10 Most Underrated Music Festivals
We've all heard of Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, and SXSW; but there are tons of other amazing music festivals that don't get the same attention as the top-tier festivals. Here are some of the 10 best festivals that don't get as much attention as they definitely deserve.
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- 10 years ago by NathanHutchcraft
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1 - Hangout Fest - Gulf Shores, AL
While beautiful, tropical beaches are not the usual spot for a festivals in America, Hangout Fest does a good job of changing that. The eclectic lineup features many electronic and alternative artists, like Skrillex, Foster the People, Major Lazer, Foo Fighters, and Paramore. As the name would suggest, the general atmosphere is very chill; hanging out is the theme of the week. I can get on board with that.
Source2 - CounterPoint - Kingston Downs, GA
Only in its third year of operation, CounterPoint is quickly building a reputation as one of the countries best music festivals. They have especially developed a solid electronic following, with artists such as Dillon Francis, Avicii, Pretty Lights, Krewella, and Widespread Panic.
Source3 - Beale Street - Memphis, TN
Beale Street is a great festival for someone with an eclectic music taste. Artists span all genres of music, including Pixies, Ed Sheeran, Juicy J, Wilco, and the Flaming Lips; all of which are on this years lineup. The festival takes place on famous Beale Street, along the Mississippi river in downtown Memphis. Beale Street is the heart of the entertainment district, and played a huge role in the development of blues and jazz music throughout the history of the city.
Source4 - Sasquatch Festival - George, WA
Sasquatch might hold the title for most beautiful festival. The main stage is backed up to a giant cliff that overlooks a seemingly never ending and magnificent gorge. The only thing that tops the grandiose view, is the lineup that Sasquatch consistently pulls in. They have huge-name acts like Kendrick Lamar, Lana Del Rey, Chromeo, and Action Bronson.
Source5 - Riot Fest - Chicago, IL
With a blend of mainstream and indie acts, Riot Fest brings in everything from local Chicago punk rockers, to rock legends. Some frequent artists include The Flaming Lips, Slayer, Weezer, Social Distortion, Blink-182, and Fall Out Boy. The festival takes place in beautiful Humboldt Park, and attendees can explore the city when not enjoying the music.
Source6 - Wakarusa - Ozark, AR
Being a camping festival in the mountains in Arkansas, Wakarusa puts a great deal of emphasis on the nature aspect of the experience. The six stages are arranged in the woods, with lights and decorations filling the trees. The general atmosphere is one of peace and togetherness with everyone at the festival. The atmosphere isn't the only thing Wakarusa has going for it, however. The festival has one of the most consistently impressive lineups of any festival. From huge electronic artists like Major Lazer, Big Gigantic, and Bassnectar; to festival jam bands like Umphrey's McGee and String Cheese Incident; and even superstars like The Roots, Chance The Rapper, and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. Wakarusa is definitely a festival to check out.
Source7 - Austin City Limits - Austin, TX
When people think of music festivals in Austin, Texas, South by SouthWest usually comes to mind first. However, Austin is no one-trick poney. And while SXSW may dominate the summer festival scene, October has something else up its sleeve. With the summer festival season over, Austin City Limits often has a more relaxed crowd and feel, which many people have come to enjoy about the festival. They still have huge acts, like OutKast, Skrillex, Lorde, Beck, and Major Lazer; but the smaller crowd and comfortable fall weather make this a very unique experience. Plus, it's two weekends long, so you get double the party!
Source8 - TomorrowWorld - Chattahoochee Hills, GA
2013 was TomorrowWorld's first year, as it branched off, as an American expansion, from the globally popular TomorrowLand Festival. Staying true to the theme of TomorrowLand, TomorrowWorld attempts to overload every single sense of their attendees. Not only do they host some of the largest names in electronic music; such as Skrillex, David Guetta, Diplo, and Tiësto; but they also implement some of the most advanced pyrotechnics and lighting set-ups. This, matched with their amazingly complex set and stage designs, are all designed to make the attendee feel that they are in a constant dream all weekend long.
Source9 - Voodoo Music Experience - New Orleans, LA
Even in November, late in the festival season, Voodoo brings amazing acts and a unique atmosphere that you can only get in the historically fascinating city of New Orleans. Not only do you get to experience a festival with a Cajun twist, but you get to spend that time seeing artists such as Pretty Lights, Zedd, Arctic Monkeys, Outkast, and Foo Fighters.
Source10 - Electric Forest - Rothbury, MI
Electric Forest is only in its fifth year, but has quickly become one of the most anticipated festivals of the year. The festival features huge-name artists from the electronic and jam band genres, but the music is only half of the experience. Electric Forest is exactly how it sounds. It is in the forest in Michigan, and the trees are, well, electric! Lights and glow paint are strung all through the forest, giving an extremely dream-like, fairy-tale atmosphere.
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NathanHutchcraft
Nathan Hutchcraft is the creator and co-host of the YouTube web series, NathanAndRose. He also writes for several online sources, as well as having a nearly insatiable love for jalapeno pizza.
