2015 was an amazing year in the world of music festivals, and we have proof. Here are 10 of the best festivals that debuted this year, stunning audiences with their location, lineup, or just by virtue of being quirky and fun!
1. Eaux Claires, Wisconsin
When: July, 2015
Where: Eau Claire, Wisconsin, USA
Curated by Justin Vernon (of Bon Iver)Β & Aaron Dessner (of The National), this festival came about as a means to create an experience for both, the artists and the audience. With their claim to fame being the amazing line up that is in store, as well as a picturesque 20-acre farm with three stages located in the beautiful city of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, right along the banks of the Chippewa River, this festival was one to reckon with. Bon Iver returned to public performance after six whole years, and the lineup had the likes of Sufjan Stevens, The National. There were amazing art installations, film screenings and even a Brass Band Parade!
(Images via: Eaux Claires/Facebook)
2. CRSSD
When: October, 2015
Where: San Diego, USA
After a successful premiere early thisΒ year at San Diegoβs beautiful Waterfront Park, CRSSD festival madeΒ its return on October 10-11Β for what becameΒ another two days of thrill and excitement. Coming back withΒ a fall edition, and with a stellar lineup, made its mark as one of the best music festivals of the year. The Flaming Lips, Kygo,Β Giorgio Moroder, Jamie XX and Bonobo were part of the amazing list of electronic artists playing at CRSSD. Unlike other hedonistic electronic music festivals, this event managed to retain a warm and intimate spirit, along with awesome music.
(Images via: crssdfest.com)
3. Landmark Music Festival
When: September, 2015
Where: Washington DC. USA
With names like Drake, The Strokes, Alt J, Chvrches, George Ezra and Ben Howard, the inaugural Landmark Music Festival has been initiated to celebrate one thing β the legacy of the National Mall in Washington, DC.Β The Landmark Music Festival, wasΒ held on September 26-27, has been kickstarted to direct attention and possible funds towards the heritage site, by using music as the instrument of togetherness. Despite being in its debut year, this festival was a massive success, which is not surprising considering the lineup it had!
(Images via: Landmark Music Festival/Facebook)
4. Billboard Hot 100 Music Festival
When: August, 2015
Where: New York, USA
With a record attendance of 40,000, this festival boasted some massive names on the lineup. With performances by Kygo, Nicki Minaj, Skrillex and Justin Bieber, the entire weekend was an overwhelming success.Β The Weeknd, Axwell^Ingrosso, Lil Wayne, Jason Derulo andΒ New Politics were some of the other names on the extremely crowd-pleasing lineup. Some of the best moments of the festival were when Justin Bieber made a surprise appearance during Skrillex’s set, and when The Weeknd flawlessly covered Beyonce.
(Images via: billboard.com & hypertrek.com)
5. Woogie Weekend
When: July, 2015
Where: Silverado, California, USA
What began as a mini-Lightning in a Bottle Festival, Woogie Weekend reiterated LIBβs core idea, which is βLeave it Better, Leave it Beautifulβ. This July,Β Oak Canyon Park in Silverado, CA played host to theΒ first ever Woogie Weekend.Β But acts like Tara Brooks,Β progressiveΒ legend Nick Warren,Β J.Phlip,Β Desert Hearts made sure that the festivalβs music scored big!Β One thing that stood out aboutΒ Woogie Weekend were the scheduled two hour sets that allowed the DJs ample timeΒ to build a vibe and give the crowd a true journey.
(Images via:Β Andrew Jorgensen)
6. A Summer’s Tale
When: August, 2015
Where:Β LuhmΓΌhlen, Germany
Making its debut this summer was an offbeat offering from Germany, a summer festival that stayedΒ true to its seasonal deliverance β bringing together some fine collection of folk and rock musicians, along with delectable establishments of food and wine, accompanied with a great curation of art.Β In the scenic green spaces ofΒ LuhmΓΌhlen, Germany, the festival cameΒ to life the first weekend of August, with artists like Patti Smith, Damien Rice, Tori Amos, Belle and Sebastian, Zaz, and some other amazing folk rock musicians!
(Images via: A Summer’s Tale/Facebook)
7. Dirtybird Campout
When: August, 2015
Where: Silverado, California, USA
In the same year Dirtybird celebrated its tenth anniversary as the renowned San Francisco record label decided to throw their own curated weekend of music, games and camaraderie.Β Some of Dirtybirdβs most well-known artists threw down memorable sets, notably, Ardalan, Justin Martin, and J. Phlip. A music festival with activities almost as fun as a summer camp, Dirtybird Campout hadΒ Native American styled teepees housing arts and crafts activities, potato sack races, a kick ball tourney, and a whole bunch of other fun stuffΒ you’ve secretly wanted to do for a long time.
(All Images Courtesy: Dirtybird Campout/Facebook)
8. BestivalΒ Toronto
When: June, 2015
Where: Toronto, Canada
Bestival is one of the more modest, aesthetically pleasing festivals to gain ground in United Kingdom. This popular British festivalΒ headedΒ for its first Canadian edition, and also made the month of June a lot more exciting. Featuring artists like Florence + The Machine, Flume B2B SBTRKT, Caribou B2B Banks, Jamie XX B2B Nicole Moudaber, Nas and Flosstradamus among others, the indie and dance cred of the festivalΒ wasΒ at an obvious high.
(Images via: Bestival Toronto/Facebook)
9. The Wrecking Ball
When: August, 2015
Where: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
This festival lived up to its nameΒ as itΒ made some major waves in the Georgia music scene. It was everything it intended to be, withΒ a super-packed lineup that hadΒ something for everyone who grew up as a fan of 90βs punk in all of its various fashions, from pop punk to classic hardcore with a bit of emo and indie rockΒ thrown into the mix for good measure. Superb actsΒ like Chumped, Brick+Mortar, The Coathangers, Title Fight, Braid, The Movie Life, American Nightmare, and a lot of other bands in the punk rock scene filled the lineup, making sure the festival was definitely worth remembering.
(Images via: ghettoblastermagazine.com & subap.com)
10. Future Fusion Festival
When: April, 2015
Where: Near Johannesburg, South Africa
This fantastic electronic music adventure planned around Johannesburg took peopleΒ on a βfuturistic safariβ withΒ one of the biggest contemporary line-ups in this part of Africa.Β The newΒ festival donned a βFuturistic Safariβ theme and was held over seven carefully constructed stages and arenas to provide a multi-sensory experience, presenting over 60 international and local artists. These included a slew of brilliant first time performances in Africa. It wasΒ held in a mountainous setting, on a resort just 18 kilometres from Potchefstroom towards Vereeniging, south of Johannesburg.
(Images via: amazonaws.comΒ & fest300.com)