Summer is nearing and for many University of Maryland students one thing is on the mind: summer music festivals.
In the midst of finding summer internships, applying for summer jobs and preparing for finals week, students are busy arranging travel plans and purchasing tickets for some of the largest music events of the year.
In this growing age of Electronic Dance Music (EDM), attendance at these festivals has become an essential part of American collegiate culture.
“EDM is associated with going out and having a good time,” sophomore communications major, Mariya Raspin, explained. “It’s fun to listen to and it’s so catchy. There is generally a young environment of people at these festivals, it’s awesome.”
These outdoor music fests typically last for three days and are known to be an all-day affair. They include multiple DJs, performers and light shows, but those aren’t the only features to get excited about. A rave dress code has become a staple part of EDM music festivals. Concertgoers can be seen wearing crazy ensembles to these events, customarily neon and glitter.
“I like to get creative with it,” Raspin said when asked about her festival attire. “Some key elements I would like to have in my ensemble would be, neon, cut-outs, something cool in my hair, all paired with a pair of sick, cool sneakers. And lots of glitter.”
Here are some of the most popular summer music festivals among the Maryland campus community—you won’t want to miss these!
Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC):
EDC is a popular festival in Las Vegas but this year it is making it’s way to the East Coast. This two-day, multi-staged event will bring some of the biggest names in house music to the New York area.
Location: MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
Dates: May 19 and May 20
Headliners: Afrojack, Alesso, Avicii, Bassnectar, Calvin Harris, Chuckie
Camp Bisco 2012:
Camp Bisco is the largest Electronic-Rock festival in the Northeast. Hundreds of people are known to camp out upstate for this three-day event.
Location: Mariaville, N.Y.
Dates: July 12-14
Headliners: Skrillex, A-Trak, Dada Life, The Disco Biscuits
Electric Zoo:
E-Zoo is an extremely popular show in the tri-state area known to take place Labor Day weekend. The multi-staged festival includes a main stage with internationally famous DJs.
Location: Randall’s Island Park, NYC
Dates: Aug. 31-Sept. 2
Headliners: Axwell, Bingo Players, David Guetta, Laidback Luke, Pretty Lights, Steve Aoki, Tiësto
(Photo credit to Marisa Braverman)
Lollapalooza:
For those of you eager to take a summer trip, Lollapalooza is the move to make. This famous festival features an eclectic mix of electronic and rock music, featuring some of the most popular artists and DJs.
Location: Grant Park, Chicago
Dates: Aug. 3-5
Headliners: Avicii, The Black Keys, Florence + The Machine, Kaskade, Passion Pit, Red Hot Chili Peppers
It’s time to start saving your funds because these festivals can be a little costly, ranging anywhere from $100 to $400, depending on the packages purchased.
Lauren Loeb, a sophomore communications major, attended Camp Bisco last year and just purchased her ticket for EDC in May, but she promises it’s worth the investment. “I always freak-out when I first lay out the money for these things, but if you’re a huge music fan like I am you won’t regret your decision for a second. Definitely an incredible experience.”