There are few things in life that compare to the ethereal release one feels the moment they step into the presence of one of their favourite artists. Your world comes alive to the soundtrack to your life and you’re surrounded by a crowd of people sharing that moment— living in the present so fully and vibrantly. It’s truly no wonder why you’re always so ready to splurge when your favourite festival or artists come to town.
We’re halfway through 2019 (where did the time go!?) which means the post-concert feels are probably hitting deep. Coachella came and went, but that doesn’t mean the shows are over! We’ve compiled the ultimate guide to the 10 must-see concerts and festivals for the rest of 2019 so you can dive into that coveted world of audio escape again, and again, and again. Gather your best concert outfit ideas, and zip up your suitcases, your musical tour is about to begin.
1. Lollapalooza
Lollapalooza returns to Chi-Town for another year of music, art, and community. From 11 am to 10 pm every day of this four-day weekend, music lovers gain entry into a colourful world full of delicious eats, talented acts, and thousands of people equally excited to dance the weekend away. Lollapalooza is truly the music festival goer’s dreamscape.
When: August 1-4
Where: Chicago’s Grant Park
How much: $340-$4,200
Headliners: Tame Impala, Janelle Monae, Lil’ Wayne, ROSALIA, Tenacious D, J Balvin
2. Outside Lands
Spending three days in the welcome city of San Francisco with the iconic Golden Gate bridge serving as the ultimate Instagram-ready backdrop doesn’t sound like a bad way to close out the summer season, does it? Outside Lands is the ultimate last-hoorah summer music festival for lovers of all genres, mainstream and underground.
When: August 9-11
Where: San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park
How much: $155-$695
Headliners: The Lumineers, Blink 183, Childish Gambino, Kygo, Hozier, RL Grime, Flume, Kacey Musgraves, Anderson.Paak, and Paul Simon
3. Austin City Limits
Austin Texas is one of America’s most bustling cities and becomes a massive musical playground every time the Austin City Limits festival comes around. This fall festival attracts viewers and listeners of all interests, tastes, and sounds. Attendees are welcomed by a full spectrum of artists ranging from headliners Cardi B and Mumford & Sons to supporting acts like Lizzo and Hippie Sabotage.
When: October 4-6 and October 11-13
Where: Zilker Metropolitan Park, Austin, Texas
How much: $105-$3,600
Headliners: Guns N’ Roses, Mumford & Sons, Childish Gambino, Cardi B, Billie Eilish, Tame Impala, The Cure, Robyn
4. Kaaboo
Have you ever taken a trip down memory lane, re-immersing yourself into the sounds of 2008? Now you can do it in real life. Kaaboo is one of California’s most unique music festivals that features a lineup that looks straight out of 2008’s top 40 playlists. With recognizable names like OneRepublic, Sheryl Crow, and Colbie Caillat driving fans to the box office, attendees will relive the glory of the past while revelling in the beautiful Southern Californian present.
When: September 13-15
Where: Del Mar Fairgrounds, San Diego, California
How much: $125-$575
Headliners: Kings of Leon, Dave Matthews Band, Snoop Dogg, and Mumford & Sons
5. Tomorrowland
As one of the world’s biggest and most impressive dance music festivals, Tomorrowland has earned a reputation as the hub for EDM ravers. Spanning across two weekends in July, this Belgian celebration of electronic music is jam-packed full of musical surprises, colourful costumes, and vibrating heartbeats.
When: July 19-21 and July 26-28
Where: Boom, Antwerp, Belgium
How much: $117-$575
Headliners: The Chainsmokers, DJ Snake, Afrojack, Armin Van Buuren, Vini Vici
6. Day N Vegas
This three-day festival is the hip-hop/rap lover’s wildest dream. Taking place in the city of sin, this star-studded weekend turns America’s top 40 into an electric 72-hour experience. Though the festival press release lineup boasts J.Cole, Travis Scott, and Kendrick Lamar in the brightest shiny lights, hot names like Tyler, the Creator, Lil Uzi Vert, Megan the Stallion, Migos, 21 Savage, and many, many more.
When: November 1-3
Where: Las Vegas Festival Grounds
How much: $299-$899
Headliners: J.Cole, Travis Scott, and Kendrick Lamar
So kick on your dancing shoes, book your flights, and put you in your time-off requests. The year still has plenty more to offer for music lovers like you!