Top Summer Festivals in the U.S.

By Marla Milling Published May 30, 2013

top summer festivals in the u s brewgrass festival asheville n c — Image used with permission by copyright holder

From top musical acts, to arts and crafts to craft beer—summer festivals are in full swing. You can definitely get your inner hippie on as you travel to music festivals featuring multiple stages with so much fresh music it will be hard to catch everything. Check out some of these hot tickets around the country and make your plans accordingly.

Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival

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The numbers definitely add up for a good time in Manchester, Tennessee, when an estimated 80,000 people spend four days listening to music on more than 10 stages with 150 performances. It’s set this year for June 13 to 16 and includes a stellar lineup including Paul McCartney, Mumford & Sons, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Wilco, The Lumineers, Of Monsters and Men, just to name a few.

Electric Daisy Carnival

For three nights in June, Las Vegas adds a bit more sparkle to its already glittering image. The 17th Annual Electric Daisy Carnival, set for June 21, 22 and 23, features interactive art, amazing carnival rides, theatrical performances and even some extra surprises along the way.

Essence Festival

Coming up July 4 – 7 in New Orleans, the Essence Festival will keep eight stages filled over the span of four days. The star-studded lineup includes Beyonce, New Edition, Keyshia Cole, LL Cool J, TGT, Blackstreet, Luke James, Brandy and more. The festival also offers some of the finest arts, crafts, jewelry and quilts from top creative exhibitors.

Launched in 1991 by Peter Farrell, lead singer of Jane’s Addiction, the Lollapalooza Festival put down roots in Chicago’s Grant Park in 2005 and continues to expand. It covers more than 115 acres, multiple stages and features more than 130 of today’s hottest musical artists. The lineup includes The Cure, Mumford & Sons, Nine Inch Nails, Vampire Weekend, The National, Imagine Dragons, Band of Horses, among many others. It’s slated this year for August 2 – 4.

Brewgrass Festival

Tickets go on sale June 15 at 10 a.m. for the mad scramble to attend the annual Brewgrass Festival in downtown Asheville, N.C. Set this year for 1 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, September 21, the festival features more than 40 craft breweries who offer up samples of more than 120 different beers. Participants receive a tasting glass and should count on bringing chairs, blankets, and sunscreen to best enjoy the day and the live music.

Topics

Liquor, Beer, Wine & Drinks

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Marla Hardee Milling is a full-time freelance writer living in a place often called the Paris of the South, Sante Fe of the…

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10 must-know solo travel tips for a stress-free adventure

How to make the most of your solo travel experience

person rolling luggage through airport

I’ll never forget my first solo trip. I couldn’t help but wonder, would I get lonely? Would I feel safe? But as soon as I stepped out into the world on my own, I realized how freeing solo travel could be. Solo travel teaches you to rely on yourself, embrace spontaneity, and fully immerse yourself in new experiences. That said, traveling by yourself also comes with its challenges. There’s a learning curve, but it’s worth it. If you’re planning your next vacation, here are the solo travel tips I wish someone had shared with me before I packed my bags.
Solo travel tips

Solo travel doesn't have to be a daunting prospect, just follow this advice to make your trip the best it can be.
Research your destination thoroughly
Before you set off, do your homework. Dive into the culture, customs, and quirks of your destination. Learn phrases in the local language like "hello," "thank you," and "help" – mastering the local slang might just earn you a few smiles! You should also check travel advisories and scour reviews from other travelers. You’ll want to know which areas are safe, the best ways to get around, and if you’re traveling internationally, where your country’s embassy is (just in case).
Plan, but not too much
Have a bucket list of fun experiences you want to do? Great – but don’t pack your schedule tighter than your suitcase. Leave space for the unexpected, like a random street fair, a hidden cafe, or a spontaneous invite to explore a local spot. Flexibility can be where the magic happens in solo travel.
Pack light and smart
When packing, stick to versatile clothing, bring only the essentials, and use packing cubes to keep things organized. And don’t forget the essentials – a power bank, universal adapter, first aid kit, and digital and physical copies of your important documents.
Stay connected
Before you go, ensure you have a reliable way to stay connected. This might mean purchasing a local SIM card, renting a portable Wi-Fi device, or arranging for an international data plan. Staying connected helps you navigate unfamiliar areas, keep in touch with loved ones, and access important information on the go. Apps like Google Maps, Google Translate, and currency converters can be lifesavers during your travels. Don’t forget to download offline maps and guides in case you lose internet access.
Share your itinerary with someone you trust
While solo travel is about independence, it’s always smart to let someone know your plans. Share your itinerary, accommodation details, and contact information with someone you trust. A quick “I’m safe and having a blast!” text can ease your loved ones’ nerves. Apps like Find My or WhatsApp location sharing can add an extra layer of safety.
Choose accommodations wisely
Your accommodation can make or break your trip. Look for highly rated places (especially those recommended by other solo travelers). Hostels and guesthouses are perfect for meeting people, while private Airbnb spots can offer quiet comfort.
Own the solo dining experience
Eating alone? Bring a book, journal, or your phone to keep busy, or sit at the bar and strike up a chat. Joining food tours or cooking classes is another fun way to combine good eats with good company.
Stay safe
If you’re going to listen to one of these solo travel tips, pick this one! Safety should always be a top priority when you're on your own. Keep your head on a swivel, be mindful of your surroundings, avoid flashing valuables, and trust your gut. If something feels off, it might just be. Consider keeping a photocopy of your passport in a separate bag and storing emergency cash in multiple locations. It’s also a good idea to have the contact information for local emergency services saved on your phone.
Make friends (but set boundaries)
Traveling solo doesn’t mean being alone 24/7. Join group tours, attend events, or use apps like Meetup to connect with locals and other travelers. Remember, always trust your gut when meeting new people, and don’t feel pressured to share personal details if you’re uncomfortable.

Travel

After years of waiting, these European cities will finally be connected by train

Dreaming of visiting both Paris and Milan this year?

Inside of a building with brown walls, Milan, Italy

Are you planning a trip to both Milan and Paris this year? Your travel plans just got a major boost. Trenitalia France has announced the long-awaited return of its Paris-Milan train service, which will resume operations on April 1, 2025. The direct route, which passes through Turin, will once again connect the French and Italian cities, making it easier than ever to experience both iconic cities in one trip.

The service was suspended after a landslide near Maurienne in the French Alps on August 27, 2023, caused significant damage to the route. Now, after extensive repairs and months of anticipation, bookings are officially open, signaling the long-awaited revival of this beloved connection.
The details of the Paris-Milan train

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Qantas made these changes to its frequent flyer program

Qantas makes changes to Frequent Flyer program

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Qantas has announced multiple changes to its Frequent Flyer program, with enhanced benefits across the board. Members can soon access additional premium cabin reward seats and accrue even more reward points on each flight. As part of the update, Qantas will raise the price of Classic Reward seats, which haven’t changed in six years.
Qantas will introduce the changes over the next 12 months