Entertainment

Less Famous American Summer Music Festivals

Summer-Festivals-in-USSummer is here, and that means it's time for cookouts, the beach, and music festivals. While there are a handful of big name events around the world that grab the majority of headlines every year, they are only a drop in the bucket. There are actually hundreds of options when it comes to summer music festivals, and it's a shame that so many of them don't get any of the attention they deserve.

No matter what you're looking for in a party, there is sure to be something for you out there. Festivals come in all genres, sizes, lengths, and prices–you just need to look for them. If you're in America, try out one of these four amazingly underrated festivals. You never know what will become your new favorite annual event!

Boston Calling

When: May 23-25
Where: Boston, MA
You know: Jack Johnson, Death Cab For Cutie, Tegan & Sara
You'll meet: Magic Man, Walk Off The Earth, Phosphorescent

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-Z-dotPgS8]

Only in it's second year, Boston Calling is the college city's only major music event. Taking place twice a year–once in May and once in September–it caters to the 300,00 plus students who return to Beantown every year.

BottleRock 2.0

When: May 30-June 1
Where: Napa, CA
You know: Third Eye Blind, The Cure, Heart
You'll meet: Delta Rae, Matt & Kim, Thee Oh Sees

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWHLncQx7ts]

Napa Valley is usually known for it's vineyards, not for a music festival, right? Well, times have changed…at least somewhat. BottleRock 2.0 is a great experience for anyone looking to try a music festival-lite.

Northside Festival

When: June 12-19
Where: Brooklyn, NY
You know: Talib Kweli
You'll meet: Dan Croll, Ava Luna, Fuck Buttons

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n78YL-cWASg]

For being the country's largest city (and one of the most important in the world), there are a surprisingly few number of real music festivals. Northside is a great, newer community event based in Brooklyn, bringing some of the best in the underground music world to the hamlet.

Spring Awakening Music Festival

When: June 13-15
Where: Chicago, IL
You know: Kaskade, Diplo
You'll meet: Kap Slap, Bingo Players, Alvin Risk

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjC8puAHWec]

There's nothing like a dance festival in the summer, let alone when it's one of the best cities in the country. Imagine going to a rave on the waterfront in the Windy City. Or, don't imagine it–go see it for yourself!

Electric Forest

When: June 26-29
Where: Rothbury, MI
You know: Cut Copy, Schoolboy Q, Aloe Blacc
You'll meet: Steve Angello, RAC, St. Lucia

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNz9pp05iBE]

Everybody loves a good EDM festival, but these days so many of them are the same. Electric Forest changes things up, bringing the party to the middle of the woods. Spend the days camping and the nights dancing…if you can find your way to the middle of Michigan.

If you have any questions, please ask below!