
2011 Headliners - Umphreys Mcgee, Moe, , Daedelus, STS9, Widespread Panic, Bassnecter, Girl Talk, Yonder, Keller, Lotus, EOTO, Big Gigantic, Family groove, Avett Brothers, Future Roc
Detroit Electronic Music Festival
Description – Though the name changes often, The Detroit Electronic Music Festival (DEMF), or “Movement” is an inexpensive dance festival held each Memorial Day weekend since 2000. Coinciding with the main event are smaller parties and afterparties all over the city of Detroit, which is at its best during this fun and festive weekend.
Location - Detroit, MI
Dates – May 28-30
Happening Since - 2000
2010 Headliners - A-Trak, Pretty Lights, Simian Mobile Disco
2011 Headliners: Goldie, Sven Vath, Ana Sia, Mimosa
Sasquatch!
Description – The Gorge is one of the most beautiful venues in the world, set on the edge of the Columbia River gorge in eastern Washington. It is well worth the drive during Memorial Day Weekend when Sasquatch descends on the river; this three-day festival is big but not too big, with acts that are known but not KNOWN. In 2011, Sasquatch celebrates its tenth anniversary and adds a fourth day- Friday- with the Foo Fighters headlining that evening’s festivities. Camping will open a full day earlier as well, at noon on Thursday, May 26th.
Location – George, WA
Dates – May 27-30
Happening Since - 2002
2010 Headliners - My Morning Jacket, Vampire Weekend, LCD Soundsystem, Ween, MGMT
2011 Headliners - Foo Fighters, Flying Lotus, Foo Fighters, Death Cab for Cutie, Modest Mouse, Wilco, The Flaming Lips, The Decemberists, Sleigh Bells, Bassnectar, Major Lazer
MUTEK
Description – A smartly curated, five-day festival in Montreal, MUTEK highlights cutting-edge electronic music and digital media with over 50 artists taking the stage in 2010. 2011 sees a host of new venues, with one of MUTEK's longest-standing partners, the Society for Arts and Technology, opening its doors to newly-renovated facilities, including a whole extra floor, a restaurant and a rooftop dome for 360 degree immersive video installations.
Location - Montreal, Canada
Dates – June 1-5
Happening Since - 2000
2010 Headliners – Henrik Schwarz, Pepe Bradock, Minilogue, Brandt Brauer Frick & Jon Hopkins and the Moritz von Oswald Trio
2011 Headliners: Modeselektor, Gold Panda, Four Tet, Amon Tobin, James Holden, Falty DL, Floating Points, Horror Inc, Jacques Greene, Mika Vainio
KROQ Weenie Roast
Description – This multi artist alternative rock concert is a one day festival thrown by radio station KROQ.
Location - Irvine, CA
Dates – TBD
Happening Since - 1993
2010 Headliners - Sublime with Rome, Stone Temple Pilots, Hole, Devo, Paramore, Silversun Pickups, Spoon, Cage the Elephant, The Dirty Heads, Deftones, Chevelle, Against Me!, Passion Pit, The Temper Trap
2011 Headliners - TBD
Wakarusa
Description - Deep in Arkansas' charming Ozark mountains you will find a HUGE music festival that goes by the name: Wakarusa. Selling out in 2010, this festival is just getting bigger and better every year with an eclectic mix of artists and a smattering of fun diversions for festival guests: hiking, Frisbee golf, yoga and of course swimming in the gorgeous Mulberry River.
Location - Mulberry Mountain, AR
Dates - June 2-5
Happening Since - 2004
2010 Headliners - STS9, The Disco Biscuits, Bassnectar, Dweezil Zappa, Slightly Stoopid, John Butler Trio, Sub Swara, Railroad Earth, James Zabiela
2011 Headliners - My Morning Jacket, Ben Harper and RELENTLESS7, Thievery Corporation, STS9, Bassnectar, Umphrey's McGee, Modeselektor, Shpongle, Skrillex, Tokimonsta,
Starscape Festival
Description - Watch the sun rise over beautiful Chesapeake Bay at this one-day festival that has been going strong for over a decade. Held in Fort Armistead Park, this smaller and more intimate music festival features five stages and a vast wooded and coastal backdrop for the party, which lasts from 2pm to 6am. The vibe is strong and the stars are bright at this very special electronic music festival which tends to sell out - so buy your tickets now.
