By Brittany Smith

 

While summer gets all the credit as being “music festival season,” our team is admittedly big fans of the underrated fall/winter festival season. The weather gets crisper; the vibes get darker. And happily for us, the best festival season is officially here.

Here are our top picks for this year’s fall and winter festival seasons:

 

Gem & Jam Festival

This annual festival is held every year during the Tucson Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Showcase, attracting gem enthusiasts and music lovers from all around the world. Gem & Jam is known for their stacked lineup with international and national artists (including our faves, Blunt Force!), cutting-edge production, visual performers, live artists, workshops and lectures, as well as high-end art galleries. With headliners such as STS9 and Lettuce , you will not want to miss the 2018 edition and their 12th  year.

Dates and Location: January 25 – 28, 2018 in Tucson, Arizona

Lineup: STS9, Lettuce, Greensky Bluegrass, Railroad Earth, Breaking Biscuits, Papadosio, Big Wild, Russ Liquid Test, Thriftworks, Sunsquabi, Masego, Govinda, Michal Menert, Flamingosis, Random Rab, Head for the Hills, Maddy O’Neal, Sodown, Saqi, Zoogma, Ill Esha, Blunt Force

Website: http://gemandjamfestival.com

 

Day for Night

Day for Night is truly unlike any other festival. This festival is known for visually immersive art and music that seamlessly blend into each other.. Explore new light, space, and sound with artists of all mediums and origins. Merging technology and sound, Day For Night will have performances, holograms, coding and massive works of art. Not only is this festival pushing boundaries as opposed to the typical music festival expectations, part of proceeds will be donated to the Greater Houston Community Foundation. Join in solidarity with the victims of Hurricane Harvey and be a part of something special.

Dates and Location: December 15 – 17, 2018 in Houston Texas

Lineup: Nine Inch Nails, Solange, Justice, Tyler the Creator, Pretty Lights, Kaytranada, Earl Sweatshirt, G Jones + many more

Website: https://dayfornight.io

Suwannee Hulaween

If you have never experienced a show at Suwannee Music Park, now is your chance. This visual arts extravaganza will have you in awe by the time this festival is over. From stunning art installations to the energy the performances and crowds bring, you’ll never want to escape the beauty of the woods and Spirit Lake. Artists like The String Cheese Incident, Griz, and Run the Jewels always find their way back and will be ringing in this year as well. Fully engage your senses and bring your best costumes as this is a festival you will not want to miss. Tickets are sold out but you can find some on reselling sites or the Facebook event page.

Dates and Location: October 27 – 29, 2017 in Live Oak, Florida

Lineup: The String Cheese Incident, Bassnectar, Ween, Griz, Run the Jewels, Chet Faker, RL Grime, Portugal the Man, The Disco Biscuits, Vince Staples, Lettuce, Lotus, Greensky Bluegrass, The Polish Ambassador, Moon Taxi, TAUK, and many more.

Website: https://www.suwanneehulaween.com

Decadence

Don’t miss out on America’s biggest New Year’s celebration. Ring in 2018 at Decadence in the heart of Denver. Stay warm indoors and experience the madness of the epic two-night event with the biggest names in every aspect of EDM.

Dates and Location: December 30 -31, 2017 In Denver, Colorado

Lineup: Bassnectar, Diplo, Getter, Gramatik, Justice, Louis the Child, Space Jesus, The Floozies, Borgore, Gallant, Odesza, Porter Robinson, Zedd, and more!

Website: http://decadencenye.com/co/

 

McDowell Mountain

McDowell Mountain Music Festival has always been one of this author’s go-to festivals. Once you’re tired of winter,  this weekend will be the perfect getawayt to bring all the spring and summer vibes.This festival not only is known for their diverse music lineup, Mcdowell Mountain Music Festival is a 100% non profit and proceeds are donated to good causes. Past lineups include headliners like Flume, Beck, Kid Cudi, STS9, Thievery Corporation, and many other amazing artists.

Dates and location: March 2 – 4, 2018 in downtown Phoenix, Arizona

Lineup: (TBA)

Website: http://m3ffest.com