Music festivals are at peak popularity right now, and their importance for musicians and municipalities continues to grow as well. In a time of sluggish album sales, festivals bring in the major moolah for the industry. Plus, in an era when social media-savvy artists are working around radio stations and records labels, festivals provide a platform for emerging artists to grow a following and play alongside established acts. And small businesses always appreciate the influx of out-of-towners to help stimulate the local economy.

While Beyoncé's memorable Coachella appearance kicked off the festival season, the festivals listed below were our top picks for their diverse rosters—including both new acts and old faves—and their proximity to the LGBTQ community.

Festival d'été de Québec (FEQ)

Montreal, Québec

With 300 shows, 10 stages, and 11 days filled with music, FEQ is Canada's largest outdoor music festival event. Top acts including Shawn Mendes, Lorde, The Weekend, Chromeo, Camila Cabello, Brockhampton, and Cyndi Lauper all rocked one of FEQ's stages that either stretched across the Québec's breathtaking riverside parks or were more intimate by design for emerging Québécois acts.

And at only $85 USD to see it all, FEQ is by far one of the best bang-for-your-buck festivals out there.

LoveLoud

Salt Lake City, U.T.

Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds founded LoveLoud in 2017 to spark a conversation around what it means to love, understand, accept, and support LGBTQ youth after he became alarmed by the rising suicide rate among Utah teens. This year, the day-long concert raised $1 million for LGBTQ-centered charities with the help of performances by Imagine Dragons, Zedd, Grace Vanderwaal, and Empire's Jussie Smollett.

For the first time, AT&T powered the event so it could be live streamed all over the world. The company also captured the whole damn show here.

Capitol Hill Block Party (CHBP)

Seattle, W.A.

Set in Seattle's historic gay neighborhood, CHBP not only brings in diverse and exciting acts, like Betty Who, Oh Wonder, and Amber Mark, the weekend event is also praised by locals for preserving the neighborhood's creative and queer identity.

"Capitol Hill is more than a neighborhood, we are a community that revels in the fact that we are known for being queer, being musicians, and celebrants of the arts," said Joey Burgess, owner of queer/bar in Seattle. "The exposure and opportunity that this festival creates for upcoming artists, who live and work in this neighborhood are invaluable."

Sasquatch!

George, W.A.

This one's for music lovers with eclectic taste who like to get their Brokeback Mountain on. Sasquatch! 2018 featured queer ally Lizzo; Tyler, the Creator; Bon Iver; and Ray Lamontagne. A big draw has always been the festival camping component. With a town of 500 people and no urban centers around, concert-goers come ready to enjoy the great outdoors.

Sadly, founder Adam Zacks has decided to end the festival after 17 years.

Essence Fest

New Orleans, L.A.

Essence Fest is known for putting on a blockbuster event aimed primarily towards African-American women and booking icons like Janet Jackson and Mary J. Blige. But the festival also features workshops and expos designed to empower and inspire women.

This year, guest speakers included out-and-proud Emmy-winner Lena Waithe and the Queen of Bounce, GLAAD award-winner Big Freedia.