Five North American Festivals to See This Summer

You know all the big name festivals like EDC and EZoo, but there are some killer ones that may fly under the radar. Here are five you should check out in Canada and the U.S.

Two days in the Florida sun is a great way to kick off the season for everyone 18+. Sunset boasts three stages and a VIP viewing deck for the 21+ crowd. If you need a break from the heat, VIP also offers an air conditioned section to go along with bottle service, très chic. The bill spans a good range of genres. If you’re looking for dub into hardstyle into glitch hop, Sunset is the festival for you. Be sure to schedule accordingly. Happening rain or shine, Sunset will be headlined by Benny Benassi and Zedd the first day, then Hardwell and Krewella handling the duties on the 25^th.

The “ass-deep” festival (Literally, that’s what Wakarusa means in Native American culture) is back for it’s 11th festival. This time, it returns to the Arkansas mountain location it’s used since 2008. The festival offers a variety of passes that dictate your time and camping. If you’re going with a large group it is important to coordinate so you all have the same pass. With a focus on nature as well as music, Wakarusa describes themselves as, “The gateway to the best summer of your life.” The Wakarusa experience includes six stages and performances from Bassnectar, STS9 and Rusko. To keep things peaceful and respectful Wakarusa has strict camping rules. Be sure to check them out before you arrive.

Home of the Chicago Bears, Soldier Field will once again host one of the Midwest’s biggest festivals. Spring Awakening has expanded at a rapid pace. So much so that its original location couldn’t hold everyone by 2012. Now with enough space, the festival will host four stages with electronic music’s biggest names gracing each stage. Last year’s event drew 90,000 people over the three days. Be sure to grab tickets soon if you plan on going. Three-day and single-day tickets are available for GA and VIP passes. Sorry under 21 crowd, you guys have to sit this one out. This year’s headliners will be Tiësto, Pretty Lights and Kaskade.

The all-ages Veld Festival returns to Toronto’s Downsview Park for the third year. When the weather gets blazing hot in August, escaping to the often cooler Canadian weather is another reason to consider going. The festival will be packing in performances on two stages. Be careful, if it’s anything like last year there will be no free water filling stations outside of the VIP area. Get ready to spend a few extra bucks to stay safe. If that’s the case, it may be a good idea to pay the extra $40 for VIP. Only 3,000 VIP tickets are for sale and you must be 19+. Also, there are no single day tickets available. This year’s headliners are Calvin Harris, Ingrosso and Knife Party.

What started as a 500 person party back in 1998 has now become a 10,000+ visual experience. Built on word of mouth and “Shambhalove” the Western Canada festival is now a destination for the top act’s in dance music. Like Wakarusa, Shambhala is a festival that creates a family. If you’re looking for the true definition of PLUR, this is the type of festival you should check out. There will be six stages to choose from with the sets just as important as the music. Stage directors create incredible sights that match up with the sounds the artists will be producing. Get in on the love and see headliners like Datsik, EOTO and Kill Paris.