The Best Soul Music Festivals of 2018

Find out which soul music festivals are the best of 2018. These festivals feature great performers and a variety of music styles for everyone to enjoy.

Picking the Best Festival for You

Trying to find the best soul music festivals of 2018? Look no further! This list has everything from the best locations, to finding the cheapest tickets. No matter what your budget, there’s a soul music festival out there for you. Let’s get started!

Consider the Location

It’s important to consider the location of the festival. If you’re someone who hates being in the heat, then chances are you won’t want to attend a festival that takes place in the desert. The same goes for if you don’t like being in cold weather. Consider your preferred climate when looking at festivals.

Also, take into consideration how easy it is to get to the festival. If it’s a long drive or an international flight, that can add a lot of cost onto attending the festival. If you’re someone who doesn’t mind spending extra money on travel, then this might not be as big of a factor for you. But, if you’re trying to save money, festivals that are closer to home or easy to get to via public transportation might be more ideal.

Consider the Lineup

When you’re looking for a soul music festival to attend, you’ll want to consider the lineup. The best festivals will have a mix of well-known performers and up-and-coming artists, so you can enjoy both the classics and the latest hits. Make sure to check out who’s playing before you buy your tickets.

Consider the Cost

It’s no secret that festivals can be expensive. Most of the time, you’re looking at a weekend (or more) of music, camping, and general revelry, which means that you’ll need to budget accordingly. Luckily, there are a number of ways to save money on festivals.

First and foremost, consider the cost of tickets. Early bird tickets are almost always cheaper than tickets purchased closer to the date of the festival, so if you know you want to go to a particular event, it’s best to buy your tickets as soon as possible. Additionally, many festivals offer discounts for groups, so if you’re planning on attending with a group of friends, check to see if there are any deals that you can take advantage of.

Another way to save money is to be strategic about your camping setup. If you don’t mind roughing it, bring along a tent and some sleeping bags so that you can avoid paying for overpriced festival camping fees. Alternatively, some festivals offer “glamping” options for those who want a little more luxury; while these will undoubtedly cost more than traditional camping, they may be worth it for those who want to avoid spending their entire weekend in a tent.

Finally, make sure to take advantage of all the freebies that festivals have to offer. Many events will have free stages featuring local bands or DJs; while these may not be the headliners that you came to see, they can provide a great way to see new talent and save some money. Additionally, many festivals have free activities such as yoga classes or art workshops; these can be great ways to experience new things and meet new people without spending any money.

The Best Festivals of 2018

Chicago, IL – The best soul music festivals of 2018 offer a wide variety of sounds and styles, from classic R&B to neo-soul to contemporary soul. These festivals also offer a wide range of experiences, from intimate gatherings of music lovers to large-scale festivals with hundreds of thousands of attendees. No matter what your taste in soul music, there’s a festival for you.

The Roots Picnic

The Roots Picnic is an annual music festival organized by hip hop group The Roots that takes place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. The fest was founded in 2008 by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and Tarik “Black Thought” Trotter, and is produced by Live Nation. The picnic features a variety of musical genres including soul, hip hop, R&B, rock, and pop.

The picnic has been held at various locations throughout Philadelphia, including Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing, The Mann Center for the Performing Arts, and the Wells Fargo Center. In 2018, the festival will be returning to its original location at the Festival Pier.

Essence Music Festival

Every year, music lovers from all over the world flock to New Orleans for the annual Essence Music Festival. This year’s lineup includes headliners Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, and Snoop Dogg, as well as many other iconic R&B and soul performers. Essence is more than just a music festival — it’s also a celebration of African American culture, with panel discussions, craft workshops, and other events happening throughout the weekend. If you’re looking for a soulful way to spend your Fourth of July weekend, this is the place to be.

Newport Jazz Festival

If you’re a fan of soulful tunes, the Newport Jazz Festival should be at the top of your list. This year, it takes place from August 2-5 in Newport, Rhode Island, and will feature performances by the likes of Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Esperanza Spalding. It’s sure to be an event you won’t want to miss.

Made in America

Since 2012, Jay-Z’s Made in America festival has taken over Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway for a long weekend of music, art, and food. The event is curated by the billionaire rapper himself, and past headliners have included everyone from Kanye West and Pearl Jam to Chance the Rapper and Run the Jewels. With eight stages spread out across the parkway, there’s something for everyone at Made in America—and it’s all happening in one of America’s most historic cities.

AFROPUNK Brooklyn

AFROPUNK Brooklyn is an annual music festival that celebrates African American culture and highlights music genres such as punk, hip hop, and soul. The festival takes place in Brooklyn, New York and features both local and national talent. This year’s lineup includes Janelle Monae, De La Soul, and SZA.