Festival forecast 2018

SHAKY KNEES/SHAKY BEATS

Atlanta’s summer festival season kicks off with two of the most celebrated gatherings in the Southeast. Shaky Knees and Shaky Beats each offer three days of music stacked with lineups that hit all the right notes. Renowned acts Jack White, Queens of the Stone Age, and the National headline Shaky Knees, joined by Fleet Foxes, Courtney Barnett, Cake, and more artists that cover an array of genres. Shaky Beats comes out of the gate strong with a lineup featuring scores of cutting-edge hip-hop and electronic music acts, featuring headliners Marshmello, Zedd, and Kygo, along with Ludacris, Playboy Carti, and Seven Lions. Both festivals set up shop in Central Park: Shaky Knees is set for May 4-6 and Shaky Beats May 11-14. Single-day tickets for Shaky Knees are $99+ fees. Three-day passes are $189 + Fees. But don’t forget, if you get that Shaky Knees logo tattooed on your body the festival is free for you. Single-day tickets for Shaky Beats are $95 + fees, and three-day passes are $179 + fees. www.shakykneesfestival.com and www.shakybeatsfestival.com.

ATLANTA JAZZ FESTIVAL

The 41st annual Atlanta Jazz Festival returns with a full day dedicated to groups led by women. Saturday boasts performances by Anat Cohen Quartet, Grammy-winning vocalist Dianne Reeves, and Thumbscrew, featuring avant-garde guitarist Mary Halvorson. On Sunday, pianist Jon Batiste (“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”) leads the Dap-Kings. Post-bop trio the Bad Plus, and the Latin Jazz All Stars also perform. Free. 12:30 p.m. May 26-27 www.atlanta.net/events/atlanta-jazz-festival.

CANDLER PARK MUSIC + FOOD FESTIVAL

To celebrate a decade-long run, the annual Candler Park Music and Food Festival returns June 1-2 — two days packed with a formidable lineup of music, food, art, and fun in Candler Park. Friday’s lineup includes performances by Lettuce, Keller Williams’ PettyGrass ft. the Hillbenders, and Larkin Poe, while Saturday features performances by Gov’t Mule, Houndmouth, and Susto. Both days bring food vendors, including Sweet Auburn BBQ, Island Noodles, and Makara Mediterranean, as well as cocktails, field games, an artists market, and more. $30-$80. June 1-2. Candler Park. 1500 McLendon Ave. www.candlerparkmusicfestival.com.

TUNES FROM THE TOMBS

Historic Oakland Cemetery opens its gates once again, welcoming festival goers to one of the city’s classiest day gatherings. For eight years the famous cemetery has offered musical performances, as well as local eats, arts, and brews. Tunes From the Tombs features three stages of music and a lineup of local talent headlined by Southern rockers Drivin’ N Cryin.’ Tunes from the Tombs also boasts performances by Heather Gillis Band, the Bitterroots, and nine other artists from all over the Peach State. $10-$20. 12 p.m. June 9 www.oaklandcemetery.com/?event=tunes-from-the-tombs-2.

IRRELEVANT MUSIC FEST

Irrelevant Music Fest continues to gain traction in its third year. What started as an effort to give a spotlight to overlooked local and touring artists has turned into a five-day, full-fledged music festival. With headliners including Microwave, Negative Gemini, Dasher, and Pylon Reenactment Society, as well as dozens of local and national acts and DJ sets, this festival is not to be missed. 529 shows are $15 (adv)-$17 (door). The Bakery show is $20. Schedule coming soon. July 18-22. www.irrelevantmusic.net.

THE BIG THING

The Big Thing has been a staple of the Atlanta D.I.Y. music and visual arts scene for three years, and it’s only growing larger with each return. While the only detail currently confirmed about this local festival is the date, one thing to be certain of is it will host many rising and prominent, forward-thinking artists and musicians. 6 p.m.-midnight July 27. www.facebook.com/events/820323458176201.

VANS WARPED TOUR

The infamous Vans Warped Tour embarks on one final cross-country odyssey, giving pop-punk fans more reason to celebrate than mourn. The mobile festival’s last lineup serves as a greatest-hits list featuring well-known acts that previously embarked on the tour. Acts such as 3OH!3, Reel Big Fish, Less Than Jake, and Simple Plan are just some of the bands who will be playing Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood.$45-$55. 11 a.m. July 31. www.vanswarpedtour.com/dates/atlanta.

ONE MUSICFEST

ONE Musicfest receives an upgrade this year. Due to the festival’s popularity and high demand another day has been added. This means double the music, double the food, and double the fun. ONE Musicfest is happening September 8-9. As of press time, the lineup and venue are unconfirmed. Expect it to be large. www.onemusicfest.com.

MUSIC MIDTOWN

Located in the heart of Piedmont Park, any list of Atlanta festivals would be incomplete without Music Midtown. As of press time, no details are available regarding one of Atlanta’s largest music events. www.musicmidtown.com.

IMAGINE

Imagine Festival (Sept. 21-23) is a celebration of all things EDM, featuring some of the hottest electronic musicians, DJs, and bands gathered together to party at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. Imagine also offers cirque style performers, numerous art installations, and on-site campgrounds. Imagine Music Festival is a must-attend for electronic music fans and festival fans alike. Keep your eyes peeled for details coming soon. www.imaginefestival.com.

A3C

The A3C festival returns to the Georgia Freight Depot the weekend of Oct. 6-7. It’s the festival and conference’s 14th annual installment, and the 2018 festival lineup ain’t nothin’ to eff with. Literally! This year, A3C brings the Wu-Tang Clan — the RZA, the GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and Cappadonna — for a weekend of Shaolin madness. BONG BONG!

Performances will be spread across three stages. The outdoor stage will host performances by a stellar cast that includes Lil Wayne, the Diplomats, Curren$y, PRhyme, Mannie Fresh, and Westside Gunn + Conway, as well as lauded locals J.I.D., Childish Major, and Deante Hitchcock… and, of course, the Wu-Tang swarm! This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers, so keep your ears peeled for the classics, and pour a little out, raise your hands to the sky, and sing the name of the fallen god, Ol’ Dirty Bastard. May he rest in peace.

The indoor stage will host a marathon of Atlanta’s most prominent up-and-coming hip-hop acts, and the DJ stage will be manned by the WERC Crew and Controllerise. More lineup announcements will be coming soon, along with details regarding the A3C conference which returns to the Loudermilk Center Oct. 3-5. Tickets available at www.a3cfestival.com.

AFROPUNK

AFROPUNK is more than just a music festival. It’s a celebration of culture that juxtaposes African spirit and heritage with a punk attitude, creating an unrivaled festival experience. This ‘Carnival of Consciousness,’ which celebrates global multiculturalism via music, art, culture, food, and style, is all about championing diversity, something that’s reflected in the lineup. N.E.R.D headlines, joined by a host of emerging and established acts including the Internet, Benjamin Booker, and Wicked Wisdom. More guests will be announced soon. $40-$85. October 13-14. 787 Windsor St. (Mechanicsville). www.afropunkfest.com/atlanta.

MASS DESTRUCTION METAL FEST