10 Cool Festivals to Hit Up This Summer

Image via Complex Original

When: July 10-13
Where: Novi Sad, Serbia
Cost: $175
Website: exit.com

This award-winning European festival is held in the Petrovaradin Fortress, which is an actual fortress. EXIT's began as a student movement centered on fighting for democracy in Serbia and the Balkans. It has since evolved into a music festival that not only has great bands from all over the world, but event organizers still publicly advocate for the importance of social responsibility.

When: July 10-12
Where: Keflavik, Iceland
Cost: $150
Website: alltomorrowsparties.com

All Tomorrow's Parties started as a company that helped facilitate more diverse and eclectic festivals through sponsorship and innovative collaborations. Their uniquely intimate events, beginning in 2000, have spread to Japan, England, Spain, Australia, and the US. This will be the festival's second time in Iceland where bands such as Interpol will take the stage.

When: July 9-12
Where: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Cost: $100
Website: bkhiphopfestival.com

BHF is New York's largest hip-hop cultural event. Aside from its certifiably impressive roster of hip-hop acts, the week-long event includes panel discussions, galleries, an all-ages block party, and numerous after parties. Moving into its 10th year, the event has been a positive meeting place for any and all hip-hop heads to reunite and discuss, creating a strong sense of community. 

When: May 28-30
Where: Barcelona, Spain
Cost: $267
Website: primaverasound.com

Primavera is characterized by its artistic, risk-taking lineups, showcasing an eclectic batch of old and new, eclectic music folk. The three-day festival was originally held in an outdoor architectural museum atop Montjuic mountain but has since relocated to numerous spots.

When: August 1-3
Where: Chicago, Ill.
Cost: $235
Website: lollapalooza.com

Lollapalooza, established in 1991 by Jane's Addiction front-man Perry Farrell, started as a mobile tour for alternative artists. When it finally settled in Chicago's Grant Park, the festival showcased artists from Nine Inch Nails to Wu Tang Clan and included non-musical acts like stand-up comedy and circus-freak shows. Since 2010 Lollapalooza has gone global, putting on summer festivals in Chile, Israel, and Argentina.

When: June 19-22
Where: Dover, Del.
Cost: $279
Website: firefly.com

With its carefree, outdoor-living atmosphere, the Firefly experience is like a more intimate Bonnaroo. This will be the festival's third year and already the roster has doubled, beginning with 48 performers and bringing in nearly 100 for this year. The festival takes place on a 105-acre campground, so the lodging options are abundant—including a "glamping" service.

When: August 22-24
Where: West Yorkshire, UK
Cost: $352
Website: leeds.com

Established in the early 70s, Leeds started as a heavy metal and rock festival. Their first shows were headlined by the likes of the Ramones and Penetration. After Meat Loaf was "bottled" off stage in the mid 80s, the executives took it a step further and decided to showcase strictly goth and indie musicians. Surprisingly, that incredibly niche direction didn't pan out either. It wasn't until a decade later that the music policy broadened and it worked its way back into public appeal with 1991's headliner Nirvana. Leeds still has its fair share of hiccups. In 2003 Good Charlotte was bottled and in 2006, 50 Cent lasted twenty minutes of being bottled before tossing his mic into the crowd.

When: August 11-18
Where: Budapest, Hungary
Cost: $311 (with camping)
Website: szigetfestival.com

It's hard to believe that Sziget, established in 1993 as an exclusive student event, has grown to become one of Europe's largest music festivals. In 2009 capacity reached nearly 400,000 and the number of performances reached upwards of 1,000. The festival includes numerous cultural programs including theatre, circus acts, and exhibitions. Sziget, or the "Island of Freedom", is quite literally located on an island, so there are multiple beaches to kick back and relax one of the days of the week long event. Because of its geographic orientation, people have been known to swim across the Danube in hopes of sneaking in. This is strongly discouraged by festival directors as the river is notably fast-flowing and dangerous.  

When: May 31 & June 1
Where: Houston
Cost: $158
Website: FPSF.com

FPSF started in 2009 with a focus on emphasizing local performers. Although the lineups consist of more than enough renowned artists to go around, they still proudly showcase local musicians and visual artists. The festival was started by a local, independent newspaper and promoting company, Pegstar.net Presents. Recycling systems are implemented on the festival grounds and if you recycle ten bottles you get a free bottle of water. The festival is also a collaborative, on-site art exhibition. Any and all can submit plans for showcasing their artwork. They suggest the pieces be large and "festival-proof."

When: June 27-29
Where: Los Angeles
Cost: $199
Website: BET.com

The BET Experience is a three-day multimedia event presented in conjunction with the network's annual awards show. It takes place at L.A. LIVE, the leading entertainment district in Los Angeles which includes six venues, a fourteen screen cinema, the GRAMMY Museum, and nineteen places to get your classy grub on. The festival has a little bit of everything for everyone, including music, comedy, and discussion panels. This year's lineup is sick. If you're broke, Complex and BET will be giving away twelve pairs of tickets and one grand prize weekend package that includes tickets to the event, tickets to the BET Awards, a hotel suite for four, and travel. To enter, click here. The sweepstakes ends June 17. You're welcome.