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Festival season

Beat the traffic: Fly to a music festival

Looking for an excuse to plan a flying adventure? Festival season is approaching! Here are some music festivals you can attend flying general aviation:
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Hangout Fest May 20-22

This annual festival on the beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama, is perfect for those looking for a smaller-scale festival that still hosts some big names. Listen to music with your toes in the sand and surf. Closest airport: Gulf Shores International/Jack Edwards Field (JKA).

Life is Beautiful September 16-18

Located in fabulous Las Vegas, this unique festival incorporates the heart of the city into the musical experience. See a side to Vegas that you’ve likely never seen before, which proves that the town is much more than the Las Vegas Strip. Closest airport: North Las Vegas Airport (VGT).

Lollapalooza July 28-31

This annual festival takes place at the beautiful and historic Grant Park in Chicago. The park, which rests along the shores of Lake Michigan, hosts multiple stages and a variety of food options—with the skyscrapers of Chicago as a backdrop. Closest airports: Chicago Executive Airport (PWK), Schaumburg Regional Airport (06C).

Coachella April 15-17 and 22-24 and Stagecoach April 29-May 1

Perhaps the most well-known music festival, Coachella is held annually over two weekends in Indio, California, at the Empire Polo Club. The expansive festival has multiple stages, options for on-site camping, art installations, and performances by the biggest, trendiest names in music. Stagecoach is Coachella’s country music sister festival. This event hosts the biggest names in popular country music, and it almost requires a pair of cowboy boots to get through the gates. Closest airports: Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport (TRM).

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Alyssa J. Miller
Alicia Herron
Publications Content Producer
Publications Content Producer Alicia Herron joined AOPA in 2018. She is a multiengine-rated commercial pilot with advanced ground and instrument flight instructor certificates. She is based in Los Angeles and enjoys tailwheel flying best.

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