Festival season is almost here! And this year I am excited to be partnering with Bunbury Music Festival in Cincinnati, Ohio. Bunbury holds a very special place in my heart. It was the first music festival my boyfriend and I went to together back in 2015. Since then, we have been to many more, and now we are excited to be circling right back to Bunbury.
This year I am especially excited about their stellar lineup. Jack White, Foster the People, Incubus, and Fitz and the Tantrums, just to name a few. What I love about Bunbury’s lineup each year is the diversity. It’s not just a rock festival, an indie festival, a hip-hop festival – it’s all of the above, plus some. The common thread with the lineup this year is that it’s all great music to dance to. As soon as I saw the lineup, I started building my dream setlists in my head. Songs I want to, no, NEED to hear at Bunbury this year. So here are the 28 songs I’m hoping to hear at Bunbury Festival this year!
“The Hardest Button to Button” by Jack White – Yes, I realize this is technically a White Stripes song. But Jack White throws White Stripes songs into his set all the time! A girl can dream, right?
“The State of Massachusetts” by Dropkick Murphys – If I could pick one Dropkick song to hear, it would definitely be this one, preferably with a nice cold beer in my hand.
“Cough Syrup” by Young the Giant – My favorite Young the Giant song, and easily one of my most listened to songs of 2010. Eight years later, it’s still a bop. And I always forget how many great Young the Giant songs there are until I start listening to them again, like “My Body” and “Apartment” which are also at the top of my list.
“Reflections” by Misterwives – This song is on literally all of my playlists. My workout playlist, my road trip playlist, my party playlist. It is absolutely impossible not to be in a good mood listening to this song. I cannot WAIT to dance to this song in the Cincinnati sun.
“Machine” by Misterwives – Honestly, I’m excited for their whole set, but this song deserves a shoutout of its own.
“I Only Lie When I Love You” by Royal Blood – Royal Blood’s music sounds like leather jackets. It sounds like burlesque and cigarettes. Overall? It just makes you feel like a badass. And who doesn’t like to feel like a badass?
“Semi-Charmed Life” and “Jumper” by Third Eye Blind – Oh the nostalgia! Two songs that are still catchy 21 years later – just try not to sing along! I dare you!
“Anna Molly” by Incubus – I’m loving the throwbacks in the lineup this year. If I were asked to name the songs that epitomize early 2000’s alternative rock, Anna Molly would be one of the first on the list. That, and of course, “Pardon Me,” which I am intent on hearing. While they’re at it, if they can just play the chorus of “Megalomaniac” over and over again, that would be great.
“What’s My Name Again?” by Blink 182 – I was not a Blink 182 fan growing up, but I would be lying if I said I didn’t sing along to this song every single time it comes on at a bar or a party. I know I’m not the only one. And if you don’t sing “All the Small Things” in your best nasally pop-punk voice, you’re lying.
“Pumped Up Kicks” by Foster the People – A song that is just as dark as it is pleasant. We all loved Foster the People when Pumped Up Kicks was released, and I think we all forgot just how much until they topped themselves with “Don’t Stop (Color on the Walls)”.
“The Suffering” by Coheed and Cambria – Do you have a song that can just transport you back to a moment? I remember listening to this song on our boombox in my best friends bedroom in junior high, and later on in our older friends cars. And I love those songs that can just take you back.
“Don’t Let Me Down” by The Chainsmokers – I’m not a huge Chainsmokers fan, but it definitely fits in with the unofficial “dance” theme of the festival this year. While I may not sit at home listening to Chainsmokers, I am pretty excited to dance to their music at Bunbury.
“Hipster Shakes” by Black Pistol Fire – I know, I hate the name too. But if you’re not familiar with Black Pistol Fire, imagine a combination of Jack White and Black Keys, with a little twist of their own. Now try to tell me you’re not excited to hear that!
“Blue Dream” by Black Pistol Fire – I have seen Black Pistol Fire before, and their recordings are nothing compared to their live show. I have not seen them perform their newest album yet, and I cannot WAIT.
“Shake It Out” by Manchester Orchestra – I am in love with Andy Hull’s voice, and this is one of my favorite performances of his – an angst that reminds me of Conor Oberst and early Gerard Way. And while it may not be as angsty, I am also excited to hear “The Only One”.
“I Can Feel a Hot One” by Manchester Orchestra – What I love about Manchester Orchestra records is the ebb and flow, and this song is the perfect ebb. The moment to breathe in all the angst. Not to mention you can hear every single one of Andy Hull’s influences coming across loud and clear in this song; Neutral Milk Hotel, Bright Eyes, maybe even a bit of Kurt Cobain.
“Dark Blue” by Andrew McMahon – He has to pull out some Jack’s Mannequin classics, right?! My little emo heart is begging for it!
“River” by Bishop Briggs – First of all, this girl is killing it playing festivals, going on tour, landing songs in movies….and she doesn’t even have an album yet! If you listen to this song, you’ll understand why. The people want more!
“Hands Clap” by Fitz and the Tantrums – One of my favorite songs of 2017. This is the song that will make even the non-dancers bust a move, and that’s a magical thing.
