If you are someone that loves live music and exploring new venues, then the long days, hot nights and vacation time make summer the best season for attending concerts and festivals. There’s something about this time of the year that feels nostalgic, and listening to some of your favorite songs only heightens this sentimental feeling. Whether you’re attending alone, with close friends, a significant other, or with family members, the opportunity to hear the beat or the lyrics of your most loved songs in person is incomparable. If you’re looking for live music options in the Northeast region, then keep reading for some of the most popular headliners of 2023!
Boston Calling
Four outdoor stages will host more than 50 performances, a 100-foot Ferris wheel, art installations, life-size games and more. This three-day music festival that is scheduled to take place over Memorial Day Weekend features big names, such as The Foo Fighter, The Lumineers, and Paramore. Set up at the Harvard Athletic Complex, there is plenty of space to roam the grounds and grab a drink and a bite to eat before seeing your favorite performers. There’s so much to explore and see at Boston Calling in addition to the amazing musicians that will be in attendance!
Barefoot Country Music Fest
If country music is your thing, then be sure to check out this festival that is located on the shore in Wildwood, New Jersey to kick off your summer jamming from June 15th through the 18th! Jon Pardi, Blake Shelton, Kid Rock, Darius Rucker, Riley Green, and Parker McCollum are only a few of the 40+ of Country’s hottest artists across 5 unique stages. To make this festival even more exciting, each night has a theme. Start getting creative now and planning outfits for Diamonds & Denim, Live Like a Dutton and American Bad Ass night.
Beach Road Weekend Music Festival
Living on island time for a weekend sounds like the perfect summer activity. Especially as summer wraps up, this end of August festival is the perfect way to ease into fall. If you’re unfamiliar with the Cape and the Islands, Martha’s Vineyard is an island seven miles off the coast of Massachusetts, so be sure to catch the ferry to make it to your festival destination. The traveling involved in making this event happen is well worth it for the lineup, including Mumford and Sons, Bon Iver and Leon Bridges!
Governor’s Ball
Gov Ball 2023 has a new home nestled in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens. With plenty of shade from lush trees and grassy fields for enjoying music, this year’s festival experience seems to be getting a major upgrade! Gov Ball is known for being a melting pot of cultures, styles and sounds. Besides the amazing artists, you can also indulge in a range of dishes from some of NYC’s top restaurants. Make sure to get tickets to see Lizzo, Odesza, Kendrick Lamar and more from June 9th to 11th.
Levitate Festival
Levitate’s signature summertime splash of creativity and community is bringing names like Ludacris and Ziggy Marley into the picture this year just in time to celebrate its 10th year this July! The story behind Levitate Music & Arts Festival is usually what brings people together at its Massachusetts location. Born out of the basement of a surf shop, Levitate embodies creativity, nature and community oriented in New England.
Sound on Sound Festival
If a late summer music excursion suits you better, then join in on the amazing music, local food and drinks, and a reimagined festival experience in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Over two days, there are over 20 bands that will perform in beautiful Seaside Park! With a new stage and viewing experience, this year’s festival footprint has doubled in size so attendees will be able to relax and enjoy the elevated experience with plenty of space to roam the festival grounds.
Oceans Calling Festival
The Ocean City Boardwalk is a classic summer location that screams everything fun and game! This three-day event features over 30 performances on three stages with endless opportunities to try delicious east coast bites from local food vendors. After taking a peak at the September 29th to October 1st lineup, you might just want to buy tickets for all three days! Jack Johnson, John Mayer, Noah Kahan, Sheryl Crow, Weezer, and Fitz and the Tantrums are perfect examples of the sounds of a laid back summer weekend. As a bonus, the amusement park along the pier will also be open with plenty of rides for all concert-goers!
Adjacent Music Festival
This brand new, two-day festival also takes place along the Jersey Shore during Memorial Day Weekend in Atlantic City, New Jersey! One of my favorites from their list of headliners are The Bleachers. If you’re planning on going out after this musical event, then look no further than their Adjacent After Parties.