Fodor's: Summer Music Festivals you Can't Miss

Summer Music Festivals you Can't Miss

Posted by Fodor's Guest Blogger on June 13, 2012 at 12:33:09 PM EDT
Posted in Trip Ideas & Itineraries, Best of the Best Tagged: Festivals, Summer,Events

By Lauren Sloss

There is little better than enjoying live music outside in the summer months. And, with an enormous crop of music festivals all over the country, you'll find plenty of opportunities to do just that, no matter what your musical leanings may be.

So we sorted through the summer's offerings and picked out the six best looking fests coming up, and compiled a quick guide so you'll know who to see, where to stay, and what not to miss. Stock up on sunscreen and grab your sunglasses, it's time to rock 'n' roll.

JUNE

Telluride Bluegrass: June 21-24

Telluride, CO

Mainstage Passes are sold out, but Nightgrass show tickets are available from $20.

What's on: A family-friendly festival in beautiful Telluride, Colorado, this Bluegrass festival has been going for 39 years, keeping up the spirit of the 70s. Look for acts like Alison Krauss and Union Station, John Fogerty, and the Yonder Mountain String Band, plus a Sunday night "house band" performance (including Bela Fleck and Sam Bush, among others). The festival's main stage is sold out, but you can still get tickets to NightGrass, featuring performances in small venues around Telluride proper.

Don't Miss: Be sure to check out the festival's Workshops, held daily in Elks Park. The small, intimate setting is a great way to see musicians in their element; plus, you can watch the preliminary rounds for the Telluride troubadour and band contests.

Where to Stay: One of the best things about going to a music festival in Telluride is getting to go to Telluride; there are a ton of beautiful, luxe accommodations that make use of the staggering beauty of the area. We love the Mountain Lodge for both condo rentals and hotel room options (not to mention the amazing views and the pool and spa access). What's more, the lodge offers 20% off rates between May 23 and September 30 (rooms from $279 a night, book by June 16th).

Insider's Tip: This year, you can kick off the festival with a free performance in Telluride's Mountain Village on Wednesday, June 20, featuring Peter Rowan with Della Mae, and Greensky Bluegrass.