It was just a couple years ago when this preview wasn’t very long at all. In fact, there weren’t that many festivals the entire summer, let alone enough to break them down by month. But with tour costs rising and bands paying more for gas, hotels, and groupies, more bands are opting for the festival circuit this year, more so now than ever. This year offers a slew of festivals that cover nearly every major market in the country. At first glance, it looks like Jack Johnson and the Flaming Lips are hellbent on playing every one of these festivals this year. Here's what's going on in July.

Rothbury Festival - July 3-6, Muskegon, MI

The hippies and jam bands that passed on Bonnaroo will be heading to MCB’s homestate of Michigan for a 4^th of July weekend festival on the west side of the state. The first year for this festival will be an interesting affair, mixing a diverse lineup and trying to be the first sustainable festival in Michigan. Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer and current jam kings, Widespread Panic, will headline the bill. Primus and Snoop Dogg are two of the more puzzling names on the bill, but will be different enough to get plenty of fans for their sets. The Crystal Method will host a DJ set one of the nights, while 311 plays their first festival in well…forever. Expect a full preview here, later this week.

What to expect: The Bonnaroo crowd from 2003, and lots of green activities, including green plants in baggies.

Tickets: Four day passes for $224.75 are available and limited number of VIP Weekend passes at $475 each available.

Website: www.rothburyfestival.com

Pitchfork Music Festival- July 18^th-20^th, Chicago, IL

Yeah, Bohb had a tough time getting to Pitchfork last year, so we’re hoping he can make it this year. The first night promises to be a classic night in hip-hop where Public Enemy performs their iconic It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back album in its entirety. Saturday will feature ex-Pulp singer Jarvis Cocker and the indie band du jour of the moment, Vampire Weekend. Definitely check out British rapper Dizzie Rascal that day as well, as well as the Wu-Tang combo of Ghostface and Raekwon and the humorously titled F—k Buttons. Spoon and Dinosaur Jr. headline the final night of the festival.

What to Expect: Hopefully no women trying out for “Flavor Of Love 4” and plenty of tributes to Ol’ Dirty Bastard.

Tickets: One day passes are $30, three day passes for $65.

Website: www.pitchforkmusicfestival.com