Location - Baltimore, MD
Dates – June 4
Happening Since - 1999
2010 Headliners - Disco Biscuits, Pretty Lights, Lotus, The New Deal, Rusko, DJ Dan, Excision, Future Rock, Borgore, Trouble and Bass
2011 Headliners - Bassnectar, Lotus, Infected Mushroom, Rabbit, EOTO, Daedelus, Steve Aoki, Skrillex, Paper Diamond, Mux Mool, Tokimonsta, Evol Intent & more
Official Website
Bonnaroo
Description – Perhaps the best festival on the East Coast and certainly one of the biggest, Bonnaroo sees over 100,000 attendees descend on a 700-acre farm in Manchester, Tennessee each summer. In addition to music, comedy is a focus of this outdoor camping festival – 2011 presales are already sold out (as of November 2010)- so those intent on Bonnarooing next year should not sleep on ticket sales!
Location - Manchester, TN
Dates – June 9-12
Happening Since – 2002
2010 Headliners - Dave Matthews Band, Kings of Leon, Stevie Wonder, Jay-Z, Conan O’Brien, Tenacious D
2011 Headliners - Eminem, Arcade Fire, Widespread Panic, Black Keys
Harmony Festival
Description - One of the Bay Area's top camping music festivals and a celebration of progressive lifestyle, the 33rd annual Harmony Festival shows a strong lineup of eclectic talent for many musical tastes. Don't miss the Mystic Beat Lounge - Techno-Tribal Dance After Dark, a nighttime party with fire performances and visual arts displays. A community-proud event, Harmony also has a playground for kids, yoga sanctuary, eco village, global marketplace, wellness pavilion, harmony altar and healing sanctuary.
Location - Santa Rosa, CA - Sonoma County Fairgrounds
Dates – June 10-12
Happening Since - 1978
2010 Headliners - Lauryn Hill, Slightly Stoopid, Steel Pulse, Ott, Tipper, Chali 2na, Fishbone, Galactic, Jai Uttai & The Pagan Love Orchestra
2011 Headliners - Primus, Flaming Lips, Michael Franti & Spearhead, G. Love & Special Sauce, Railroad Earth, Ghostland Observatory, Opiuo, Emancipator, Phutureprimitive
Sonar
Description - Just in case you needed an excuse to visit Spain, Sonar Festival just might be it. This three-day event draws in people by the thousands with huge acts from a wide variety of new sounds. In 2010, Sonar took place in Barcelona with a satellite event in A Coruña in northern Spain; for 2011 watch for a stage curated by Mary Anne Hobbs, an experimental bass bad ass formerly of the BBC Radio 1.
Location – Barcelona, Spain
Dates - June 16-18
Happening Since - 1993
2010 Headliners - Air, The Chemical Brothers, Hot Chip
2011 Headliners: Underworld, Salem, Little Dragon, Mary Anne Hobbs, Tyondai Braxton, Atmosphere, Hype Williams, A-Trak, Magnetic Man + more TBA
Wanderlust Festival (Vermont)
Description - Originally held in Squaw Valley, California, Wanderlust Festival has branched out into Vermont for the past two years, to take over the Stratton Mountain Ski Resort with fresh music and yoga gurus. With a focus on rock, folk, electronic and jam band-style music, this conscious, community festival celebrates all things yoga and music in the pristine mountain air of Vermont. Nearby are stunning hiking trails which are easy to access thanks to the ski resort's gondolas and cable cars. Get out into nature - and get down on the dance floor at Wanderlust. (Also see July listing for Wanderlust California)
Location - Stratton Mountain Ski Resort, Bondville, VT
Dates – June 23-26
Happening Since - 2009 in California, 2010 in Vermont
2010 Headliners - Moby, Bassnectar, Brazilian Girls, Pretty Lights
2011 Headliners - Michael Franti & Spearhead, Sub Swara, Andrew Bird, Krishna Das, Earthrise Soundsystem, Garth Stevenson, Roop Verma, Sonya Kitchell
Sonic Bloom
Description – A unified community event, Sonic Bloom highlights the thriving bass music scene in Colorado with a myriad of performers and artists, both homegrown and from further reaches of the beat spectrum. Colorado might not exactly be the West Coast – but this sustainable outdoor festival falls right in line with the “conscious celebration” ethos so popular on the green-leaning Left Coast.
