This time last year, entertainment came to a complete halt. No movies, concerts, or festivals. But is 2021 the return of music festivals? The vaccine rollout continues to make major headliners more comfortable. Not to mention, the CDC guidelines made social gatherings a possibility. As a result, some of the biggest festivals are back on. But, festival favorites like Lollapalooza and Coachella have yet to release dates for this year’s season. For safety, some festivals will enforce mask mandates due to the volume of attendees. So who’s returning this year and how can you get front row access?
Rolling Loud
When: July 23-25
Where: Miami, FL
Rolling Loud is a festival staple. So, many fans were disappointed to not attend last year. But rap fans would be pleased to see their favorite artists returning to the lineup. This year’s headliners include A$AP Rocky, Travis Scott, and Post Malone. Florida favorites like the City Girls, Rick Ross, and Ski Mask the Slump God also will be performing.
Bonnaroo
When: September 2-5
Where: Manchester, TN
Bonnaroo remains one of the biggest music festivals during the festival season. So, it’s no wonder they enlisted some of the biggest names in the industry to perform this year. Fans can expect to see the Foo Fighters, Lizzo, Lana Del Rey, and Tyler, the Creator. Plus, the ‘roo doesn’t limit themselves to only music. They feature other forms of art as well.
Life Is Beautiful
When: September 17-19
Where: Las Vegas, NV
If you can brace the Vegas heat, Life Is Beautiful is up your alley. They offer an assortment of genres as well– from rock to hip hop. This festival was one of the first to announce their return and didn’t hold back with their lineup. Some of the biggest names include Tame Impala, Megan Thee Stallion, Green Day, and Billie Eilish. Unfortunately, tickets remain sold out. However, they offer a waitlist and a ticket exchange for those still seeking tickets.
The Governors Ball
When: September 24-26
Where: New York, NY
You know it’s summertime in the city when The Governors Ball is in town. The annual concert features various genres to enjoy on the green. Despite its cancellation last year, some of the acts will return this September. Those musicians include Ellie Goulding, Pink Sweat$, and Cordae. But the headliners this year will feature Billie Eilish, A$AP Rocky, and Post Malone.
Electric Zoo
When: September 3-5
Where: New York, NY
Labor Day kicks off every year with Electric Zoo. This festival is perfect for electronic fans. From techno to electro-house, some of the biggest producers will play your favorite tracks. Acts like Alesso, Kaskade, Galantis, Steve Aoki, and Tiësto will headline. No matter which day you attended, you’re sure to be dancing all night long.
Astroworld Festival
When: November 5-6
Where: Houston, TX
Rapper Travis Scott not only will headline other musical events, he’s hosting his own this year. 2021 makes for the third annual Astroworld Festival. The two-day show is already sold out. But Scott hasn’t even announced featured artists on the lineup. So do fans expect to see? Fellow Houston natives Megan Thee Stallion and Don Toliver could grace the stage. Friend Kid Cudi might also make an appearance.
Roots Picnic
When: June 5
Where: Philadelphia, PA
If you have a soft space for Philly, look no further than the Roots Picnic. The annual musical event is headlined and founded by local favorites The Roots. They also feature other local acts to perform, typically R&B, alternative, and hip hop. So far, the lineup hasn’t been announced this year. But previous acts include Meek Mill, Solange, and H.E.R.
Carolina Country Music Festival
When: June 10-13
Where: Myrtle Beach, SC
It’s time to dust off your cowboy hat and boots! The Carolina Country Music Festival is returning this summer with some of the biggest names in country music. Darius Rucker, Jake Owen, Eric Church, and Luke Combs are amongst the headliners. But other acts include Kelsea Ballerini, Michael Ray, and more.
Cover photo courtesy Vanity Fair
