If you read entertainment magazines and blogs, you’ve probably heard a lot about music festivals in the last few weeks. Even fashion mags have created articles about what to wear to Coachella, South by Southwest and more. But if you’ve never been to a music festival, so much information can be confusing and overwhelming. What’s in your area? How do you get tickets to these events? We have the answers and our top festivals to hit this summer!
Coachella: Indio, CA, April 13-15 and April 20-22, 2012.
One of the best-known music festivals in America, Coachella is so popular that it’s happening for two weekends in a row this year. With headliners like The Black Keys and Dr. Dre, this is definitely one weekend on which you might want to consider spending your savings! There are no paper tickets – order a wristband good for one entire weekend on Coachella’s website. Wristbands typically run a few hundred dollars a pop, but the prices will continue to increase as the event gets closer, so don’t wait to buy one if this is an event you’re planning to attend.
Lollapalooza: Chicago, IL, August 3-5, 2012.
Lady Gaga headlined Lollapalooza last year, and this year’s performers will not disappoint either. The list of performers hasn’t been announced yet, but with past artists like Coldplay and Muse, we can’t wait to see who the event’s organizers book for 2012! General admission tickets aren’t on sale for this year yet since the lineup hasn’t been officially released, but expect to spend at least a few hundred. Tickets are on sale on Lollapalooza’s website.
Pitchfork: Chicago, IL, July 13-15, 2012.
If you love alternative music, you’ll love the Pitchfork Independent Music Festival. With such acts as Feist, Vampire Weekend and Hot Chip, this is a must-do event for indie music lovers! Tickets are $110 for the weekend or $45 each day and can be bought here. Buy yours sooner rather than later, collegiettes – Pitchfork is a smaller festival than the others, so tickets will sell out quickly!
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The Governor’s Ball: Randall’s Island, NYC, June 23-24, 2012.
Like Pitchfork, this is a smaller festival, but with Passion Pit, Beck and Fiona Apple (and many more!) this event can definitely hold its own. Tickets are $160 for a general admission two-day pass and can be purchased here, but you’ll probably also want to buy the $20 ferry ride to get to the venue.
Bonnaroo: Manchester, TN, June 7-10, 2012.
This festival is so legendary, there’s a Ben and Jerry’s ice cream flavor named for it. This year, tons of awesome artists are playing, from some of the biggest chart-toppers of the moment to (500) Days of Summer soundtrack favorite The Temper Trap. Headliners include classic artists like Radiohead and Phish. There are tons of other great bands, too, though, so check out the lineup for a complete list! General admission tickets are already sold out except for the highest price level, $259.50, so grab yours before they’re completely sold out!
Have you ever been to a music festival, collegiettes? What was your experience? Let us know in the comments section!