With the spring and summer seasons approaching, the onslaught of music festival lineups has begun. Based on the festivals that have been announced so far, it seems this festival season is going to be quite strong. It’s also apparent the 2018 festival season has a few trends. It’s both heavily influenced by R&B/hip-hop music, while also having The Killers, Eminem and Kendrick Lamar feature as headliners in multiple festivals. Here’s a look at the top 5 music festival lineups so far:
1. Firefly Music Festival – Dover, Delaware – June 14-17
Merging hip-hop, alternative and all genres in between, Firefly Music Festival has an incredible lineup this year. From big acts like Eminem and Arctic Monkeys, who are making comebacks, and lesser known artists such as British singer-songwriter Banners and energetic rapper Lizzo, Firefly has a little something for everyone. Based at The Woodlands in Dover, Firefly not only has wonderful music acts, but festival-goers can also choose to experience a one-of-a-kind brewery, coffee house, a nook to relax in hammocks and more. If you’re a fan of the outdoors, and maybe the desert isn’t your thing, Firefly could be the music festival for you. Check out the full lineup here.
2. Hangout Music Fest – Gulf Shores, Alabama – May 18-20
The ocean, sandy beaches and good music is everything Hangout Music Fest has to offer. Based in Gulf Shores, the festival is known to have attendees clad in bathing suits and soaking up the sun while enjoying artists from all over. This year, Hangout features headliners The Chainsmokers, The Killers and Kendrick Lamar. Unsurprisingly, The Killers and Kendrick Lamar are both making appearances at many festivals this season. Highlights of the lineup include alternative-rapper SZA, indie-pop up-and-comers AJR and soulful hip-hop artist Anderson .Paak and The Free Nationals. Along with many others great artists, the full lineup is definitely one of the best announced, and it would be quite surprising if the festival didn’t sell out soon.
3. Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival – Indio, California – April 13-15 and April 20-22
Get your outfits ready because Coachella is one music festival you don’t want to miss in 2018. With major headliners, The Weeknd, Beyoncé and Eminem, Coachella fits into the fluid theme of R&B and hip-hop artists dominating the lineup. The festival overall compliments this with other artists from multiple different genres. Other big acts are three-piece sister act HAIM, catchy alt-rock band Portugal. The Man and the electric Norwegian DJ Kygo. As always, Coachella has tons of amazing acts to go see, and depending on the schedule of the festival, it may be difficult to see all of you favorite artists. To see the full lineup and more info about Coachella, click here.
4. Boston Calling – Allston, Massachusetts – May 25-27
Following the festival trend this year, Boston Calling similarly features Eminem and The Killers as headliners, along with seasoned rock artist Jack White. Located at Harvard’s athletic complex, Boston Calling definitely has its attendees in for a treat. With other big names such as The National and Queens of the Stone Age, alongside smaller artists such as Maggie Rogers and Daniel Caesar, the festival has a multitude of artists to see. The full lineup contains musical artists from all over the world, and even appearances from comedians and speakers such as Natalie Portman, Jenny Slate and Bridget Everett. Boston Calling has something for both young and older demographics, and it is definitely a festival to keep in mind if you want to go to a music festival in 2018.
5. Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival – Manchester, Tennessee – June 7-10
Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival is more than your typical festival. Including art installations, mouth-watering food vendors, 5k races, yoga and more, Bonnaroo offers an experience unlike any other. In regard to the lineup, Bonnaroo hit all the right points. The lineup features every genre imaginable, artists that attract all ages, and overall just quality musicians. Bonnaroo also has artists such as Bon Iver, Dua Lipa and Old Crow Medicine Show, which aren’t on any other big lineups that have been announced so far. Some of the most exciting artists on the lineup include singer-songwriter Sturgill Simpson, alternative pioneers Paramore and even disco legends Nile Rodgers and Chic. Bonnaroo is a festival that’s been around since 2002, and it’s always been a popular choice for many festival-goers. That’ll definitely be the case in 2018.
