SASQUATCH

May 24-26, 2008, The Gorge, Quincy, WA
Headcount: 50,000

Fave Five: R.E.M, The New Pornographers, The Cure, Flight of the Conchords, MIA

The Vibe: Although this people-packed dome may feel a bit sas“squashed,” the ceiling of stars and serene backdrop of an outdoor amphitheater on the banks of the Columbia River will surly provide some visual relief from the crowds. But be sure to bring everything you need, because once you’re in, there’s no re-entry.

Unique to Sasquatch: The esurance early entry line saves the time you’d otherwise be waiting with the other schlubs plus offsets the CO2 you emitted getting there, all while ensuring you the best seats in the house.




BONNAROO

June 12-15, Manchester, TN
Headcount: 80,000

Fave Five: Willie Nelson, B.B. King, Pearl Jam, Rilo Kiley, Iron and Wine.

The Vibe: Bonnaroo’s 24/7 buffet of indie folk, world, hip hop, jazz, Americana, bluegrass, country, folk, gospel, reggae, electronica and more make it a true all-you-can-eat smorgasbord of music.

Unique to Bonnaroo: Hit up Planet Roo to check out speakers addressing environmental issues amongst a myriad of planet-friendly concessions. The festival uses non-VOC paints and is experimenting with electric golf carts in their fleet of production vehicles, and now that they own the land, Bonnaroo is exploring some alternative permanent structures. Last year, they turned over 250 tons of waste into park benches and construction materials for future events.



TELLURIDE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL

June 19-22, 2008, various venues, Telluride, CO
Headcount: 10,000

Fave Five: Yonder Mountain String Band, Arlo Guthrie, Ani DiFranco Band, Ricky Skaggs & Bruce Hornsby with Kentucky Thunder, Bela Fleck

The Vibe: Under a summer solstice full moon, from out of a cupped palm formed by the San Juan Mountains and cradled on three sides by the Telluride Box Canyon, the tunes of the Telluride Bluegrass festival start their upward journey at 8,750 feet and rise around the clock from the main stage, town center stage, late-night concerts at scattered venues around town, and jam sessions at homes and campgrounds.

Unique to TBF: Because Festivarians chug upwards of 75,000 beers over the course of their four-day stay, TBF has made a mission out of answering the quintessential question: “What’s the eco-friendliest beer cup?” This year’s answer: durable, plastic cups which can be reused for years (or at the very least, recycled). New Belgian Brewing Company is offering prizes to drinkers who collect stickers proving they’ve stuck with one cup all weekend long. TBF is also one of the few festivals that offsets 100 percent of emissions emitted by artists and fans traveling to and from its remote location.