June 21-23 in North Adams, Massachusetts
Indie rockers Wilco headline and curate an intimate festival for 7,500 folks in the picturesque Berkshires. There is little scheduling overlap so plan to experience it all—music, art, comedy, an environmental film festival and excursions like a nature hike and stargazing led by an astronomer. Round-trip buses will be available from New York City and Boston.
Lineup Highlights: Neko Case, The Relatives, Wilco, Yo La Tengo and comedy with John Hodgman and Reggie Watts.
Tickets available at SolidSoundFestival.com.
See also: MF's Top 10 Music Festivals of 2013>>
Photo Credit: Solid Sound Festival
July 11-15 in Temecula, California
Repeat attendees rave about the super friendly faces and welcoming vibe at electronic-centric LIB, which has been relocated to a new site, Lake Skinner County Park, that boasts more grassy, open space than the old grounds. Come alone or with a small group and leave with new friends.
Lineup Highlights: Acid Pauli, Nicolas Jaar, Lee Burridge, Paper Diamond, Rusko, Tycho.
Tickets available at LightninginaBottle.org.
Photo Credit: Watchara Phomicinda
July 19-21 in Chicago
Pitchfork, the popular online pub devoted to music criticism, will bring a mix of notable headliners and up-and-coming indie acts to Chicago’s Union Park for the eighth year running. Who needs to scrounge for second-hand Lollapalooza tickets when you have hot, new acts to discover here?
Lineup Highlights: Andy Stott, Björk, Belle & Sebastian, El-P, R. Kelly, Sky Ferreira.
Tickets available at PitchforkMusicFestival.com.
Photo Credit: Rebecca Smeyne
August 2-4 near Portland, Oregon
The 80-acre Pendarvis Farm, just 15 minutes from downtown Portland, is home to one of the tiniest festivals on our list, which—with its remote setting and 3,500-attendee cap—aims to eliminate typical festival hassles. Focus instead on getting your fill of local Oregon beer, cider and wine without missing a beat—artists play at least twice during the weekend.
Lineup Highlights: Andrew Bird, Devine Fits, Feist, Kurt Vile & The Violators, Sharon Van Etten, The Devil Makes Three.
Tickets available at Pickathon.com.
Photo Credit: Inger Klekacz
September 13-14 in Burlington, Vermont
Grace Potter & the Nocturnals hand-pick opening bands and headline a cozy festival in Burlington's Waterfront Park, near the rock group’s hometown roots. The vibe has been described as chill, inviting and warm, and the small size means no overlapping sets and only 4,500 fans per day. A bonus: The festival’s site is within walking distance of eclectic downtown Burlington.
Lineup to be announced.
Tickets will be available soon at GrandPointNorth.com.
Check out: Fit Travel Guide - Burlington, Vermont>>
Photo Credit: Grand Point North