We’ve barely just recovered from last year’s festival season, but considering how quickly this year’s players are approaching, it’s time to buckle up. As the festival industry further cements itself as a tourism staple, we now have more choices than ever before. From microfestivals to international gatherings, one can spend an entire year festival hopping with no shortage of events to attend, but there’s still a special summer camp vibe that makes partying during these hot months something of its own breed.As attendees get choosier about which events are worth their time, more and more organizers are honing in on specialized, niche markets. When it comes to deciding which festivals to keep under your radar, the endless options can be a tad overwhelming, so we rounded up some of our favorites to help you sort out your summer picks.
Rock the South 2017
June 2-3, Cullman, AL, U.S.Alabama’s Rock the South Festival was born out of the need to raise funds for the local community impacted by the 2011 Super Outbreak, the largest storm of tornadoes in U.S. history. Since its first run in 2012, the festival continues to operate with humanitarian efforts at its help, raising over $400,000 for local charities. Rock the South has featured country gems like Dierks Bentley, Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, and this year will bring in Sam Hunt and Luke Bryan. The “biggest party in the south” is even bigger this year, with on-site camping and glamping options available so the southern soiree never has to stop.Rock the South has featured country gems like Dierks Bentley, Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, and this year will bring in Sam Hunt and Luke Bryan. The “biggest party in the south” is even bigger this year, with on-site camping and glamping options available so the southern soiree never has to stop.
OpenAir St. Gallen
June 29-July 2, Sittertobel, St. Gallen, SwitzerlandOne of Switzerland’s largest and longest-running festivals, OpenAir St. Gallen draws in crowds of over 110,000 guests each year to enjoy quality tunes amidst the scenic Swiss landscapes. Unlike most other events, the campsites aren’t separated from the festival grounds, so you can even see your favorite band perform from the comfort of your tent. This year OpenAir will feature worldwide talent ranging from alt-rock to indie pop and electro. With Alt-J, Justice, Lorde, Bonobo, Trentemøller, Glass Animals and tons of local talent leading the lineup, it’s no surprise the event has sold out for the last six years in a row. Intellitix will be deploying our Access Control and Cashless Payment systems at OpenAir St. Gallen again this year. You can watch our case study on the event or visit their website for all the details on Cashless Payments.HOT 97 Summer Jam
June 11, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ, U.S.East Coast hip-hop continues to make its mark at this year’s HOT 97 Summer Jam. Running on its 23rd year in New Jersey, the festival draws in urban music heads for the biggest hip-hop event of the summer. Chris Brown, Migos, French Montana & Friends, Tory Lanez, Joey Bada$$, Fat Joe & Remy Ma, DJ Khaled & Friends, Desiigner and D.R.A.M. are all confirmed to perform among the Stadium and Festival Stages. To commemorate the 20th anniversary of Biggie’s death, Faith Evans and Mister DJ Cee will host an all-star tribute to the Notorious B.I.G.Secret Solstice
June 15-18, Reykjavik, IcelandThis Icelandic festival tactically takes place during the summer solstice so festival-goers can party to some of the best music in the world under the 24-hour midnight sun. This year, Secret Solstice raised the stakes to bring in some of the biggest names in dance music, pop, rock, and everything in between. Dubfire, Anderson .Paak & the Free Nationals, Seth Troxler, the Foo Fighters, Big Sean, Kerri Chandler, Cubicolor, Youngr, Rhye and more will all be in attendance for three days of glacier raves, secret lagoon blowouts and boat parties.Bonanza Campout
June 23-25, River’s Edge Campground, Heber City, UT, U.S.For those who get a kick out of venturing into the wilderness, Bonanza packs all the unadulterated fun of summer camp into a weekend soundtracked by over 30 amazing live acts. Now on its second year, the organizers have secured headliners Odesza, NAS, Lauryn Hill, The Airborne Toxic Event, Bob Moses, Nick Murphy, The Knocks and more, so whether you’re into indie rock, electronic or hip-hop, you’ll have something to jam to.Only a 40-minute drive from Salt Lake City, the event highlights the natural beauty and vibrant landscape of the Jordanelle Reservoir with outdoor activities, art installations and various camping and onsite cabin options for a very natural, homegrown vibe. Intellitix be on-site deploying Access Control and Cashless Payments. To read up on all the details, check out the RFID page on their site.
Oregon Eclipse
August 17-23, Big Summit Prairie, Crook County, OR, U.S.Though total solar eclipses happen once every 18 months, this will be the first visible eclipse in the U.S. in 38 years. To commemorate the occasion, a group of festival organizers around the world have banded to create the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that is the Oregon Eclipse.Featuring 13 collaborating festivals like Rainbow Serpent, Symbiosis, Hadra, Re:Birth, Origin and more, the weeklong celebration will take place over 7 stages and will be full of large-scale art installations, performances and workshops for an all-encompassing experience.Electrobeach
July 13-15, Le Barcarès, FranceLocated in the heart of Southern France, Electrobeach is one of the largest electronic music festivals in the country, bringing in big names and large scale production for three days of unrelenting dance music. Port-Bacarès is already a top tourist destination for Europeans with its prime summer weather and idyllic view of the Atlantic. This year they’ve locked in a well-assorted lineup with heavyweights like Deadmau5, Stephan Bodzin, Armin Van Buuren, Tiesto and Seth Troxler b2b The Martinez Brothers–just to name a few–for one of their best installments yet.FYF Fest
July 21-23, Exposition Park, Los Angeles, CA, U.S.This 3-day urban festival is the embodiment of modern Los Angeles culture. It’s consistently diverse and eclectic lineups have allowed the downtown festival to flourish in a city full of cultural tastemakers and music aficionados.A brainchild of Coachella organizers Goldenvoice, FYF has garnered a reputation for impeccable logistics and great production since moving to the USC campus.