New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana
April 22 to May 1, 2016
The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is an experience like none other. Perfect for a multi-generational family with varied interests. This year’s lineup includes classic artists like Stevie Wonder and rappers like Snoop Lion. What else can you expect? Mouthwatering Southern dishes, family-friendly arts and crafts, and performances by Neil Young, Lauryn Hill, Beck, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. While the festival is held at the Fair Grounds Race Course, the city’s famous French Quarter is only ten minutes away. Be sure to venture out and explore NoLa’s other charming neighborhoods.
Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis, Tennessee
April 29 to May 1, 2016
Lenny Kravitz, Ed Sheeran, and the Pixies are just a few of the names who played at last year’s Beale Street Music Festival. This year’s lineup is yet to be released, we have a feeling that it well be just as epic as 2015’s. (Other past artists include Iggy Pop, BB King, Bob Dylan, MGMT, Lou Reed, and MGMT.)
Sasquatch in Quincy, Washington
May 27-30, 2016
The sunsets at the annual Sasquatch Music Festival are almost as famous as the music. Set in the eastern stretch of the Columbia River Gorge, the festival site is carved out of the basalt rock that lines the Columbia River, which lazily rolls behind the main stage. It’s an idyllic setting to camp out and see some of the best bands in the world. This year’s musical headliners include The Cure, Florence + the Machine, Major Lazer, Alabama Shakes, Grimes, and a comedy lineup so good that it alone would be worth the two-hour drive from Seattle.
Festival d’été de Québec, Canada
July 7-17, 2016
300 stages, 10 shows, 11 days; that’s what the Quebec City Summer Festival encompasses. The festival, held in the city of Quebec, combines family and adult entertainment, a parade, street performances, and more. This year, headliners include the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sting, and Peter Gabriel. Another reason to go is the price of an 11-day Festival Pass, which permits access to all the shows and headliners, will set you back less than $75. Don’t forget to explore the charming, European-inspired streets and feast on delicious French-cuisine while there.
Pickathon in Happy Valley, Oregon
Aug 5-7, 2016
Book a ticket to Pickathon, the three-day farm party set in the woods just outside Portland. The eco-conscious festival is focused on sustainability (no plastic cups here!), art, community, and, of course, music. Pickathon prides itself on offering something for the whole family—not only are kids under 12 free, but they even have on-site camp for kids, meaning adults can kick back and enjoy the music while the kids have a blast. This year’s lineup includes indie rock darlings like Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy, Yo La Tengo, Beach House, Julia Holter, and more.
Austin City Limits in Austin, Texas
September 20 to October 2 and October 7-9, 2016
Nicknamed the ‘Live Music Capital of the World,’ Austin is well-known for its excellent and diverse music scene. SXSW is one of the country’s best-known festivals. This year’s lineup includes top tier names like Drake, Disclosure, the Strokes, Florence + the Machine, and the Weeknd. But music isn’t the only thing to submerge yourself in while at ACL—local and international vendors serve up delicious food. While there, don’t forget to venture out and explore the city’s music and culinary scene too.
by Adeline Duff and Melissa Locker February 16, 2016
April 22 to May 1, 2016
The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is an experience like none other. Perfect for a multi-generational family with varied interests. This year’s lineup includes classic artists like Stevie Wonder and rappers like Snoop Lion. What else can you expect? Mouthwatering Southern dishes, family-friendly arts and crafts, and performances by Neil Young, Lauryn Hill, Beck, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. While the festival is held at the Fair Grounds Race Course, the city’s famous French Quarter is only ten minutes away. Be sure to venture out and explore NoLa’s other charming neighborhoods.
Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis, Tennessee
April 29 to May 1, 2016
Lenny Kravitz, Ed Sheeran, and the Pixies are just a few of the names who played at last year’s Beale Street Music Festival. This year’s lineup is yet to be released, we have a feeling that it well be just as epic as 2015’s. (Other past artists include Iggy Pop, BB King, Bob Dylan, MGMT, Lou Reed, and MGMT.)
Sasquatch in Quincy, Washington
May 27-30, 2016
The sunsets at the annual Sasquatch Music Festival are almost as famous as the music. Set in the eastern stretch of the Columbia River Gorge, the festival site is carved out of the basalt rock that lines the Columbia River, which lazily rolls behind the main stage. It’s an idyllic setting to camp out and see some of the best bands in the world. This year’s musical headliners include The Cure, Florence + the Machine, Major Lazer, Alabama Shakes, Grimes, and a comedy lineup so good that it alone would be worth the two-hour drive from Seattle.
Festival d’été de Québec, Canada
July 7-17, 2016
300 stages, 10 shows, 11 days; that’s what the Quebec City Summer Festival encompasses. The festival, held in the city of Quebec, combines family and adult entertainment, a parade, street performances, and more. This year, headliners include the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sting, and Peter Gabriel. Another reason to go is the price of an 11-day Festival Pass, which permits access to all the shows and headliners, will set you back less than $75. Don’t forget to explore the charming, European-inspired streets and feast on delicious French-cuisine while there.
Pickathon in Happy Valley, Oregon
Aug 5-7, 2016
Book a ticket to Pickathon, the three-day farm party set in the woods just outside Portland. The eco-conscious festival is focused on sustainability (no plastic cups here!), art, community, and, of course, music. Pickathon prides itself on offering something for the whole family—not only are kids under 12 free, but they even have on-site camp for kids, meaning adults can kick back and enjoy the music while the kids have a blast. This year’s lineup includes indie rock darlings like Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy, Yo La Tengo, Beach House, Julia Holter, and more.
Austin City Limits in Austin, Texas
September 20 to October 2 and October 7-9, 2016
Nicknamed the ‘Live Music Capital of the World,’ Austin is well-known for its excellent and diverse music scene. SXSW is one of the country’s best-known festivals. This year’s lineup includes top tier names like Drake, Disclosure, the Strokes, Florence + the Machine, and the Weeknd. But music isn’t the only thing to submerge yourself in while at ACL—local and international vendors serve up delicious food. While there, don’t forget to venture out and explore the city’s music and culinary scene too.
by Adeline Duff and Melissa Locker February 16, 2016