Location – Colorado
Dates – June 24-26th
Happening Since – 2006
2010 Headliners – EOTO, Vibesquad, Beats Antique, an-ten-nae, Eskmo, Heyoka, Deru, ill gates, Eprom
2011 Headliners – TBA
Summerfest
Description - Believe it or not, Summerfest in Milwaukee is the largest festival in the United States in terms of attendance. It has hosted nearly every big name in music at one time or another and literally hundreds of thousands of people show up each year to hear music on a dozen stages.
Location - Milwaukee, WI
Dates - June 29-July 3 & July 5-10
Happening Since – 1968
2010 Headliners - Tim McGraw, Brooks and Dunn, Modest Mouse, The Bravery
2011 Headliners: Kanye West, Katy Perry, Kid Cudi, Hall & Oates, Meatloaf, Toby Keith, Kid Rock, Sheryl Crow, Def Leppard, Heart, The Black Keys, Sugarland, Peter Gabriel
Electric Daisy Carnival
Description – 2010 saw EDC establish itself as the largest dance music event in the nation, ousting ULTRA in Miami for the title. Hosted by rave-pros Insomniac, 2011 will bring changes for the massive downtown LA rave, most notably an increased entry age, new location (Vegas what!) and sister events in Dallas, Denver and Puerto Rico.
Location - Dallas, Las Vegas, Denver, Puerto Rico
Dates - Denver - June 11, Dallas - June 18, Las Vegas - June 24-25, Puerto Rico - Aug 27
Happening Since - 1996
2010 Headliners - Moby (DJ Set), Deadmau5 Live, Armand Van Helden, Armin Van Buuren, Groove Armada (DJ Set), MSTRKRFT
2011 Headliners - TBA
High Sierra
Description - This mid-size festival has been lighting up the mountains and hills of northern California for over twenty years. Located about 80 miles north of Reno, NV, the High Sierra fest highlights an eclectic array of musical offerings focused on jazz, newgrass, bluegrass and jam bands and also featuring funk, electronica and world music. Guests of the festival will also find workshops, classes, shopping and family-oriented activities
Location - Quincy, CA
Dates - June 30- July 3
Happening Since - 1991
2010 Headliners - Avett Brothers, Ozomatli, Fema Kuti, Bela Fleck, Widespread Panic
2011 Headliners - My Morning Jacket, Ween, Neko Case, Warren Haynes Band, Beats Antique, Emancipator, Orgone, Ernest Ranglin, Bill Frisell's Beautiful Dreamers
JULY
A collaborative enterprise from Madison House Publicity (known for Jam band and Blue Grass acts and events) and Insomniac (arguably the biggest Dance Music event organizer in the country), Electric Forest is set to pick up with Rothbury Festival left off in 2009. Held in Rothbury, MI., this event promises the beauty of the outdoors, the pleasant sound of a guitar strumming and some ground shakin' bass from some of the biggest names on the club circuit all at the same time... Oh yeah, it's Independence weekend so expect fireworks to boot!
Location - Rothbury, MI
Dates - June 30th - July 3
Happening Since - Inaugural Year
2010 Headliners - NA
2011 Headliners - String Cheese Incident (3 shows), Tiesto, Kaskade, Pretty Lights, Bassnectar
Description – This three-day music and arts event in Mariaville, New York brings cutting-edge sounds and rocking dance beats to New England. One of the countries largest and longest running electronic-rock music festivals, the lineup is just getting better and better every year.
Location - Mariaville, NY
Dates - July 7-9
Happening Since - 2001
2010 Headliners - The Disco Biscuits, LCD Soundsystem, Ween, Thievery Corporation, Girl Talk, Bassnectar, Pretty Lights
2011 Headliners - The Disco Biscuits, Cut Copy, Wiz Khalifa, Bassnectar, Pretty Lights, Death From Above 1979, MSTRKRFT, Ghostland Observatory
Hard Summer
Description – HARD attempted to host two summer events in 2010, but with one event being cancelled just a few days prior, it is unlikely that the promoters will attempt two again. Known for its massive raved-out events, HARD is trying to win over a more “adult” audience with recent bookings with more experimental and critically acclaimed performers on the lineup. Either way, expect two massive stages of talent for 12 hours in downtown LA at HARD Summer Music Festival 2011.
