The Best 2019 American Summer Music Festivals
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VOICE OVER: Rebecca Brayton
WRITTEN BY: Nick Spake
The music is all around us, all you have to do is listen. Welcome to MojoTravels and today we'll be counting down our picks for the The Best 2019 American Summer Music Festivals.For this list, we're taking a look at amazing musical events across the US, taking place during the summer months of 2019, that you need to check out.
The Best 2019 American Summer Music Festivals
The music is all around us, all you have to do is listen. Welcome to MojoTravels and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the The Best 2019 American Summer Music Festivals.
For this list, we’re taking a look at amazing musical events across the US, taking place during the summer months of 2019, that you need to check out.
Hangout Music Festival
Gulf Shores, Alabama, May 16-19
No doubt, Gulf Shores, Alabama can be a great place to unwind as the soothing waves wash up on the beach. This resort city also provides a lively setting for celebrations, with the Hangout Music Festival becoming an early-summer tradition since 2010. Taking place over the course of 3 days, this festival is more bombastic than a beach party and more colorful than a carnival. The music acts cover a wide range of genres, including rap, rock, and techno. This year’s lineup offers another diverse array of artists, from rappers like Travis Scott and Cardi B to folk rock bands like The Lumineers to DJs like Kygo to R&B sensations like Khalid. It’s an extended weekend you’ll never want to end.
Governors Ball Music Festival
Randall’s Island, New York City, May 31-June 2
With a name like “Governors Ball,” one might expect a rather formal gathering. On the contrary, the Gov Ball is a rousing party that turns Randall’s Island in the East River into a haven for lovers of hip hop, pop, and music in general. New Yorkers annually gravitate towards this festival to rock out with indie and mainstream musicians. 2019 will be no exception, as the Gov Ball has put together a killer lineup with The Strokes, Florence + The Machine, Nas, and Tyler, the Creator headlining. Of course, the music is just one reason to attend, as the festival also brings together the restaurants and food trucks that’ve given New York its signature flavor. As the New York Times put it, this is “a Festival with a New York Heart.”
Roots Picnic
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, June 1
In 2008, hip hop band The Roots decided to launch a music festival in their hometown of Philadelphia, along with co-founder Shawn Gee. For one day out of the year, the Roots Picnic presents a smorgasbord of vendors, merchandise, and musical acts. This year’s festival will of course feature an appearance from the Roots, who will be performing “Things Fall Apart.” The Roots’ breakout album is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2019, making this festival the most significant one yet. In addition to the band that gave the festival its name, attendees will also be treated to the musical stylings of Grammy-winner H.E.R., 21 Savage, and Lil Baby. Above all else, it’s a great way to get a slice of Philly.
Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival
Manchester, Tennessee, June 13-16
This four-day festival gets its name from the New Orleans Creole slang phrase “Bonnaroo,” which translates to “best on the street.” Bonnaroo is every bit as spectacular as Mardi Gras and by far the best festival you’ll find on the streets of Tennessee. In a lineup that consists of over 150 artists and 10 stages, the 2019 ceremony has enlisted the likes of Grand Ole Opry, Phish, and Childish Gambino. Bonnaroo turns the entire area into a camping center unlike any other. The campground plazas aren’t even the most unique part of the Bonnaroo experience, as guests partake in parades, yoga sessions, and other activities, not to mention a spread of local eats.
Firefly Music Festival
Dover, Delaware, June 21-23
Firefly is another music festival that puts an original spin on camping, given that it is held in The Woodlands of Dover, Delaware every year. The Great Atlantic Campout allows visitors to set up tents and park RVs for the event. If you want an experience that brings out the glamor in roughing it, the festival provides a selection of glamping sites as well. Then there’s the music, which lights up the night life like a legion of fireflies. Among this year’s acts are headliners Panic! At the Disco, Travis Scott, and Post Malone. With Vampire Weekend and Death Cab for Cutie also in attendance, you’ll likely find yourself spending more time by the stages than in your tent.
Pitchfork Music Festival
Chicago, Illinois, July 19-21
If you live in Chicago, then you know the significance of the third weekend of July. During this period every year, Union Park is transformed into the cavalcade of rock, jazz, and electronica simply known as the Pitchfork Music Festival. In 2019, the event will be headlined by pop rock band Haim, Swedish singer Robyn, and The Isley Brothers, who are celebrating their 60th anniversary. To immortalize the experience with a souvenir, you can rummage through the vinyl collections at the CHIRP Record Fair, purchase awesome artwork at the Flatstock Poster Fair, or pick up a token at the Renegade Craft Fair. With local vendors and eateries setting up shop throughout the area, Pitchfork captures Chicago at its most gleeful.
