5 hot summer Michigan music festivals through July
Summer is here, and if you're anything like me, that means planning out your summer music festival schedule. Michigan is overflowing with great music festivals, and while some of the season's festivals have already passed, there are still a good number up ahead.
From hard rock to electronic music, here are some of the biggest music festivals happening through the end of July in Michigan.
Ann Arbor Summer Festival
Location: Various venues
Date: Happening now through July 5
About: There's still time to catch one or several of the 140 concerts at the Ann Arbor Summer Festival. While music is the main draw, the event also offers exhibitions, screenings, dance, comedy, film, street arts, acrobats, family entertainment and more.
Lineup: Pink Martini, the Capitol Steps, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, the Saints of Soul, Olivia Millerschin, the Chris Canas band and others.
Cost: Ticket costs vary per show.
Website: www.a2sf.org
Stars & Stripes Festival
Location: Freedom Hill, Sterling Heights
Dates: June 25 through 28
About: The ninth annual Stars & Stripes Festival will bring local and national music, international cuisines, art exhibits, carnival rides, fireworks and more to Sterling Heights. This year's festival is on target to bring more than half a million people to Freedom Hill over the course of the event's four days.
Lineup: Sebastian Bach, Warrant, P.O.D., Buckcherry, Hoobastank, Scott Weiland and the Wildabouts and others.
Cost: General admission tickets are free, and VIPs run $25.
Online: www.starsandstripesfest.com
Electric Forest Festival
Location: The Double JJ Ranch in Rothbury
Dates: June 25 through 28
About: Since its inception in 2011, Electric Forest Festival has become one of Michigan's best-known camping and live entertainment experiences. The festival offers packages with camping and RV spots to cabins and homes, all right on the festival grounds. When it comes to music, Electric Forest, of course, is heavy on the electric sounds.
Lineup: The String Cheese Incident (three shows), Bassnectar, Skrillex, Kaskade, Flume, Big Gigantic and others.
Cost: Get your tickets early for next year, because this year's festival is sold out. (Although some pricey tickets remain on StubHub and other sites.)
Website: www.electricforestfestival.com
Common Ground Music Festival
Location: Adado Riverfront Park in Lansing, Mich.
Dates: July 7 to 12
About: Common Ground Music Festival turns sweet 16 this summer. The multi-day event is the biggest summer music festival in mid-Michigan, with six days of rock, country, alternative and pop entertainment. Of course, chances are you're been at least once.
Lineup: Headliners include Meghan Trainor, Jane's Addiction, the Band Perry, Three Days Grace, Empire of the Sun and the Flaming Lips. Openers include a mix of national and local talent.
Cost: Single day general admission tickets vary, but start at $35 for adults and $10 for kids 6 to 10. Six-day general admission festival passes start at $109 for adults and $30 for kids 6-10. Kids under 6 are free. Ticket prices will go up closer to the festival and day of.
Website: www.commongroundfest.com
Mo Pop Festival
Location: Detroit's West Riverfront Park
Dates: July 25 and 26
About: The third annual Mo Pop Festival will bring the biggest names in alternative music to West Riverfront Park in Detroit. This year's festival — which expands to two days this year — will offer 25 bands, a selection of beers, food, an art village and more.
Lineup: Modest Mouse, Atlas Genius, Brandon Flowers (of the Killers), Passion Pit, Chromeo, the Front Bottoms and others.
Cost: Two-day weekend ticket run $99.50 and single-day tickets run $69 (plus service charges and fees).
Website: www.mopopfestival.com