Beaches just aren't as fun in Fall. Sure, there's still sand and surf, but those don't always pair too well with rain and wind. Hold on, hold on, don't pack up our Seaturtle Sports’ games yet. The most obvious playing field might be a little under the weather, but that doesn't mean that there aren't some great new ones waiting for you.
Birds aren't the only things flying South these days – musicians are en route as well. Our warmer states host some of the biggest festivals this side of Coachella. And while Northern neighbors hunker down in the frost, we're still throwing some absolutely massive outdoor bashes. So grab the tent and your Yazoo set, and go check out our top three Fall campout fests.
1) Mulberry Mountain Harvest Music Festival
Where: Ozark, AR
When: October 16 – 18
To those of you a little turned off by the dust storms of Coachella, the crowds of SXSW, or the rampant insanity of Burning Man, we have a festival for you. Harvest is one of those rare festivals that keeps a relatively low profile (attendance usually caps out at around 8,000), but still draws top musical talent. Folk, indie, and bluegrass bands rule the roost at Mulberry Mountain, with this year's headliners including Trampled by Turtles, Elephant Revival, and the Yonder Mountain String Band. Families looking for a musical getaway can take advantage of a special kid-friendly camping area. And let's not ignore the location. Harvest is held in the Ozark National Forest right on time to catch the fall colors. Not a bad spot for a three-day trip.
2) Voodoo Music Experience
Where: New Orleans, LA
When: October 31 – November 2
Harvest sound a little dull to you? Maybe it's time to head to Voodoo, one of the top festivals in the South, or anywhere for that matter. Outkast is in town this year, as are electronic stars Skrillex and Zedd. If rock's more your style, the Arctic Monkeys and the Foo Fighters are both headed to NOLA. And that really is just the tip of the iceberg – bottom line, Voodoo packs some of the best and biggest acts on earth. Even camping out at Voodoo nets you some luxury accommodations. Camp Voodoo contains some spiffed up, two man tents that you'll probably have to rent to believe. And, of course, the festival's in the heart of New Orleans, so if you somehow manage to get tired of the music, there's probably something else around to keep you occupied.
3) Suwanee Hulaween
Where: Live Oak, FL
When: October 30 – November 2
Live Oak gets busy during the Fall and Winter. It's a tiny city just East of Tallahassee and, for some reason, doesn't get as wet and miserable as the rest of the state. This climatic bonus has made it one of the bastions of live music, and the Hulaween festival is just one of a string of major fests that visit Live Oak. That said, it's also one of the best. Hulaween attracts innovators in droves, so if you're in the mood for something a bit different, it may be time to start looking for tickets. Big Gigantic, a quirky jazz and electronica band, is just the tip of the iceberg. Fellow headliners Thievery Corporation are also must-watch, as is Shpongle, producers of some of the wildest psychadelic music you're ever likely to find.