Coachella is so last month. It’s time for music fans to pick their summer music fest, and this year there are some tempting options. Here’s a breakdown:
Bonnaroo — $249.50
Perks:
• 4-day pass includes parking and camping.
• 90 percent chance your campground neighbors will be totally awesome hippies, and offer you totally awesome hippie snacks
• Best hip-hop lineup; Best 90s rock lineup (Primus!? Awesome.)
• Comedy theatre featuring Lewis Black.
Bummers:
• Manchester, Tenn., is a long way to go by car, and camping equipment is tough to carry by plane. Take a train.
• Unpredictable weather: sweltering heat turns quickly to chilling storms, and then to murky mud. Pack for all weather.
• Once you’ve set up your campsite, you’re gridlocked in. Get ready to hunker down in your own grime for four days.
Lollapalooza — $215
Perks:
• Held in the middle of downtown Chicago.
• Most mainstream lineup.
• Lenient security.
Bummers:
• Young crowd — Attended largely by Midwestern high school students.
• No camping. Look for a hotel in Chi-town, now.
• Shade is scarce and temperatures can reach the triple digits. Plus, wind.
Sasquatch Festival – $285 (SOLD OUT)
Perks:
• Held in the beautiful Washington countryside.
• Best indie lineup.
• Inclusive camping, and close proximity to nature. Might as well pitch your tent in multiple campsites!
Bummers:
• Sold out – Gotta get your ticket on sketchy eBay or Craigslist.
• Most pricey festival.
• Contents may be unbearably hipster.
— Brandon Specktor