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According to astrology, the ages of 57 to 60 are considered a spiritually charged period in our lives. During this time, we're more likely to notice an increased sense of longing, as well as the return of karmic and past life lessons that need addressing. On a practical level, dramatic life shifts can sweep over us, and unexpected wake-up calls urge us to let go of circumstances that no longer align with how we wish our lives to unfold. Why is this happening? Expert astrologers would all nod in agreement—it's the second Saturn return.

What Your Saturn Return Means

A Saturn return occurs when Saturn returns to the same zodiac sign and degree it occupied at the time of your birth. Astrologers consider this significant event as it happens only two to three times in a person's life, marking a period of considerable change.

The ages of our Saturn return cycles in our lifetimes are as follows:

• First Saturn Return: Ages 27 to 31
• Second Saturn Return: Ages 57 to 60
• Third Saturn Return: Ages 87 to 90

LEARN MORE: Here’s How to Glow Up During Your Saturn Return

What Your Second Saturn Return Brings (from Ages 57 to 30)

While the first Saturn return marks your initial step into “astrological adulthood,” the second Saturn return serves as a significant “life review” phase. To quote Chani.com's astrology expertise, "While your first Saturn return is an initiation into adulthood and an invitation to clarify your priorities, the second one encourages you to take on more of a mentorship role and share the wisdom you’ve gathered."

The first Saturn return is focused on establishing long-term patterns and figuring out what it means to be an adult. In contrast, the second Saturn return is about refinement. Instead of wondering “Who am I becoming?”, the inner spiritual world seeks to resolve the question “What has stood the test of time?”

During your second Saturn return, you are encouraged to gain clarity on what truly matters in the larger scheme of things. Questions about your legacy, purpose, health, and responsibilities to future generations come to the forefront. As an experienced adult, you are invited to assume roles of mentorship and guidance, sharing the wisdom you have acquired since your first Saturn return in your late twenties and early thirties.

You may want to consider the following questions as you reflect on the various areas of life that your second Saturn return impacts. Ultimately, the key question is how to take control of the direction of the next thirty years of your life, rather than simply going on autopilot. As the Master of Karma, Saturn encourages you to be a responsible, resourceful, and reliable participant in your spiritual evolution.

Legacy and Meaning

• What do I actually want my life to stand for when I zoom out 30 years?
• Where have I already made an impact that I keep failing to fully acknowledge or claim?

Career Completion or Redirection

• Am I continuing this path because it’s aligned, or because it’s familiar and expected?
• If I had to simplify my career down to what truly matters, what would I stop doing immediately?
• What is my purpose, beyond what I'm expected to produce or accomplish each day?

Health and Body Awareness

• What habits am I continuing that feel “normal,” but are actually draining me over time
• To sustain my energy for the next 30 years, what would I have to change today?

Relationships and Emotional Pruning

• Who in my life requires me to abandon myself in small ways just to stay connected?
• If I only kept relationships that felt reciprocal and honest, who would remain?

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The early 1970s faced political changes that led country singer Johnny Cash to release "Ragged Old Flag" in the hopes of reanimating people's faith in America, and it became a timeless classic.

Cash wrote “Ragged Old Flag,” the title track to his first of two albums released in 1974, after some deep reflection over his support for President Richard Nixon. At the time, America was at a crossroads with the increasing unpopularity of the Vietnam War and the corruption behind the Watergate scandal. Cash was always an unabashed patriot who openly supported Nixon's candidacy.

When Watergate occurred, the singer began to question Nixon's political decisions concerning the war. The 1972 scandal led to Nixon's impeachment and subsequent resignation as president, which many felt was an embarrassing narrative about America. According to Robert Hilburn’s Johnny Cash biography, the singer wrote the track to “reaffirm faith in the country and the goodness of the American people.” 

Its lyrics focus on an old man in a town square speaking to a visitor who shows their dislike and criticism of the American flag. The old man instead teaches the history behind the flag and what it has been through. For Cash, writing the lyrics for "Ragged Old Flag" came easily, and he even joked that after years in his career, people would think he was a newbie in the industry.

