The complete absence of music festivals in 2020 left thousands of music fans jonesing to cram together in a sweltering field and be collectively bombarded with sound for a full weekend. For those ready to get back to all-night tent parties, Delaware’s famous Firefly Music Festival announced a return to normal, complete with a huge lineup and firmly crossed fingers.
The four-day festival takes place in the capital city of Dover September 23-26. Headliners include multi-Grammy-winning pop phenom Billie Eilish (Thursday), perennial rockers The Killers (Friday), Australian psychedelic star Tame Impala (Saturday), and multi-hyphenate rapper/R&B singer/flautist Lizzo (Sunday).
Just a bit obsessed ✨
— Firefly Festival (@LiveAtFirefly) May 10, 2021
Sign up for presale access for your chance to get weekend passes at the lowest price possible! Limited quantities presale begins Friday 10am https://t.co/XYhroL8NCz pic.twitter.com/RiPAStpBTq
The nearly 100 announced acts run the gamut across generations and genres, including Houston hip-hop queen Megan Thee Stallion and Pittsburgh rapper Wiz Khalifa; indie darlings Phoebe Bridgers and Portugal. The Man; electronic megastar Diplo; and many more. For anyone looking to hear the southern-infused sounds of Band of Horses on the same weekend as southern rapper Nelly croons “Country Grammar,” attendance is a must.
Founded in 2012, Firefly is known as a full-sensory experience akin to a chiller version of Coachella, one where can cram together to see headliners then hit a more intimate Treehouse stage for quieter shows with up-and-comers. It includes a silent disco and nightlong DJ sets, plus a Pride parade and more. According to the site, the festival will continue these traditions in 2021.
Of course, it’s all to be taken with a grain of salt. Firefly's “safety” tab stresses that the ongoing COVID-19 situation could impact or outright cancel the event at any time. Attendees are being asked to follow health and safety guidelines, though it’s quick to note “It’s too early to tell exactly what precautions will be in place at the festival.”
Luckily, the festival is offering refunds should it be canceled again this year.
Presale tickets go on sale Friday, May 14 at 10pm EST at the festival’s official site.
Time Out's best albums of 2020 include one Firefly performer