My favorite thing about the summer isn’t that I’m done with classes or that it’s hot outside. In fact, I really don’t like either of those things. (Although the lack of classes does mean less work, which is always nice.) Instead of relaxing by the pool, I like to ride my bike and go see live music — and fortunately, there are a lot of great shows coming to the D.C. area over the next few months. If you’re feeling down because you realized that you won’t be able to make it to Bonnaroo, the following list of great acts coming to the District (and the surrounding area) might cheer you up.

9:30 Club

Dwight Yoakam: June 21, 8:00 p.m., $45.

If you forgot that Dwight Yoakam was a person, here’s your reminder. The semi-legendary country musician will be at the 9:30 Club at the end of June. The crowd is sure to be interesting, and he’s certain to put on a good show. (I say that not as a fan of his music but as a Nashvillian who knows that country shows are a ton of fun, regardless of your musical tastes.) Do be warned, however — you will see a lot of cowboy hats and boots.

Merriweather Post Pavilion

The xx and Grizzly Bear: June 16, 6:00 p.m., $30 to $40

These two bands have made big names for themselves in the past few years and will be playing this June up atMerriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Md. The London-based The xx released their second album, Coexist, last fall as a follow-up to their hugely successful, award-winning self-titled debut. Grizzly Bear, the electronic rock band from Brooklyn, also released an album last fall. With music that has been labeled as psychedelic pop, folk rock and experimental, Grizzly Bear has risen up as one of the more interesting and exciting acts of recent times.

Vans Warped Tour: July 10, 11:00 am, $24 to $45

The iconic Vans Warped Tour is back for its 19th year and will be offering up its usual blend of alternative, punk and ska music in Columbia this July. With headliners such as The Used, Motion City Soundtrack and Never Shout Never, the Warped Tour is sure to satisfy your head-banging needs — just make sure your hair is sufficiently gelled to keep it spiked throughout the entire show.

Last Summer on Earth (Barenaked Ladies, Ben Folds Five and Guster): July 15, 5:30 p.m., $40 to $75

All emerging from the alternative craze in the early to mid-1990s, the Barenaked Ladies, Ben Folds Five and Guster will be at Merriweather this July to support their Last Summer on Earth tour. The Ben Folds Five — which, in reality, has only ever had three members — got back together last year after a 10-year break and have been touring for the last year in support of their most recent release, The Sound of the Life of the Mind. With both the Barenaked Ladies and Ben Folds Five headlining this tour, it’s sure to be a funny, cheeky and nostalgic show.

Americanarama Festival of Music (Bob Dylan, Wilco, My Morning Jacket and Ryan Bingham): July 23, 4:30 p.m., $45 to $215

Bob Dylan is a legend. That’s enough to get a ton of people to a show regardless of how good he is live, which is notoriously horrible. But the Americanarama Festival of Music at Merriweather this summer also drew three other huge names: Wilco, My Morning Jacket and Ryan Bingham. The latter artist is known for writing the Oscar-winning soundtrack for Crazy Heart (which starred Jeff Bridges, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Robert Duvall), while Wilco and My Morning Jacket have reached huge mainstream success throughout their careers.

Summer Spirit Festival (D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, Busta Rhymes, Rare Essence, Black Alley, Hiatus Kaiyote and Mike Epps): August 3, 5:00 p.m., $46 to $125

At the beginning of August, the Summer Spirit Festival returns with some incredible acts. R&B superstars D’Angelo and Erykah Badu, along with rapper Busta Rhymes, will be gracing the festival with their musical talents. Comedian Mike Epps is hosting the entire night, so there won’t be a stale moment. This festival is sure to be a night full of some great soulful vibes.

The Preakness (Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore):

Black-Eyed Susan Day (Goo Goo Dolls): May 17, 2:00 p.m., $25

The Grammy-nominated Goo Goo Dolls, along with Rodney Atkins and newcomer Rachel Farley, are performing live at Black-Eyed Susan Day, which seeks to empower women and partners with Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Farley and Atkins are both country forces to be reckoned with, and Goo Goo Dolls should attract a strong audience.

Infieldfest (Pitbull, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis): May 18, 5:00 p.m., $50If you didn’t get to see Macklemore and Ryan Lewis when they came to D.C. earlier this year, you have another chance tomorrow. Along with Pitbull, they will be playing the Infieldfest up at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore to celebrate the Preakness horse race. Pitbull is the more featured of the two, but fans of Macklemore shouldn’t fear, as it looks as though their sets are the same length.