So much music, so little time. (And perhaps cash.)
Music festivals can be a drain to the wallet, but previous concertgoers will attest to the memory making that may be worth it. How does one choose the best fest?
There's no formula, but here's a list of some of the bigger events slated throughout the U.S. this spring and summer.
ULTRA MUSIC FESTIVAL
Dates: March 27-29, 2015 in Miami, Florida
Stands out because: It is an electronic music festival with worldwide events.
Cost: General admission starts at $299.95 per person.
Website: www.ultramusicfestival.com
VANS WARPED TOUR
Dates: Various dates and locations beginning April 7 through August 8, 2015
Stands out because: It's the largest traveling music tour in the country.
Cost: Prices vary.
Website: http://vanswarpedtour.com
COACHELLA
Dates: April 10-12 and April 17-19, 2015 in Indio, California
Stands out because: The lineup is considered to be tops in the music festival world. Plus, it's in the desert.
Cost: General admission begins at $375 per person.
Website: www.coachella.com
IHEART RADIO COUNTRY FESTIVAL
Date: May 2, 2015 in Austin, Texas
Stands out because: Top country musicians perform at this event.
Cost: Check with local country radio stations.
Website: iHeartRadio.com/countryfestival
ROCK IN RIO USA
Dates: May 8-9 and May 15-16, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada
Stands out because: Takes place over two weekends and has big-name performers.
Cost: $298 for a general admission weekend pass.
Website: http://rockinrio.com
HANGOUT MUSIC FESTIVAL
Dates: May 15-17, 2015 in Gulf Shores, Alabama
Stands out because: It's on the beach.
Cost: General admission is $249 per person; online purchase fees begin at $31.50.
Website: hangoutmusicfest.com
COUNTERPOINT FESTIVAL
Dates: May 22-24, 2015 in Kingston Downs, Georgia
Stands out because: Electronic music — need we say more? It's also one of the more inexpensive festivals.
Cost: Regular three-day admission passes start at $195.
Website: www.counterpointfestival.com
GOVERNORS BALL
Dates: June 5-7, 2015 in New York City
Stands out because: A tropical storm didn't stop this festival in 2014. The bands played on.
Cost: Three-day general admission passes are $260. There are online purchase fees and shipping fees.
Website: governorsballmusicfestival.com
BUNBURY FESTIVAL
Dates: June 5-7, 2015 in Cincinnati, Ohio
Stands out because: Bunbury hosts top alternative artists along the Ohio River.
Cost: $79 for a one-day pass.
Website: http://bunburyfestival.com
CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL
Dates: June 11-14, 2015 in Nashville, Tennessee
Stands out because: It's the largest country music event in the country, and it airs on television.
Cost: Sold out.
Website: www.cmaworld.com/cma-music-festival/home
BONNAROO
Dates: June 11-14, 2015 in Manchester, Tennessee
Stands out because: The Roo is possibly one of the best-known festivals in the U.S., drawing some of the biggest performers in music.
Cost: Starts at $299.50 per person; mostly sold out.
Website: www.bonnaroo.com
CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL
Dates: June 12-14, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois
Stands out because: Five stages featuring only musicians who "live their lives playing and singing the blues."
Cost: Free.
Website: cityofchicago.org
FIREFLY MUSIC FESTIVAL
Dates: June 18-21, 2015 in Dover, Delaware
Stands out because: It's newer and has powerful lineups.
Cost: $299 for a four-day general admission pass.
Website: https://fireflyfestival.com
LOLLAPALOOZA
Dates: July 31-Aug. 2, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois
Stands out because: It began in 1991 as a farewell tour for the band Jane's Addiction and stopped in multiple locations, was halted in 1997 and revived in 2003. It's permanently in Chicago now.
Cost: Three-day passes start at $250 per person.
Website: www.lollapalooza.com
NIFI FESTIVAL
Dates: Aug. 28-30, 2015 in Sparta, Kentucky
Stands Out because: This is the first year for NiFi, which has a variety of music genres on its lineup.
Cost: $245 for a three-day general admission pass.
Website: www.nififest.com
LOCKN' MUSIC FESTIVAL
Dates: Sept. 10-13, 2015 in Arrington, Virginia
Stands out because: The musicians "interlock" — they often combine to perform together.
Cost: $285 for a four-day pass.
Website: www.locknfestival.com
TOMORROWWORLD
Dates: Sept. 25-27, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia
Stands out because: It features dance music and draws a huge crowd — 160,000 attended last year.
Cost: $357 for a three-day pass.
Website: www.tomorrowworld.com
AUSTIN CITY LIMITS FESTIVAL
Dates: Oct. 2-4, 2015 and Oct. 9-11, 2015 in Austin, Texas
Stands out because: The crowd is a tad bit older than the average music festival crowd, and organizers are proud about that, touting that it's for serious music fans. It even has an area called "Kiddie Limits" for the children of festivalgoers.
Cost: Three-day regular passes start at $250.
Website: www.aclfestival.com
There are many more music festivals happening throughout the United States — too many to list here. Those traveling to a festival and looking for fun things to do along the way should visit our partners at Roadtrippers.com. Here are some other good websites we found for those going to music festivals:
Ultimate female packing list for music festivals
BuzzFeed: 23 music festival hacks that will make your experience way more fun
Funny or Die's music festival audience infographic
