Festival Season is Approaching

By: Samantha Romero ‘16

1. BottleRock Napa

WHERE: Napa County, CA

An elevated festival experience that celebrates music, art and cuisine. Mentally prepare yourself for a memorable kick-off by legendary Stevie Wonder. The three day festival extravaganza includes highly acclaimed artists: Florence and The Machine, Lenny Kravitz, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Lumineers, Death Cab For Cutie, Grouplove, Walk The Moon, etc.

Don’t forget to check out the star-studded culinary stage with featured celebrated chefs, vintners, and sommeliers. In 2015, the culinary stage fused food and music by bringing together famous chefs like Masaharu Morimoto and celebrated rapper Snoop Dogg in a presentation demo.

For more information about the festival click here.

2. Sasquatch

WHERE: George, WA

Don’t have plans for Memorial Day weekend? Not to fret! Take a roadtrip with friends to Washington for Sasquatch Music Festival. If you’re a fan of the timeless English rock band, The Cure, then it’s definitely worth the drive. The lineup brings together an eclectic group of artists Major Lazer, Florence and The Machine, Alabama Shakes, Grimes, Disclosure, and M83 to name a few.

Although, it might be easier to purchase a roundtrip flight, consider your options. A road trip allows you to move around freely not to mention spectacular views along the Pacific Coast Highway. Some of my hitlist destinations along the coast include the breathtaking sights of Big Sur, Bixby Bridge, Sutro Baths, Twin Peaks, and Downtown Portland.

As of 2018, the Sasquatch Festival has been indefiniately cancelled.

3. Coachella

WHERE:  Indio, CA

The music festival of all music festivals, Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival has increased with popularity since it’s inauguration in 1999. In fact, the festival is so popular  that it requires two weekends. This year’s headliners include LCD Soundsystem, Guns N’ Roses, and Calvin Harris. My personal checklist of artists to see include: Of Monsters and Men, Courtney Barnett, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Matt and Kim, Cold War Kids, and Beach House.

For more information about the festival click here.

4. Primavera Sound

WHERE: Barcelona, Spain

If you’re looking for a reason to travel abroad, look no further. Primavera Sound has been my favorite festival hands down. Perhaps it’s the prime location along the coast, the delicious traditional Spanish paella, or the fact that it’s in freaking Barcelona! From the music to the fashion, Primavera attracts an eclectic crowd of music lovers. This year’s headliners include Radiohead, LCD Soundsystem, and Sigur Ros. Among some of my must-see favorites are: Neon Indian, Beach House, and Beirut.

It’s definitely an experience of a lifetime and a cultural adventure for the bon weekender. The food is exquisite and the organization of the festival is not like any other. I’m still amazed by their 2015 lineup with legendary rock goddess Patti Smith and my all time favorite band The Strokes.

For more information about the festival click here.

5. Governor’s Ball

WHERE: Manhattan, NY

Another reason to book a flight is of course for The Governor’s Ball Music Festival. In case you didn’t know already, I’m a huge Strokes fan. Their sets are filled with energy and crowd surfing fans, it’s an exceptional experience.There is no doubt that I will be seeing them perform in their hometown as they kick-off this year’s Governor’s Ball. The Killers and Kanye West will be headlining Saturday and Sunday consecutively. It’s a definite must-go-to festival for 2016 with acts like Two Door Cinema Club, Father John Misty, Mac Miller and more.

For more information about the festival click here.

6. SXSW

WHERE: Austin, TX

Music, film and Interactive events all combined into a week of festivities for SXSW. It’s like the whole city is on festival mode. With thousands of performing artists, SXSW is the place to go to discover burgeoning artists and film.

For more information about the festival click here.

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