July 2025

21 celebration that immerses audi- ences in the sounds of late-90s rock. This year’s lineup features headliners like Creed, 3 Doors Down, Daughtry, Switchfoot, and Vertical Horizon, creating a wave of nostalgia for an era defined by powerful vocals and guitar- driven anthems. Fans can expect setlists filled with songs that once dominated TRL and radio charts, like Creed’s “Higher” and 3 Doors Down’s “Kryptonite,” per - formed live by bands still known for their strong stage presence. What sets Summer of ’99 apart from typical nostalgia tours is its production quality and sense of community. Attendees describe the festival atmosphere as ener- getic but respectful, with stream- lined security and efficient stage transitions allowing for back-to- back performances with minimal downtime. The event also fea- tures local food trucks, themed beverage tents serving throw- back drinks, and merchandise stands offering reissues of clas - sic band tees. Whether you were a teenager in 1999 or discovered these bands later through stream- ing playlists, the festival offers a bridge between generations of rock fans who share an apprecia- tion for pow- erful, melodic songwri t ing. In stark con- trast to the loud guitars and arena- style energy of Summer of ’99, the Lowell Folk Festival, held July 25–27, 2025, celebrates musical heritage and cul- tural diversity in a format that feels more like a global village than a traditional fes- tival. Taking place in down- town Lowell, Massachu- setts, this is the largest free folk festival in the United States, transforming the city into an open-air stage featur- ing music and dance tradi- tions from around the world. Visitors to the Lowell Folk Festival can wander be- tween multiple performance areas, each showcasing dif- ferent cultural styles: Ap- palachian string bands, Cape Verdean morna, Co- lombian cumbia, African drumming ensembles, and Filipino kulintang orchestras. Per- formances are accompanied by storytelling and educational ses- sions where artists explain the historical and cultural contexts of their music, fostering deeper appreciation among attendees. Beyond the music, the festival includes craft demonstrations by master artisans, ranging from Native American basket weav- ing to Vietnamese wood carving. Food vendors line the streets of- fering authentic dishes represent- ing dozens of countries, turning lunch into a culinary tour around the world. Unlike ticketed festi- vals with security gates, Lowell Folk Festival maintains a wel- coming, community-centered vibe where families spread out picnic blankets, children dance freely, and elders nod along to rhythms passed down through generations. Both of these July festivals, though vastly different in scale and genre, embody what summer music events do best: create spac- es for people to connect. Whether you’re singing along with thou- sands to late-90s anthems or watching a master kora player under the shade of a centuries-old church tower, these experiences stay with you long after the final notes fade. This month, take time to seek out the music that moves you – because no matter the genre, summer always sounds better with a live soundtrack. Who are you looking forward to seeing the most this summer?