Starting with the legendary Outside Lands, held annually from August 8 to 10 in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, this festival is renowned for its eclectic lineup, spanning rock, hip-hop, electronic, and indie music, along with its exceptional culinary offerings and local wine and beer selections. However, beyond the music and food, Outside Lands has been ramping up its sustainability efforts. The festival introduced programs such as comprehensive recycling and composting initiatives, built-in refillable water stations, and partnered with community organizations for wste reduction. It’s a good idea to book accommodations early, and if you’re on a budget, consider staying in nearby neighborhoods accessible by public transit.

Overlooking the breathtaking Lake Michigan in Grant Park in Chicago, Lollapalooza runs for four days in early August and is one of the largest Midwestern music festivals. What sets it apart, besides the amazing lineups on its eight stages, is its dedication to social causes. Lollapalooza, or Lolla for short, collaborates with many nonprofits to spread awareness on issues such as mental health, education, and environmental responsibility. They even have a “Rock & Recycle” program for the people who wish to give back while grooving.

Newport Folk Festival is more than a music festival; it’s a tribute to American history. Located at Fort Adams State Park with spectacular views of the Atlantic, this July 25–27 celebration is where Bob Dylan went electric. However, today, it is no longer just folk. You will find indie artists, genre-blending storytellers, and those deeply involved in community and sustainability. The festival helps small vendors around its location, stresses zero-waste objectives, and contributes a part of its earnings to support music education. Take a nice, long dip in the water as the music moves you.

Pro Tip: Bring a blanket.

If you prefer an immersive experience, Electric Forest is like entering another world. Situated in the woods of Michigan, this four-day electronic music festival runs June 19–22 and combines epic, jaw-dropping light shows with interactive art. The festival also prioritizes sustainability and personal relations. From the “Green Team” clean-up crews, all the way down to composting programs and eco-camping options, Electric Forest is doing its part to go green. There is also a well-defined sense of community. People engage in random acts of kindness, pop-up art installations, and spontaneous, impromptu dance circles.

Pro Tip: Pack layers, comfy shoes, and don’t forget your sense of wonder.

Nicknamed “a party with a purpose,” Essence Festival is a celebration of Black culture, music, and empowerment. Taking place each Fourth of July weekend in New Orleans, the three-day event features concerts by top hip-hop, R&B, and gospel artists, as well as a range of panels, expos, and workshops on health, business, and activism. The festival collaborates with local and national organizations for community development and social change initiatives. Be sure to explore the French Quarter, enjoy some beignets, and drink water—it’s hot, but it’s worth it.

Talk about heat! While it may not be an ordinary festival, Burning Man is a transformational festival. Thousands of people head to the Nevada desert each late August to early September to build Black Rock City, the temporary metropolis of art, radical self-expression, and communal living. All things run on a gifting economy, and the ethics of “Leaving No Trace” and “Civic Responsibility” are applied seriously. You will find gigantic sculptures of art, roaring dragons with fire blowers, and amazing costumes. But be warned—it’s not for the faint-hearted. You will need to pack anything that will enable you to survive in the desert. It is, however, one of the most unique and sustainable collections of events on Earth.

Pickathon is a small, yet powerful gathering that feels more like a family reunion than a concert. Located on a farm outside Portland, this July 31–August 3 festival combines Americana, indie rock, and experimental elements, with sustainability incorporated into all the details. Stages are constructed from recycled materials, water is refill-only, and food is served on real dishware, with no disposable cups in sight. The festival has won awards for its zero-waste pledge and even powers part of the event with solar energy. It is family-oriented, relaxed, and a secret treasure for conscious music lovers.

Afropunk is not just a festival but a movement. Arising from a need to provide a platform for other Black voices, this Brooklyn-based event in late August combines elements of punk, hip-hop, soul, music, fashion, and activism. Look out for daring performances, dynamic speakers, and a marketplace that boasts BIPOC-owned brands. Afropunk stands for causes such as LGBTQ+ rights, mental health awareness, and the promotion of racial justice. Come in, dress to express, bring your friends, and get ready for a weekend that feeds the soul and stimulates your mind.

Want to just party on the beach and enjoy music by your favorite artists? Hangout Music Fest is where you want to be. Taking place on the white sands of Alabama’s Gulf Coast during the third weekend of May, this three-day event is a combination of pop, rock, EDM, and southern hospitality. In recent times, the event has taken steps to be greener by banning single-use plastics, providing refill stations for water, and implementing ocean conservation initiatives.

Come, rent a beach house with friends, buy sunscreen, and be ready for sunsets and sounds you will never forget.

That’s the last of it, folks! Even though this guide only scratches the surface of what may be out there, hopefully, it inspires you to get out of your comfort zone, get in the adventuring spirit, and experience something new. And as you travel this summer, remember to be kind, be considerate, and most importantly, be present.