Big festivals like Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza are amazing, if you want to experience hundreds of bands with hundreds of thousands of your closest friends. But in recent years, smaller festivals have made big names for themselves thanks to eclectic lineups, beautiful locales, and the kind of intimacy you just can't experience at some of their larger counterparts. From the curated countryside of Wildwood Revival to the hot air balloon rides at Green River Festival, these five small festivals are sure to leave big impressions.
1. NORTHWEST STRING SUMMIT // NORTH PLAINS, OR
July 14 – 17, 2016
True to its name, the Northwest String Summit brings together all of your favorite string bands for three days of pickin' and grinnin'. The Summit, celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, offers a limited number of spots for RV camping, as well as a variety of ticket options. Catch Yonder Mountain String Band, the Infamous Stringdusters, Greensky Bluegrass, and more on this year's bill. [More Info]
2. HUCK FINN JUBILEE // ONTARIO, CA
June 10 – 12, 2016
Founded in 1975, the Huck Finn Jubilee is one of North America's most celebrated bluegrass festivals. Camp on-site or stay in town and enjoy all that Ontario has to offer. This year's lineup includes Punch Brothers, Leftover Salmon, Earls of Leicester, Della Mae, and many more. [More Info]
3. WILDWOOD REVIVAL // ATHENS, GA
August 26 – 28, 2016
One of the newer festivals, Wildwood Revival is back and better than ever in its third year. Featuring amazing food, artisanal crafts, and Americana music galore, Wildwood offers a complete cultural experience, all located in the beautiful Georgia countryside. This year's lineup features Gillian Welch, the Lone Bellow, and Houndmouth. [More Info]
4. GREEN RIVER FESTIVAL // GREENFIELD, MA
July 8 – 10, 2016
Since its inception in 1986, the Green River Festival has been a festival mainstay for fans of roots music. And with local beer, camping (a newly added lodging option), great music, and hot air balloon rides, it's no surprise why. Headliners this year include Shovels & Rope, Dawes, and Shakey Graves. [More Info]
5. ROCKLAND-BERGEN MUSIC FESTIVAL // TAPPAN, NY
June 25 – 26, 2016
If you're looking to expand your musical horizons, look no further than the Rockland-Bergen Music Festival. The festival, which also highlights non-profit organizations in the New York/New Jersey area, features a wide array of genres, with performing artists including Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, Jorma Kaukonen, and New Riders of the Purple Sage. [More Info]
Lede photo via RichardTurnerPhotography via Foter.com / CC BY-NC
