If you’ve been following the headlines, you’ll know that a number of major festivals revealed lineups within the first two weeks of 2015. Between Jazzfest, Hangout, Bonnaroo, Governor’s Ball, and Coachella, the list goes on and on. Here we rank the top twelve festivals announced during that timeframe, based solely on their lineup. Check it out!

12. Shaky Knees Music Festival – May 8-10 @ Atlanta, GA

Shaky Knees unveiled their lineup last week, boasting performances from The Pixies, The Strokes, Wilco, and more. While the festival’s lineup is certainly solid, the indie rock bias offers little in the way of diversity from a three-day fest. No doubt fans of the genre will whet their whistle while seeing The Avett Brothers and Social Distortion.

11. Boston Calling Music Festival – May 22-24 @ City Hall Plaza in Boston

While Boston Calling gives a little bit more than Shaky Knees, the first of two editions of the annual Boston fest seems a bit thin overall. Still, with Beck, Pixies, My Morning Jacket, Ben Harper, Tenacious D, Tame Impala, and more, Boston Calling is sure to be a fun time for all in attendance.

10. Hangout Festival – May 15-17 @ Gulf Shores, AL

Hangout Festival typically boasts an awesome lineup, but, with a newly-increased capacity in 2015, the festival put some mainstream acts at the top of the billing. Nothing against The Foo Fighters, Zac Brown Band, Skrillex, and Beck, because they’re all certainly talented artists, and the beachside music festival certainly has an allure. There are some great artists on the 2015 Hangout lineup, but the announcement just doesn’t pack the punch of some contemporary festivals.



9. The Governors Ball Music Festival- June 5-7 @ Randall’s Island (New York), NY

Governors Ball always brings some great music to New York City, and this year’s festival promises to be another sold out, three night event. While the lineup does show some depth, including performances from Bjork, Ratatat, The War On Drugs, and Flying Lotus, the headliners just aren’t too exciting.

8. Dark Star Jubilee – May 22-24 @ Thornville, OH

Dark Star Jubilee is an annual tradition for Deadheads and jam fans alike. Championed by the premier Grateful Dead tribute band, Dark Star Orchestra, the three-day festival will host great artists like Los Lobos, Railroad Earth, and Robert Randolph & The Family Band. The festival may be smaller in size than some of the others on this list, but they more than make up for it with good vibes and emphatic musicians.

7. Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival – April 10-12 and 17-19 @ Indio, CA

While Coachella does boast some fun headliners, including the rock titans AC/DC and the Lazaretto guitarist Jack White, the commercial festival offers very little outside of the mainstream. Still, the much-hyped California festie picked some of the best and brightest of the mainstream, including beloved indie rockers The War On Drugs, the psychedelic Tame Impala, the ever-intoxicating St. Vincent, and even an appearance from Steely Dan. Despite the custom clothing line, Coachella will be a fun weekend for all involved.

6. Wakarusa – June 4-7 @ Ozark, AR

To be fair, only 2/3 of the Wakarusa lineup has been revealed, but we’re certainly liking what the Arkansas festival has to offer. Big performances from STS9, Ben Harper, Slightly Stoopid, Big Gigantic, The Roots, and Rebelution are sure to delight Waka’s devoted fanbase. With a well-crafted lineup, Waka offers something for fans of everything, and everything for fans of something. Expect big things from the final third of the festival’s performers.

5. DelFest – May 21-24 @ Cumberland, MD

Active since 1958, Del McCoury is a living legend in the bluegrass community. His annual festival brings a down-home vibe to Maryland over Memorial Day Weekend, consistently bringing in the best and brightest of Americana. This year’s festival is no exception, with Old Crow Medicine Show, Greensky Bluegrass, Railroad Earth, Trampled by Turtles, The Travelin’ McCourys, Leftover Salmon, and so many more. With still more artists to be announced, all roads really do lead to DelFest…

4. CounterPoint Festival – May 22-24 @ Kingstown Downs, GA

The CounterPoint Festival in Georgia has one of the most surprisingly deep lineups of 2015, with top-notch artists all across the board. Widespread Panic, Zedd, The Roots, Knife Party, Umphrey’s McGee, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Rebelution, Lettuce, Galactic, Chet Faker, Papadosio… the list goes on and on. When TAUK shows up at the bottom of the lineup, you know it’s going to be a good time.

3. Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival – June 11-14 @ Manchester, TN

Bonnaroo takes a lot of flak from the jam band scene, but let’s face it, the festival brings one of the best musical experiences time and time again. This year’s is no exception, with one of the first official Mumford & Sons performances since the band went on hiatus. Also near the top, Billy Joel, Deadmau5, Kendrick Lamar, Florence + The Machine, Robert Plant, My Morning Jacket, Bassnectar, Alabama Shakes, Childish Gambino, The War on Drugs, STS9, Spoon, Belle & Sebastian, Slayer, Hozier, Flume, Spoon, Atmosphere…. Need we say more? This is one stacked lineup that is sure to delight everyone on the farm.

2. New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival – April 24 – May 3 @ New Orleans, LA

Maybe it’s all of the crawfish po’boys and the beignets from Cafe Dumont, but there’s just something about the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival that makes you feel good. Sure, the lineup may not have Phish at the top this year, but Elton John and The Who are no slouches, and acts like Ryan Adams, Steve Winwood, Trombone Shorty, Widespread Panic, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Meters, Dumpstaphunk, Taj Mahal, The Word, Jimmie Vaughan, Chicago, The Revivalists, Tab Benoit, Kermit Ruffins, and, yes, even Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band, Jazzfest will never fail to disappoint. Throw in some stellar afterparties, including some Voodoo Dead and The Metermen ft. Page McConnell, and you have yourself one hell of a party town in New Orleans. Let the good times roll!

1. Mountain Jam – June 4-7 @ Hunter Mountain, NY

From top to bottom, Mountain Jam 2015 has one of the strongest lineups of the early-summer festival season. Sure, the festival has had some security hiccups in recent years, but the musical talent is unrivaled. Black Keys, Robert Plant, Alabama Shakes, Gov’t Mule’s ‘Dark Side of the Mule’ Show, Grace Potter, Moe., Michael Franti & Spearhead, Big Gigantic, Rebelution, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Railroad Earth, Trigger Hippy, Lake Streen Dive, Benjamin Booker, The Wailers, Rusted Root, Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers, Budos Band, Dopapod, Marco Benevento… anyone who heads to Mountain Jam may have a tough time choosing which bands to see over the four days of music. Expect big things from the 11th annual edition of this rocking festival.

When push comes to shove, rankings like these don’t really mean much. A festival is just that – festive. No matter where you wind up, a music festival always has the potential to be a great experience. So let’s keep the party going in 2015!

…And don’t forget about Summer Camp, the moe. and Umphrey’s McGee-hosted event in Chillicothe, IL from May 22-24th. While Summer Camp announced their lineup in December, undoubtedly the festival will continue their good time traditions.