Summerfest is the largest musical festival in the world and takes place over 11 days, from the end of June until the second week of July. The annual event, held in Milwaukee, regularly attracts more than 700 bands. A host of big names have attended the event in recent years; the 2011 Summerfest will feature performances by Meat Loaf, Kanye West and Def Leppard. The event attracts a huge number of exhibitors and also includes a half-marathon on the final day.
The Essence Music Festival has been running for more than 15 years and features African-American artists from all over the world. It offers a wide range of different styles including rap, jazz and R&B. Held at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, the Essence Music Festival runs for three days at the start of July. The 2011 event will include performances by Jennifer Hudson, Chaka Khan and Mary J. Blige. 2011 ticket prices begin at $135, but a platinum package with an all-access pass can cost as much as $2,250.
The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival is a massive event that takes place over four days in Manchester, Tennessee. The festival is held in a picturesque 700-acre farm and organizers encourage campers to pitch up, relax and enjoy the performances. The main stage is supplemented by smaller arenas, including acoustic tents, comedy clubs and a cinema. Artists scheduled to appear on the 2011 bill include Eminem, the Black Keys and the Strokes. The festival usually takes place over the second weekend in June.
Across the pond, the Glastonbury Festival takes place in late June at Pilton Farm in Somerset, England. Glastonbury remains as one of the oldest live music festivals in the world and first ran in 1970 as a response to Woodstock. The Glastonbury Festival is famous for a pyramid-shaped main stage. Performers on the 2011 bill include U2, Coldplay and Beyonce.