Alta Picks: Festival Frame of Mind
Eight summer music festivals to keep you dancing across the West.
Lean into the carefree spirit of summer by grabbing a lawn chair, applying plenty of sunscreen, and immersing yourself in live music. We’ve assembled a list of eight festivals ranging from two days of bass-bustin’ EDM to three days of magical jazz to a two-week-long showcase of soothing chamber music. Whichever you pick, kick back and let your feet tap to the beat.
GO PUNK WITH JOHN WATERS
Mosswood Meltdown
July 1–2, Oakland, California
For two days in July, a modest neighborhood park in Oakland becomes the grounds for a free-spirited music festival featuring some of the biggest names in punk and riot grrrl. Le Tigre (“Who took the Bomp from the Bompalompalomp?”), Bratmobile, and Gravy Train!!!! are set to headline at Mosswood Meltdown, formerly known as Burger Boogaloo, and filmmaker John Waters will host. Don your hottest pair of combat boots and get pumped for distorted chords and pleasantly snarky lyrics.
ROCK ’N’ ROLL IN PEACE
Summer Music Festival at Roseberry, Idaho
July 13–15, Roseberry, Idaho
Idaho is well-known for its underground gems, and the Summer Music Festival at Roseberry is one of them—figuratively. What began in the 1970s on the whim of two friends has steadily grown into a three-day rock ’n’ roll fiesta. If loud, crowded music festivals aren’t your scene, this small, toned-down gathering of old-timers, locals, curious transplants, and dozens of volunteers might be.
JAZZ ON THE WATERFRONT
Cathedral Park Jazz Festival
July 14–16, Portland, Oregon
Held under the gorgeous St. Johns Bridge on a grassy bank of the Willamette River, the Cathedral Park Jazz Festival is probably one of the few places on Earth where you can hear a trumpet’s buzzy blare, a kicking bass line, and the peals of children’s laughter come together to create a groovy harmony. That’s because the whole idea for this free show, which began 43 years ago, is to share the magic of jazz with one and all.
REMIX YOUR WEEKEND
Northwest Tune-Up
July 14–16, Bellingham, Washington
As this festival’s tagline, “Bikes / Music / Beer,” gets across, the Northwest Tune-Up celebrates a few things the PNW holds near and dear. A quirky event, it sometimes feels like a family “concerts in the park” series; other times, like a hops-soaked house party. An eclectic mix of bands, among them Strfkr and Fleetmac Wood (you read that right), will provide the soundtrack for the activities, which include art shows, drinking, and bike races. Talk about pedal to the metal.
OLD SOUNDS FIND NEW EARS
Valley of the Moon Music Festival
July 15–30, Sonoma, California
Calling all music traditionalists! Back for its ninth season, titled “Transformation: Grand Works on an Intimate Scale,” Valley of the Moon presents delicate and swelling orchestral music performed by chamber ensembles, rejecting the modernization of classical music in favor of a more unique experience with period instruments. The festival’s featured weekend performances are certainly highlights, but don’t miss the supplemental alfresco concerts, which take place midweek.
A BREW WITH YOUR BLUES?
Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza
Aug. 3–6, Mammoth Lakes, California
Each August, when the state of California seems to be overheating, thousands flock to the cool pine forests above Mammoth Lakes to hear today’s most soulful artists put new spins on classic blues bops. Breweries from across the country pour pilsners, ales, and lagers for thirsty crowds, and sweeping alpine views keep their worries at bay. If any festival has perfected a chill vibe, it’s the Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza.
MEET YOUR NEW FAVORITE BAND
Pickathon
Aug. 3–6, Happy Valley, Oregon
Portland’s Pickathon has gained a reputation for featuring household names before they’re household names, and this year’s August festival will likely be no exception. More than 50 artists and bands from every genre imaginable will take the stage. Fans will also be treated to visual art, artisanal food, and craft beer, but no matter how much we tell you about Pickathon, the website warns, “you won’t get it unless you come.”
DANCE THE DAY AWAY
Hard Summer Music Festival
Aug. 5–6, Los Angeles, California
Start prepping your kandi, EDM diehards, because this one’s for you. Hard Summer is coming in hot this year with electronic stars Diplo, Kaskade, and Kaivon; rappers Kid Cudi and 21 Savage; and dozens of other artists. Launched by Gary Richards (Destructo) in 2007, this festival has changed locales a few times, but it has always remained loyal to Southern California, maintaining the perfect sweaty, dance-y vibe.
