Top 10 US Festivals

Each year every festival-attendee asks themselves the famous question, "Which events should I attend this year?" For those of you who haven't made your 2018 list yet, I'm here to help! I surveyed friends and strangers across the internet to find out their favorite festivals and why. The list below is the result (in no particular order). 

Paradiso

Held at one of the most beautiful venues, The Gorge Amphitheatre in George, WA, Paradiso is Seattle’s #1 summer festival! Put on by USC Events on June 15-16, 2018 this festival is all about #themessage! This festival brings in some of the best headliners in EDM! The ravers come for each other, the music, and to escape into the unforgettable scenery. It is definitely #1 on Kellie, our editor-in-chief's list!  

Lost Lands

Lost Lands is my #1 absolute favorite festival on this list. Creating the scene of a real-life Jurassic Park with dinosaurs in the trees and grass for all to headbang with is simply magical. Lost Lands held in Legend Valley, Thornville, OH is Excision’s very own creation with over 1,000,000 watts of bass. On Sept 14-16, 2018 if you love rib-cage rattling bass, you need to get your tickets! Don’t miss the Dinos. Come find me for my round two, I want to headbang with you!!

EDC LV

Located in my city of Las Vegas, NV, Electric Daisy Carnival is held on May 18-20th. Normally held in June, the founder of EDC and CEO of Insomniac Events, Pasquale Rotella, made it his mission to help with the heat by giving new dates to EDC. EDC 2018 has definitely built up the hype with a stacked lineup and new amenities (including camping for the very first time) for an even better experience at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Trust me with over 400,000 attendees last year, 2018 is sure to break that number. Remember when going to EDC it is still hot at night! Stay Hydrated!

Ultra 

For 20 years now Miami, Florida has held one of the hottest outdoor events to kick off festival season right! March 29-31, 2019 Ultra will once again bring out the best partygoers like only Miami knows how to. Now a global enterprise, Ultra has reached multiple countries and sure to add more with every year they grow. If you need some fun in the sun to start your season right, go down to Miami!

Electric Forest

Electric Forest is one of Mama Unicorn’s favorite festivals - located in gorgeous Sherwood Forest in Rothbury, Michigan. Spending 4 days immersed in the magic the forest brings is one still on my to-do list. The forest is alive in the day time and night with music and art to explore. E. Forest has given life to Sherwood and attendees since 2011. Held on two different weekends June 21-24 & June 28-July 1, each with the same great vibes for your mind, body, and soul. Channel your inner hippy to take a trip to E. Forest!

Coachella

The one and only Coachella have two weekends for good reason. The weekends of April 12-14 & April 19-21, 2019 are perfectly placed with major artists from every genre of music. 2018 brought out Eminem, Zomboy, and Beyonce who also brought out Destiny’s Child. It is one of the many festivals people suggest to check out at least one in your lifetime, if not for the music then for the food and art.

Life Is Beautiful

Another mixed genre music festival is held in my backyard in Downtown Las Vegas! It is more than just a music festival it is also an art festival. 2017 they had comedians, speakers, and artists all creating the best experience for you. Held Sept 21-23 this festival has been growing bigger with each year since its start in 2013. Locals and visitors mix together for three days full of experience. Come walk 18 blocks in DTLV to see another side of vegas.

Lighting In A Bottle

Dirty Birds unite! This festival is beautifully placed at Lake San Antonio in Bradley, CA. More than just a music festival it is a family festival. All ages welcome to come May 23-28, for music, talks, discussions, workshops for body and mind, cultural offerings, food and wellness session, art, yoga, etc. to name a few things. Since 1998 this festival as added so much for it to be more than just a music festival. Meet you at the Grand Artique Marketplace.

Dreamstate

Your trance destination awaits for those who are seeking it! Dreamstate is held annually in both Northern and Southern California. This August 17-18, 2018 will be Dreamstate San Francisco, CA. Dreamstate SoCal, which is normally held at the NOS Center in San Bernardino, CA is yet to have dates - hopefully, they announce it soon. Quite a lot of ravers are dying to go back to the event that never has trash on the floor and is full of P.L.U.R. If it is your time to escape into a state of trance then get your tickets now.

Nocturnal Wonderland & Beyond Wonderland

Both created by Pasquale to be more than meets the eye kind of festivals. Both fests are full of performers and attendees in amazing wonderland-inspired outfits, prancing through the festival for you to meet. Beyond is usually held in March to kick off the festival season and Nocturnal is held in September to end the season off on a good note. Nocturnal is the longest running festival for Insomniac. I have yet to go to either of these festivals but am dying too! Don’t be late to take me to Wonderland!

Other honorably mentioned festivals, while I was writing this article, were Escape, Holy Ship, and Groove Cruise. These festivals aren’t to be overlooked. They all have their unique edge for those seeking the adventure they find while attending. I have only experienced a few of these festivals myself and I am dying to experience a few others I have yet to. It seems as if there is a new festival added every other day. There are plenty to fill your top 10 differently than what is above but just remember what you like ina festival and to always be open to experience new adventures, you might find you like them!

If your favorite isn’t on this list that doesn’t mean it's not a great festival. Tell us in the comments below if we missed one of your favorite festivals and why!

Have a safe and happy festival season!