MARCH 26-28
KNOXVILLE, Tenn.
Big Ears Festival: The idea was to create a hassle-free festival where music lovers could enjoy bands in small venues without having to shove (hello, South by Southwest) or camp outside in the mud (this means you, Bonnaroo). As a result, Big Ears, which debuted last year to rave reviews, features a more subdued lineup of artists — with the exception of Andrew W.K., of course. Other acts this year include Vampire Weekend, Dirty Projectors, Sufjan Stevens, Joanna Newsom, and the National. Individual tickets are available, as well as a limited number of festival passes for $250. www.bigearsfestival.com
APRIL 21-MAY 2
NEW YORK
Tribeca Film Festival: The Robert Dinero-founded celluloid celebration flexes its muscle this year by premiering “Shrek Forever After,’’ the (promised) final installment of the saga of the green ogre. For those seeking less family-friendly fare, the festival is also debuting the Edward Burns film “Nice Guy Johnny’’ and the Ian Dury biopic “Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll.’’ Tickets are $16 for evening and weekend screenings, $8 for daytime and late night showings. A full festival schedule goes online tomorrow. www.tribecafilm.com/festival, 866-941-3378
MAY 7-9
MINEHEAD, England
All Tomorrow’s Parties, Curated by Matt Groening: “The Simpsons’’ creator plays concert promoter by hand-picking some of his favorite bands to perform at a weekend-long festival at Butlins Minehead Resort. So who did Groening choose for his dream concert? Acts include Iggy and the Stooges, Spiritualized performing its album “Ladies and Gentlemen We are Floating in Space,’’ Liars, Coco Rosie, She & Him, and Built to Spill. Tickets for the shows (including accommodations at the resort) start at $515 and go to $1,900. www.atpfestival.com
PLAN AHEAD JUNE 11-13 ISLE OF WIGHT, England Isle of Wight Festival: Those of you who are a little long in the tooth will likely recall the Isle of Wight as the place more than half a million bell-bottom-wearing hippies invaded to groove to Jimi Hendrix and Bob Dylan. Nearly 10 years ago, the island in the English Channel got back in the business of hosting festivals. This year’s show includes sets by Jay-Z, Pink, and The Strokes. For those missing the good old days, Sir Paul McCartney headlines the final day. Tickets (camping included) are $225. www.isleofwightfestival.comCHRISTOPHER MUTHEREvents are sometimes canceled, rescheduled, or sold out; call or check online. Christopher Muther can be reached at muther@globe.com.