Location - Los Angeles, CA
Dates - TBA
Happening Since - 2008
2010 Headliners - Soulwax, Crystal Castles, Major Lazer, Diplo
2011 Headliners: Shit Robot, James Murphy, Pat Mahoney, Holy Ghost!, Still Going & more TBA
EMRG+N+SEE
Description - For 2011, EMRG+N+SEE moves from its previous outdoor location to become an urban festival in the middle of Portland, Oregon. This tastemaker event has cutting-edge lineups, and you can expect to hear artists that are up-and-coming from the left field, offering a wide range of live music from West Coast glitch hop to acoustic folk-funk bands to dubbed out electronica and other forms of experimental sounds. And expect to dance.
Location - Portland, OR
Dates - July 15-18
Happening Since - 2004
2010 Headliners - Slugabed, March Fourth Marching Band, Funginears, Free the Robots, Eprom, MartyParty, Hovatron, Mux Mool, Nasty Nasty, Teebs, Shlohmo, Baths, Bass Science
2011 Headliners - TBA
All Good Festival
Description - This east coast festival is jam-band centric and pulls a large number of people to a mountaintop in West Virginia. With two side-by-side stages, no sets ever overlap and you can expect to hear not only jam bands, but also rock, bluegrass, electronic music, reggae and funk. With a laid-back vibe that is perfectly suited to the fresh mountain air, All Good Festival is continuously praised for the top talent as well as the panoramic views of rolling hills.
Location - Masontown, WV
Dates – July 14-17
Happening Since - 1997
2010 Headliners - Widespread Panic, Furthur, Umphrey's McGee, YSMB, The New Deal, Lotus, Yonder Mountain String Band, Dark Star Orchestra, Railroad Earth
2011 Headliners - Furthur feat. Phil Lesh & Bob Weir, Primus, Pretty Lights, STS9, moe., Umphrey's McGee, John Butler Trio, Dark Star Orchestra, Beats Antique
Pitchfork Music Festival
Description – Love or hate their snarky, snooty reviews, no one can deny that Chicago-based Pitchfork.com has an affect on the evolution of music culture. The website started throwing its own event in 2006, and so far the Pitchfork Music Festival has made as big of as splash as their website by booking both hot-as-fire new artists and those on their way up.
Location - Chicago, IL
Dates – July 15-17
Happening Since – 2006
2010 Headliners - Girls, LCD Soundsystem, Modest Mouse, Pavement
2011 Headliners: Animal Collective, Neko Case, Destroyer, The Dismemberment Plan, No Age, Fleet Foxes, James Blake, Das Racist, TV on the Radio, Cut Copy
Photosynthesis
Description – A homegrown affair, Photosynthesis is a community-based camping event that showcases local and regional artists as well as bigger “up-and-comers.” A party with heart, this intimate affair promises to be even better in 2011, its fourth year of operation.
Location – Randall, WA
Dates – July 22-25
Happening Since – 2008
2010 Headliners – Ganga Giri, Blockhead, Voodeux, KiloWatts, The Flashbulb, Lusine, novaTRON, Phidelity
2011 Headliners – TBA
Wanderlust Festival (California)
Description - What do you get when you combine rock and roll and yoga? You get an the epic 4-day throwdown known as Wanderlust Festival. True to its name, Wanderlust takes place in more than one location (hitting up Vermont in June) but always picks a locale of stunning natural beauty. This combo of yoga, music and nature will please the body/soul/spirit peeps, and the festival's more intimate nature makes it easy to relax, stretch out and dance.
Location - Squaw Valley/North Lake Tahoe, CA
Dates – July 28-31
Happening Since - 2009
2010 Headliners - Bassnectar, Pretty Lights, Beats Antique, Rupa & The April Fishes, Ana Sia
2011 Headliners - Michael Franti & Spearhead, Girl Talk, The Wailers, Jai Uttal
AUGUST
Nateva Music Festival
Description - The Nateva Music and Camping festival is a
three-day multi stage festival that hosts some of the biggest names in indie rock, bluegrass and electronica. Experience world-class musicians in a jam band tradition in the beautiful state of Maine.