“I got so excited writing the songs in this album that you’d think I just started in the music business,” Cash wrote in the album’s liner notes, according to the official Johnny Cash website. “‘Ragged Old Flag’ … came out faster than I could write it down. You’ve heard of people who write songs in ten minutes. ‘Ragged Old Flag’ was one of those songs.”

"Ragged Old Flag" had moderate success when it was released and landed at No. 31 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, but never charted on the Hot 100 chart. It would regain popularity decades later after the events of 9/11 and would become a staple at events around the nation. Cash's song has even been played by the West Point Band and by veteran groups on Veterans Day and the 4th of July.

In 2020, it saw a gain in digital downloads and streams since its original release, when it was used in an NFL commercial. It caught attention during Super Bowl LIV when the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers squared off for the championship.

Related: 1971 Classic, Inspired by One of the 'Best Movies' of All Time, Became a No. 1 Heartbreak Anthem

If you are lucky enough to be spending the holiday weekend in Central Florida, your itinerary is about to get a whole lot more exciting. While Walt Disney World is serving up its signature festive treats and classic nighttime spectaculars, they are definitely not the only theme park giant throwing a massive party this year.

According to theme park expert Emma Kenner of The Disney Food Blog, Universal Orlando Resort has rolled out an incredible lineup of entertainment, live music, and dazzling pyrotechnics across its entire property.

"If you’re looking for some serious fun this weekend, Universal Orlando is the place to be!" Kenner writes. "Across the resort’s theme parks, hotels, and more, there is a bit of fun to be found for everyone." The best part? "Guests who have regular theme park admission get to participate in the festivities with no extra fee," making it a seamless addition to your vacation.

Related: 5 Epic Things Disney Is Doing to Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary

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If you're planning to spend your holiday evening inside Universal Studios Florida, the patriotic activities officially kick off at 5:15 PM and will run straight through until the park closes for the night.

The heart of the celebration will be centered around the Music Plaza Stage, featuring a high-energy live DJ alongside appearances by talented stilt walkers and specialty performers. You can also look forward to unique character meet-and-greets throughout the evening.

To make your park day even more memorable, you can easily stack these holiday events with Universal’s brand-new entertainment offerings. Kenner notes that "in addition to the 4th of July celebrations, you can also check out the Universal Mega Movie Parade at 6 PM and CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular at 9 PM." The festivities wrap up at 10 PM with a short pyrotechnic display bursting directly over the Universal Studios Florida lagoon.

Related: Six Flags Is Turning Its Parks Into the Ultimate Coast-to-Coast Bash for America's 250th Anniversary

For those checking out the groundbreaking additions at Epic Universe, the party starts even earlier at 5:00 PM. Head over to Celestial Park, where the Hemisphere Stage will come alive with patriotic stilt walkers, a live DJ, and festive performers. At 9:00 PM, the park will host a dedicated holiday fireworks display right at the iconic Cosmos Fountain, giving you the perfect excuse to stick around before the regular night fountain show closes out the evening at 10:00 PM.

The holiday spirit is spilling out well beyond the theme park turnstiles, too. Over at Universal CityWalk, the celebration keeps rolling starting at 5:00 PM with a live performance by the American Sirens, followed by an evening DJ set at 8:00 PM to keep the energy moving.

Even the Universal Orlando hotels are getting in on the fun, offering an array of themed food, signature drinks, family-friendly holiday activities, and special movie screenings. If you are looking for a slightly more unique way to toast the weekend, Kenner highlights that "there’s a family-friendly 4th of July rooftop gathering on the terrace of Bar 17 Bistro at Universal Aventura Hotel," offering incredible views of the resort.

Whether you are planning to dance the night away in CityWalk, catch a festive fountain show at Epic Universe, or experience the brand-new parade and lagoon spectaculars at Universal Studios, your holiday weekend itinerary is officially packed. As Kenner shares, "This is a seriously fun way to make your theme park vacation even more memorable and exciting."

