With another hot summer, comes the return of the hottest music festivals and concerts this great nation has to offer.  Coachella, SXSW and the Roots Picnic have already come and gone this Spring, but the Summer brings a new crop of concerts in nearly every major city in America.  As in years past, these summer festivals will bring together an eclectic mix of both new and old artists from many different genres.  Hip Hop will be well represented this year.  Kendrick Lamar, Action Bronson, Riff Raff, Diplo, The Underachievers, Danny Brown and more hip hop acts will be hitting festival stages this year.  Here’s a list of the must see music festivals coming up this summer. Don’t forget your sunscreen!

Governors Ball  Randall’s Island, NY ~ June 7- 9

This years Governors Ball will be a star studded three day event. Kanye West is definitely the brightest amongst them. The GB will be his last major show before the release of Yeezus.

 

Bonnaroo  Manchester, TN June 13-16

Bonnaroo’s is one of the most rough neck concerts on this list. It’s dirty, it’s sweaty, It’s Awesome!

 

Firefly Music Festival Dover, DE June 21- 23

In just it’s second summer, Firefly is bringing some of the biggest names to it’s stage including Kendrick Lamar, Azealia Banks, Public Enemy, and Earl Sweatshirt.

 

Mad Decent Block Party Cities Across America, USA~ July 19 – Sept 15

This 13 city mini tour/ festival is one of the livest music events this summer. Diplo and his friends at Mad Decent hand select their favorite artist for a good time in the August heat.

 

Pitchfork Music Festival Chicago,Il ~ July 19-21

Pitchfork will be on fire this summer, once again. Solange, TNGHT, El-P, and (drum roll please) R. Kelly will be performing.

 

Lollapalooza Chicago, Il ~ August 2-4

It’s been around since 1991 and is kind of  a modern day Woodstock. Lollapalooza is one of the OG Festivals on the list.

 

Afro Punk Festival New York, NY ~August 24 – 25

Afro Punk was spawned from the belief that race does not define your taste in music and cultue. Each year Afro Punk puts on it’s festival with that in mind and this year will be no different.

 

FYF Fest LA ~ August 24-25

The FYF Fest is sharing the same dates as Afro Punk, but on the other coast.  FYF has a slightly smaller hip-hop contingent than other festival on the list but the chill vibes are still there, especially in Cali.

 

Electric Zoo Randall’s Island, NY ~ August 30- September 1

Electric Zoo as you might’ve guessed is an all techno, all electric music festival.  The DJ’s and the energy they provide through their mixes are the  main draws to this event. Come with alot of water and a towel.

 

Musicfest NW Portland, Oregon ~ Sept 3-8

Musicfest is, as it’s website explains, “an authentic American experience”. Past acts have included Wiz Khalifa and  Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. This year Diplo and Joey Bada$$ will be on hand But it’s not just great music at this festival, there are also some awesome  art showcases.