There’s nothing better than walking down closed-off sections of streets with thousands of other art lovers at a summer art festival or hanging out at a venue with other music lovers sharing the love of a common band. Artists sell their work, art lovers buy their favorite pieces, bands play and everyone gets to enjoy local food and drinks. The U.S. boasts some of the best festivals in the world, and we encourage you to check out some of our favorites. Here are 10 Great Festivals You Can’t Miss this summer!
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Old Town Art Fair – Chicago, IL (June 9-10, 2018)
Everyone knows that summer in Chicago is about as good as it gets, and the Old Town Art Fair is one of the premiere events of the summer. Taking place in the sun-drenched streets of the city’s historic Old Town neighborhood, the fair features more than 250 critically acclaimed artists and plenty of enjoyable local food & drink. Bonus: Proceeds from the fair go to a variety of local charities, schools and art programs. Who doesn’t like buying art and giving a little extra money to those in need?
Des Moines Art Festival – Des Moines, IA (June 22-24, 2018)
Most art lovers don’t think of Des Moines as an epicenter of the art world, but for more than 200,000 revelers each year, the Des Moines Art Festival is just that. The 3-day festival got its modest start all the way back in 1958, but since then, it has evolved into a massive weekend event aimed at promoting a greater appreciation of all types of art. More than 175 artists will showcase their work this summer in Des Moines, and organizers hope this year is better than ever.
Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, California (June 22-25, 2018)
In the event that you are into music with a positive message, great vibes or simply outdoors in Northern California’s wonderful summer climate, The Sierra Nevada World Music Festival is all about Reggae and World music.
Cherry Creek Art Festival – Denver, CO (July 6-8, 2018)
Since 1991, the Cherry Creek Art Festival has taken pride in giving hundreds of thousands of art lovers the chance to meet and talk about art with international juried artists at their iconic yearly gathering. In addition to visual arts, the festival boasts samples of fine cuisine an opportunities to see a wide-variety of live musical performances. The “green” festival encourages guests to ride their bicycles and park in one of their state of the art “bike corrals.” If you want to drive, you’re going to have to pay to park!
Ann Arbor Street Art Fair – Ann Arbor, MI (July 19-22, 2018)
The Ann Arbor Art Fair is one of Michigan’s finest summer traditions and one of the largest outdoor art fairs in the nation. This weekend, the streets of Ann Arbor will transform into an art lover’s paradise where you can experience and enjoy original works of art, street performances, culinary treats and a variety of sidewalk sales. From seasoned art enthusiasts to novice collectors, thousands will make the trip to discover something truly inspiring.
Pitchfork Music Festival, Chicago, IL (July 20-22, 2018)
Pitchfork, the music site, first established their reputation in the late 90s with their ear for emerging artists. So it’s no surprise that the associated festival in Chicago, now going on 12 years, steers clear of mainstream pop stars in favor of cult favorites and experimental artists, especially focused on local acts. Their lineup this year leans toward inventive R&B and indie rock; go for Ms. Lauryn Hill, Tame Impala and Chaka Khan, and stick around for the haunting futuristic R&B of Kelela or the rich, melodic rap of Noname.
Lollapalooza, Chicago, IL (Aug 2-5, 2018)
One of the biggest summer music festivals in the U.S., Chicago’s Lollapalooza attracts upwards of 150,000 music lovers over its four days. This year, headliners include the Arctic Monkeys, Bruno Mars, The Weeknd and Jack White, plus a varied list of popular performers across genres, from party DJ Dillon Francis to rising pop star Madison Beer to the delightfully energetic rock of Rainbow Kitten Surprise. It’s the kind of festival where everyone will be able to find something to like, no matter what your music taste.
Burning Man – Black Rock Desert Nevada (Aug 26-Sept 3, 2018)
Part craftsmanship celebration, part social marvel, part insane return from the 70’s and totally mind blowing. On the off chance that you haven’t found out about or seen photos of the Burning Man Festival, sign on to their official site for the most ideal clarification.
St. Louis Art Fair – St. Louis, MO (September 8-10, 2018)
Created in 1994 by a dedicated group of art lovers in the Show Me State, the St. Louis Art Fair now in its 24th year, showcases an abundance of beautiful, unique art from a variety of U.S.based artists. Judges pick their favorite work from a vast pool of applicants, and the quality of art on display at the late summer festival shows it. Attendees love bringing children to the festival due to all of the hands-on activities that are available, and music-lovers are sure to find something they love on one of the three live entertainment stages.
Voodoo Music + Arts Experience, New Orleans (Oct 26-28, 2018)
New Orleans is such an unusual, brilliant and charming destination. The Voodoo Experience celebration is a rare open door (for those of us who don’t live there). The celebration all takes place in New Orleans’ City Park. This year marks the 20th Anniversary for this amazing eclectic event. Make sure you download the Voodoo Experience App, so you know when and where your favorite bands, DJ’s, and other artists are playing. It is Halloween weekend, so be sure to wear your favorite Day of the Dead or other costume.
There you have it, 10 Festivals You Can’t Miss this summer and fall. So book your hotel, plan your transportation and hit the road!
