After two years in limbo, mega-size American music festivals are back in full swing, which is fantastic news for outdoor festival lovers. Coachella kicked off the season last month, but there are plenty of other bucket list-worthy events confirmed for 2022. Here are six festivals worthy of a trip south.
Summerfest
Courtesy of Summerfest
When:
June 23 - 25, 2022
June 30 - July 2, 2022
July 7 - 9, 2022
Where: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
With a 50-plus-year-history, world-renowned Summerfest has been labelled the largest music festival in the United States. Set in downtown Milwaukee adjacent to Lake Michigan, there’s plenty of room for festival-goers to spread out across the 75-acre grounds. Often referred to as the “people's party,” attendees from far and wide flock to this beautiful and inexpensive festival destination. An all-access day ticket to most of the stages is only $20 USD, with amphitheater tickets starting at $25USD).
Summerfest 2022
Over the course of 11 days, Summerfest hosts more than 800 acts on twelve different stages. 2022's headliner shows include performances from Justin Bieber, Lil Wayne/Wiz Khalifa/Wu-Tang Clan, Halsey, Machine Gun Kelly, Jason Aldean, Thomas Rhett, Rod Stewart with Cheap Trick and more.
Lollapalooza
Sydney Gawlik
Taylor Regulski for Lollapalooza
When: July 28 to 31, 2022
Where: Chicago, Illinois
Downtown Chicago’s Grant Park will host nine stages, featuring more than 170 bands from all over the world. Located near some of Chicago’s best attractions, Lollapalooza offers ample space to sing, dance, stage-hop and gaze at the city skyline over four consecutive days. This year’s headliners include Metallica, Dua Lipa, J. Cole, Green Day and Doja Cat.
Lollapalooza 2022
The festival will also feature foodie offerings from 35 award-winning chefs. The city’s two international airports, O’Hare and Midway, make it simple for travellers to plan a visit.
Outside Lands
Outside Lands 2022
When: Aug. 5 to 7, 2022
Where: San Francisco, California
Outside Lands is a premier West Coast festival where people gather to create unforgettable San Francisco summertime memories. With an array of new hits, classics and indie undertones, the energy is palpable over the rolling hills of Golden Gate Park. Post Malone, SZA and Green Day will headline the three-day event, performing alongside nearly 100 other global artists. A bike valet, wine and cheese tasting tent, local organic food vendors and unconventional Grass Lands experiences are just some enticements offered at the urban festival.
Canadians can weave a West Coast road trip into festival travel plans or add Los Angeles, Yosemite National Park, Disneyland or San Diego to the itinerary.
Burning Man
Burning Man 2018 | Sam Mathews
When: Aug. 28 to Sept. 5, 2022
Where: Black Rock Desert, Nevada
Burning Man will return to Black Rock Desert after three years, transforming the desert once again into a temporary city constructed by visitors who come for unparalleled artistic installations and communal experiences. Attendees actively contribute their own creative expression, as there are neither performers scheduled, nor personal supplies available for sale on-site.
Burning Man 2018 | Sam Mathews
A road trip to Burning Man from Canada offers opportunities to see popular West Coast sites like the Oregon Bend and the Rocky Mountains. Alternatively, Black Rock City is a two-hour drive from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Festival-goers must register to enter an online queue for ticket registration.
Austin City Limits
Austin City Limits
When: Oct. 7 to 9 and 14 to 16, 2022
Where: Austin, Texas
Known for a range of musical genres and featured artists, Austin City Limits takes place across eight stages in Zilker Park. The festival grants visitors who live in cooler climates the benefit of extending their summer, and the venue’s central location makes it possible to walk to many popular attractions, including intimate music venues, food trucks and eclectic art neighbourhoods.
Electric Daisy Carnival Orlando
Electric Daisy Carnival (Note: photo taken at the Las Vegas festival location)
When: Nov. 11 to 13, 2022
Where: Orlando, Florida
The famous Electric Daisy Carnival Las Vegas (May 2022) brings a sister festival to Orlando (November), where nature and technology come together to forge lasting memories.
Electric Daisy Carnival incorporates the world’s best electronic dance music (EDM) performances, full-sized carnival rides, three-dimensional superstructures, art installations and interactive, glow-in-the-dark environments, creating a unique multi-sensory experience. The lineup is typically released during the summer months. The venue is a convenient 20-minute drive from Orlando International Airport.