Oftentimes, many hit singles, albums and new artists emerge during the summer. And with the fall coming back around, big names are bound to be going on tour.
So, whether aiming for squad goals, PLUR (peace, love, unity and respect, for the rave fans), making new friends or listening to some of your favorite musicians, this is the perfect season to enjoy a music festival in your neck of the woods. Here are some to be on the lookout for this fall.
1. Austin City Limits (ACL)
During the weekends of Oct. 5-7 and 12-14, big names like Paul McCartney, Metallica, Travis Scott, Odezsa and Arctic Monkeys are to headline ACL this year. ACL is arguably the most popular music festival in Texas; people from all over come down for the six day bonanza (back-to-back weekends) to hear dozens of artist perform. In fact, the festival used to only be one weekend, but due to its popularity, ACL expanded from one weekend into two, and you’ll be excited to know that this year, they are working to make the experience even more memorable.
Each year, the team that helps put together this music festival in Texas’ capital listens to the feedback of their fans and only try to make it better with each year. The festival hits all genres to appeal to the plethora of music fanatics; multiple stages allow people to bounce around and get a taste of all artists performing live.
2. Aftershock
Aftershock, located in Sacramento, California, is one of the biggest rock n’ roll festivals. The two-day gala (during the weekend of Oct. 13 – 14) showcases some of rock’s legends along with up and coming bands, such as System of a Down, Alice in Chains, Deftones, Incubus and 311.
This music festival is a chance for both old and new school rock fans to come together and hear some classics in addition to the new era of rock.
3. Treasure Island
This experience is also on Oct. 13 – 14, but Treasure Island is in Oakland, California. Although Aftershock and Treasure Island are in the same states on the same dates, this one appeals to multiple genres for music fans.
However, what makes Treasure Island stand out is that the artists’ performance times never overlap, allowing the audience to see every musician they would like. Headliners consist of A$AP Rocky, Lord Huron, Pusha T, Aminé and Tame Impala.
4. Demon Dayz
Mid-October is a big time for music in California, as another festival occurs on Oct. 20. This one-day occasion, located in Los Angeles, is a music festival ran by the world famous Gorillaz. They bring together some of the biggest entertainers in one of the United States’ most popular cities for a day of people coming together and enjoying some fantastic music.
Composed by Gorillaz, the day will be full of music at the Pico Rivera Fairgrounds. Twelve performers will go on the stage that day, including Gorillaz, The Internet, Erykah Badu and DRAM. It’s safe to say that locals are excited to have a day full of relaxation, friends and music.
5. Freaky Deaky
Usually at the end of October, the city of Houston hosts a weekend full of electronic dance music (EDM), named Something Wicked, a Halloween-themed festival where EDM fans all over the country come down dressed in their best Halloween costumes. The tradition continues this fall, but under a different alias; due to the inability to work some details out, Freaky Deaky was born.
Here, we see another mixture of big time DJs along with up and coming DJs. From Oct. 27 – 28, performers like DJ Snake, Excision and Yellow Claw show up to bring some mixes and light shows that will definitely awe the fans.
6. Mala Luna
San Antonio, Texas, is having its own Halloween-themed festival: Mala Luna. This music festival combines electronic and hip hop genres, giving a nice blend of the two.
Speaking of blending, the city of San Antonio is also hosting its Día de los Muertos Festival, so people are able to fuse the music life with the San Antonio culture outside of music. Stars like Dillon Francis, Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, 2 Chainz and Tyler, the Creator are to take the helm of leaders for these performances.
7. Utopia Fest
October really loves its music, but November does as well. Starting the month off is Utopia Fest, which, in addition to the myriad phenomenal artists the fest will be hosting, Utopia has an interesting twist to it: attendees are allowed to camp if they want. Located on Four Sisters Ranch, a place with over 1,000 acres of land, the site’s natural expansiveness encourages campers and concert-goers to lay out under the stars.
8. Electric Daisy Carnival
For those who are in the EDM scene, Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) is the event to be at. This year, they decided to bring the carnival to Orlando, Florida. Nov. 9 and 10 are going to be some of the most memorable dates for music fans who are able to attend.
The three different stages consist of 39 performances on Day 1 and 36 the next. But on the lineup list, EDC reminds the participants that the most important headliner is “you.” EDC has carnival games, roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, LED-based artwork and even a group called “Funkdafied Freaks” full of dancers and characters that help influence the EDC experience for all. For EDM fans, this is the biggest event of the year.
9. Camp Flog Gnaw
In Los Angeles, the two-day festival Camp Flog Gnaw offers a fun interaction between hip-hop fans and an atmosphere that also features carnival games and rides. The fest runs Nov. 9 – 10.
Much like Demon Dayz, this music festival is organized by a popular figure. Tyler, the Creator created Camp Flog Gnaw event and plays a role in highlighting all the available activities. He, of course, is a headliner, along with many other musical talents, such as Earl Sweatshirt, A$AP Rocky, Brockhampton, Post Malone, Kali Uchis, Kid Cudi, Kanye West and SZA. For hip-hop heads out there, this is the ideal rap festival for the fall.
10. Riptide
Often, people look for music festivals for an easy-going transition from November into December. At Riptide, a festival from Nov. 30 – Dec. 2, pop and alternative music will collaborate for an unforgettable weekend.
Bands and artists such as Panic! At the Disco, Matt and Kim, Third Eye Blind and 311 headline this weekend. Be ready to expect some surprise cameos like Baha Men and The Sugarhill Gang for some nostalgic hits.
11. Lights All Night
On Dec. 28 and 29, Dallas, Texas, is hosting an EDM festival to help offset the eagerness that comes with the New Year. Big-time DJs Tiesto and Diplo are the front runners, with an additional appearance by hip hop artist Gucci Mane.
