Summer is so close you can almost taste the ice cold lemonade in the air. As the season that’s best known for beach days, summer BBQs, and music festivals approaches, it’s time to start planning your festivities. Christian Musical Festivals are a time to enjoy days full of music from your favorite groups, listen to thoughtful commentary from guest speakers, and engage with fellow faith-centered individuals. Overall, experiencing a taste of the festival life makes for a summer well spent. With an abundance of options to choose from, read on for 5 Christian Music festivals that rock.
SonRise Music Festival
May 20-22
Virginia Beach is hosting its third annual SonRise Music Festival this summer. The concert, produced by the Christ-centered team at SonRise Ministries, has five exciting headliners, including Building 429, Blanca, Jeremy Rosado, Citizen Way, and Brightwork. A handful of local rock acts and inspirational guest speakers will also be there. The Virginia Beach Oceanfront serves as a great backdrop to experience a weekend full of music, love, and prayer. Worship service is on Sunday, and all proceeds/donations go towards providing blankets and care bags for local homeless shelters. General admission tickets are free with a suggested donation. VIP tickets can be purchased at http://www.sonrisemin.org/.
Creation Northeast
June 29-July 2
America’s largest Christian music festival will take the country by storm again this summer. The concert kicks off with Creation Northeast in June at the flagship Pennsylvania location. The impressive lineup has over 60 bands, including Switchfoot, NewsBoys, For King and Country, Family Force 5, Rend Collective, Red, Tedashii, Brightwork, and Hollyn. There’s also a petting zoo, fireworks, extreme sports, candlelight services, baptisms, communions, and other experience-based activities. Visit http://creationfest.com/ne/ for more details.
Alive
July 20-23
If you’re looking for a mid-summer festival event, Alive is a top pick. The Atwood Lake Park & Amphitheater is also home to a 1,500-acre campground site in Mineral City, Ohio. With a lineup that includes favorites, like Skillet, Switchfoot, Casting Crowns, For King & Country, Rend Collective, All Sons & Daughters, and more, you can’t go wrong. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the Alive Festival podcast for a look at the music festival from key insiders. Festival details at http://www.alive.org.
Creation Northwest
August 4-6
If you live on the West Coast, Creation Northwest is a perfect 3-day festival to check out. The Kennewick, Washington, festival hosts some of the same top-notch headliners as Creation Northeast, with some additions. With an August 4-6th date, there’s enough time in between that you can attend both. Full lineup and details about the Benton County Fairgrounds at http://creationfest.com/nw.
Lifelight
September 2-4
If you’re looking for a getaway for Labor Day this year, consider a trip to Worthing, South Dakota, for a weekend full of Gospel music and message. What started out as a local concert at a church in South Dakota, has now grown to a festival with over 320,000 attendees and six stages. Lifelight’s main stage lineup features LeCrae, Heather Headly, Joe White, Michael W. Smith, Tedashii, Brightwork, and many others. There are additional Midwest tour dates too. Check out all the details at http://lifelight.org.
