In Michigan, “patio” is its own season. At the first sign of 65-degree weather, we open the back door, sweep off the remaining dead leaves (and sometimes snow) and break out the camp chairs. Really, does anything beat drinking a cold beer on the back porch with a cool breeze cutting the humidity, listening to your favorite summer jams? Probably not.

We all have our summer mainstays — our favorite beaches, campgrounds and festivals — but there’s nothing like trying something new to create lasting memories. And until you make new friends, it can be difficult to find that “something new.” Well don’t worry, because we’re your friends now. Our writers have hand-picked some of our favorite hidden gems and perennial favorites for you to enjoy. Make it your goal to give even one (or two, or five) a try before summer disappears.

Prepare your ears for some indie, rock, folk, funk and more at this year’s Audiotree Music Festival. Returning for the sixth consecutive year, Kalamazoo is hosting the best way to close out the summer of 2018. The newly released lineup promises headliners Father John Misty and Local Natives, along with Real Estate, Chicano Batman and Khruangbin.

With all the logistical challenges and geographic distances to grapple with when touring, many musicians find themselves spending much of their time on the road doing just about anything but playing music.