Music festivals are the hot ticket of the summer. Bands and music fans come together at festivals all over the world to celebrate music, sunshine, food and fun. With so many concerts planned all season long, how do you choose which festival to attend? BlueOrange Travel specializes in entertainment and band travel, and is ready to share the best summer music festivals in 2018 that will make the most of your travel plans this season.
Can’t-Miss Summer Music Festivals in 2018
Vans Warped Tour
June 21 through August 5
Throughout the United States
Since 1995, the Warped Tour has traveled across the country with an array of bands, and this summer is no exception. But this year will be the 25th and last for this festival, so tickets holders can anticipate a celebratory atmosphere with favorite punk and alternative rock music. Look for bands like 30H!3, Bowling for Soup, Sum 41, Simple Plan, and more. The bands change depending on the festival date, so be sure to check the web site for all the details. In addition to live music, festival goers can look forward to drumming lessons and a Battle of the Bands competition.
Essence Festival
July 5 – 8
New Orleans
With nearly 500,000 anticipated attendees, the Essence Festival is one of the largest musical gatherings each year. The three-day festival combines music, entertainment, empowerment and culture into a single event. This year, look for some of the best known speakers, authors and musicians, including Snoop Dog, The Roots, Queen Latifa, Mary J. Blige, Doug E. Fresh and Janet Jackson. In addition to music, the Essence Festival offers events that focus on fashion, beauty, hair and lifestyle, ensuring something for every one of the festival’s guests.
Pitchfork Music Festival
July 20 – 22
Chicago
Don’t miss this mid-sized festival this summer. With big names like Lauren Hill, Chaka Khan, Fleet Foxes and more, this critically acclaimed festival offers more than 40 acts over three days in Union Park. By highlighting the best in new and emerging music, Pitchfork strives to provide a welcoming, comfortable and rewarding musical weekend. While you’re there, look for the record and craft fair as well as local food and businesses.
Fuji Rock
July 27 – 29
Niigata Prefecture, Japan
The promised experience of the Fuji Rock festival makes it worthwhile to cross the Pacific Ocean. With a lineup that includes Bob Dylan, Kendrick Lamar, Vampire Weekend, Post Malone, Jack Johnson and more, this might be the most unique summer music festival of 2018. Set against the postcard-perfect mountains and ski resort setting of Naeba, Japan, the festival will offer cable car rides, massages, NGO workshops and a focus on green-living and sustainability.
Lollapalooza
August 2 – 5
Chicago
With names like Arctic Monkeys, Bruno Mars, The Weeknd, Jack White, Portugal the Man Gucci Mane and more, Lollapalooza fills four days and eight stages with the best in music each year. Visitors trek to Chicago’s Grant Park for a summer music festival experience to remember. Eat the best festival food that the city offers, take in the art market, let the kids run at Kidzapalooza or focus on the local community. This year marks the 27th year for Lollapalooza, making it the gold standard for music festivals, and a great option for first-time or expert festival fans.
Afropunk
August 25 – 26
Brooklyn
Amazing live music and good vibes are the goals of Brooklyn’s Afropunk festival. This multicultural festival is known for its unmatched street style and for booking some of the best names in music. This year look for Erykah Badu, Tyler, the Creator, Miguel, Janelle Monáe, Ibeyi, and more in Commodore Barry Park. In addition to the music, the festival is home to areas like Activism Row, Spinthrift Market, Bites&Beats and more that are meant to inspire and feed guests with flair.
BlueOrange Travel is a leading travel management company based in New York City. With personalized service and vast industry connections, we are ready to help you plan the next getaway for you or your band. Contact BlueOrange for the very best in bespoke travel.