Location - Oxford, Maine
Dates - August 5-7
Happening Since - 2010
2010 Headliners - Furthur, The Flaming Lips, STS9, She & Him, Passion Pit and so many more!
2011 Headliners - Thievery Corporation, STS9, Gregg Allman Band, John Butler Trio, Bob Weir, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes, EOTO, Eskmo, Ghostland Observatory & more
Description - Lollapalooza has a long-standing tradition for being one of the best festivals in the country, and was once a roving event that traveled each year from city to city. Now Perry Farrell’s brainchild festival is planted firmly in Chicago, where it revels amidst the skyscrapers smack in the middle of the city. Expect Lollapalooza 2011 to bring out many of the brightest stars in rock, punk and electronic music to eight stages in Grant Park over three days.
Location - Chicago, IL
Dates – August 5-7
Happening Since - 2005 (in Chicago only)
2010 Headliners - Soundgarden, Green Day, Lady Gaga, Arcade Fire, The Strokes, Phoenix
2011 Headliners: TBD
Outside Lands
Description – Celebrating music, food, wine and art, the Outside Lands boasts one of the most epic locations in the country: San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. For three days over 70,000 people will gather at this mainstream music event to enjoy the diverse cultural pursuits of the Bay area.
Location - San Francisco, CA
Dates – August 12-14
Happening Since – 2008
2010 Headliners - Kings of Leon, Further, The Strokes, My Morning Jacket, Phoenix
2011 Headliners - Muse, Phish, Arcade Fire, The Black Keys, Deadmau5, MGMT, Girl Talk, Decemberists
Sunset Strip Festival
Description - A three-day street festival on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles paying tribute to rock icons and its heritage in the music culture of southern California and indeed the world.
Dates - August 18-20
Happening Since - 2007
2010 Headliners - Slash, P.O.D., The Smashing Pumpkins, Common
2011 Headliners - TBA
Mile High Music Festival
Description - Mile High takes place nine miles away from downtown Denver at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. With five stages set on a pristine grass soccer field and surrounded by a national forest, this two-day event is a refreshing party in the great outdoors for lovers of rock.
Location - Denver, Colorado
Dates - CANCELLED FOR 2011
Happening Since - 2008
2010 Headliners - Jack Johnson, Dave Mathews Band, Phoenix, Atmosphere, My Morning Jacket
2011 Headliners - CANCELLED FOR 2011
North Coast Music Festival
Description – Labor Day weekend of 2010 saw the induction of the North Coast Music Festival, a new event put on by fifty different promoters for hipsters, hippies and hip hop heads of the Chicago area. Independently produced, this festival takes place in Union Park and features eclectic lineup of local and international talent including jam bands, bass music, hip hop and straight-up rock and roll.
Location - Chicago, IL
Dates – September 2-4
Happening Since - 2010
2010 Headliners - The Chemical Brothers, Nas and Damian Marley, The Disco Biscuits, Paul Van Dyk
2011 Headliners - Wiz Khalifa, Thievory Corporation, Common, Lotus, Little Dragon, Neon Indian
Burning Man
Description – Burning Man is more of an art "event" than a music festival, but this weeklong gathering hovers on the fissure where tomorrow’s new sounds bubble up from the underground. The Burn is not about headlining artists, but rather about highlighting the fact that each of us is an artist. Also, unlike "festivals", Burning Man does not provide a stage, there is no food being sold, no showers to clean yourself off, etc. Every single aspect of Black Rock City (it's home) is purchased, created, brought in, set up (and sometimes burned) by the participants. It's not for the day tripper for sure but give in to it and you just might be blown away but what comes out. To experience this genesis point of sound and art for yourself, start planning now for the adventure of a lifetime.
Location – Black Rock City, NV
Dates – August 29-September 5
Happening Since – 1986
Electric Zoo
Description - New York’s biggest electronic dance music event is growing quickly, attracting more and more visitors from out of state and out of country every year. Held at Randall’s Island Park, a beautiful location covered with lush grass, Electric Zoo is one of the top music festivals that beat heads try to get to every year. Word is that the promoters are considering adding an extra third day to the festival in 2011- stay tuned here for the updates!
Location – New York City, NY
Dates - September 2-4, 2011
Happening Since - 2009
2010 Headliners - The Chemical Brothers, Benni Bennassi, ATB, Armin Van Burren
2011 Headliners - Tiesto, David Guetta, Armin Van Buuren
Sónar Chicago
Description – Spain’s flagship electronic music festival Sónar launched a stateside version in 2010 in Chicago. Over 8,000 people attended the three-day festival, which boasted over thirty showcases in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion auditorium, Millennium Park and the Chicago Cultural Center.
