Check out part two of FestPop‘s favorite festivals. Which one of these are on your bucketlist?
ROCKLAHOMA
Photo Credit: Kevin Pyle
Kaeley Glasco: “Rocklahoma takes place in Prior, OK and there’s no place like it. Charming small town feel, a little bit country and a whole lot of rock & roll. The stark contrast of the location compared to the East and West coasts really adds something to the experience. Regional food dishes from the area are an experience in itself. Move over Texas barbecue, Oklahoma has its own great secret sauce! Although I still prefer char siu. Best thing about Rocklahoma? All rock music and nu metal, no mixing of music genres, so far.”
ART OUTSIDE
The Dome Stage and Art Installations
Karli Jaenike: “Art Outside is an extremely intimate festival. Every single attendee has the opportunity to participate in creating the art. Whether they’re wearing a crazy costume, interacting in a workshop or making an impromptu painting next to a stage, everyone helps create the awesome atmosphere.”
HARDLY STRICTLY BLUEGRASS
Photo Credit: Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
Gene Keenan: “Hardly Strictly Bluegrass started as a way to get the reclusive late Hazel Dickens to come play in California 14 years ago. HSB has now grown to feature seven stages banked with over 80 acts and over 700,000 revelers at this free annual event at Golden Gate Park in the fall. HSB focuses on an experience that is completely pure and, entirely and only about the music: an experience that is rooted in bluegrass but also includes rap, pop, rock ‘n roll, soul, RnB and more. Thanks to an endowment created by the late Warren Hellman and his family, you won’t find any advertisements, corporate sponsorships, beer tents or national brands participating. Because of this it is not uncommon to see artists not on the bill to show up and cross pollinate with other artists of every stripe.”
Electric Forest
Photo by Brian Spady © Electric Forest Festival 2013
Lindsey Morrison: “My favorite thing about Electric Forest is Sherwood Forest. Every year I go back, Insomniac Events goes above and beyond my expectations with the decor, lights and performers. It continues to be the most visually appealing festival I’ve visited. I also love the three nights of String Cheese Incident; there are few things better than getting down with the cheese at the huge Ranch Arena watching the sunset over the forest. My favorite memory at EF last year was when The Cheese collaborated with Ms. Lauryn Hill. It was amazing.”
Outside Lands
Photo Credit: Outside Lands
Edward Heinrich: “Hands down, my favorite music festival is Outside Lands in San Francisco. Not only is SF a beautiful location to host a large 3-day festival, but the area is home to a wonderful culture that visibly bleeds into the spirit of Outside Lands. The lineup is always fantastic and, to some, a bit controversial with some headliners dating back a handful of decades and all from a diverse array of genres. The weather is unbeatable too; OL has been known to experience all four seasons within a weekend making for some creative and inspired outfits at Golden Gate park every second weekend of August. Finally, Outside Lands has to be my favorite festival because it’s become a tradition for me and my dozen closest, globally planted, friends to congregate for.”
