Lollapalooza and Woodstock Battle for American Summer Music Festival Supremacy

Summer is just three short months away, and already the music festival booking wars are well underway.

Woodstock 50

Where: Watkins Glen, NY

When: August 16-18

Woodstock 50 filed the first shot. As we all know by now, 50 years ago 400,000 young people descended on a farm in Woodstock, New York to celebrate counterculture and music. It was A Moment, and now millions of baby boomers will tell you they heard Janis Joplin or Jimi Hendrix that day. The last time the music world tried to celebrate Woodstock it was a disaster. The 1999 event is notorious for violence and destruction, including riots and sexual assaults. So this time around it is no surprise for the festival to try to rope back in the excess in order to focus on love, peace and harmony.

Of course 2019 is not noted for peace and kindness, so how this will actually work out is a big question mark. Organizers got commitments from a wide range of artists: Jay Z, The Killers, and Dead & Company headline the event. The Black Keys, Chance the Rapper, Miley Cyrus , Common, Janelle Monae, The Raconteurs, and Imagine Dragons are in the field. Legends like Santana, John Fogerty, Dead & Company (the Grateful Dead with John Mayer), Hot Tuna, and Country Joe McDonald are slated to return to the stage.

The festival will be held at Watkins Glen, which is notable for its race track. That’s in the Finger Lakes, a region south of Syracuse and a whole 150 miles northwest or the original for those who are keeping track.

Lollapalooza

Where: Grant Park, Chicago, IL

When: August 1-4

Not to be outdone, Generation X’s premier festival returns again this summer with its celebration of music in Chicago. The four-day lineup includes Childish Gambino, Twenty One Pilots, Ariana Grande, the Strokes, Flume, Tame Impala, Janelle Monae, Meek Mill, Kacey Musgraves, Lil Wayne, Hozier, and many more.

Bonnaroo

Where: Manchester, TN

When: June 13-16

Bonnaroo’s slogan is “Sweat All Day, Party All Night.” If that kind of sweaty, stinky environment appeals to you, then you are in for a treat. Over 150 musicians have been announced for Bonnaroo. Phish, Childish Gambino, Solange, Hozier, Cardi B, The Lumineers and more headline the event.

This year’s festival gets under way early with a 14-city tour called Ready to Roo. Watch for events in Nashville, Jacksonville, Tampa, Louisville, Chicago, Atlanta, Columbus, Indianapolis and more this month. The Lonely Island and Gucci Mane are among the late-night-till-dawn performers.

Boston Calling

Where: Alston, MA

When: May 24-26

For a more boutique experience, Boston Calling really packs a punch. Fans will see Twenty One Pilots, Tame Impala, Travis Scott, Mitski, Brandi Carlise, Janelle Monae, Pale Waves, Greta Van Fleet, Hozier, plus comedians! That’s right, also appearing are Fred Armisen, Jenny Slate, Michael Che, and Melissa Villasenor, among others.

Newport Folk Festival

Where: Fort Adams Park, Newport, RI

When: July 26-28

The Newport Folk Festival is better than ever and has already sold out. You may be able to get some tickets online, however. The lineup includes Maggie Rogers, Kacey Musgraves, Todd Snider, Cedric Burnside, I’m With Her, Jeff Tweedy, Trey Anastasio, Stephen Marley, Yola and more.

Shaky Knees Festival

Where: Atlanta, GA

When: May 3-5

Shaky Knees started in 2013 to celebrate rock. The headliners this year are Beck, Tame Impala, Incubus, and Cage the Elephant. Gary Clark Jr., Interpol, The Struts, Dashboard Confessional, Foals and dozens more are scheduled for the event. But that’s not all – old dudes Tears for Fears will appear!

Read Lollapalooza and Woodstock Battle for American Summer Music Festival Supremacy on PPcorn.