Location – Chicago, IL
Dates – TBA
Happening Since – 2010
2010 Headliners – The Slew con Kid Koala, Ben Frost, Jimmy Edgar, Lesley Flanigan, Martyn, Nosaj Thing
2011 Headliners – TBA
Musicfest NW
Description - The third largest indoor music festival in the US, Musicfest NW has been called one of the “50 Authentic American Experiences” by Time magazine. Known for hosting cutting edge music, MFNW is one of Portland, Oregon's largest and most successful music festivals with artists and bands from indie, hip hop and punk backgrounds performing in multiple venues around the city.
Location - Portland, OR
Dates – September 8-11
Happening Since – 2001
2010 Headliners - The Decemberists, The National and Panda Bear
2011 Headliners - TBA
Telluride Brews and Blues
Description - With crisp mountain peaks providing a gorgeous backdrop to three full days, Telluride Blues & Brews combines two of humanoids favorites, music and alcohol. The festival includes a "Grand Tasting" of 50 microbrews on Saturday from noon to 3pm, and "Juke Joints" keep the fun rolling after the festival shuts down at 10pm each night. Not just bluegrass, this autumn event showcases some huge names in country, folk music and gospel as well, and it all takes place in beautiful Telluride, Colorado.
Location - Telluride, CO
Dates – September 16-19
Happening Since - 1994
2010 Headliners - B.B. King, ZZ Top, Galactic, The Mick Fleetwood Blues Band, Allan Tussaint, Back Joe Lewis, the Honey Bears, Alberta Cross
2011 Headliners - Robert Plant & Band of Joy, Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, Railroad Earth, Sarah McLachlan, Steve Earle & the Dukes, Old Crow Medicine Show
Decibel Festival
Description – This fantastic festival takes place in clubs, lounges, symphony halls, parks and museums around Seattle and continues to book a stellar lineup year after year. With the resounding, sold-out success of the 2010 installment, Decibel Festival looks to move its home base from Capitol Hill to downtown Seattle in 2011 to make use of the bigger venues and celebration space. Decibel is undoubtedly one of the most exciting new electronic music festivals to hit the scene in the past decade and should be high on the list of any and all beat freaks from around the world.
Location – Seattle, WA
Dates – September 21-25
Happening Since – 2003
2010 Headliners – Modeselektor, Flying Lotus, Carl Craig, Fennesz, Beats Antique, Monolake, Plastician
2011 Headliners – TBA
Nocturnal Festival
Description – Another one of Insomniac’s incredible raves, Nocturnal has a creepy autumn theme and a ready-to-party crowd. This 12-hour event boasts six rooms and stages and routinely books some of the world’s biggest DJ names in late September.
Location - Los Angeles, CA
Dates – September 24-25
Happening Since - 1995
2010 Headliners – Eddie Halliwell, Steve Angelo, Ferry Corsten, ATB, Caspa, Skream, Pretty Lights, Plump DJs
2011 Headliners - TBA
Austin City Limits - WIN WEEKEND PASSES
Description – Austin’s answer to Coachella and Bonnaroo has become quite a phenomenon in the hot sticky South. This three-day event usually books one of the strongest lineups in the festival circuit, routinely drawing crowds of around 100,000.
Location - Austin, TX
Dates – September 16-18
Happening Since - 2002
2010 Headliners - The Eagles, Muse, Phish, The Strokes, M.I.A., Flaming Lips
2011 Headliners - TBA
LovEvolution
Description - First it was the Love Parade, then LoveFest, now LovEvolution. Whatever you call it, it is San Francisco's second largest street parade (behind Pride) is probably the biggest dance music event in North America – but without ticket sales (the party is FREE), it is impossible to know for sure. For years, the first weekend in October meant electronic music, crazy outfits, and partying in the streets of San Francisco; although the 2010 event was cancelled for various reasons, hopefully the historic celebration of freedom and love will return for 2011.
Location - San Francisco, CA
Dates – TBA
Happening Since - 2005
2009 Headliners - Deadmau5, ATB, Sharam, Groove Armada, Fischer Spooner, Green Velvet, DJ Rap
2011 Headliners - TBA
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival
Description - This free music festival is funded by a rich philanthropist takes place over three days in gorgeous Golden Gate Park. No longer just "strictly" bluegrass, the festival offers a stacked lineup of talent and a folksy, fun crowd that comes out to revel in the fall sunshine.
