Whether it's a short drive down the road or a multi-day camping experience, festival season is upon us. From Jason Isbell performing beside the rushing rapids of the U.S. National Whitewater Center to Billy Joel closing out four days on the farm at Bonnaroo, there truly is something happening for everyone. With more than 20 festivals going on regionally, we decided to pick the eight worth sweating your ass off in the spring and summer heat. Stay hydrated and make travel arrangements for:
- Michael Wilson
-
Jason Isbell
TUCK FEST
WHEN: April 17-19
WHERE: U.S. National Whitewater Center, Charlotte
TICKETS: Free
WHO'S PLAYING: Jason Isbell, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, JJ Grey & Mofro, Tea Leaf Green, Hiss Golden Messenger and more
WHAT ELSE: Mountain biking, obstacle courses, trail running, whitewater and flatwater events and more
WHY?: A fantastic merger of music and sporting events as the rapids rush by and the sun beams down.
MORE INFO: tuckfest.org
- Jonah Takagi
-
ExHex
PHUZZ PHEST
WHEN: April 17-19
WHERE: Downtown Winston-Salem
TICKETS: $25-$70
WHO'S PLAYING: Foxygen, Ex Hex, Futurebirds, River Whyless, Caleb Caudle and more
WHY?: A short drive north can land you in the midst of three evenings/nights full of music by bands and artists you oughta know.
MORE INFO: phuzzphest.com
- M Shawn Crahan
-
The Avett Brothers
MERLEFEST
WHEN: April 23-26
WHERE: Wilkes Community College, Wilkesboro
TICKETS: $45-$180
WHO'S PLAYING: The Avett Brothers, Dwight Yoakam, North Mississippi Allstars, Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn, Robert Earl Keen, The David Mayfield Parade, Jim Avett, Time Sawyer and more
WHY?: For the finest array of country, folk and bluegrass (and everything in between) artists all in a sprawling, alcohol-free, family-friendly setting.
MORE INFO: merlefest.org
-
Slipknot
CAROLINA REBELLION
WHEN: May 2-3
WHERE: Charlotte Motor Speedway
TICKETS: $89.50-$139
WHO'S PLAYING: Slipknot, Korn, Marilyn Manson, Slayer, Sammy Hagar, Scott Weiland, Breaking Benjamin, Suicidal Tendencies and more
WHAT ELSE: Pig Out Village featuring a variety of N.C. barbecue
WHY?: If metal's your thing, this should be your annual pilgrimage for a variety of old, new and classic metal bands.
MORE INFO: carolinarebellion.com
- Aviva Klein
-
Tame Impala
SHAKY KNEES FESTIVAL
WHEN: May 8-10
WHERE: Central Park, Atlanta
TICKETS: $99-$599
WHO'S PLAYING: The Avett Brothers, Wilco, The Strokes, Tame Impala, Mastodon, Ryan Adams, Clutch, Neutral Milk Hotel, Built to Spill, Dr. Dog and more
WHY?: From laid-back to laid-out, it's worth the trip to Atlanta for three days of a wide range of music that leans away from the overly commercial artists.
MORE INFO: shakykneesfestival.com
-
Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds
NORTH CAROLINA BREWERS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL
WHEN: May 8-9
WHERE: Rural Hill
TICKETS: $16-$42
WHO'S PLAYING: The Steep Canyon Rangers, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, Sol Driven Train and more
WHAT ELSE: More than 25 breweries
WHY?: Just a stone's throw north of Charlotte lies the historical area of Rural Hill — you can camp out under the stars away from home without actually being too far from home.
MORE INFO: ncbrewsmusic.com
-
Kendrick Lamar
BONNAROO MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL
WHEN: June 11-14
WHERE: Manchester, Tennessee
TICKETS: $324.50-$ 1,524.50
WHO'S PLAYING: Billy Joel, Mumford & Sons, Deadmau5, Kendrick Lamar, Florence & The Machine, Robert Plant, Alabama Shakes, D'Angelo, Gary Clark Jr., Sylvan Esso and more
WHAT ELSE: Art, food trucks, a comedy tent, film tent, vendors, yoga and so much more
WHY?: Aside from all the stellar music, Bonnaroo affords music fans the opportunity to camp out in a city of sorts for four days that just might be one of the highlights of your life. Where else can you listen to live music from noon to 4 a.m. or later and do it all again the next day?
MORE INFO: bonnaroo.com
-
Grace Potter
FLOYD FEST
WHEN: July 22-26
WHERE: Floyd, Virginia
TICKETS: $205-$1160
WHO'S PLAYING: Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Brandi Carlile, Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Drive-By Truckers, Shovels & Rope, First Aid Kit and more
WHAT ELSE: Mountain biking, disc golf, hiking, workshops, panels and more
WHY?: Want to take baby steps toward a massive festival like Bonnaroo or Coachella? Floydfest caters to 10,000-15,000 attendees who are looking for a memorable weekend that includes music and outdoor activities.
MORE INFO: floydfest.com
