2. Sasquatch! Music Festival at the Gorge (Late May)
George, Washington
Call it the Seattle effect. When it comes to fans of rock and indie music, the typical lineup at Sasquatch makes a stellar one-stop shop. And, as venues go, it's tough to beat the beauty of the Gorge, an outdoor amphitheatre overlooking the Columbia River. With just three stages—including the Yeti Stage, dedicated to bands from the Pacific Northwest—it becomes a little less intimidating to figure out where to be and when at Sasquatch than at some of the larger festivals. Still, having blossomed from seven bands in 2002 to more than 70 bands in 2009, the festival has come a long way and showcases some of the best talent among small and independent record labels. Headliners past and present have ranged from the Cure to the Beastie Boys to Kings of Leon. Comedy groups and comedians also perform in the Comedy Tent, a bonus for festival-goers. Sasquatch remains one of the nation's more affordable big-ticket weekends, which offers a good reason to make the schlep to the Gorge even if you don't happen to live in Boise, Portland, or Seattle (some 150 miles away).

Hot tip: Camping ($95 for the weekend) is pretty much your only option, especially because there's no re-entry into the venue. It can get cold at night, so pack warm clothes and a good sleeping bag.

Washington Travel Guide