5 of the Best Music Festivals for Your Summer Vacation

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The calendar may only say April, but everyone should already be thinking about the summer, and where they want to travel on their vacation. One of the most intriguing possibilities is a music festival.

While not every music festival is family-friendly - some can even get downright rowdy - visiting a new place to listen to great music and take in the host city's attractions is the perfect summer adventure.

There are still a few months left to plan, but time will run out fast. Here are the music festivals travelers should consider attending this summer.

1. Lollapalooza Makes Waves in Chicago's Grant Park

A city that is fun to visit at any time of year is Chicago, but the summer may be the best due in part to the Lollapalooza music festival that takes place annually in Grant Park. This year's event is being held from July 31 to August 2.

One of the reasons this festival has become so popular once again is the eclectic mix of artists that perform on its stages. With a 2015 lineup that includes Paul McCartney, Metallica, Florence + the Machine, Sam Smith, Bassnectar, and many others, the proof is in the pudding.

The festival also offers artists a place to showcase their work, and gives chefs from around the area a place to share their skills. Lollapalooza also features a more child-friendly alternative it calls Kidzapalooza.

That should be enough to get parents back into the music festival spirit.

2. Bonnaroo Takes Music to a Farm in Tennessee

Voted as one of the best music festivals held each year, Bonnaroo Music Festival is a four-day event that takes place on a farm in Manchester, Tennessee, 65 miles southeast of Nashville.

While a farm doesn't sound like the best place to spend a summer vacation, the performers in the 2015 lineup make the choice unquestionable. Headlined by Billy Joel, the concerts also feature Mumford & Sons, Robert Plant & The Sensational Space Shifters, Childish Gambino, Slayer, and many more.

The wide array of music types at the event makes it a unique experience, but there are plenty of other activities to enjoy. With a focus on health, arts, entertainment, and plenty of good food, there is something for people of all walks of life on the farm.

3. The Governors Ball Rocks New York City

One of the most interesting places to visit is New York City, and music fans can't help but be interested in what the 2015 Governors Ball Music Festival has to offer this summer.

The event will take place at Randall's Island Park in NYC on June 5-7, and will feature marquee acts like Drake, The Black Keys, "Weird Al" Yankovic, My Morning Jacket, Bjork, and many others. Add in the beautiful backdrop of New York, and this would be a fun place to spend part of a vacation.

One of the most underrated parts of this festival is the huge assortment of food available. With New York City being so culturally diverse, the cuisine presented at the event reflects all the differences, and visitors can take a trip around the world with their mouth.

4. July Festival in Quebec City Features Deep Music Lineup

The 11-day Festival d'ete de Quebec will take place July 9-19 in Quebec City, Canada, and will feature some of the biggest names in the music industry. The music festival first took place in 1968, but it has grown exponentially with the worldwide appeal of the artists on the schedule.

As if young people needed to be persuaded into spending over a week completely immersed in the culture of a music festival, the lineup is absolutely stacked. From rock and roll legends like The Rolling Stones to modern day favorites like Foo Fighters and Iggy Azalea, there will be something for everyone. Other performances are expected from Keith Urban, Nickelback, the Doobie Brothers, Deep Purple, and many more.

What makes the 11-day festival so intriguing is just how many events there are, and where they all take place. With around 300 total performances and a unique mixture of indoor and outdoor venues, the music festival will take visitors all over Quebec City.

5. Sioux City Festival Highlights Fourth of July Plans

There will be Fourth of July parties all across the United States, but the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Sioux City, Iowa, is celebrating the holiday in 2015 with a Saturday in the Park Music Festival at Grandview Park on July 4th, from 12 to 10:30 p.m. local time.

The 25th anniversary concert will be headlined by legendary singer Aretha Franklin, and those looking to travel on our nation's birthday should visit the heartland for the unforgettable festivities.

Not only is a bona fide legend like Franklin headlining the show, but the event will also feature performances from popular artists like Foster The People, Gogol Bordello, and North Mississippi Allstars.

The closing act of the show will be a huge fireworks display that will cap off the wild and entertaining Fourth of July holiday. The music festival is definitely worth a consideration when planning a summer vacation.

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