Ah yes, we are getting to that time of year when music festivals begin to sprout all over the greatest area in the country. Oriented towards music, comedy, and the arts, festivals cater to all tastes and genres, ranging from profit, to benefit. Usually lasting the span of a few days, it's in my opinion the best way to see music. Being outside and in that environment contributes to the whole experience, which is what makes it so special and unique.

I've compiled a list of some of the best festivals that you should check out in the next few months. For real guys, if you are anywhere near these areas at this time, drop some bills and play hooky from work.



1. Sasquatch! Music Festival

The motherload. I've been an avid Squatcher for a few years now and I'm never turning back. Words can't describe the shows and the people that come together in beautiful music matrimony. Located at the famous and the absolutely breathtaking Gorge Amphitheater with the backdrop of the Columbia River, it really doesn't get much better than that. The lineup isn't shown until mid February at the famous Sasquatch Release Party, usually held somewhere in Seattle with several performances. It's pricey, but totally worth it. Tickets are $315 for four days of some of the most famous acts in the country. I can tell you that I pretty much peed my pants when I first saw the lineup like I do every year, but this time I was blown out of the water. Jack White, Beck, Bon Iver, Pretty Lights, Tenacious D, The Shins, The Head & The Heart, Silversun Pickups, fun., and SBTRKT are just to name a few. Shit is about to get bonkers, I'll see you cats there.
Pro: You are at the Gorge, jamming to music, and camping with good people. What's not to love?
Con: The line for showers is awful. Take my advice, don't, and get dirty. It's part of the experience.



2. Bumbershoot

When I first went to Bumbershoot, I was only in the 8th grade and saw the Presidents of the United States, holy cow. Now THAT was a concert. Set in the heart of the Seattle Center, Bumbershoot is just getting bigger and better each year. Right when the weather barely begins to take a turn, this hits the town on Labor Day weekend. Significantly cheaper than Sasquatch!, right now tickets are on sale at $95 for three days. The lineup hasn't been announced yet, but it should be in the next few months. Past act highlights from last year include Wiz Khalifa, Broken Social Scene, Hall & Oates, Macklemore, and Minus the Bear.
Pro: I love how diverse the festival is. Not just music, a lot of other arts and stuff.
Con: The vendors get super pricey, be smart about food and drink.



3. Music Fest North West

Portland, stand up! MFNW is Portland's biggest indie festival that is set the weekend after Bumbershoot. A PLETHORA of bands to delight hipsters from all over, I am willing to road trip down to the Rose City to check this out. Iron and Wine, Explosions in the Sky, MSTRKRFT, Blitzen Trapper, Band of Horses...yup, this sounds pretty promising. The all show wristband is $115, and includes access to all the main acts at Pioneer Courthouse Square. MFNW is basically the after party for Bumbershoot, let's keep the partying going. Portland is such a sick city, and this festival is one of the reasons why the Northwest trumps everyone.
Pro: Portland. And no sales tax. Also, extremely good price for the amount of bands you'll be seeing.
Con: Too many festivals in September, we're all going to be broke.



4. Doe Bay Festival

Music, arts, food, and Orcas Island. How have I not heard of this?! This weekend festival is set in arguably one of the most scenic and beautiful areas of the NW. Block your weekend out August 9th-12th, this intimate festival should not be overlooked. Pickwick, Champagne Champagne, Damien Jurado, Campfire OK, Fly Moon Royalty, and the Maldives are some of the performances from last year. Also, the resort is breathtaking. Tickets don't include accommodations, so you gotta make those on your own. Note, they go on sale May 6th and 10AM and they're rumored to sell out extremely quickly. Hop on the train and GO.
Pro: Located on Orcas Island. Intimacy at its finest.
Con: Tickets sell out super fast, don't wait till last minute.



5. Pickathon

Held in Pendarvis Farm in Oregon (where the hell that is, I have no idea) is the one and only Pickathon festival. The first weekend of August is when this all goes down. The lineup has already been announced, thank god, looking super fine this year. Dr. Dog, NEKO CASE!!??, The Cave Singers, Y La Bamba, and Langhorne Slim! Sweet. $190 for a weekend long ticket which also includes camping, what a deal. With six stages, awesome and delicious vendors, I like what I'm hearing. Another cool fact, Pickathon is making a go green effort by eliminating single use dishware and utensils, plastic cups and bottles, and an alternative transportation plan. Typical Oregon, I knew I liked that state.
Pro: The cool go green initiative, that is a first.
Con: Where on earth is Pendarvis Farm??


Save up, skip work, check out these festivals. Hopefully I'll be at all of them. That would also require getting a job after graduation. I need to get my priorities straight? Nah.