Related: 'A Capitol Fourth' Concert Announces Lineup Update With 2 Country Music Icons for America's 250th

Beyoncé released a new song today, on July 4, as a surprise to her fans. The single, called “Morning Dew (Donk),” was written by Beyoncé, Pharrell Williams, The-Dream, and Darius Dixon.  

This is the first new song Beyoncé has dropped in two years. As reported by Deadline, “It was a direct nod to her loyal BeyHive to commemorate the upcoming epic celebration of B’Day.”

The outlet also reported that “the song will be included on the 20th Anniversary edition of B’Day, and is accompanied by a lyric video that repurposes old footage, directed by frequent collaborator, Cliff Watts, who shot Beyoncé’s iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover around her 25th birthday.”

Fans are thrilled by the new song, with one saying, “The way my eyes LIT up when this notification hit my phone!” Another said, “Beyonce really blessed up with a random drop on a Saturday at 9 AM.”

Related: 1964 One-Hit Wonder Became a No. 1 Song When the Singer Was Only 16

B'Day was the singer’s second solo studio album, released in 2006. It followed her debut solo album, Dangerously in Love, which was released in 2003. B’Day became a massive success, with several songs landing on the Billboard Hot 100. They included “Déjà Vu,” “Ring the Alarm,” “Irreplaceable,” and “Beautiful Liar.”

Billboard recently interviewed over fifteen collaborators to reflect on the creation of this iconic album. Max Gousse, a music executive who played a huge role in launching the singer's solo career, said, “I remember B’Day being spontaneous. Beyoncé requested a meeting with me, and we discussed going into the studio during a monthlong vacation she booked after wrapping Dreamgirls. She was very open to collaborating with other songwriters, which was cool as an A&R guy because I could bring in writers I really respected and admired.”

Related: 40 Years Ago Today, the Death of a Legendary Singer’s Assistant Inspired This 1988 Classic Rock Song

Gousse continued, “She signed off on all my top choices and directed me to block out several rooms in Sony Studios for about three or four weeks. We had everybody: Sean Garrett, Swizz Beatz, Rich Harrison, Makeba Riddick-Woods, Solange and Angie. Everybody was in there just trying to make the best possible music. It was competitive, but it was also a family. Beyoncé was very focused on the message she wanted to get out; the theme was empowerment.”

Before Fleetwood Mac became one of the biggest bands in music history, Jeremy Spencer helped define its early blues sound with his fiery slide guitar, spirited piano playing and unforgettable stage presence. On July 4, the original Fleetwood Mac guitarist celebrates his 78th birthday, more than five decades after making one of rock's most unexpected exits.

Born in Hartlepool, England, on July 4, 1948, Spencer fell in love with the blues as a teenager after discovering the music of Elmore James. His mastery of slide guitar soon caught the attention of Peter Green, who recruited him for the newly formed Fleetwood Mac in 1967 alongside Mick Fleetwood and John McVie. Spencer quickly became an essential part of the band's identity, both as a musician and as an electrifying live performer known for his uncanny impersonations of artists like Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly and John Mayall.

Although Green wrote many of the band's biggest early songs, Spencer left his own mark on albums including Fleetwood Mac, Mr. Wonderful and Kiln House. While the haunting instrumental "Albatross" became the band's first U.K. No. 1 single, Spencer's blues-driven performances and larger-than-life stage persona helped establish Fleetwood Mac's reputation as one of Britain's premier blues-rock acts.

Then, in February 1971, everything changed.

While on a U.S. tour, Spencer left his hotel intending to visit a bookstore before the band's scheduled performance in Los Angeles. He never returned that day, forcing the cancellation of the concert as his bandmates searched for him. He was eventually found at the headquarters of the religious organization then known as the Children of God, having decided to leave Fleetwood Mac behind. Spencer has consistently said the decision was his own, though he later acknowledged in an interview with Classic Rock Magazine that the way he handled his departure was "wrong and a mistake" because he didn't immediately tell his bandmates.

