Best Music Festivals to Attend

Leslie Chen, Staff Writer

Over the past few years, music festivals have reached global popularity. In fact, in 2014, more than 32 million people attended at least one music festival. Not only are festivals a great way to connect with your favorite artists, they also serve as a money-making opportunity for the industry and an important zone for artist discovery. Here is a list of some of the must-go-to music festivals, right here in California.

Outside Lands (Aug. 9 to 11)
Outside Lands is one of Northern California’s biggest music festivals, and it’s an experience that you won’t want to miss! This three-day event has a diverse lineup of artists, jaw-dropping productions, and several art installations. Stick around the venue at night to ogle at the colorful lighting in the trees. Although this festival is on the pricier side, it’s definitely worth every penny.

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (Apr. 12 to 21)
Arguably one of California’s most-talked-about a festival, Coachella is known for its representation of the current state of popular music. Each year, this two-week event brings an unbelievable selection of both rising and well-known artists, incredible food vendors, and a really solid festival atmosphere. Although Coachella has raised some controversy over its ownership and expensive tickets, it is still a weekend experience that you’ll remember forever.

California Roots Festival (May 24 to 26)
Each year, the California Roots Festival further cements its place as one of the most popular reggae festivals. This festival features some of the biggest names in reggae, rock, folk, and hip-hop in the world. Not only that, but for every “Redwood Pass” purchased, California Roots will plant two redwood trees as an effort to divert plastic and waste from landfills. In fact, 800 redwood trees were planted in 2017, and an estimated 1,200 were planted this year!

Lightning in Bottle (May 23 to 28)
Lightning in Bottle is a transformative festival filled with good vibes, great music, and beautiful scenery. The line-up is always stacked with amazing electronic artists, guaranteed to keep you dancing the entire time. Aside from great music, Lightning in Bottle also has the power to change you spiritually. Festival-goers can partake in events such as yoga, self-expression activities, and camping.

Beyond Wonderland (Mar. 16 to 17)
Known as one of Southern California’s biggest and best festivals, Beyond Wonderland is a festival that you’ll never forget. This event always has an impressive line-up of the biggest names in electronic dance music. While you’re there, remember to take some pictures of the “Alice in Wonderland” themed fairground.