With Free Press Summer Fest only a few weeks away, the schedule of performers has been released, giving festival-goers time to figure out a plan of action. Houston's largest music event takes place on Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1 at Eleanor Tinsley Park, rain or shine.
Most of the festival's headliners, including Jack White, Vampire Weekend, Childish Gambino, Lauryn Hill, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros and Dwight Yoakam, will perform on the Mars Stage from around 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. both days.
A new feature is the "Welcome to Houston" showcase with a joint performance by six legendary Houston rappers. Slim Thug, Devin the Dude, Z-Ro, Paul Wall, Mike Jones and H-Town favorite Bun B (formerly of UGK) will unite on the Neptune Stage at 6:10 p.m. May 31.
A new phone app not only has the full festival lineup but also lets you create your own personalized schedule, making the difficult choice of which acts to see a far simpler one.
If you don't get your rap group fix with the Houston showcase, then check out Wu-Tang Clan's performance on June 1 at 7:30 p.m. on the Neptune Stage. With so much buzz surrounding their new secret album (which reportedly features Cher), it promises to be a festival highlight. Maybe they'll give the crowd another 51 second preview.
The most popular national (or international) acts typically perform after 3 p.m. each day, so if you want to catch acts like Washed Out, DMX, Jana Hunter, Uh Huh Her or Chvrches, make sure you arrive before then.
As anyone who has been to Summer Fest (or any music festival for that matter) can attest, it can be tricky keeping track of who is playing on which stage at what time. FPSF organizers have made that far easier this year with the introduction of a new phone app (available for both iPhone and Android). The app not only has the full festival lineup but also lets you create your own personalized schedule, making the difficult choice of which acts to see a far simpler one.
If you're willing to shell out $150, you can fortify yourself before the festival at the Official FPSF Preview Breakfast on May 31 at 9:30 a.m., featuring original music from Bun B with super-producer Dan the Automator (of Gorillaz and Deltron 3030). Food will be provided by Uchi director of culinary operations Philip Speer and Hell's Kitchen champ Ja'Nel Witt with cocktails crafted by Justin Burrow of Captain Foxheart's Bad News Bar.
Festival tickets are available for purchase online. It usually sells out before day of the event so it's a good idea to buy tickets in advance.
Find the full FPSF schedule here.
Headliner Jack White will perform on Sunday, June 1 from 8:40 to 10 p.m. on the Mars Stage.
