Festivals are events where large masses of people gather to celebrate life and engage in a variety of thrilling activities. With so many people sharing a love of fun together in one spot for a few days at a time, it’s a great place to meet new people and make new friends. Need an icebreaker? Fly a LIVE A GREAT STORY flag, wear your LIVE T-shirts, and distribute stickers. Spread the word and share the love! So where will everyone be this summer? Check out this list organized geographically to plan your next networking opportunity!
West Coast
Bottlerock - California
Where: Napa Valley
When: May 24-26
Who: Imagine Dragons, Neil Young, Mumford & Sons
Opportunities: Bottlerock is unique in that it offers spa services as well as a culinary stage mixing famous chefs, entertainers, and musicians. And of course, Napa Valley is famous for its wine! There’ll be plenty to taste while you’re in the area. For the ultimate experience, consider camping nearby at Skyline Wilderness Park and enjoy the outdoors.
Outside Lands - California
Where: San Francisco
When: August 9-11
Who: Paul Simon, Childish Gambino, Twenty One Pilots
Opportunities: Stimulate all of your senses as you listen to great music, view a gallery of art, eat delicious food, and take in all the Bay Area has to offer. Receive cannabis education at Grass Lands, learn how to make a difference in preserving the economy at Eco Lands, and listen to comics and podcast stars while you’re here. Satisfy your senses at Outside Lands this summer!
Life is Beautiful - Nevada
Where: Las Vegas
When: September 20-22
Who: Chance the Rapper, Post Malone, Billie Eilish
Opportunities: The philosophy behind Life is Beautiful is the transformation of community through creativity. Downtown Las Vegas becomes the canvas for artists in celebration of this festival. The outdoor art gallery that is the streets of Las Vegas features exhibits from all over the world. Celebrate the beauty of community this summer at Life is Beautiful.
LIVE A GREAT STORY Flag making an appearance at Austin City Limits!
Mid-West
Bunbury - Ohio
Where: Cincinnati
When: May 31-June 2
Who: Fall Out Boy, The 1975, NF
Opportunities: “Bee here. Bee you. Bee free.” is the motto of Bunbury music festival. You’re sure to find the apparel, art, and accessory that best expresses your unique self from one of Bunbury’s many vendors.
Summerfest - Wisconsin
Where: Milwaukee
When: June 26-30; July 2-7
Who: Thomas Rhett, Bon Iver, Snoop Dogg
Opportunities: Summerfest is the perfect place for those with an eclectic taste in music. Headliners range from country to rap artists and everything in between. You’re sure to make a wide variety of new acquaintances here!
Pitchfork - Illinois
Where: Chicago
When: July 19-21
Who: HAIM, The Isley Brothers, Robyn
Opportunities: Pitchfork prides itself on its affordability which is made possible by hosting a number of independent artists. In addition to listening to music from new and emerging artists, you can explore a wide selection of vinyl from a variety of vendors both local and indie; support entrepreneurs at the craft fair; view a gallery of show-posters and purchase prints; and interact with the Book Fort book fair featuring independent publishers, presses, and literary organizations. Pitchfork is really the place to be if you’re looking to expand your musical, artistic, and literary horizons.
Mo Pop - Michigan
Where: Detroit
When: July 27-28
Who: Tame Impala, Vampire Weekend, Ella Mai
Opportunities: Mo Pop provides attendees with access to artist autographs, free arcade game play in air-conditioned tents, a Haute to Death dance party, and the Detroit Dart Club, a unique activity that can be played throughout the grounds. Take advantage of free bicycle parking and bike your way to and from the festival each day. For a weekend filled with music, dance, and games, make your way to Michigan!
Lollapalooza - Illinois
Where: Chicago
When: August 1-4
Who: The Strokes, The Chainsmokers, Ariana Grande
Opportunities: Lollapalooza has been around since 1991, so Chicago is kind of a festival pro. This festival provides access to over 170 bands from around the world and the best food and photo ops Chicago has to offer. Enthusiastic, like-minded festival-goers also benefit from connecting with local organizations that work to improve and save lives. Have fun and make a difference at Lollapalooza this summer!
South
Bonnaroo - Tennessee
Where: Manchester
When: June 13-16
Who: Phish, Odesza, Cardi B
Opportunities: Bonnaroo defines camping as “an endless adventure of discovery and human connection.” And that’s really what Bonnaroo is all about. Dress up and celebrate your individuality by attending any of the many parades put on throughout the weekend, attend yoga sessions to get in touch with your inner self, and run a 5k to support your physical health. Bonnaroo also offers multiple community-building opportunities such as the Neighborhood of Good which is dedicated to doing good for the benefit of the local community, Soberoo where those in search of a sober environment can relax and support each other, and Nature-Roo where you can collaborate on an interactive mural and donate your snack wrappers which will be re-purposed for playground equipment. At Bonnaroo this summer, do good for yourself, your neighbor, your community, and the earth.
Float Fest - Texas
Where: Gonzalez
When: July 20-21
Who: Major Lazer, Portugal. The Man, Gucci Mane
Opportunities: Float the Guadalupe River during the day, listen to your favorite artists in the evening, and camp overnight! You can even join a party bus from Austin, San Marcos, or San Antonio. Cool off this summer at Float Fest!
Austin City Limits - Texas
Where: Austin
When: October 4-6; October 11-13
Who: Guns N’ Roses, The Cure, Billie Eilish
Opportunities: Come to Austin, home of LIVE A GREAT STORY! Hosted in the middle of the live music capital of the world, ACL features 8 stages, 125 performances, art installations, and the best food in town. Come to Austin for one of two fun-filled weekends to experience the best the city has to offer and to catch ACL-specific LIVE A GREAT STORY events! If you’re a fan, there’s no better place to be than the city that started it all.
East Coast
Boston Calling - Massachusetts
Where: Allston
When: May 24-26
Who: Lord Huron, Anderson .Paak, Logic
Opportunities: With over 50 bands across 3 outdoor stages and an indoor arena as well as comedy sets, art installations, international beverages, food inspired by local chefs, and a 100-foot Ferris wheel, Boston Calling is the place to be if you’re in the area.
Governors Ball - New York
Where: New York City
When: May 31-June 2
Who: Tyler, the Creator, Florence + the Machine, Nas
Opportunities: Enjoy music, food, and art, get creative with interactive photo booths, play life-size board games, and support local charities and organizations. The Governors Ball is a celebration of what it means to be a New Yorker.
Firefly - Delaware
Where: Dover
When: June 21-23
Who: Panic! At the Disco, Kygo, DJ Snake
Opportunities: The woodlands of Dover, Delaware has hosted the east coast’s largest music and camping festival since 2012. The Great Atlantic Campout is the name of the camping experience held on the grounds of Firefly Music Festival. Whether you stay in a tent or an R-V, bring your own gear or rent, accommodations can be made right alongside masses of other festival goers in close proximity to the main entrance. Nestled in the forest, groove to the tunes in your headphones at the silent disco in The Thicket, relax in your hammock in The Nook, and enjoy the art along The Pathway that leads from the Lawn Stage to the Main Stage. With an emphasis on nature, Firefly is the perfect festival to attend if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
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Fun and freedom are definitely perks of attending festivals, but these gatherings offer so many more benefits and opportunities. Take some time this summer to learn about yourself, set aside your differences or celebrate similarities as you meet new people and make lasting connections, and support local communities, artists, organizations and charities. Add a festival experience to your story and encourage others to LIVE A GREAT STORY as well. Visit our website to shop for your summer LIVE gear and spread the message!
Remember to grab stickers and a flag for your festival adventures!
