One of the best things about summer, at least for music fans, is the plethora of music festivals held all across the country and all though out the season.  These festivals bring together dozens of great bands usually for more than one day and usually on more than one stage. 

Some of you may notice that only three of the eight festivals listed below actually occur during the summer.   However, "spring music festival" or a "fall music festival" doesn't have nearly the same ring as "Summer Music Festival."  

So what we really mean when we say "summer music festival" is a must-attend event that has plenty of great music and plenty of sun.

April 16-18, 2010

Empire Polo Fields

Indio, California

Produced by Goldenvoice

This year the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival features Jay-Z, Muse, Gorillaz, LCD Soundsystem, Faith No More, Pavement, and Thom Yorke.  Coachella is one of the biggest and most popular music festivals in the nation.  Performers take advantage of multiple stages to make sure the music never stops.  Attendees should know that Indio is part of the Colorado Desert.  So expect triple-digit temperatures in the day and very chilly nights.  The city offers plenty of camping opportunities and there are numerous hotels within 30 miles of the venue.

April 24 and 25

Empire Polo Club

Indio, California

Produced by Goldenvoice

In 2009, over 100,000 country fans attended the annual Stagecoach Music Festival.  Headlining this year's event is Keith Urban, Toby Keith, Brooks & Dunn, and Sugarland.  For the kids, the festival hosts the "Half-Pint Hootenanny."  This event is free for buckaroos under 10 years of age.  The Stagecoach Festival will occur regardless of the weather.  You can camp at any one of the nearby campgrounds if you have a Stagecoach Music festival ticket.   If you're not camping you'll be happy to know parking is free.  

May 1-2, 2010

Meadowlands Sports Complex

East Rutherford, New Jersey

Produced by The Bamboozle

The 2010 Bamboozle Music Festival is headlined by Weezer, Paramore, Drake, and MGMT.  American pop singer Kesha is scheduled to perform both nights.  This rain or shine event began in 2003 and has since expanded to include festivals in Anaheim, Chicago, and a traveling show.  For those with Bamboozle Festival tickets remember that small hand sanitizers are permitted but clothing with vulgar language is not.  

May 29-31

The Gorge Amphitheatre

George, Washington

Produced by Live Nation and Adam Zacks

The Sasquatch Festival, with its view of the Columbia River, has perhaps the best scenery of all the summer's music fêtes.  This three-day event spans Memorial Day Weekend and features a great lineup of bands: My Morning Jacket, Vampire Weekend, Massive Attack, Pavement, LCD Sound system, They Might Be Giants, The New Pornographers, and Ween.  Organizers recommend you bring ample protection from the sun and something to keep you warm at night.  Outside food is permissible but it must be in a clear plastic bag.  Also, lawn chairs are strictly forbidden.  

July 23-25, 2010

Churchill Downs

Louisville, Kentucky

Produced by Churchill Downs Entertainment

The HullabaLOU Festival has one of the best lineups of any 2010 festival: Bon Jovi, Kenny Chesney, Dave Matthews Band, Steve Miller Band, The Black Crowes, Loretta Lynn, and B52's--just to name a few.  To fit all the great acts in to just three days, the festival utilizes five different stages.  The show will go on regardless of the weather and be prepared to pay $25 a day for on-site parking.  Hope you enjoy crowds, Legendary Churchill Downs can accommodate 160,000 music fans.

 

August 6-8, 2010

Grant Park

Chicago, Illinois

Produced by C3 Presents

At the time of writing this article (late March) Lollapalooza attendees are guaranteed to see Kings of Leon, Depeche Mode, Tool, Lou Reed, Jane's Addiction, and The Killers.  However, rumors are swirling that Lady Gaga will also be added to the schedule.   Lollapalooza features eight stages, numerous art exhibits, and the f.y.e. autograph booth.  The festival is also famous for its Kidapalooza.  This kid-friendly event is free to children under 10-years of age when accompanied by an adult with a Lollapalooza ticket.

August 8, 2010

Filene Center, Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts

Vienna, Virginia

Produced by The Albright Entertainment Group

The 2010 version of Hippiefest is being held at the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts in Vienna, Virginia--locals just call it the "Wolf Trap."  Headlining the 'concert for peace and love" is Cream's Jack Bruce, War, Mitch Ryder, and Rare Earth.  The event will take place at the Wolf Trap's Filene Center.  This outdoor venue hosts over 90 performances a year and can accommodate more than 7,000 concert goers.  The world famous Filene opened in 1971.

October 8-10, 2010

Zilker Park 

Austin, Texas

Produced by C3 Presents

Headliners for this year's Austin City Limits Music Festival are Kings of Leon, Dave Matthews Band, and Pearl Jam.   The annual 3-day festival hosts more than 130 bands on eight stages.  The festival is named after the PBS television concert series, Austin City Limits.  Three-Day pass holders mush exchange their Austin City Limits Festival ticket for a wristband.  They are allowed re-entry.  Single day ticket holders are not.