Extended Festing: 4 Festivals To Check Out Beyond New Orleans This Spring

05:00 April 12, 2019

Every year, we as a city get embroiled in the spring festival season, with its many spices and variety. It got us thinking: What are your options if Jazz Fest or one of the other local festivals simply isn’t enough to satisfy you? In response, we’ve put together a list of some fun, diverse events that are suitable for those with the roadrunner spirit. Some of these are better than others, but for a passionate music fan and engaged listener, there are plenty of music events all across the country to get excited about. 

<em>Extended Festing:</em> 5 Festivals To Check Out Beyond New Orleans

COACHELLA VALLEY MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL
Indio, California, April 12-14 & April 19-21
LINEUP: Childish Gambino, Tame Impala, Ariana Grande, Weezer ...

Probably the best-known festival in the country, Coachella kicks off right before Jazz Fest. For 15+ years now, music-lovers have traveled there in much the same way that throngs of people attend Jazz Fest. The times have changed in terms of lineup expectations, but it’s still a marvelous festival that has something for almost everyone. This festival will sell out, likely before this article is even published, but when the will is strong enough, people figure out a way to get tickets. 

<em>Extended Festing:</em> 5 Festivals To Check Out Beyond New Orleans

FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DE LOUISIANE
Lafayette, Louisiana, April 24-28
LINEUP: Tank and the Bangas, Anders Osborne, Sweet Crude, Cha Wa ...

This festival really is a gem, not only for the people of this always-growing city, but for music fans who enjoy free fests and acts that come from a vast number of countries. I went many times during my years living in Lafayette, and on more than one occasion, I went in without knowing any of the bands gracing the stages—and that’s part of the charm. You can find funk from Africa, Middle Eastern bands, local favorites that everyone loves, and plenty of acts in between. The price tag to enter is nothing, but the fest still needs to survive. Donations are always welcome, and there’s plenty of delicious world food and arts and crafts to purchase for all who attend. 

<em>Extended Festing:</em> 5 Festivals To Check Out Beyond New Orleans

SHAKY KNEES
Atlanta, Georgia, May 3-5
LINEUP: Tears for Fears, Dashboard Confessional, Cage the Elephant, Incubus ...

I’ve been to this festival three of the last four years, and honestly, it’s amazing—well-planned and organized—and the lineup is always top-notch. With acts like Tame Impala and Beck filling out the top 4, not to mention acts like Interpol, Foals, and Japanese Breakfast rounding out the bill, it’s another exceptional weekend. Even if you aren’t familiar with it, it’s worth it, and it may even end up being a regular event that gives you great music, friends, and endless memories. 

<em>Extended Festing:</em> 5 Festivals To Check Out Beyond New Orleans

HANGOUT FEST
Gulf Shores, Alabama, May 16-19
LINEUP: Travis Scott, the Lumineers, Vampire Weekend, Cardi B, Walk the Moon ...

Though I’m not a big beach person, this festival has many other redeeming qualities, including its food and music options. Not to mention, I will say this: I’ve had many friends who have gone and had amazing experiences. If the lineup flavor is up your alley, then it’s sure to be a great weekend of dancing and relaxing on the beach. If not, you still have plenty of other festivals that might be just what you’re looking for. 

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