There are two types of music festivals in the world: Those where you have a soft comfy bed and running water at your leisure, and those where you do not. Hotel vs. Camping. While both have their perks, everybody has their preferences, and this article has been split based on available accommodations for the festival weekend.
First up, the festivals where your inner scout is revealed. Don't forget your tent!
1. Summer Camp
Chillicothe, IL
Dates: May 26th - May 28th
Ready to embark on a journey that will make your inner child happy? This is summer camp, for adults. Become a part of three days of art, soul, and music and pass your initiation to become a scamper.
2. Okeechobee Music Festival
Okeechobee, FL
Dates: March 2nd - March 5th
Sunshine Grove - the land of beaches, plains, and lush foliage. A weekend of music sampled from every genre - this festival is sure to please.
3. Electric Forest
Rothbury, MI
Dates: June 22nd - July 2nd
Electric Forest is a fairytale - four days of camping in the Sherwood forest surrounded by loving people with a shared passion for music. Take an adventure and visit the forest. (Taking place on two separate weekends, there's sure to be dates that fit your summer schedule!)
4. Bonnaroo
Manchester, TN
Dates: June 8th - June 11th
The perfect mix of music from across the board. Bring your tent, bring your friends. It's going to be one heck of a weekend!
5. Camp Bisco
Scranton, PA
Dates: TBA
It's a music festival... it's a water park... it's a music festival with a water park. While the lineup and dates haven't been released, Camp Bisco has not let down attendees in the past. So grab your swimmies and head on over to Montage Mountain to have the weekend of your life!
For those of you looking for slightly more tame weekend of music with the amenities of hot water, your own bathroom, and a soft plushy bed, these festivals are for you!
6. Buku Fest
New Orleans, LA
Dates: March 10th - March 11th
Buku is a magical festival featuring multiple genres of music (and it falls perfectly on the first days of Auburn's spring break). Enjoy a weekend exploring historic New Orleans and listening to some of your favorite artists
7. Voodoo Fest
New Orleans, LA
Dates: October 27th - October 29th
Take another venture to the creole capital of the states to spend a spooky Halloween at Voodoo! A collection of music ranging from alternative, rock, hip-hop, and electronic - Voodoo is a real crowd pleaser!
8. Hangout Music Fest
Gulf Shores, AL
Dates: May 19th - May 21st
Another festival that spans all music tastes, hangout is the sandy kingdom of fun in the sun. Spend your days sun-bathing and your nights raging!
9. Ultra Music Festival
Miami, FL
Dates: March 24th - March 26th
One of the kings of electronic music festivals, Ultra is like nothing else. Take a trip to South Florida and escape from the cold for a three day weekend that is no doubt going to make going home difficult.
This list is far from complete, but these are a couple of festivals that I have visited and loved, while others have been on my wish list for years. Whichever festival you choose will be the right decision. So don't fret over your decision too much. Any of them will leave you with a transformative experience and enough memories for a life time of stories!
To search for other festivals, check out The Music Festival Wizard, a website with a directory of festivals around the world. Rock, Jazz, Folk! Whatever your taste in music, you will find a festival.
