We already have our passes for Coachella 2012 but we’re just as excited for these summer music festivals, which have that same fresh air vibe and none of the scorching desert heat.

Vancouver Folk Festival (July 15-17 at Jericho Beach) 
The setting is so beautiful, we don’t even care who’s playing (though, for the record, it’s Roseanne Cash, Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks, Gillian Welch, and many, many more).

Symphony in the Park (July 17 at Deer Lake)
Okay, so it’s not a festival per se, but it doesn’t get any more romantic than a sunset picnic at Deer Lake to the sounds of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.

Live at Squamish (August 21-22)
The second incarnation of the two-day festival along the Sea to Sky will showcase Metric, Weezer, Stars and one heckuva mountain backdrop.

Bumbershoot (September 3-5 in Seattle) 
We love Seattle any time of year, but its city centre (or should we say center) really comes alive during this music and arts festival, which this year features Broken Social Scene, Phantogram, and YACHT.

Last year we regretted not going to Coachella music festival in Palm Springs—partly because Jake Gyllenhaal showed up and partly because of the brilliant bands—so this year we’re making the trek. But if you’re only motivated by good music, there’s no need to cross state lines.

A slew of the best are playing back-to-back Vancouver dates next week before heading down to balmy California for the weekend. Here’s the lineup, take your pick:

Saturday, April 10
Sia at Commodore Ballroom.

Sunday, April 11
Spoon at Orpheum Theatre, Charlotte Gainsbourg at Vogue Theatre or Passion Pit at Commodore Ballroom.

Monday, April 12
Miike Snow at Commodore Ballroom.

Tuesday, April 13
The xx at Commodore Ballroom.

Wednesday, April 14
Florence and The Machine at Commodore Ballroom.

It’s going to be a ‘hella good week.