Coachella ends tonight and Lollapalooza is sold out. Bonnaroo’s nearly there, too. But there’s more music festivals out there for eager fans to choose from.
New music festivals are popping up more quickly than you can count in the U.S. and some of the most successful promoters in the scene are looking ahead to next year and beyond when they’ll launch new ventures in untapped markets.
“I do think that there’s really plenty of opportunities for people to create some great festival experiences,” said Ashley Capps, a co-founder of the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in Manchester, Tenn. “In fact, I think in many ways the audience in America is just now starting to fully embrace festival culture.”
Here’s a peek at a summer six pack of new festivals the seeker in you might want to check out:
— Hangout Music Festival, May 17-19: One of the faster growing new festivals, the beach setting in Gulf Shores, Ala., and relatively small crowds — tickets are capped at 35,000 — offer a different kind of vibe than most. Fans can step out of condos and directly into the festival, which is held surf side. Lineup highlights: Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, Kings of Leon, Stevie Wonder and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. (hangoutmusicfest.com)
— Governors Ball Music Festival, June 7-9: Just two years old and housed on Randall's Island in New York City, Governors Ball already sports a huge lineup and like Outside Lands is becoming a destination for many of music's big acts. Lineup highlights: Kanye West, Kings of Leon, Guns N' Roses and Kendrick Lamar. (governorsballmusicfestival.com/)
— Orion Music and More, June 8-9: The members of Metallica mean it when they say music and more. Last year, the festival included a classic car exhibit, the Metallica museum and guitarist Kirk Hammett's horror movie memorabilia collections. Oh, and an eclectic lineup of bands. This year's festival will be held on Detroit's Belle Isle. Lineup highlights: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rise Against, Bassnectar and a reunited Infectious Grooves will join Metallica. (www.orionmusicandmore.com)
— Solid Sound Festival, June 21-23: This festival at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art reflects curator Wilco's musical sensibilities. There's a definite improv feel to some of the acts and the museum setting lends a certain versatility that other festivals don't have. Lineup highlights: Neko Case, Low, Medeski, Martin & Wood, Yo La Tengo and White Denim with Wilco and several side projects. (solidsoundfestival.com)
— Outside Lands Festival, Aug. 9-11: The rapidly growing festival reflects San Francisco culture and has been held in the scenic Golden Gate Park since its inception in 2008. It draws as many as 60,000 people and has grown into a regular stop on the festival circuit. Lineup highlights: Paul McCartney and Red Hot Chili Peppers. (www.sfoutsidelands.com)
— Grand Point North Festival, Sept. 13-14: Grace Potter & The Nocturnals' festival is inspired by fellow Vermont residents Phish, whose small city-sized festivals could pop up anywhere and include anyone. In its first year the festival drew bands like The Avett Brothers, Dr. Dog and the Carolina Chocolate Drops. Lineup highlights: To be announced. (www.grandpointnorth.com)
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