WASHINGTON — Though sandal weather still feels far away for the D.C. area, spring/summer music festivals are already putting out their lineups and tickets.
There’s no need to stay California dreamin’: Many of the acts playing Coachella will make their way to the East Coast. And those festivals are a bus or train ride away from the D.C. area.
See which festivals have announced their 2018 lineups so far. (The lineup for the Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island isn’t out yet, but their website claims tickets are sold out.)
Stay tuned for other festivals that have yet to release their schedules, such as Made in America in Philadelphia, Panorama in New York City and the Roots Picnic also in Philadelphia.
Boston Calling — Harvard Athletic Complex — May 25-27
Sure, Eminem, The Killers and Jack White appear as headliners in most major music festivals this year (Eminem and The Killers dropped albums last year; Jack White is set to release an album this year), but Boston Calling also offers a “comedy and entertainment” lineup. Natalie Portman is on the list — her curated film festival didn’t happen last year, so this looks like it’s Take 2. Podcasts “Lovett Or Leave It” and “Pod Save America” are on the roster, along with comedians Jenny Slate, Cameron Esposito, Max Silvestri and more.
Oh, right: Don’t forget the music! Catch acts as established as Queens of the Stone Age or as up-and-coming as Brockhampton.
Who to see: Daniel Caesar, St. Vincent, Perfume Genius, Leikeli47, Thundercat, Stormzy. See the full lineup here.
(Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for BACARDI)
Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for BACARDI
Governors Ball Music Festival — Randall’s Island Park, New York City — June 1-3
Looking for some more big acts? This massive New York City festival is putting Eminem, Jack White, Travis Scott and Yeah Yeah Yeahs at the top of the bill. Enjoy the music, take a break with some lawn games, or roam the wide selection of food trucks. Plus, you’ll be in New York City, so if you’re tired of the crowds, escape to a tiny bar or coffee shop after making your way off the island.
Who to see: Moses Sumney; D.C.-area natives Kali Uchis, Goldlink and Kelela; Dirty Projectors. See the full lineup here.
(Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)
Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP
Firefly Music Festival — Dover, Delaware — June 14-17
Yes, it’s true. Arctic Monkeys are back. Five years after their hugely successful last album, “AM,” and ahead of an album that is slated to be released in 2018, Firefly is the band’s first official tour date in years. Headlining with the Brit rockers are festival regulars The Killers, Kendrick Lamar and (of course) Eminem. Missing from the headlining acts are women, as pop singer Halsey pointed out — you have to make your way further down the list before you see SZA.
For those who want the Full Festival Feel™ with camping, glamping and RVs, Firefly has the space and experience — its promoter, Goldenvoice, is also behind Coachella.
Who to see: SZA; D.C.-area natives Logic and Manila Killa of Hotel Garuda; Loyle Carner; Chicano Batman; Lizzo; Berhana. See the full lineup here.
(Photo by Owen Sweeney/Invision/AP)
