Summer is quickly approaching, and for music fans of all ages and walks of life, Seattle is the place to be. Some of the biggest music and arts festivals in the United States will be happening in Seattle’s backyard (or front yard, or living room), and no one wants to miss out.

What The Heck Fest

The seventh annual “What The Heck Fest” will be held in Anacortes, Wash, July 18-20. The weekend arts festival is purposely scheduled to coincide with Shipwreck Day, a citywide rummage sale on that Saturday morning.

According to its Web site, “What The Heck Fest” will be an assortment of fun activities, including musical performances, meals, movies, lake swimming, friend-making and accidental happenings.

In addition to the three-day weekend fest, events will be held on the Thursday before. A special ticket for the Thursday events should be purchased on the day of show, separate from the full (regular) pass. Full passes are on sale now and can be purchased for $50. Festival bands and performers include Kimya Dawson and Mount Eerie.

Capitol Hill Block Party

The 2008 Capitol Hill Block Party is already preparing to overrun Capitol Hill July 25-26. The festival, launched 11 years ago, is an annual event that showcases the best indie and underground rock in the nation. Developing into one of the area’s most anticipated music festivals, this year’s event is hosting more than 50 bands on four stages.

The power-packed lineup, which hasn’t been fully announced, already includes headliners DeVotchka, Vampire Weekend, Les Savy Fav, The Hold Steady, Girl Talk, Chromeo, Kimya Dawson and The Dodos.

In addition, some proceeds from the block party benefit two nonprofits: Home Alive, which encourages violence prevention, and The Vera Project, a youth-run, all-ages venue and recording studio in Seattle.

“The block party has become the place that people go to discover any band worth discovering in Seattle,” said John Richards, a KEXP Morning Show host.

Bumbershoot

The Bumbershoot music festival, named using 1920s slang, is a metaphorical umbrella for all the various arts and performers it encompasses. From looking at the tentative lineup, it’s clear the organizers haven’t strayed far from the original message.

Though the complete lineup won’t be announced until July, headliners such as Beck, Band of Horses, Stone Temple Pilots, Neko Case, Xavier Rudd, Anti-Flag, Scary Kids Scaring Kids, Brother Ali and Blitzen Trapper have already been booked.

Since 1971, Bumbershoot has brought the best in music, film, comedy, spoken word, dance, theatre, performance and visual arts to the Seattle Center during Labor Day weekend.

This summer, the Gorge Amphitheater in George, Wash. ,has lined up some big names that put on big shows. Though the cost is fairly high, going to a festival isn’t going to be much cheaper, and the Gorge is an amazing place to see a concert.

On July 12, The Police will make an appearance with special guest Elvis Costello & The Imposters, with tickets starting at $80.

Aug. 2 heralds Steve Miller Band and Joe Cocker, starting at $50 a ticket.

Just two weekends later, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers will play two consecutive shows on Aug. 15 and 16, with tickets costing $45.

For just $40, fans can see Jack Johnson, who will be at the Gorge on Aug. 22.

And, of course, the perennial summer favorite and Bumbershoot competitor Dave Matthews Band will play Aug. 29-31. Tickets start at $50.