Summer is in full swing and although July is drawing to a close, August is still bringing some of the year’s most anticipated events across the USA. From music festivals and cultural gatherings to sporting events and unique experiences, there are events in August for everyone.
We also know the hassle of planning a trip around a big event, so we’ve rounded up the five biggest ones happening this August, along with some insider tips to help you make the most of them. So let’s get those festival shoes dusted off as we prepare to kick this summer into overdrive!
Lollapalooza (Chicago, IL)
Lollapalooza, a staple in the American music festival scene, draws over 400,000 music lovers to Chicago’s Grant Park each year. This multi-day extravaganza isn’t just about music – it’s about immersing yourself in a world of art, food, and culture.
This year’s lineup is diverse and dynamic, with headliners from every genre imaginable.
Whether you’re into rock, EDM, hip hop, or anything in between, there’s a stage for you. Some of this year’s most anticipated headliners are Hozier, Megan Thee Stallion, and Blink 182 for all the millennials still in attendance.
Pro Tip: Lollapalooza can be overwhelming for first-timers. Make a plan of attack beforehand by checking out the schedule and highlighting the acts you absolutely can’t miss. And don’t forget to explore Chow Town, where local vendors serve up some of the most delicious food in the city.
Lollapalooza Parking
While parking isn’t available on the festival grounds, Lollapalooza has partnered with Millennium Garages to offer convenient parking options for festival-goers. Millennium Garages is located directly beneath Grant Park, Millennium Park, and Maggie Daley Park, making it the closest and most convenient option for festival parking. They offer four garages to choose from: Millennium Lakeside Garage, Millennium Park Garage, Grant Park South, and Grant Park North.
- Extended Stay Parking: If you’re planning to attend multiple days of the festival, consider purchasing the Extended Stay Parking pass. This option provides in-and-out access for the duration of your stay at one of their four garages.
- Daily Parking: If you only need parking for a single day, you can purchase a 24-hour pass online for $20. This pass is valid at all four Millennium Garages.
To avoid traffic and potential road closures, Millennium Garages recommends parking at the Millennium Lakeside Garage, which has easy access on and off of DuSable Lake Shore Drive. The entrance is located at 5 South Columbus Drive between Randolph & Monroe.
Public Transportation for Lollapalooza
Chicago’s public transportation system, CTA, Metra, and Pace, makes getting to Lollapalooza a breeze. Most rail stations and bus lines are accessible. Use the Regional Transportation Authority’s trip planner to find the best route for you, or visit their website for more information on accessible services.
2. Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival (San Francisco, CA)
If you’re looking for a festival with a unique vibe, Outside Lands is the place to be. Held in San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Park, this festival draws around 220,000 attendees each year with its eclectic mix of music, art, food, and comedy.
Outside Lands isn’t just a festival – it’s a celebration of San Francisco’s diverse culture. From the food vendors serving up local delicacies to the art installations showcasing the city’s creative spirit, you’ll be immersed in the best the Bay Area has to offer. This year, the likes of Sabrina Carpenter and The Killers will make this an event to remember.
Pro Tip: Be sure to explore the festival’s many hidden gems. There are often secret sets, pop-up performances, and interactive experiences tucked away in various corners of the park.
Where to Park for Outside Lands
Outside Lands strongly encourages attendees to explore transportation options beyond driving, such as local shuttles, rideshares, MUNI, BART, walking, scooters, or bikes. Parking is unavailable at the festival and severely limited in the surrounding areas. For a smoother experience, the festival recommends considering alternative modes of transportation to get to Outside Lands this year.
- Shuttle Service: Outside Lands offers a pre-paid shuttle service from the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in downtown San Francisco to the south entrance of the festival. Shuttles run continuously throughout the day, starting at 11 AM.
- BART: Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) runs until around midnight on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Plan your trip using their Trip Planner and consider getting a Clipper card in advance for seamless travel. BART parking is free after 3 PM on Friday and all day on weekends (except for Milpitas and Berryessa/North San Jose stations).
