Attention locals and foreigners alike: the two-weekend madness that is Austin City Limits Music Festival is quickly approaching! Yes, everyone attending is excitedly counting down the days, but my friends and I have all come to the important conclusion that the music festivals are not always about the artists or the headliners or even the popularity. Music festivals are about the experience -- the food and clothes and people that make the weekend carefree and feel good. So if you're looking for something cheaper or a bit less mainstream than Austin City Limits, here are a few festivals to check out.
Mala Luna
Mala Luna Music Festival is a two-day event happening Halloween weekend in San Antonio, Texas.
The Scene: Because this fest goes down at the spookiest time of the year, there will be lots of costume-wearing and Halloween-celebrating folks attending for a musically good time.
The Lineup: Kaskade, Travis Scott, G-Eazy, Steve Aoki, Kevin Gates, Tory Lanez, and more.
Voodoo Fest
New Orleans's annual Voodoo Fest is a weekend-long event coming up this October.
The Scene: Also taking place on Halloween weekend, this festival gives you the NOLA experience mixed with the festival feel.
The Lineup: The Weeknd, G-Eazy, Kevin Gates, Cage the Elephant, Shakey Graves, The Chainsmokers, and more.
Sound on Sound Fest
Somewhat of a replacement this November for last year's Fun Fun Fun! Fest, Sound on Sound is a three-day festival in Sherwood Forest (right outside of Austin).
The Scene: This fest is out in the middle of nowhere, so lots of people will be camping out in tents for the weekend, and there will be entertainment beyond the music.
The Lineup: Beach House, Explosions in the Sky, Phantogram, Run the Jewels, Big Boi, Purity Ring, and more.
Euphoria
Complete with camping, yoga, music, and workshops, Euphoria fest is coming this April at Carson Creek Ranch.
The Scene: If you're looking for a laid-back music festival that will allow you to find your zen, Euphoria is the one for you.
The Lineup: Dillon Francis, Juicy J, Bassnectar, Tycho, Cherub, Lettuce, and more.
South by Southwest
Get the Austin festival experience in a different season at SXSW, a music, film, and interactive festival combined.
The Scene: This weeklong festival in March (Spring Break) has something for everyone--film screenings, live concerts, and tons of free events--in the heart of the city.
The Lineup: Unannounced (Be on the lookout for free shows!)
