It may only be the end of January, but big name spring and summer art and music festivals are fast upon us. In order to make sure chosen weekends are cleared and money is saved, now is the prime time to prepare. Here”s a western college student”s guide to a selection of well-known festivals, and why they”re worthwhile.
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival – Indio, California
Just name-dropping this festival constitutes excitement in any group of music lovers – not only for the wide array of artists, but also the atmosphere hyped by anyone and everyone who has been there. Taking place over two weekends in April, Coachella 2016 headliners include Guns N” Roses and Calvin Harris – which in themselves illustrate the variety. CHVRCHES, The 1975, Sia, The Chainsmokers and Silversun Pickups offer just a taste of the plethora of artists making an appearance at the distinguished event.
Ticket price: $399/three-day general admissions pass
Lyndsie Kiebert
Sasquatch! Music Festival – George, Washington
A popular destination for college students and other demographics who identify with the largely indie and alternative sound Sasquatch! offers, this festival is at the Gorge Amphitheatre over Memorial Day Weekend. This year”s line-up offers some of the most cutting edge sounds in contemporary alternative, including Grimes, Alabama Shakes, Lord Huron, X Ambassadors and BØRNS, as well as big names like Florence + the Machine, A$AP Rocky and Discolsure.
Ticket price: $350/four-day general admissions pass
BottleRock Food, Art and Music Festival – Napa Valley, California
More than music, this Napa Valley gathering is a celebration of local food, wine and art, as well as several big names in music of all genres that takes place Memorial Day Weekend. This year”s festival headliners include Red Hot Chili Peppers, Florence + the Machine and Stevie Wonder. Even further, the recently released line-up transcends the average festival compilation. From indie rockers Cold War Kids to rapper Mike Stud, BottleRock has something for everyone.
Ticket price: $309/three-day general admissions pass
Watershed Country Music Festival – George, Washington
Bust out the cut-offs and boots – the Gorge in George hosts the ultimate festival in the west for country music lovers looking for their favorite artists at a venue with a beautiful central Washington backdrop. The 2016 line-up includes big names like Jason Aldean and Eric Church as well as up-and-comers Brothers Osborne and A Thousand Horses.
Ticket price: $199/3-day general admission pass
Vans Warped Tour – Various locations
The stuff of dreams for early 2000s emo kids and a desired destination for punk lovers all over the United States, the Vans Warped Tour turns 21 this summer. The music festival runs from the end of June to mid-August and plays in cities across the nation – including Seattle and Boise. Though the line-up for this year is yet to be announced, last year”s boasted the likes of well-established bands like Pierce the Veil and We Came as Romans, as well as the increasingly popular Beartooth and Pvris. If those bands are any indication, this summer is sure to rock just as hard.
Ticket price: TBA
Lyndsie Kiebert can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @lyndsie_kiebert