Your Official Guide to Spring/Summer 2007 Music Festivals

Lollapalooza

History: Lollapalooza was conceived and executed by former Jane's Addiction frontman Perry Farrell in 1991. Originally a touring festival, Lolla began to lose popularity by the late 90s and the 1998 shows were cancelled altogether. In 2003 it was revived as a destination festival and has been held in Chicago's Grant Park ever since.

Where: Grant Park, Chicago

Dates: August 3^rd -- 5^th

Lineup: Official lineup announced April 12^th. Confirmed acts include: Pearl Jam, !!!, Annuals, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, David Vandervelde, LCD Soundsystem, Peter Bjorn and John, The Roots and more

Tickets: On sale April 3^rd
Buy Tickets

Crowd: 65,000 a day

Transportation There is no parking provided by the festival and local parking garages can get pricey. Your best bet is to take public transportation since Lollapalooza is smack in the middle of Chicago, best accessed from the El train. Grade: B

Where To Stay Hotels in Chicago are pricey and start at $135 a night (Best Western), but there is a hostel called Hi-Chicago where you can stay for as low as $30 a night. Grade: B

Getting Around The biggest stages are on opposite ends of the park -- about one mile apart -- so if you want to make it to see all the major acts, you might never be able to see a full set. Grade: C

Food Chicago style deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, and items from the organic farmer's market will cost between $4 and $8. Bottled water goes for $3. Grade: C

Facilities Port-a-potties, water fountains and hand sinks with soap are available. Last year the sinks ran out of water by late afternoon, so bring your own hand-sanitizer as a backup. Grade: A

X-Factor: The festival is smack in the middle of Chicago, so you're within walking distance of everything the city has to offer -- including bars and restaurants. After each day ends, you aren't stuck in the middle of nowhere, In fact, you're steps from Buckingham Fountain and the beautiful lakefront.

Bumbershoot

History: Bumbershoot (slang "umbrella"), takes place both indoors and out, and has been run by the city of Seattle since 1973. The festival was free until 1980 when the city stopped financing it.

Where: Seattle, Washington

Dates: September 1^st-3^rd

Lineup: The Shins, Wu Tang Clan, Panic! At The Disco, Crowded House, DeVotchka, Plain White T's, Lupe Fiasco, Gogol Bordello and more

Tickets: Go on sale this summer.

Crowd: 150,000

Transportation There will be parking, bicycle racks, and shuttle service available to the festival from downtown and North Seattle. Bumbershoot can also be reached by bus, monorail, or ferry. Bus or train will take you from the airport or Greyhound station.Grade: A

Where To Stay Hotels in the area start around $69 a night (Days Inn) and go as high as $345 (Grand Hyatt). Grade: C

Getting Around The festivals is about 74 acres and has indoor and outdoor stages, but it never really takes more than five minutes to get from one stage to the other in the main area. Grade: B

Food All manner of food is available: Indian, Thai, and Mexican treats plus festival standards like corndogs, hot dogs, and pizza -- all of which cost under $10. Bottled water goes for about $3. You can also bring in your own food and drink (non-alcoholic). Grade: B

Facilities In additon to outdoor port-a-potties, there iare some indoor restrooms. Water fountains are located by each of the stages. Grade: B

X-Factor: The lineup is incredibly diverse. Where else can you see Panic! At the Disco, Wu Tang, and The Shins in the same day?

Austin City Limits

History: Put on in collaboration with the PBS television show, Austin City Limits "the festival" has been active since 2002 and is produced by Capitol Sports and Entertainment and Charles Attal Presents, who also co-produces Lollapalooza.

Where: Austin, Texas

Dates: September 14th - 16^th

Lineup: Official lineup has not yet been announced, but Kings of Leon, Wilco, Bloc Party, Asleep at the Wheel, and Robert Earl Keen are among the rumored performers.

Tickets: Last year, a one-day pass cost about $55. Tickets go on sale April 17^th.
Buy Tickets

Crowd: 65,000 a day

Transportation Although there is no parking offered, free shuttle buses will take you between Republic Square and the festival grounds. There will also be bicycle racks and a drop-off area designated for cabs. Grade: B

Where To Stay There are no on-site camping areas. Hotels/motels start around $50 a night, but you must book far in advance. Grade: C

Getting Around The two main stages are about 7 minutes' walk away from each other. Grade: B

Food Steak sandwiches and falafels go for about $6. All food items in the food court range from $4 to $6. Bottled water is $2. Grade: B

Facilities Port-a-potties, hand sanitizers, and water fountains. Grade: B

X-Factor: The festival takes place in huge green park, and it's also right in the middle of scenic Austin.