“Out Of My League” by Fitz and the Tantrums – A summer anthem. When I hear this song, I imagine montages of beautiful people partying on the beach, or riding in a convertible with the top down. It’s only fitting to have a summer anthem at the event of the summer.
Omg I need to make a trip to Cincinnati ! Sounds fun!
You should! The festival will be AMAZING this year!
I absolutely love Bunbury! I grew up in Cincinnati and it was always the best show!
Oh no way! Hope to see you there this June..? 🙂
Incredible! Do you live near this? I love the majority of those artists & bands- my husband and I have seen Incubus multiple times live & they are soooo good! I 10000% agree with Meglomaniac over & over- we must be soul sistas!
It’s about two hours from where I live – DEFINITELY worth the trip! <3
I play this Fantastic show!!Yeaahhh!!
I have never been but this actually sounds awesome! Thank you for sharing babe ❤️
Thank you for reading!
This sounds incredibly fun! AND I love your taste in music!!!
It’s going to be a blast! And thank you!
Friggin love this post and huge handful of these songs are amazing. Sod it, maybe I’ll tag along and come too 🙂 xx
Tag along!! It’s going to be incredible, trust me! <3
I have never been to a music festival before but this one sounds amazing! Hand Clap by Fitz and the Tantrums would be amazing to see live. I can’t want to see your next blog post go live with a recap of the festival!
Thanks! I will have one more post up before the festival. Then live festival coverage June 1, 2, and 3!
Sounds like a great lineup! I’ve never even heard of the Bunbury festival, and I’m from the Midwest!
Definitely check it out and keep an eye out for my upcoming posts! It will be a fun one this year!
Such a great idea for music festivals! Lots of great songs listed here, I’m sure it’ll be an amazing time. Hope you get to hear them all!
Thank you! I’m looking forward to it!
I haven’t been to many music festivals but I know that it’s always fun. Bunbury seems like a cool event to go. Enjoy!
Thank you! We’re looking forward to it!
My goodness! These songs take me down memory lane! Especially “Cough Syrup” and any Blink-182 songs! Sounds like the festival will be a blast. Enjoy yourself and definitely keep us posted.
I’m so excited to relive my youth during those sets! lol
Sounds like a great event! The music that you have chosen would be an awesome addition as well. Music festivals are fun. I haven’t been to many, but enjoyed the ones I have been to!
I have never been to the show but now I’m intrigues. Guess I have to add it to my list. The list just keeps growing!!!
Bunbury is definitely worth adding to the list!
incubus and Blink 182 remind me of my absolute youth!! Used to play them on repeat for days and weeks. How exciting this concert look I really hope it delivers everything you are hoping for.
SAME!
Great line up! I heard Weezer so pumped up kicks live once and it was awesome. Festivals always bring something fun and I love alternative rock so this festival is right up my alley!
Wow! Great lineup. I would need to add just one song…Drive by Incubus – always a fave.
Ahhh yes! It was SO hard to narrow it down for this list! I keep thinking of new songs I want to add every day lol
What a great line up! I’d love to see Jack White live, I love his new stuff as well as the White Stripes catchy tunes!
I’ll be interested to see what he plays! He hasn’t done a solo tour in so long – just shows here and there. I’m hoping for a good mix of solo stuff and White Stripes + Raconteurs.
Seeing Blink 182 perform is going to be such an awesome throw back! This looks like such a good lineup. I love all the variety of music!! I hope you have the best time ❤️
Thank you! Yes, I’m stoked for Blink 182. Even though I’m not a HUGE fan, the nostalgia of it all is gonna be what makes it fun. I’ve never seen them live, so I’m pumped!
Ahh I absolutely love love LOVE Royal Blood and Young the Giant! This is going to be absolutely amazing!
Meeee toooo! You should come! It will be incredible.
This sounds like my kind of music festival! I love all the bands that are listed!!
Ugh me too! I’m so excited!
I have not been to a music festival. That is crazy since I live about two hours from where Coachella and Stagecoach take place. There is another big music festival in San Diego. Hope you have tons of fun dancing to all these awesome music. Are you going to attend the three days? How do you go about accommodations?
Yup! We’re staying for three days. Driving down Thursday, and heading back Monday. Going to find a hotel or AirBNB somewhere in walking distance. There’s no camping at Bunbury, unfortunately.
Aha! This sounds like I have to be there for the festival. Thank you for introducing me to some new songs. I haven’t heard quite a few of them. 😊❤️
You’re very welcome! There’s some great songs on this list!
Aah I love music festival – great wishlist I hope they play it all for you :p it’s the best feeling in the world when you hear a song you wanted to be play ahah
I have high hopes!
Don’t know too many of the artists but LOVE Misterwives!
omg I think I’m MOST excited for Misterwives!!!
The lineup is certainly worth making a trip to Bunbury Festival for. I’m a Blink 182 fan and that just sounds like so much fun!!
Awesome! 👍🏻
Thank you!
Some interesting bands on this lineup, both new and old. It would be fun to see Blink 182 do What’s My name again! Hope you get a few of these when you go!
I looove the mix of new and old!
