Nothing says summer like a relaxing day at the beach; however, the summer excitement comes from the riveting experiences at music festivals– good music, good food, good people. Personal preference for genres may differ, yet anyone can find a festival that caters to his or her wants.

PIQNIQ: Entering into its fifth year as a festival, PIQNIQ features alternative rock bands and artists. PIQNIQ veterans Bleachers and Joywave are back for their second time with their first being in 2015. A unique aspect to this festival is that none of the bands play at the same time; this allows attendees to watch every band rather than having to choose one over another. Smaller bands play first on the Saint Xavier University stage followed by the bigger bands on the Main Stage in the amphitheatre.

Lineup: The 1975, Jimmy Eat World, Bleachers, Highly Suspect, Stabbing Westward, Sum 41, Joywave, K. Flay, Warpaint

*One more band to be announced

Date: May 20

Location: Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Tinley Park, IL

Ticket Prices: $20-$65

Summerfest: This year marks the 50th anniversary of Summerfest. The festival always occurs during the end of June and beginning of July. Other than a variety of music, Summerfest also offers food, shopping, interactive exhibits and an opportunity to enjoy the lakefront. General admission, along with three-day or 11-day passes, gives attendees opportunities to experience more than 1,000 different performers. Separate tickets may be bought to attend performances in the American Family Insurance Amphitheater.

Headliners: Luke Bryan (June 29), Red Hot Chili Peppers (June 28), Tom Petty (July 5 & 6), Zac Brown Band (July 1), P!nk (July 2), The Chainsmokers (July 4)

Dates: June 28-July 2, July 4-July 9

Location: Henry Maier Festival Park in Milwaukee, WI

Ticket Prices: Amphitheater: $58-$184 (based on artist)

11-day pass: $90

Three-day pass: $48

General Admission (1 day): $20

Lollapalooza: Following up its 25th anniversary, Lollapalooza will continue to be a four-day festival. Lollapalooza always offers an array of music, ranging from rock to hip-hop. Tickets have yet to go on sale, and the lineup is yet to be announced; however, returning festival-goers are expecting both of these to happen around spring break (March 27-31).

Lineup: Chance the Rapper, The Killers, Muse, Arcade Fire, Lorde, Blink-182, Cage the Elephant

Dates: Aug. 3-6

Location: Grant Park in Chicago, IL

Ticket Prices: 4-day GA Pass: $335

One-day (Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday) GA: $120

Country Thunder: Going into its 23rd year as a festival, Country Thunder will continue to host the biggest acts in country. In 2015 CT won “Festival of the Year” at the Academy of Country Music Awards, which is proven by the overwhelming amount of attendees (more than 100,000 each year). Other than live music, there is ziplining, interactive exhibits, a Ferris wheel and a mechanical bull for entertainment. Camping is also available.

Lineup: Keith Urban, Jason Aldean, Thomas Rhett, Billy Currington, Maddie & Tae, Cam and more.

Dates: July 20-23

Location: Country Thunder East in Twin Lakes, WI

Ticket Prices: TBA

Chicago Open Air: Following up its first year as a festival, Chicago Open Air continues to amaze with an all-star lineup. Last year, Rammstein had its only U.S. performance at this festival. As done previously, there will be a two-stage set up, with one being the main stage. On July 13, there will be a “pre-party” event, featuring TBA bands. Besides rock and metal music, Open Air features plenty of food and metal-themed burgers courtesy of Chicago restaurant Kuma’s Corner.

Lineup: Kiss, Rob Zombie, Megadeth, Anthrax, Korn, Godsmack, Ozzy Osbourne, Slayer, Stone Sour, Lamb of God, Mushroomhead, Suicide Silence, Avatar and more

Dates: July 14-16

Location: Toyota Park in Bridgeview, IL

Ticket Prices: Weekend GA Field and Bowl: $209

Weekend GA Bowl: $119

Weekend VIP Field and Bowl: $425

One-day (Friday, Saturday or Sunday) GA Bowl: $50

Pitchfork: Going into its 12th official festival year, Pitchfork will introduce a new experience. For this year, The Saint Heron House will host a “multidisciplinary experience” that includes an onsite art installation, film screening, artist talks, late night jazz jam sessions and more. Besides this, attendees can prepare for alternative, rap & hip-hop, electronica and dance music. Additionally, a local Chicago community radio station, CHIRP Radio, will organize and manage a record fair.

Headliners: Solange, LCD Soundsystem, A Tribe Called Quest

*More TBA

Dates: July 14-16

Location: Union Park in Chicago, IL

Ticket Prices: Three-day pass: $175 (previously $165)

Friday, Saturday and Sunday pass: $75 (previously $65)

Pitchfork+Plus three-day pass (exclusive amenities): $365
Please note, although all festivals listed are for all ages, there is no guarantee that tickets are still available. If sold out, try looking on Stubhub or at resellers on the festival’s ticket provider website.