I have a confession, I have never been to a music festival. Other than Boots and Hearts for a minute (I stayed a day). I have never really had the full festival experience. Well, wait, way back when I was touring with a band we performed at a festival or two. I definitely can’t call myself a festival veteran. I am a festival rookie and lately, I have been thinking it’s time for me to get into the high-vibe musical vibration festival spirit.
I did a little research, because well, I am picky. If I am going somewhere I want to be into it. Not just the music, everything, the food, the vibe, the atmosphere must meet my requirements. I finally put together my top seven. Obviously, there are more than 5 amazing festivals out there so there is always room for more!
When: May 26-28, 2017
Where: Napa Valley
Well, I am not going to lie, Bottlerock Napa Valley festival had me at Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Foo Fighters, The Roots, wine and Michelin-star food. Listen, I am into adulting these days. So this festival is the place for those who are looking for an unbelievable music experience paired with exceptional wine, brew, and food. Of course, it will be fun with scenic views of Napa Valley’s vineyards, an opportunity for a wine tour at a local vineyard before you revel in a night under the stars listening to music. This is the kind of fun I am looking for. Seriously, sign me up.
Bottlerock started May 8–12, 2013 as a 5-day music festival, it’s now a 3-day affair. 4 years later it’s still running and going strong and it is considered as one of the best music festivals to attend. I guess it’s not surprising that tickets are sold-out already. But don’t fret you may still get the opportunity to score a ticket or two at Ticket Exchange. Good luck!!
I have to mention, Bottlerock is all about sustainability. They have “partnered with Napa Valley Expo, Sustainable Napa County, and Napa Recycling & Waste Services to keep 76 tons (152,000 lbs) of waste out of the landfill. Pretty amazing! In addition, “BottleRockers eliminated 172,000 plastic water bottles from use by filling up reusable bottles at CamelBak Water Refill Stations throughout the grounds.” I am sure you have seen the amount of waste that gets left behind after a festival. Let’s make our music imprint is a green one.
You can check out the LINEUP ⇒ Here.
When: June 8-11, 2017
Where: Manchester, Tennesse
Bonnaroo, a four-day festival is all about music and nature. If you’ve ever wondered what a music festival may have been like in the 60s and 70s. Attending Bonnaroo is a great way to get a glimpse of this experience since they draw inspiration from this time. When festivals were about a sense of community and people coming together to appreciate music and connect with each other. I hear the late-night super jams are amazing. Have you ever been to a festival where you can listen to a few bands, take a yoga class, run a 5k if you’ve got the energy to burn or simply just do nothing but chill, make friends and listen to the best artists?! Probably not.
Going green and music come together in perfect harmony. We like that at Bonnaroo they “aspire to be the greenest festival and to set the standard in sustainability and greening practices for North American concert events”. Talk about good vibes.
You can check out the LINEUP ⇒ Here.
When: July 20-23, 2017.
Where: Cambridgeshire village of Abbots Ripton, UK.
Secret Garden Party (SGP) wants you to know that “it’s a party, not a festival” but well, let’s just say festivals and parties are siblings; family love! SGP takes place in the rural Cambridgeshire village of Abbots Ripton, UK. Yes, if you don’t already live in the UK you will have to hop on a plane to get to this magical party that takes place in the gardens of a Georgian farm house. Every year SGP revelers get to experience something new since each year there’s new theme. Other than knowing the theme, you will have to wait and see what it will be like. I am told each year, it gets better and better.
The SGP experience includes boutique camping, saunas, hot tubs, art installations, performances, yoga, films, spoken word, different themed stages and a games area. I like the fact that there’s a mixture of party and chill time at SGP. It’s good to have a good time, but you do have moments when you want to relax a bit. SGP offers the best of both worlds, the choice is yours.
You can check out the LINEUP ⇒Here.
When: Oct 27-29, 2017 Halloween Weekend
Where: City Park, New Orleans
If you have never been to New Orleans aka NOLA, one of the best party cities in the world and you are looking for something out of this world to do Halloween weekend, check out Voodoo Festival, a ‘musical gumbo’. Other than the fact that New Orleans is an experience in and of itself, add a day or two at this festival and you are guaranteed an unforgettable memory. Music, culture, art and great cuisine. At Voodoo Fest you will get to experience a giant cauldron of genres so all your various tastes in music will be satisfied. Since 1999, 15 years, this festival has attracted festival goers around the world. The line-up for 2017 isn’t up yet, but get your tickets while they’re still available.
While in NOLA you can also take advantage of their 24-hour music scene by visiting local live music venues. With late night bites and tours of haunted houses topped off with the best breakfast, you will ever have, Voodoo Fest sounds like a good idea!
When: Oct 6-8 & Oct 13-15, 2017. On two consecutive three-day weekends
Where: Zilker Park in Austin, Texas.
I have always wanted to go to Austin Texas, ‘the live music capital of the world’. This festival happens during my favourite season, fall. Since I prefer a chill atmosphere I try to travel to popular destinations when it’s not peak season. Austin is quite busy during the summer festival season. Although Austin City Limits takes places in the fall it’s sold out every year. Performances take place on 8 stages where 110 acts are set to perform! I can’t forget to mention the food, yes Austin is known for its’ unbelievable food. You can dine at a few of Austins best eateries while at the festival or head into the city.
Up Your Local Karma while at the festival by supporting local organizations that are dedicated to improving lives. Musiccares, Austin Music Foundation, and the SIMS Foundation are a few of the organizations that were there last year (2016).
The LINEUP isn’t up yet but you can purchase advance tickets in the spring.
Please let me know if you check out any of the above festivals. Also, let me know if there are other festivals I should mention.
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