Looking back years later, Spencer explained that he had become deeply unhappy despite the band's success.

"I was sad and uninspired musically. And I had questions about life and death, love, my future, God, everything," he told Rock Cellar Magazine in 2012. "Bottom line, I had to leave in order to step back from the picture and get my life sorted out." He added that he believed Fleetwood Mac "would probably not have gone on to be one of the biggest bands in history" had he stayed, saying he prayed the band would find even greater success after his departure.

Even after stepping away from mainstream fame, Spencer never stopped making music. He released solo albums throughout the decades, returned to his blues roots with acclaimed later recordings including Precious Little and Bend in the Road, and continued writing, illustrating and performing. In 1998, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Fleetwood Mac, recognizing the lasting impact of the band's original lineup.

One especially meaningful full-circle moment came in 2020, when Spencer reunited onstage with Mick Fleetwood during the all-star Peter Green tribute concert, marking their first performance together in 49 years. It served as a reminder that while Spencer chose a very different path, his place in Fleetwood Mac's remarkable early story remains secure.

Related: Guitar Icon Named Most Tortured Rock Artist of all Time by BBC Music

Sixty years ago this September, a low-budget science fiction show about a starship crew premiered on NBCand changed the direction of sci-fi entertainment. Now, asStar Trek marks that anniversary, the original series is getting a release that will thrill lifelong fans.

Amazon has announced an exclusive collector's edition of Star Trek: The Original Series, timed to release on September 8, the same date the franchise's first episode aired in 1966. The set includes all 79 episodes across all three seasons on Blu-ray and DVD, featuring previously remastered visual effects and audio. Standard versions of the anniversary release are also planned, but the Amazon-exclusive deluxe giftset adds a run of premium lobby cards depicting iconic scenes and behind-the-scenes moments, designed so the cards' backsides form the franchise's 60th anniversary logo when placed side by side. The set also includes a four-inch vinyl figure that plays theme music and sound effects drawn from all three original seasons.

The original series had a rocky path to even reaching three seasons. NBC nearly canceled the show after its second year, a decision reversed only after a letter-writing campaign from fans convinced the network the audience was bigger than the ratings suggested. That fight for survival became part of the show's mythology.

The remastered visual effects included in this set aren't new to this release. They debuted in a 2006 package that replaced the original series' dated optical effects with digitally rendered starships and planets, a controversial move at the time that has since become the default way most fans watch the show. Those remastered episodes have been bundled into various home video releases over the years, but this set marks the first time they've been paired with anniversary-specific packaging built around the exact broadcast date of the first episode.

Related: Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Returns in July, Then Says Goodbye

The release is one piece of a packed anniversary year for the franchise. Star Trek has already marked the milestone with a themed float at the Tournament of Roses Parade, an environmental partnership campaign called Boldly Go Green, and Star Trek: The Cruise IX, a Caribbean voyage that drew original cast members including William Shatner, Jonathan Frakes, and Marina Sirtis. New comics, a preschool animated series called Star Trek: Scouts, and the franchise's first-ever LEGO set have also rolled out this year, alongside Strange New Worlds' fourth season and the now-canceled Starfleet Academy.

Ironically for a franchise built on the idea of a hopeful future, the anniversary arrives at an uncertain moment. Star Trek currently has no new series or films in active production, and Strange New Worlds is set to conclude with a shortened fifth season. Still, six decades after Gene Roddenberry's vision of an optimistic, unified future first reached television screens, that vision keeps finding new formats to live in, from streaming platforms to comic panels to a box set built for the shelf of any longtime fan.

The Star Trek: The Original Series 60th Anniversary set is available for pre-order now ahead of its September 8 release.

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Every few years, one of the eight surviving Union Pacific Big Boy locomotives goes on a national tour, drawing hundreds and thousands of rail fans, history buffs and spectators at the whistle stops on its schedule. Unfortunately, over 100 of the thousands who gathered in Reading, Pennsylvania, to see Big Boy #4014 on July 2nd were treated at the Reading & Blue Mountain Railroad Outer Station for heat-related conditions after temperatures soared to 103℉. Of the affected, 35 were hospitalized, including one person who experienced cardiac arrest.