- Bike Parking: Free self-park bike parking is available at the eastern and southern parts of the festival site.
- Bay Wheels: If you need a ride, Bay Wheels has a special station near the main entrance on JFK Drive, with valets to assist you.
If you must drive, be aware that parking is extremely limited and there are various restrictions in nearby neighborhoods. Overnight parking of vehicles taller than 7ft or longer than 12ft, street cleaning violations, and 72-hour prohibitions may result in tickets and towing.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is about 30 minutes from the festival site, and Oakland International Airport (OAK) is about 50 minutes away.
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3. US Open Tennis Championships (New York City, NY)
The US Open is a must-see for any tennis fan and is among the biggest events in August on US soil. As one of the four Grand Slam tournaments, it attracts over 700,000 spectators each year, making it one of the most attended sporting events in the world.
Watch the world’s top tennis players battle it out on the court in New York, from seasoned veterans to rising stars. The energy at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is electric, and you’ll feel the excitement in every match.
Pro Tip: We know the hassle of securing tickets to a high-demand event like this. Plan well in advance and consider buying a grounds pass, which gives you access to all the outer courts and fan areas, even if you can’t get into the main stadium.
Parking at the US Open
Due to limited parking availability, the US Open strongly encourages all attendees to use public transportation.
For those driving on non-conflict dates (when there isn’t a New York Mets home game), parking will be directed to the Mets Stadium Yellow Zone. Parking is complimentary for Cadillac vehicles starting Monday, August 26th.
As of 2024, Reserved parking is available within the garage located at the Shops at Skyview, about a 15-minute walk from the boardwalk. This option offers a convenient entry and exit away from Mets Stadium congestion. Spots can be reserved online at a discounted rate.
Public Transportation to the US Open
The US Open is easily accessible via public transportation:
- Subway: The 7 train provides direct service from Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan to Mets-Willets Point Station, the closest station to the US Open.
- Long Island Rail Road (LIRR): The LIRR offers convenient service to Mets-Willets Point Station from Penn Station and other locations.
- Bus: Multiple bus routes serve the area around the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
4. Burning Man (Black Rock Desert, NV)
Burning Man is a one-of-a-kind experience. More than a festival, it’s a temporary city built in the Nevada desert, where around 70,000 participants come together to create art, build communities, and express themselves freely.
Burning Man is all about radical self-expression, self-reliance, and community participation. From massive art installations to themed camps, there’s always something new and exciting to discover.
Pro Tip: Burning Man is not for the faint of heart. Be sure to research the event thoroughly and come prepared with everything you need to survive and thrive in the harsh desert environment.
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5. Woodward Dream Cruise (Detroit, MI)
Car enthusiasts, rejoice! The Woodward Dream Cruise is the world’s largest one-day automotive event, attracting over 1.5 million people and 40,000 classic cars each year.
This celebration of all things automotive takes over Detroit’s Woodward Avenue, transforming it into a nostalgic wonderland filled with vintage vehicles, car shows, live music, and a whole lot of fun.
Pro Tip: We know how important it is to get a good view of the cruising action. If you want a prime spot, arrive early and be prepared to spend the day soaking up the atmosphere.
Parking for the Woodward Dream Cruise
Parking for the Woodward Dream Cruise is spread out across the different participating communities. Here are some options:
- Municipal Parking: The cities of Birmingham, Ferndale, Pontiac, and Royal Oak all offer municipal parking lots and structures within walking distance of the cruise route.
- Royal Oak Parks: In Royal Oak, you can find parking at the Royal Oak Golf Center, Gunn Dyer Park, and Upton Park.
- Additional Resources: For a comprehensive list of parking locations and other helpful information, be sure to check the official Woodward Dream Cruise website and the Woodward Dream Cruise Parking Information page.
No matter which event you choose to attend, remember to plan ahead, pack smart, and most importantly, have fun! These are experiences you won’t want to miss.