With summer fast approaching, students can’t help but chatter about plans for the break. One way that students could spend their free time is by attending some of the most popular music festivals the United States has to offer. From weekend-long camping adventures to dusk-til-dawn raves, here are some of the most sought after festivals coming this spring and summer! 

Of course, there is California’s Coachella – arguably the largest, priciest, and most famous music festival in the country. This year, it’s being held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA over two weekends: April 14-16 and April 21-23. There are five main scenes for this immersive festival: the Outdoor Theater, the Gobi Tent, the Mojave Tent, the Sahara Tent, and the Coachella Stage. Headlining this year are major artists Bad Bunny, BLACKPINK, and Frank Ocean, preceded by shorter sets from Gorillaz, Rosalía, Burna Boy, Kali Uchis, Blondie, and many, many others. Each year, Coachella provides an undeniably impressive line-up–its inclusion of nearly every music genre, high-tech stage production, and world-class food and drink vendors creates a fantastic festival atmosphere that is considered by past participants to be worth every penny.

However, a less expensive option like Bonnaroo might better suit a tighter budget.

Bonnaroo is a “magical weekend of music, fun, and friendship” held from June 15-18 at the Great Stage Park in Manchester, Tennessee. Bonnaroo 2023 presents a wide range of artists performing 24 hours a day across more than 10 unique stages over the four-day festival. Highlights include performances from Kendrick Lamar, Foo Fighters, Odesza, Paramore, Lil Nas X, Zeds Dead, Liquid Stranger, Portugal. The Man, Girl In Red, Baby Keem, and a multitude of other talented artists. For an invigorating, culture-rich festival that displays epic music collaborations, promotes a sense of community–and is closer to the east coast than Coachella–Bonnaroo might be of interest.

For something even closer to home, Governor’s Ball is only four and a half hours away.

Governor’s Ball is the perfect match for east coast residents looking to enjoy a fun-filled festival with the iconic New York City skyline as a backdrop. Held from June 9-11 at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in New York City, Governor’s Ball is widely recognized as one of the biggest and best festivals on the east coast. It features many different stages, 60+ diverse artists, three full days of dancing, and has been coined “a true melting pot of cultures, styles, and sounds” by Variety Magazine. Some artists who will be performing this summer include Lizzo, Lil Nas X, Lil Uzi Vert, Kendrick Lamar, Diplo, Giveon, Odesza, Lil Baby, PinkPantheress, Lauv, and Omar Apollo, among others. Festival-goers at Governor’s Ball are treated to three days of world-class music, phenomenal stages, and good vibes – “mirror[ing] the best parts of the city,” according to New Music Express.

These three music festivals provide the opportunity for good food, great music, and a generally outstanding time for visitors across the world. Don’t forget to check them out this year!