Summer is the time to experience new and exciting things; it’s a time to wear less clothing, to get a tan, to drive with the windows down.  Summer is a time of new music and new opportunities to see your favorite bands live.

The months of June, July and August are a busy time of year for the festival aficionado. With so much variety, it can be a bit overwhelming to pick and choose which festival is the right fit.

Here’s a look at some of what’s good and what’s what about this summer’s music celebrations.

Lollapalooza

Where: Grant Park, Chicago
When: August 6-8
Who: Lady Gaga, The Strokes, Green Day, Arcade Fire, MGMT, Phoenix, The Black Keys, The National, Spoon, Gogol Bordello
Cost: $215 for a three-day pass

Pitchfork

Where: Union Park, Chicago
When: July 16-18
Who: Modest Mouse, Broken Social Scene, Pavement, St. Vincent, Beach House, Big Boi, Local Natives
Cost: $40 per day

Lilith Fair

Where: Canterbury Park, Minn.
When: July 18
Who: Metric, La Roux, Sara McLaughlan, Kelly Clarkson, Mary J. Blige, Heart
Cost: $250

Bonnaroo

Where: Manchester, Tenn.
When: June 10 -13
Who: Dave Mathews Band, Kings of Leon, Stevie Wonder, Jay-Z, Tenacious D, Regina Spektor
Cost: $250

Warped Tour

Where: Canterbury Park, Minn.
When: August 1
Who: Andrew W.K., Every Time I Die, Alkaline Trio, Reel Big Fish, I Can Make A Mess Like Nobody’s Business
Cost: $40

WeFest

Where: Detroit Lakes, Minn.
When: August 5, 6, 7
Who: Kid Rock, Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Dierks Bentley, Montgomery Gentry
Cost: $59 per day, or $99 for a three-day pass

Summerfest

Where: Milwaukee, Wis.
When: June 24  – July 4
Who: Sheryl Crow, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Weird Al, Justin Bieber, Public Enemy, STS9 (Sound Tribe Sector 9), Guster
Cost: $8-15 per day