Lollapalooza
Chicago, Illinois, August 1-4
Just over a week after Pitchfork wraps up, Chicago is in store for another concert of epic proportions. Lollapalooza really needs no introduction. Ever since it was conceived in 1991, this has been one of the most iconic music festivals in the world, and 2019 is bound to uphold Lallapalooza’s legacy. The lineup this year is a cornucopia of talent with The Strokes, The Chainsmokers, Childish Gambino, Tame Impala, Twenty One Pilots, J Balvin, Ariana Grande, and Flume headlining four days of pure musical adrenaline. Grant Park will also be invaded by the Windy City’s finest foods, turning the area into Chow Town.
Outside Lands
San Francisco, California, August 9-11
Golden Gate Park serves as the setting of this music and arts festival, which is just as much a food and drink festival. Whether you prefer wine, beer, cocktails, or tea, you can count on having a scrumptious beverage to wash down your cheese, clams, and other California delicacies. The entertainment isn’t restricted to just musicians, with comedians and speakers like Bill Nye also in attendance. That being said, you can’t go wrong with this year’s musical acts, which include Paul Simon, Lil Wayne, and Childish Gambino, who seems to be dominating the music festival scene these days. For an especially far-out time, keep in mind that Outside Lands proudly promotes itself for being the first major US music festival to have a curated cannabis experience.
AFROPUNK Fest
Brooklyn, New York, August 24-25
Afropunk promotes itself as not just a music festival, but a movement that provides a platform for performers of color. In addition to punk rock, the festival gives a voice to R&B, hip-hop, and soul artists with a message to share. The Brooklyn festival has assembled a roster of spirited singers like Jill Scott, FKA Twigs, and Leon Bridges. Afropunk isn’t just about shining a spotlight on established names. The Battle of the Bands allows aspiring artists to get on stage and make the crowd cheer. The 2019 festival will encompass an overarching theme: “We See You,” fighting against exclusion, and embracing everything the Afropunk subculture stands for.
Electric Zoo
Randall’s Island, New York City, August 30 - September 1
To close out your summer vacation on the highest note possible, stay in NYC for the musical phenomenon of Electric Zoo. This love letter to electric music is actually wilder than a zoo and more electrifying than a night club. The animal ambiance truly makes Randall’s Island Park feel like a jungle brought to life with neon lights. Receiving five consecutive nominations from the International Dance Music Awards for Best Music Event, this festival has naturally attracted some of the biggest names in electronic music. This year, we’ll be getting a slew of mind-blowing acts, including Afrojack, Liquid Stranger, Zedd, and other EDM masters. From the moment you arrive on Randall’s Island Park, you’ll be plugged in until the final performance.
The music is all around us, all you have to do is listen. Welcome to MojoTravels and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the The Best 2019 American Summer Music Festivals.
For this list, we’re taking a look at amazing musical events across the US, taking place during the summer months of 2019, that you need to check out.
Hangout Music Festival
Gulf Shores, Alabama, May 16-19
No doubt, Gulf Shores, Alabama can be a great place to unwind as the soothing waves wash up on the beach. This resort city also provides a lively setting for celebrations, with the Hangout Music Festival becoming an early-summer tradition since 2010. Taking place over the course of 3 days, this festival is more bombastic than a beach party and more colorful than a carnival. The music acts cover a wide range of genres, including rap, rock, and techno. This year’s lineup offers another diverse array of artists, from rappers like Travis Scott and Cardi B to folk rock bands like The Lumineers to DJs like Kygo to R&B sensations like Khalid. It’s an extended weekend you’ll never want to end.
Governors Ball Music Festival
Randall’s Island, New York City, May 31-June 2
With a name like “Governors Ball,” one might expect a rather formal gathering. On the contrary, the Gov Ball is a rousing party that turns Randall’s Island in the East River into a haven for lovers of hip hop, pop, and music in general. New Yorkers annually gravitate towards this festival to rock out with indie and mainstream musicians. 2019 will be no exception, as the Gov Ball has put together a killer lineup with The Strokes, Florence + The Machine, Nas, and Tyler, the Creator headlining. Of course, the music is just one reason to attend, as the festival also brings together the restaurants and food trucks that’ve given New York its signature flavor. As the New York Times put it, this is “a Festival with a New York Heart.”
Roots Picnic
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, June 1
In 2008, hip hop band The Roots decided to launch a music festival in their hometown of Philadelphia, along with co-founder Shawn Gee. For one day out of the year, the Roots Picnic presents a smorgasbord of vendors, merchandise, and musical acts. This year’s festival will of course feature an appearance from the Roots, who will be performing “Things Fall Apart.” The Roots’ breakout album is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2019, making this festival the most significant one yet. In addition to the band that gave the festival its name, attendees will also be treated to the musical stylings of Grammy-winner H.E.R., 21 Savage, and Lil Baby. Above all else, it’s a great way to get a slice of Philly.
Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival
Manchester, Tennessee, June 13-16
This four-day festival gets its name from the New Orleans Creole slang phrase “Bonnaroo,” which translates to “best on the street.” Bonnaroo is every bit as spectacular as Mardi Gras and by far the best festival you’ll find on the streets of Tennessee. In a lineup that consists of over 150 artists and 10 stages, the 2019 ceremony has enlisted the likes of Grand Ole Opry, Phish, and Childish Gambino. Bonnaroo turns the entire area into a camping center unlike any other. The campground plazas aren’t even the most unique part of the Bonnaroo experience, as guests partake in parades, yoga sessions, and other activities, not to mention a spread of local eats.
Firefly Music Festival
Dover, Delaware, June 21-23
Firefly is another music festival that puts an original spin on camping, given that it is held in The Woodlands of Dover, Delaware every year. The Great Atlantic Campout allows visitors to set up tents and park RVs for the event. If you want an experience that brings out the glamor in roughing it, the festival provides a selection of glamping sites as well. Then there’s the music, which lights up the night life like a legion of fireflies. Among this year’s acts are headliners Panic! At the Disco, Travis Scott, and Post Malone. With Vampire Weekend and Death Cab for Cutie also in attendance, you’ll likely find yourself spending more time by the stages than in your tent.
Pitchfork Music Festival
Chicago, Illinois, July 19-21
If you live in Chicago, then you know the significance of the third weekend of July. During this period every year, Union Park is transformed into the cavalcade of rock, jazz, and electronica simply known as the Pitchfork Music Festival. In 2019, the event will be headlined by pop rock band Haim, Swedish singer Robyn, and The Isley Brothers, who are celebrating their 60th anniversary. To immortalize the experience with a souvenir, you can rummage through the vinyl collections at the CHIRP Record Fair, purchase awesome artwork at the Flatstock Poster Fair, or pick up a token at the Renegade Craft Fair. With local vendors and eateries setting up shop throughout the area, Pitchfork captures Chicago at its most gleeful.
Lollapalooza
Chicago, Illinois, August 1-4
Just over a week after Pitchfork wraps up, Chicago is in store for another concert of epic proportions. Lollapalooza really needs no introduction. Ever since it was conceived in 1991, this has been one of the most iconic music festivals in the world, and 2019 is bound to uphold Lallapalooza’s legacy. The lineup this year is a cornucopia of talent with The Strokes, The Chainsmokers, Childish Gambino, Tame Impala, Twenty One Pilots, J Balvin, Ariana Grande, and Flume headlining four days of pure musical adrenaline. Grant Park will also be invaded by the Windy City’s finest foods, turning the area into Chow Town.
Outside Lands
San Francisco, California, August 9-11
Golden Gate Park serves as the setting of this music and arts festival, which is just as much a food and drink festival. Whether you prefer wine, beer, cocktails, or tea, you can count on having a scrumptious beverage to wash down your cheese, clams, and other California delicacies. The entertainment isn’t restricted to just musicians, with comedians and speakers like Bill Nye also in attendance. That being said, you can’t go wrong with this year’s musical acts, which include Paul Simon, Lil Wayne, and Childish Gambino, who seems to be dominating the music festival scene these days. For an especially far-out time, keep in mind that Outside Lands proudly promotes itself for being the first major US music festival to have a curated cannabis experience.
AFROPUNK Fest
Brooklyn, New York, August 24-25
Afropunk promotes itself as not just a music festival, but a movement that provides a platform for performers of color. In addition to punk rock, the festival gives a voice to R&B, hip-hop, and soul artists with a message to share. The Brooklyn festival has assembled a roster of spirited singers like Jill Scott, FKA Twigs, and Leon Bridges. Afropunk isn’t just about shining a spotlight on established names. The Battle of the Bands allows aspiring artists to get on stage and make the crowd cheer. The 2019 festival will encompass an overarching theme: “We See You,” fighting against exclusion, and embracing everything the Afropunk subculture stands for.
Electric Zoo
Randall’s Island, New York City, August 30 - September 1
To close out your summer vacation on the highest note possible, stay in NYC for the musical phenomenon of Electric Zoo. This love letter to electric music is actually wilder than a zoo and more electrifying than a night club. The animal ambiance truly makes Randall’s Island Park feel like a jungle brought to life with neon lights. Receiving five consecutive nominations from the International Dance Music Awards for Best Music Event, this festival has naturally attracted some of the biggest names in electronic music. This year, we’ll be getting a slew of mind-blowing acts, including Afrojack, Liquid Stranger, Zedd, and other EDM masters. From the moment you arrive on Randall’s Island Park, you’ll be plugged in until the final performance.