Location - San Francisco, CA
Dates - September 30- October 2
Happening Since - 2001
2010 Headliners - Rosanne Cash, Umphrey's McGee, Indigo Girls, Steve Earle, Elvis Costello, Joan Baez, Avett Brothers
2011 Headliners - TBA
Treasure Island Music Festival
Description – Held on Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay, this two-day festival features both popular and up-and-coming musicians, DJs and producers. The festival’s first day usually books electronic and hip-hop music, while the second day sees rock and indie rock bands perform. It’s the best of both worlds!
Location - San Francisco, CA
Dates – TBA
Happening Since - 2007
2010 Headliners - LCD Soundsystem, Deadmau5, Belle & Sebastian, The National
2011 Headliners - TBA
CMJ Music Marathon
Description - CMJ is the proving grounds for the bands that are on the brink of stardom. During the five-day conference, over a thousand artists perform in nearly 100 venues throughout New York City, making CMJ a must for music lovers. 2011 will be the 31st year of the festival, which expects to see over 12,000 music professionals and 120,000 fans converge together for an exciting week of sonic euphoria.
Location - New York City, NY
Dates – October 18-22
Happening Since - 1978
2010 Headliners - Yo La Tengo, Ghostface Killah, Unkle, Francis and the Lights, Phoenix, Freddie Gibbs
2011 Headliners - TBA
Cypress Hill Smokeout
Description - As if southern California needs a reason to light up another spliff, Cypress Hill's annual Smokeout "Mind Opening Music Festival" provides a potent excuse for a celebration of steazy beats and sticky green. Held at NOS Events Center, a giant outdoor fairgrounds east of Los Angeles, the Smokeout is known for its diversity in booking and solid history in the community. With plenty of stages, vending, and room to run around, the Smokeout is a festival that any music lover, stoner or not, would enjoy.
Location - San Bernardino, CA
Dates - TBA
Happening Since - 1998
2010 Headliners - Cypress Hill, Erykah Badu, Deadmau5, Incubus, MGMT, Paul Oakenfold, Living Legends, Slightly Stoopid
2011 Headliners - TBA
Moogfest
Description – Busting onto the scene with a new home in Asheville, North Carolina, Moogfest managed to book some of the most exciting up-and-coming, avant-garde artists in the nation – you know, the people that everyone ELSE will be talking next year. Taking place over Halloween weekend, this three-day event is a celebration of innovation – so expect the forward-thinking lineups to continue.
Location – Asheville, NC
Dates – October 29-30
Happening Since – 2007
2010 Headliners – Devo, MGMT, Massive Attack, Hot Chip, Pretty Lights
2011 Headliners – TBA
Monster Massive
Description - This Halloween massive is a produced by GoVentures (Love Festival LA, Hawaii and LV) and draws in over 25,000 people every Halloween who want to shake it in costumes at one of the biggest spookfests in LA.
Location - Los Angeles, CA
Dates - October 29
Happening Since - 1997
2009 Headliners - Armin Van Buuren, Sasha, Pete Tong, Felix Da Housecat, Steve Lawler, Hernan Cattaneo
2010 Headliners - TBA
2011 Headliners - TBA
Together As One
Description - It doesn't get any bigger for New Years Eve in LA than Together As One. Insomniac (Electric Daisy Carnival, Nocturnal, Wonderland, etc) pulls out all the stops on this one with over 25,000 people taking over the LA Sports Arena and Grounds to say goodbye and good riddance to the old year. In with the new!
Location - Los Angeles, CA
Dates – December 31
Happening Since - 2002
2010 Headliners - David Guetta, John Digweed, Dubfire and Sander Kleinenberg
2011 Headliners - TBA
Sea of Dreams New Years Eve
Description – A magical, beat-filled wonderland of creative artistic expression, Sea of Dreams rings in the New Year with excitement and some of the best bass-centric electronic musicians around. Get dressed in your wildest costume and get ready
to dance at this Burner-inspired festivity!
Location – San Francisco, CA
Dates – December 31
Happening Since – 2001
2010 Headliners – Thievery Corporation, Balkan Beat Box, Modeselektor, Beats Antique, MiM0sa, Lucent Dossier Experience
2011 Headliners – TBA
STAGECOACH JETER
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