Music Festivals for 2014 Top Picks

There is no doubt that the music industry is transforming and shifting more rapidly and unpredictably than it ever has in the past. A great deal has changed since the peak of rock music’s dominance several decades ago. However, one aspect of the “golden age” of rock is the live music festival. 2014 is going to full of fantastic festivals, with much more than just the rock genre represented.

For anybody planning their travel for the New Year, these 2014 festivals offer some amazing lineups in exciting destinations.

Bonnaroo

All of the music festivals that have risen to prominence over the past few years have their own very distinct personalities, and Bonnaroo and definitely no exception. Taking place in the literal hot spot of Manchester, Tennessee each June, the vibe of Bonnaroo is maybe the closest any modern music festival gets to the massive hippie gatherings of yore. That does not mean that Bonnaroo has a hippy-dippy, jam band lineup, however. In recent years the festival has boasted increasingly diverse lineup's, and 2013's Bonnaroo included sets from Paul McCartney, Bjork, R. Kelly, Animal Collective, Wu-Tang Clan, The National, Weird Al Yankovic and many, many more. The 2014 lineup is scheduled to be announced in February, and it is sure to be even more diverse.

Coachella

If you are planning a trip to Southern California this spring, you might want to consider an excursion to Indio -- a two hour drive from LA -- for The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Annual Festival in April. Coachella is among the most popular annual festivals, and generally attracts the biggest acts. This year, none other than OutKast will be reuniting to headline the fest, along with Muse and Arcade Fire. The recently reunited Neutral Milk Hotel will also be performing, along with Beck, Queens of the Stone Age, Neko Case, Nas, Broken Bells, Sleigh Bells and a huge variety of other acts encompassing a multitude of genres and styles. The two spring weekends of Coachella are the place to be for fans of live music. There are hotel shuttles available if you prefer staying in comfort to camping out on the festival grounds.

South by Southwest

Austin is not only the capital of Texas, but it is also the live music capital of the world. Almost the entirety of Austin is transformed into a giant festival each year for South by Southwest, or SXSW for short. For one week in March, Austin hosts a glut of live music and film screenings, including a number of world film premiers and showcases for countless performers on the brink of stardom.

Austin City Limits

Also in Austin, Texas, ACL Music festival has been going strong and going on their 13th year.  Last year it was extended into a second weekend to allow for more people to enjoy the show. Beyond a unique blend of rock, indie, country, folk, hip hop and electronic music artists showcased, the festival also includes food from premier Austin restaurants and art market.

If you are planning a vacation in 2014, planning around one of these festivals is a surefire way to add some incredible live music excitement to your trip.