This summer’s six best Midwest music fests

With Coachella in the rearview, many are left wishing they had the opportunity to attend a high-energy music festival featuring their favorite artists in the business. Too bad we’re stuck in Missouri. Or, maybe not.

The Midwest actually features a wide range of musical performances, many upcoming for this summer. If you’re craving a road trip (under 6 hours), good music and good company, consider any of the following music festivals.

Bonnaroo – $284.50 for a 4-day pass – 6 hours away

Great Stage Park, Manchester, Tennessee June 12-15

Taking place on 700 acres of farm with camping and RV parking, this hands-on festival also features group yoga sessions, food trucks, a 5K run, an art exhibit, and dance workshops.

Headliners: Elton John, Kanye West, Vampire Weekend, The Avett Brothers, Phoenix, Wiz Khalifa, The Flaming Lips

Fair St. Louis – FREE – 20 minutes away

Forest Park, St. Louis, Missouri July 3-5

Celebrating St. Louis’ 250th anniversary, this festival, replacing Celebrate St. Louis, will be held in the same location of the 1904 Worlds Fair. Each night will conclude with fireworks.

Headliners:

July 3 – The Band Perry

July 4 – Gavin Degraw, Matt Nathanson

July 5 – Capital Cities, The Neighbourhood, The Fray

Wavefront Music Festival –  Price TBA – 5 hours away

Montrose Beach, Chicago, Illinois July 4-6

An electronic dance music festival in the featuring 100 artists on 4 stages, Wavefront will be downsizing this year after numerous complaints by residents in the area after last year.

Headliners: TBA

Pitchfork Music Festival – $60 for a day pass – 5 hours away

Union Park, Chicago, Illinois July 18 – 20

This independently run, reasonably priced music festival presents over 40 bands, highlighting the best in new and emerging music.

Headliners: Beck, Neutral Milk Hotel, Kendrick Lamar, St. Vincent, Grimes, Tune-Yards, Pusha T

Forecastle – 184.50 for a 3-day pass / 74.50 for a day pass – 4 hours away

Waterfront Park, Louisville, Kentucky in Waterfront Park July 18-20

This up-and-coming rock music festival promotes local artists as well as focusing on environmental activism and outdoor recreation. Local craft vendors set up tents, and surprise Late-Night performances are expected again this year.

Headliners:

July 18 – Outkast, twenty one pilots, Local Natives

July 19 – Jack White

July 20 – Beck

Lollapalooza – $250 for a 3-day pass – 5 hours away

Grant Park, Chicago Illinois August 1-3

This well-known pop and rock festival features an autograph tent, a Kidapalooza, environmental awareness tents, and a Farmers’ Market.

Headliners:

August 1 – Eminem, Lorde, Arctic Monkeys

August 2 – Outkast, Grouplove, Nas, Foster the People

August 3 – Kings of Leon, Skrillex, Cage the Elephant