The Muhlenberg Township Police Department, which responded to the event along with the local Ambulance Association and Fire Company, described what occurred as a “mass casualty incident” in a social media post. While the phrase may evoke deadlier events like mass shootings or multi-car highway crashes, the term simply refers to any event that results in a number of patients that exceeds available medical resources. By declaring the situation at Reading Station a mass casualty event, the police were able to coordinate a larger-scale emergency response.

Related: The Underrated East Coast City Just Voted the 'Best Place to Celebrate the Fourth of July'

Big Boy #4014 spent just shy of two weeks in Scranton, Pennsylvania at the Steamtown National Historic Site, in part for locomotive maintenance. 55,000 people reserved tickets just for that leg of the trip, including 26,000 tickets for the first day of the layover. The Reading event was the Big Boy’s next stop on the tour. Eager attendees lined up early to get a good vantage point, some waiting for hours ahead of the train's arrival.

Unfortunately, the train arrived just days after a punishing heat dome settled over the northeastern United States. The same record-breaking weather system spiked temperatures to over 100℉ in Washington D.C. on Friday, shaking up the Great American State Fair when organizers postponed Freedom 250 for four hours due to dangerous heat. 

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Temperatures will still be scorching when the Big Boy pulls into Philadelphia on July 4 for the City of Brotherly Love’s America250 Block Party. It will be publicly viewable from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. EDT on the Fourth of July and on July 5 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. EDT.

The Union Pacific website advises in an FAQ that “Extreme heat is possible, so please plan ahead. Drink plenty of water, wear lightweight clothing, and apply sunscreen regularly. Take breaks in shaded areas, and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Be aware of symptoms like dizziness, headache, or nausea—if you feel unwell, seek assistance immediately.” 

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Philadelphia has already cancelled some of its planned events for the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, including a Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade that was scheduled for Friday, July 3rd. Washington D.C. has also cancelled its DC's National Independence Day Parade that was to occur the morning of July 4, when temperatures are forecasted to hit 93 degrees by 10 a.m.

The Big Boy isn’t the only train affected, either. The same day as the mass casualty event in Reading, NJ Transit was disrupted by the high temperatures, stranding some passengers in Harrison, while others sweated in Penn Station, which has no air conditioning. Amtrak has cancelled dozens of trains and is operating others at reduced speeds to account for the way heat affects the tracks. 

Related: 10 Years Before Route 66, This Highway Crossed the U.S. and You Can Still Drive It Today

After its stints in Pennsylvania, including stops in Lebanon, Altoona, Leetsdale, and Historic Horseshoe Curve, Big Boy #4014 will steam south to Missouri before returning west through Kansas, Colorado and Wyoming, where it returns home to Cheyenne. The Western leg of the tour began in Cheyenne on March 29, passing through Utah, Nevada, and California on the way to Sacramento, California, where Mile 0 of the transcontinental railroad was built in 1863. Big Boy #4014 returned across the Rocky Mountains to being the Eastern leg of the tour in late May in Kimball, Nebraska. Stops included stations in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and New York on its way to Philadelphia for the Fourth of July. 

Only 25 Big Boys were ever built, living up to the name with a 133-foot-long frame that weighs 1.2 million pounds, or roughly the same as two Boeing 747 aircraft. These engines were, and are, the world’s largest operating steam locomotives. The Big Boy fleet ran between Ogden, Utah, and Cheyenne, Wyoming for 20 years, before Big Boy #4014 was retired to Cheyenne after a brief stint at the RailGiants Train Museum in Pomona, California. Other cities with a Big Boy in permanent residence include Denver, Colorado; St. Louis, Missouri; Omaha, Nebraska; Scranton, Pennsylvania; Dallas, Texas; Green Bay, Wisconsin; and Cheyenne, Wyoming.

