http://lineup.lollapalooza.com/
Perhaps the most well recognized festival is Lollapalooza. Created by Jane’s Addiction front man Perry Farrell, Lollapalooza continuously showcases artists from a wide range of genres. This summer (Lolla’s 20th run) features headliners Eminem, Foo Fighters, Coldplay, and Muse.
If you’re looking for a smaller and cheaper festival, 80/35 is the one for you. Taking place in Des Moines over 4th of July weekend (and named after the interstate junction that takes place outside the city) 80/35 is a newer festival. I had the chance to see the Flaming Lips at the festival two years ago and was pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere that surrounded the festival. The venue itself was clean and the people were kind. If you’re available this July, head to Des Moines to check out headliners Girl Talk and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros.
My friend Doyle recently informed me of the Kanrocksas festival taking place for the first time this summer in Kansas City. If you’re into the Lollapalooza headliners but don’t want to shell out too much money, then Kanrocksas looks like the festival for you. It too features headliners Eminem and Muse along with other big names such as the Black Keys, Kid Cudi, and Girl Talk for about $50 less than Lolla.
http://sasquatchfestival.com/lineup
If I had the funds, time, and resources to attend any festival this summer, Sasquatch would be the one. Who wouldn’t want to see their favorite bands here:
http://sasquatchfestival.com/venue
Unfortunately, tickets are sold out. Taking place over Memorial Day weekend in the beautiful Gorge Ampitheater, Sasquatch features artists such as Bright Eyes, Wolf Parade, Beach House, Deerhunter, Surfer Blood, and a slew of others. This is simply my opinion though. Even if none of these festivals sound like the place for you, I strongly encourage attending some sort of outdoor show this summer. Seeing your favorite artist in great weather just makes the experience that much more enjoyable.