We break down summer concert festivals for the season
As college students, the time of year has come to wind down our schoolwork and gear up for summer festivities. Concerts make up a good chunk summer events on our social calendars. Often including options to see numerous artists and camp on the premises overnight, festivals compromise an exciting alternative for die-hard music fans. The following is a guide to various events within the surrounding area over the next few months.
Camp Bisco (Thursday, July 16- Saturday, July 18)
Montage Mountain, Scranton, Pa.
Lineup: Cherub, Disco Biscuits, Bassnectar, Pretty Lights, etc. (EDM/House Genres)
Ticketing options: festival + camping passes, 3- day passes start at $139
Bisco includes one open field for main sets. The festival provides “dancing tents” where attendees can dance to music in an enclosed area.
“The crowd at Bisco is overall really kind,” Eugene Chung ’15 said, who attended Camp Bisco in 2014. “Audience members are truly there for the music and apt to have conversation with you.”
Governor’s Ball (Friday, June 5- Sunday, June 7)
Randall’s Island Park, New York City, New York
Lineup: Black Keys, Drake, Florence + The Machine, Lana Del Rey, Tame Impala, etc. (Alternative/Indie/Rock Genres)
Ticketing options: 3-day admission, Saturday or Sunday admission available, 3-day passes start at $260, 1-day admission starts at $105
Besides its killer lineup of well-known artists, Governor’s Ball is well-known for its elaborate, beautiful decorations. Concert-goers engage in “mud dancing” as artists play on stage.
“Mud dancing was one of my favorite aspects of Governor’s Ball when I attended back in 2011,” Chung, who has been to Governor’s Ball, said. “If you are a thrill-seeker and don’t mind getting your clothes dirty, it’s a total blast.”
Firefly Music Festival (Thursday, June 18- Sunday, June 21)
The Woodlands, Dover, Del.
Lineup: Paul McCartney, Morrissey, Foster the People, The Killers, Modest Mouse, Hozier, Kygo, etc. (Mainly Alternative/Indie/Rock, some House Genres)
Ticketing Options: General Admission 4-day passes starting at $299
The Woodlands where the festival takes place provides a sunny, green backdrop against the multitude of stages. The campsite contains numerous hammocks to relax after a long day in the heat. In addition to musical entertainment, the event provides a market with over ten shops to splurge on festival goods.
Electric Forest (Thursday, June 25- Sunday, June 28)
Double JJ Resort, Rothbury, Mich.
Lineup: Skrillex, Flume, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes, Bassnectar, Phantogram, etc. (EDM/House+ Alternative Genres)
Ticketing Options: SOLD OUT on its main website
Electric Forest is a held in a large, naturalistic setting decorated with a multitude of trees, disco balls, and lights. The funky atmosphere creates the ideal vibe to jam out to an assortment of talented artists.
“Electric Forest looks like it was decorated by fairies,” said Chung, who has been to Electric Forest. “The festival itself has an absolutely magical vibe.”
Vans Warped Tour (Thursday, July 9- Pittsburgh, Pa.; Friday, July 10- Camden, N.J.)
Lineup: Night Riots, Family Force 5, Citizens, Juliet Simms, etc. (Punk Rock/ Alternative/ Pop/ Metal Genres)
Ticketing Options: General Admission tickets starting at $60 in Camden location, and $45 in Pittsburgh location
Held annually for over twenty years, Warped Tour is the longest running festival in the United States. In addition to a variety of musical performances, the festival features a comedy tent, where comics Beth Stelling, Dave Ross and more are set to perform. On a budget? Warped Tour is significantly less expensive compared to other festivals.