If you’re one of those super organised globe-trotting festivalgoers, then you may have been lucky enough to grab yourself a ticket to Coachella in the first 60 minutes of them selling out. As for the rest of us dealing with a serious case of valley music FOMO, fear not, there are ample alternative festivals across the pond to keep us entertained over the spring and summer months.
While Coachella may be the most famous festival, it is only just scratching the surface of what is out there. So get out there, explore and use your passport! It’s about time people start discovering more about the North American festival scene beyond Coachella. The scene is exploding with all types of music, people, and energy in the summer season!
The Governors Ball
1st June– 3rd June
NEW YORK
The Governors Ball brings the care-free festival vibe to New York’s ‘busy busy’ tribe. It’s on Randall’s Island which is a tiny isle next to Manhattan and Queen’s. This year’s headliners are Eminem (natch), the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s and new dad Travis Scott will be hitting the mic. Offering a variety of music and food tastes, whether you look to kick back and relax or surrender yourself to beats and riffs, Governors Ball has what you want.
Panorama Music Festival
27th July– 29th July
NEW YORK
Launched in 2016 by the same organizers behind Coachella, Panorama is another leading music festival held in New York City – featuring some of the biggest names in rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic music today. Hosted at Randall’s Island Park, this year includes the world famous and sell out star Cardi B, renowned popstar Dua Lipa and rap artist Gucci Mane. Also offering great eats and pool parties, it’s definitely one to rival Coachella!
Canadian Music Week
7th May – 13th May
TORONTO
Canadian Music Week is fast becoming North America’s premier music festival that serves the diehard music fan and anyone hoping to break into the industry. It’s a combination of industry networking, intensive conferences, a cutting-edge trade exhibition, award shows, a film, comedy and new music festival. It’s truly making the Winter Music Conference work for its money with its expanding offering every year.
Boston Calling
25th May – 27th May
BOSTON
This pretty unknown festival is in its fifth year and has some stonking headliners! Eminem is headlining many festivals this year, Coachella included. So grab a moment with Marshall Mathers in Boston. While other hard hitters: St Vincent, Paramore and Queens of the Stone Age will all be performing. Plus, the fest brings special programmes hosted by Natalie Portman and hilarious acts from comedians David Cross (Tobias in Arrested Development) and Bridget Everett (drunk PA interview in SATC film). It’s an all-rounder for a festival, one to definitely to add to your festival bucket list.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Primera Air has just launched new North America routes to Boston, New York, Toronto and Washington DC starting from £149 one way.
Primera Air’s mission is to make expensive long-haul travel history. There are five levels of travel package available to book – Light, Comfort, Flex, Premium and Premium Flex – which gives passengers the opportunity to tailor their onboard experienced to suit their budget and needs.
For more information and to book please visit www.primeraair.co.uk