Summer is fleeting. Grab life by the bong and squeeze every sweaty drop of goodness out of every moment you’re not chained to your desk, or wherever it is you spend your time when you’re making money. (If you have a job in the weed industry, lucky you!) Savor summer while it’s still here. What better way is there to celebrate life than by hitting the road to check out some fantastic festivals? Here are our favorite upcoming events, with a couple of ticket giveaways to boot!
Gathering of the Vibes
July 30-August 5
Seaside Park in Bridgeport, CT
Established to reflect traditional values rooted in the Grateful Dead community, this music, art and camping festival serves as a communal meeting place among deadheads alike, and exists as a reminder that we’re enjoying the same crazy ride.
The Peach Music Festival
August 13-16, 2015
The Pavilion at Montage Mountain in Scranton, PA
The Peach Music Festival is inspired and curated by the Allman Brothers Band. The 4 day event features Gregg Allman, Santana, Bob Weir with Billy & the Kids, Willie Nelson & Family, Warren Haynes ft. Railroad Earth—just to name a few legendary performers coming to the Peach Fest this August. Concert admission and camping passes are sold separately. General admission tickets cost $155, plus $45 to camp on-site. VIP tickets cost $500 and Super VIP cost $1000, plus VIP camping for two starts at $1089.
Enchanted Forest
August 14-16, 2015
Mendocino County, CA
An intimate community of forest dwellers, mystical maidens, and self-styled shamans, Enchanted Forest Gathering is less of a music festival and more of a “happening.” Influenced by the neo-psychedelic culture of Burning Man, this is an opportunity to meet kind-hearted kin looking for participatory experiences where attendees co-create the performances, art installations and theme camps. Tickets start at about $190 with add-ons for camping, parking and early arrival. If you’re looking for something radical and different this summer, you’ve found it!
Bumbershoot
September 5-7, 2015
Seattle, WA
Now in its 45th year, Bumbershoot is a vital annual tradition in the Emerald City, featuring music, art, theater, film, comedy, and dance. With more than 80 bands over three days at multiple venues, this festival has something for everyone. An incredibly diverse line-up this year includes Faith No More, Bassnectar, The Weeknd, Chance the Rapper, Fitz & the Tantrums, Cake, Social Distortion, Lee Scratch Perry, Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals, Peaches and much, much more, making a trip to Bumbershoot the perfect way to end your summer of fun! Tickets range from $65 for single-day passes up to $375 and beyond for various VIP packages.
Lockn’ Festival
September 10-13, 2015
Oak Ridge Farm in Arrington, VA
Lockn’ Festival is a four-day music fest to celebrate the end of summer. The show is within four hours’ drive from Washington, DC or Charlotte, NC and about 5 hours’ drive from Pittsburgh or Philadelphia, PA. Lockn’ will feature performances from The Doobie Brothers with String Cheese Incident, Joe Cocker tribute of Mad Dogs and Englishman with Tedeschi Trucks Band, Phil Lesh & friends with Warren Haynes & Carlos Santana, and Robert Plant and the Sensational Space Shifters. Tickets for general admission online cost $285, plus tent-only camping for $70 or with your vehicle for $90.
Symbiosis Gathering
September 17 – 20, 2015
Woodward Reservoir, Oakdale, CA
Another transformational festival heavily influenced by Burning Man culture, Symbiosis seeks to blur the lines between performer and spectators, encouraging participation in constructing elaborate art cars, installations and theme camps. Set in a watery world complete with “art boats”, Symbiosis has found a home at Woodward Reservoir, an oasis of swimming and camping just two hours drive from San Francisco. Environmental stewardship is a huge part of the Symbiosis messaging, complete with an on-site intensive permaculture class starting one week before the festival gates open. With top-notch performers, intricately designed stages, interactive art, organic food and homemade crafts, this gathering is completely devoid of commercial sponsorship or advertising, making Symbiosis the ideal place to turn off your mind, relax and float downstream.