I’ve never heard of Bunbury festival (prob since I’m from the Netherlands) but it does look like a fun time! I grew up on Blink 182, great music!
I bet the Netherlands get some cool shows/festivals! We’re very lucky here, we have so many amazing festivals like this one!
Wow, it’s been a long time since I’ve been to a music festival but it’s such a great thing to do when you travel – I love them for the insight into local life as much as the music.
Same! Festivals combine two of my great loves: music and travel!
This sounds like a lot of fun! I would especially love to hear Third Eye Blind and Blink 182. I’m sure they put on a great show!
I’m looking forward to both of them for the nostalgia of it all! I’m so excited!
I never been to this festival but the line-up sounds great. Have fun there!
Thank you!
This looks like such a fun music festival. 🙂
I know it will be!
Haha I definitely agree about “Hands Clap!” I defy anyone not to dance to that song, it’s just got such a good beat. It looks like a great lineup–I wish I were in Cincinnati!
Super stoked to dance the night away to that song!
Killer lineup! I had never heard of this festival but now I want to go! So many of my favorite bands are playing!!!
Tickets are still on sale and payment plans are available through the end of March!
Third Eye Blind and Blink are amazing live!! I hope I get to see The Chainsmokers soon
I can’t wait!
Wow, Fitz and the Tantrums, the Chainsmokers AND Jack White — you lucky duck!! I’ve been looking for some new stuff, so I appreciate the descriptions you’ve included in your list. Like now I really want to check out “Pistol Fire.” Thanks!
Absolutely! Hope you find some more stuff you like on this list. If you haven’t heard Misterwives before, give them a listen! I think I am MOST excited to see them live <3
This does sound really fun.
I have never actually stayed at a festival. I’ve only been to outdoor concerts where you escape in the evening and make it home for a shower! I think they all passed me by when I was younger, and now I feel like I’m a bit too ancient to get involved. ah well. I hope you have an epic time!!
There’s a good music festival out there for everyone! And Bunbury isn’t an overnight/camping festival, so we always have a nice hotel shower too! lol
I’m 55 and am going to my first music festival that is a weekend event; and am soooo excited! Don’t let your age keep you from enjoying what could be an amazing experience. I’m getting festival journal together and this is a great prompt to get one going.
cheers, Christine
Have fun! <333
Never heard of Bunbury until now, sounds like a fun music festival. I should check it out 🙂 I love the list of songs you put together, some of my favs in there 🙂
Definitely check it out! It will be an amazing weekend <3
I haven’t been to any music festival. They hadn’t caught on in India until very recently but damn would I love to visit one!!
You should definitely try one!
This sounds fun! And, hello, I *LOVE* the Queen City of Cincinnati!
Cincinnati is such an underrated city! I love it!
This song list is a blast in the past for me! I haven’t listened to Blink-182 or many of these bands in ages. Definitely makes me want to dig out some old mix CDs — ha!
I think you should make a Spotify playlist with this set and send it to us all! Have a blast at the festival!
Ooooo good idea! I will look into that!
Interesting collection. I would love to go and party. It’s been ages since I last attended a music fest.
I can’t wait to party at Bunbury <3
All are great but I want the Out Of My League
Love that song!
Not a big festival person myself, but it is interesting to see who will be playing at these things. Third Eye Blind, wow, that takes me back. 🙂
I know! So nostalgic!
I didn’t really expect to see Dark Blue on the list, but yassss sister… Jack’s Mannequin classic is definitely a to-go song when you’ve got Andrew McMahon in the festival! 😀
He’s GOTTA play it, right?!
What a great lineup! I’m so jealous that I can’t go. This will be amazing. I’ve been to numerous music festivals, but this one is really exciting. I’ve seen Manchester Orchestra several times and they’ve always blown me away.
UGH! I’ve never seen them live and I am so damn excited!
hi
never been to a concert ever , but i guess once one goes he is hooked onto … i will have a look at the songs that you mentioned it is fun to always listen to different genres of songs which helps build ones’s own like base
This would be an amazing concert to go to! Just to see Jack White would be AMAZING! Great list, thanks for sharing!
To be honest, Blink 182 is the only thing I know from the list. But wish you to have fun on the festival.
It has been so long since I have been to a concert of any kind. Bunbury sounds pretty amazing. We cannot make it this year, but I’ll put this on my list for the future. It sounds like a great lineup. I would love to see Foster the People, Third Eye Blind and Lacrae. Enjoy.
Hope to see you there next year!
I am soooooo overdue going to a festival! I haven’t been in ages! I hope you hear all the tunes you are hoping for!
Thank you! I am optimistic lol
This is such an outside the box idea – I think so many people focus on the acts and not their must see songs. Thanks for sharing all about this festival
I thought it was a fun idea 🙂 I see so many of the same types of posts about music festivals, I thought this one was fun and “out of the box” like you said!
Awesome list of songs. You’re right – Dropkick Murphy is pretty much obliged to play State of Massachusetts. This is a great list of songs, many of which I know but many I don’t so I’ll be downloading them to have a listen! Thanks for this, I’m always on the hunt for new music 🙂
Glad I could help expand your musical palette 🙂