Summerpollozas Summer Fests

A Quick Guide to the Best Summer 2012 Music Festivals

Pitchfork Music Festival (pictured above)
The online music mag’s annual outdoor festival features a mix of rising indie artists and big-time headliners.
When: July 13-15
Where: Chicago
Who: Feist, Vampire Weekend, A$ap Rocky, Dirty Projectors, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Hot Chip, Sleigh Bells, AraabMuzik, Beach House, Real Estate, and Cults

XPoNential Festival
Philadelphia public radio welcomes an eclectic lineup to its eighth-annual summer music bash on the Camden Waterfront. And unlike some seedier festivals, this one’s family-friendly.
When: July 20-22
Where: Camden, New Jersey
Who: Wilco, the Avett Brothers, Dr. Dog, Counting Crows, the Hold Steady, Mike Doughty, and Good Old War

Catalpa Festival
The inaugural Catalpa Festival not only features a killer line-up, it also includes art installations, bumper-car rides, and a silent disco.
When: July 28-29
Where: New York City (Randall’s Island)
Who: the Black Keys, Snoop Dogg (who will perform Doggystyle in its entirety), TV on the Radio, Girl Talk, Cold War Kids, Matt and Kim, Umphrey’s McGee, Matisyahu, and the Big Pink

Newport Folk Festival
Looking for a tranquil, folksy fest? You’ve found it.
When: July 28-29
Where: Newport, Rhode Island
Who: My Morning Jacket, Iron & Wine, Conor Oberst, Dawes, Guthrie Family Reunion, Jackson Browne, Tallest Man on Earth, Tune-Yards

Lollapalooza
This nineties-born alt-festival still attracts the masses, thanks to serious street cred and big-name performers. Tickets sold out quickly, but you’re resourceful—and you have the Internet.
When: August 3-5
Where: Chicago
Who: the Black Keys, Bassnectar, Passion Pit, Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Weeknd, Bloc Party, the Tallest Man on Earth, Neon Indian, Chairlift, At the Drive-In, Sigur Ros, Florence + the Machine, and Jack White

Outside Lands
You know those people who say they listen to “everything”—and actually do? This is their festival.
When: August 10-12
Where: San Francisco
Who: Stevie Wonder, Jack White, Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Foo Fighters, Skrillex, Metallica, Regina Spektor, Andrew Bird, Big Boi, Franz Ferdinand, Norah Jones, the Kills, Dr. Dog, the Walkmen, Fun., Explosions in the Sky, Santigold, Alabama Shakes, Tennis, and Zola Jesus