There are endless opportunities throughout the summer for music festivals all around the United States with multiple artists of varying genres. Though there are multiple I have selected my top choices and all the insider tips on the best way to go about these music festivals. So find some that best suit your interests!

Governors Ball

My top pick is The Governors Ball in Corona Park, New York City, NY on June 7-9. Gov Ball has another amazing lineup, with some of the same performers at Lollapalooza. Luckily Gov Ball has the map for this year posted on their website.

The bag policy is also very similar to all of the other festivals:

FULL BAG POLICY:

• ALL bags will be searched before entry.
• Small clutch purses and fanny packs that are 6″ x 9″ or smaller do not need to be clear but can have no more than one pocket.
• All other bags larger than 6″ x 9″ must be smaller than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ and clear.
• Hydration packs are allowed and do not need to be clear, but must be emptied of all liquid and have no more than two pockets – one for the reservoir and one additional pocket.

Summer Smash

Summer Smash is on June 14-16th just outside of Chicago at SeatGeek Stadium with one big stage in the stadium and 2 stages outside. With headliners Cactus Jack, Playboi Carti, and Chief Keef with awesome supporting artists as well. There are not any maps on the website but here is a map of the stadium and the turfs outside.   

They have a bag and water policy written out on their website “ALL bags will be searched upon entry to the festival. Backpacks and large bags with multiple pockets will not be permitted inside. We strongly recommend you bring a clear or mesh (see-through) bag for entry to the festival. We allow the following bags:- Small bags, small purses, and fanny packs with a max size of W9.7” x H5” (inches). They must have no more than 1 pocket.- Drawstring bags with one main pocket not larger than W15″ x H18″ (inches)- Small Hydration backpacks (must be empty upon arrival) with no more than two small pockets in addition to the main reservoir.- If you bring a bag with more than 1 pocket, it must be fully clear and made up of clear material or mesh (see-through) and be no larger than W12″ x H12″ x D6″ (inches).Water Bottles: You may enter with 1 EMPTY 16.9oz DISPOSABLE plastic water bottle to refill (like an Ice Mountain, Dasani, or Aquafina bottle). No reusable water bottles like a Yeti, Nalgene, or Stanley are allowed to enter.“

Country Jam

If you aren’t able to travel out of the state luckily for you Country Jam is held in Mack, Colorado just outside of Grand Junction, on June 20-22. Some of the artists performing at Country Jam this year are Jelly Roll, Flatland Cavalry, Parker McCollum, etc,…

A fun part about country jam is that you have the option to camp. If you want to camp you must have a three-day pass, and you also must pay for the camping pass separately. There are different passes and kinds of camping that you can purchase as well. Again we unfortunately don’t have a map quite yet but here is the map from last year.

(The website says that they no longer offer quiet camping)

Country Jam’s bag policy is very similar to Lollapalooza.

• SMALL/CLEAR BAG POLICY: All bags will be searched before entry.
• Bags shall be CLEAR and not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″ (30cm x 15cm x 30cm). Bags smaller than 6″ x 9″ (15cm x 23cm), also referred to as a “clutch style” bag, are not required to be clear. Bags exceeding 6″ x 9″ but smaller than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ must be single-compartment and clear on ALL sides.
• Camelbaks are allowed but must be empty and have only one additional pocket.
  • Note: Some vendors sell bags outside of these regulations. If you purchase a bag from a vendor inside the festival outside of these regulations, you may use the bag while on the concert grounds that day. Once you exit the concert grounds, you may not return with the bag to abide by the regulations.

Lollapalooza

This year Lollapalooza has an amazing lineup with headliners like Tyler The Creator, Hozier, SZA, and more. There are also many supporting artists. The festival is in Chicago at Grant Park on August 1-4. 

As you can see the park is really spread out, and there will be multiple stages which unfortunately means you might need to choose what artists you would prefer to see. Though we don’t have the map for this year quite yet, here is the map from last year.

Most festivals will have bag policies, which you will find on the websites, here are this year’s Lollapaloozas bag rules:r

• ALL bags will be searched before entry.
• Small clutch purses and fanny packs that are 6″ x 9″ or smaller do not need to be clear but can have no more than one pocket.
• All other bags larger than 6″ x 9″ must be smaller than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ and clear.
• Hydration packs are allowed and do not need to be clear, but must be emptied of all liquid and with no more than two total pockets. One for the reservoir and one additional pocket.

Jazz Aspen

Last but not least at the end of the summer we have Jazz Aspen to end off this summer. Jazz Aspen is in Snowmass on 8/30- 9/1. With many different artists. Because there is only one stage the map will consistently stay the same. 

Jazz aspens bag policy:

• One clear bag no larger than 12″ by x 6″ x 12″
  OR a one-gallon clear resealable bag.
• Clear small fanny packs no larger than
  13 ” by x 6” x 3” are allowed
• Clutch purses no larger than 6” x 9” are allowed
• Lockers available for items that are DO NOT meet the venue’s prohibited item policy
• Medical and Diaper bags will be subject to search

Festival insider tips:

Festivals are very fun when you cannot worry so make sure that you are keeping yourself safe while having fun! Here are some tips from many people about the best way to have fun while being safe during festival season.

• One very general tip for festivals is wearing earplugs. Many companies sell reusable earplugs but you can also buy large packs for very inexpensive earplugs. The music will be very loud, which can damage your hearing in the long run.
• Be prepared for any weather. Make sure that you check the forecast so that you can pack and dress accordingly. Comfort is key at music festivals so make sure you are keeping yourself comfortable and happy.
• Bring your own water bottle. Keeping hydrated is so important especially since these festivals can be very hot. Most festivals will have stations where you can fill up your water bottle. There will be stands selling plastic water bottles but those lines can take a long time and it is bad for the environment. There are also options like a camelback if you don’t feel like carrying a water bottle around all day.
• Have a meeting spot. Talk about a spot where you can meet the people you are with if you guys get separated. Service may not always work and festivals are loud so people might not hear their phone ringing.
• There will be food stands there but pack some of your own food and snacks. Some of the stands will be expensive and spending money on a meal every day might not be smart, so pack some snacks to get you through the day.
• Portable chargers. You will definitely want to get pictures and videos and obviously need to text and call people. But your phone only has so much battery so make sure to pack a portable charger, especially if phones are needed for an emergency. There are so many light non bulky options that are easy to just plug your phone into.

Most importantly, have fun! Live music is supposed to be fun so make sure that you are having a good time while staying safe!