Sounds of the Summer: This Season’s Tour and Festival Highlights

Image Credit: Free Digital Photos

Across North America, temperatures are finally starting to warm up and here on the east coast, we’re finally starting to see the sun after what felt like the Winter That Would Not End, summer is finally in sight. I’m definitely having visions of everything that goes along with it – pools, margaritas, sand and the best part of the season – music festivals and big tours.

Now that most of the major festivals have announced their full lineups and tour dates have been released, let’s take a look at the must-sees and meh… events of the summer!

Bonnaroo, Manchester, TN, June 13-16: Arguably the most popular music event of the summer, this festival definitely has something for everyone. They feature comedians alongside up-and-coming indie artists as well as hugely successful artists. This year, hitmakers Paul McCartney, Mumford & Sons, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers and Björk headline the four-day festival. A host of genres and entertainers ensure that there’s something for everyone, including frequent NPR contributor Mike Birbiglia, The Office funnyman Ed Helms with two groups (featuring several special guests), hip hop’s R. Kelly, Kendrick Lamar, and Wu Tang Clan alongside EDM performers Conspirator. Food and beverage is always top-notch on the farm, and there’s no shortage of activities going on while you aren’t out in the crowd!
Don’t miss: Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, The National, Bob Saget, D’Angelo, Trombone Shorty

The Package Tour: New Kids on the Block, 98 Degrees and Boyz II Men, May 28-August 4: The boys have grown up, so get ready to hear some of the biggest hits from the 80’s, 90’s, and early 00’s on this tour. This package is a great excuse to gather your girlfriends from middle and high school, and features multi-generational boybands. It’s selling well – additional shows have been added throughout the run, including dates in New York and Denver. Every artist is offering VIP upgrades, so this could be your chance to finally propose to Joey, Nick, or Brandy’s ex-boyfriend.

Go for: “The Right Stuff,” “The Hardest Part,” “Motownphilly,” the promise of a medley featuring all groups, and the sight of middle-aged women reliving their teens

Legends of the Summer: Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake, July 17-August 16: For most people, this will be the don’t-miss event of the summer. Special guests are rumored to join JT and Jay, and the two are almost guaranteed to perform the hit “Suit & Tie.” If your chosen tour date is already sold out, look for dates to be added or tickets to be released closer to the start of the tour.

What to expect: Special guests, fantastic stage production, and lots of smoke

Lollapalooza, Chicago, IL, August 2-4: This event sold out within days of its line-up announcement. Many of the festivals this summer feature many of the same artists, like Kendrick Lamar, Mumford & Sons, and The Lumineers, but standouts at Lolla this year include Nine Inch Nails, Queens of the Stone Age, and Tegan & Sara. One of the best parts about Lollapalooza is that since it takes place in Chicago, there’s more to do and explore than the activites in Grant Park if you can tear yourself away from the stage!
Don’t miss: The Cure, Tegan & Sara, and Molly’s Cupcakes on North Clark

What shows or festivals are you heading out to this summer? Any announcements you’re still waiting on?