Which Music Festival Do I Attend?

By: Paul Samaha ‘17

Music festival season is quickly approaching us. But with so many different options for today’s festival-crazed youth, it can be hard to decide which festival is best for you. I’m going to break down some of the most popular music festivals for Trojans to attend in chronological order, so that before you dish out a couple hundred dollars on a ticket, you’ll know what you’re in store for. 

What? Coachella

When? April 10-12, April 17-19

How much? $475 

Where? Indio, California

For who? If music festivals made up a nation, Coachella would be the capital. Those who want the fullest lineup, including a wide array of artists from indie to mainstream, should go to Coachella. Celebrities and citizens from all over the world travel to 'Chella. So if you’re a USC student, it’s definitely a must-see attraction for one of your four undergrad years, considering it’s no more than a three hour drive away from campus. 

What? Stagecoach

When? April 24-26

How much? $269

Where? Indio, California

For who? Those who want a festival as live and hip as Coachella, but love country music. Stagecoach is on the same festival grounds as Coachella but instead of Drake, you get Tim McGraw and instead of girls in flower crowns, you get girls in cowboy hats. From the South and attending USC? Stagecoach might be the perfect little piece of home you’ve been searching for!

What? Rock in Rio

When? May 8-9 (Rock Weekend), May 15-16 (Pop Weekend)

How much? $298

Where? Las Vegas, Nevada

For who? Trendsetters. Rock in Rio has traditionally been held in Brazil, Portugal or Spain since 1985. But for the first time, the festival is coming to America and being held in no other place than the City of Sin. What makes Rock in Rio unique is that despite the festival being held over two consecutive weekends, both lineups are different– a rock weekend, and a pop weekend. Not only is the concept unique, but both lineups are incredibly stacked. Make a fun weekend road trip to Vegas for this festival to celebrate the end of the school year.

What? Governors Ball

When? June 5-7

How much? $260

Where? New York City, New York

For who? If you want the festival experience but will be living on the East Coast over the summer, you’ll have a 'ball’ here. Governors Ball consistently has the best lineup on the East Coast, with a list of artists strikingly similar to Coachella’s lineup. An added bonus of Governors Ball is that the whole festival is located on Randall’s Island, an island/park just right outside of the Big Apple.

What? Lollapalooza

When? July 31-August 2

How much? $250

Where? Chicago, Illinois 

For who? Lollapalooza is a certified music staple that all Chicago-raised USC students flock to every summer, and with good reason. Lollapalooza started in 1991 and has since mastered the art of holding a massive music festival in the middle of America’s third biggest city. Although Lollapalooza has a very diverse lineup, Lolla’ is best known for popularizing alternative artists (see: Lady Gaga’s pre-fame performance in 2007). 

What? Outside Lands

When? August 7-9

How much? $275

Where? San Francisco, California

For who? Those who want a lineup as big as Coachella, but would rather be in touch with the earth at Golden Gate Park as compared to frolicking in a desert. With all of the Northern California-raised USC students living not too far from Outside Lands, lots of Trojans attend this hip musical festival yearly. And if you’re wondering if you should make the six hour dive from LA to Outside Lands, I can ensure you it is well worth it. 

What? Made in America

When? End of August, date TBD

How much? $185

Where? Los Angeles, California and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

For who? All USC students. Made in America began its first festival in LA last summer, and it was a hit. The festival falls a few days before classes start at USC and is located less than two miles away from campus; it is a great way to end the summer with a bang. With a large list of EDM, pop, country, alternative and hip-hop stages and artists, there is really something for every student here. 

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