Summer beckons, and with it a host of musical events to feed your musical soul. Whether you already have summer travel plans or are looking for a destination for your next vacation, here are a few summer music festivals to entertain and inspire. These are just a tiny sampling of the musical smorgasbord that’s out there!
Tanglewood
Lenox, Massachusetts
June 17 – September 4, 2022
One of the world’s most beloved music festivals, Tanglewood is the famed summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and its training academy, the Tanglewood Music Center, as well as the Boston Pops. Located on the western border of Massachusetts, Tanglewood welcomes more than 350,000 visitors between late June and the end of August. This year, Tanglewood will present a wide range of programs that spotlight favorite returning musicians and repertoire and introduce dynamic new performers and eclectic programming.
Something in the Water Festival
Washington, D.C.
June 17–19, 2022
Normally held in Virginia Beach, this year the nation’s capital will host Pharrell Williams’ Something in the Water festival. Look for a variety of contemporary hitmakers here, to include Jon Batiste, Ashanti and Ja Rule, and the Dave Matthews Band, as well as such go-go acts as Backyard Band and Rare Essence.
New York Scandia Music Festival
Fort Tryon Park, New York
June 12, 19 and 26, 2022
The Scandinavian Music Festival in Fort Tryon Park, is a unique series of three outdoor summer concerts performed by musicians of the New York Scandia Symphony and guest artists on Sundays in June. The concerts take place at a scenic and attractive venue, Billings Lawn, below the Heather Garden and with spectacular views of the Hudson River. The artists speak to the audience as they introduce the music, culture, and traditions of Scandinavia. Bring your blanket! Free admission.
Blue Note Jazz Festival
New York City, New York
June–August 2022
Considered New York’s premier jazz celebration, this festival is spread over multiple dates and 15 venues. You’ll find 150 international performers, “an undeniably comprehensive look into the ‘who’s who’ of jazz culture.” Bonus: This festival travels to Napa Valley, California, for two dates in late July.
Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
August 4–7, 2022
Produced by the nonprofit Lunenburg Folk Harbour Society, this festival showcases both traditional and contemporary folk musicians. This year’s lineup will include Ashley MacIsaac, Martha Redbone, Stephen Fearing, Rosa Cousins, the Ennis Sisters, and many more.
Summer Spirit Festival
Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, Maryland
August 7, 2022
If you’re a fan of R&B, the Summer Spirit Festival is for you! It’s a one-day event full of big names. This year the performers will include Erykah Badu, Anthony Hamilton, Method Man, and Redman.