One of the greatest childhood pastimes is chasing fireflies with an empty mason jar as twilight falls. There's just something about the feeling of running through the grass and tall trees on warm summer nights with only more carefree days ahead that evokes festival season in our minds, as well. Since Summer 2012, Firefly Music Festival has infused those warm and breezy memories into its annual Delaware event each June, making it a can't-miss East Coast gathering for music lovers all over the country.

After just six years, legions of people have caught wind of the summertime magic brewing in The Woodlands, a wondrous natural setting that could seduce anyone with its aesthetic power alone. Firefly's producer, Red Frog Events, has big plans in mind for 2017, and their loyal fanbase will play a crucial role in bringing them to life.

Fans Have a Voice

Blending fan-favorite traditions and a host of new features, Firefly delivers a complete experience. Best of all, it won’t suffer under the influence of shadowy corporate overlords. Red Frog cares immensely about its fans, and since 2013, it has incorporated fans' ideas from online polls to curate the music lineup. Starting this year, festies have an unprecedented voice in all facets of the Firefly experience, from the music lineup to its camping packages, food, and cocktail menus.

The Music

Representing a melting pot of genres, Firefly is basically a live version of Spotify’s Discover Weekly playlist. Almost 150 artists will tear it up across nine different stages, such as the Coffeehouse Stage and the Treehouse Stage. Chart-smashing headliners in 2017 include The Weeknd, Chance the Rapper, Bob Dylan, Muse, and Twenty One Pilots, who will return for their third time to the wooded paradise and are touting their special 2017 Firefly performance as "the greatest in the world." When the music starts to die down, you won't be left hanging; the silent Headphone Disco will take the party for a late-night spin in The Thicket. Firefly will churn out so much talent this year that you’ve already decided on the soundtrack to your summer – and it’s only March!

Camping Options for Everyone

The festival’s many camping packages help enhance the region's glorious natural setting with options for everyone. Whether you choose to conk out in a basic tent or the most lavish digs, Firefly offers a premier camping experience for homebodies and seasoned campers alike. To ensure you’re stocked up on all of your camping needs, a one-stop shop known as the Hub will hook you up with the necessary equipment, a refreshing shower and delicious food truck grub. Firefly’s newest offering is the Spruce Up package, which entails comfortable lounges (with mirrors and power outlets!), private bathrooms and other modern amenities that will add style and comfort to your camping experience. Even if you can't come for all four days of Firefly, you can still camp by purchasing their newest option of single day tent camping, which is something you won't see at most festivals.

Delicious Ways to Imbibe

You won’t melt in Dover, but it can get toasty during the four-day-long outdoor music festival. Luckily, Delaware's own Dogfish Head Brewery will set up its popular craft brewery at Firefly once again. Most importantly, they’ll sling their appropriately named Firefly Ale, a citrus-y, English-style pale ale that’s easy on the palate. Because you can never have too many options, you can also snag a mean cup of coffee or other beverages from the Coffeehouse Stage and enjoy a killer show at the same time.

In just a few years, Firefly has redefined the summer festival experience for hundreds of thousands of people. Unfortunately, your hammock will have to undo its chokehold on nature when June 18th rolls around, but at least you won’t go home empty-handed. You’ll leave The Woodlands with a newfound appreciation for the outdoors, a lifetime of music-tinged memories, new friends, and maybe a custom Firefly Bud Light bottle or two. If that doesn’t scream awesome, the brutal end of the summer festival season shall convince you otherwise.

Firefly Music Festival takes place June 15-18, 2017, in Dover, Delaware. Grab tickets here.