While there is plenty of good entertainment in Ames, summer is the perfect time to head to some of the country’s most well-known music festivals to see your favorite artists perform.

Jenny Stites, senior in apparel, merchandising, design and production, has attended several festivals in the past, including Lollapalooza, Pitchfork, North Coast and 80/35.

“The good thing about music festivals is that they’re everywhere these days and each one has something different to offer,” she said. “Some are hip-hop festivals, some are closer to home and a lot of them offer on-site camping too.”

Pick a music festival with some of your favorite artists — and maybe some you’ve never heard of. That way, you’ll come home with a ton of amazing memories.

“At the end of the day, you can say, ‘Oh my gosh, how amazing were the Flaming Lips?’ and that’s a memory you will always keep close,” Stites said.

Stites tends to pick music festivals in a budget-conscious way. Considering ticket price, sleeping accommodations and travel expense are all important when deciding which festivals to attend.

Whether you’re looking for somewhere close to home or far away, there are plenty of options. Here are a few big ones coming up this summer:

Coachella: April 13-15, April 20-22

Indio, Calif.

2012 headliners: The Black Keys, Radiohead, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg

More of the lineup: Arctic Monkeys, Bon Iver, Florence + the Machine

Bonnaroo: June 7-10

Manchester, Tenn.

2012 headliners: Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Phish

More of the lineup: The Shins, The Roots, Mac Miller, Ben Folds Five

Summerfest: June 27–July 1, July 3-8

Milwaukee, Wis.

Announced acts: Lady Antebellum, Iron Maiden, Zac Brown Band

80/35: July 6 & 7

Des Moines

2012 lineup: To be announced

Past 2011 headliners: Girl Talk, of Montreal 

Lollapalooza: Aug. 3-5

Chicago

2012 lineup: To be announced

Past 2011 headliners: Eminem, Foo Fighters, Coldplay