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The wardrobe shift that comes with seasonal transitions doesn't have to mean ditching everything in your closet. Sometimes, the best pieces are those that you can wear straight from chilly spring mornings through the afternoon sun and into those breezy summer nights. A lightweight hoodie that's soft and cozy enough to keep you warm, but also offers sun protection? Absolute perfection.

Walmart is selling its George Hooded Sun Shirt for as low as $9 right now. Prices vary slightly by size and color, with most combinations available for either $11 or $18. Bundle up with it in the winter, use it to block the wind in the spring, throw it on for summer sun protection, and wear it through the fall as a lightweight layer — at such an affordable price, you really can't go wrong.

George Hooded Sun Shirt, From $9 (was $17) at Walmart

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This hoodie is currently available in nine colors: black, gray, white, navy, dye stripes, gray heather, peach, hot pink, light blue, and citrus yellow. It comes in men's sizes small to 3XL, though color availability varies by size.

Made of 92% polyester and 8% spandex, offering softness and stretch, this lightweight hoodie has UPF 50+ sun protection built in. Designed with an attached hood and long sleeves, it wicks moisture away from the body, making it a great choice for outdoor activities like fishing or hiking in all sorts of weather conditions. One reviewer even described the feel as "cooling."

Shoppers said this hoodie's fit is true to size. Because it's designed to fit close to the body, though, you may want to size up if you prefer an oversized look. Several recommended washing in cold water and hanging to try to prevent the stretchy material from shrinking.

One reviewer noted that this lightweight hoodie is "better than a department store name brand," because it "fits great and is super comfortable." Another said it offers "four-way stretch like the name brands without the cost," while a third praised the "good sun protection."

Whether you want to wear it to keep warm or protected from the sun, this hoodie can do both. "The shirt is thin, but it can keep you warm without being a big, bulky fleece hoodie," one shopper said. Another said they "found 90-degree sunny weather manageable." 

Shop More Deals

• George Sun Shirt, From $9 (was $15) at Walmart
• Hanes Ecosmart Fleece Sweatshirt, From $8 (was $22) at Walmart
• George Cotton Blend Crewneck, From $15 at Walmart

Related: Dolly Parton's 'Pretty' $14 Scalloped Stoneware Pie Dish Radiates Country Kitchen Charm

Because it's so versatile, several shoppers have already purchased this hoodie in multiple colors. For as low as $9, the George Hooded Sun Shirt is an incredible steal you won't want to miss. Head to Walmart now and add it to your closet before this clearance deal is gone!

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Marie Claire recently named the best beach reads to devour while soaking up the sun this summer. Making the list was the coming-of-age classic, The Bell Jar, written by Sylvia Plath. The international bestseller, which was originally released in 1963, was semi-autobiographical. It was about a woman who had a psychological breakdown, then eventually received treatment.

As Marie Claire states, “Plath’s iconic 1963 novel may chart a dark journey into a young woman’s slowly unraveling mind, but, perhaps counterintuitively, that darkness pairs perfectly with a sunny day at the beach or by the pool. That way, the story doesn’t become too overwhelming.”

Related: 1985 Novel Ranked the ‘Heaviest Book of All Time’ Became an American Classic

The book, which has been translated into over 40 languages, has a 4.0 rating on Goodreads and a 4.3 rating on Amazon with thousands of reviews. “Sylvia Plath masterfully draws the reader into Esther’s mind with such intensity that her breakdown feels visceral and real, one that makes the early days of her recovery feel even more fragile,” the latter site stated. “Plath's exploration into the darkest and most harrowing corners of the psyche is an extraordinary accomplishment and has made The Bell Jar a haunting American classic.”

The Bell Jar was turned into a psychological drama film in 1979, starring Marilyn Hassett and Julie Harris. Deadline has also announced that Billie Eilish has been in talks to make her movie acting debut in an adaptation of the book. They also explained how several adaptations were attempted in the past that were never completed. “Julia Stiles was attached to star in a version in 2007, but it ultimately didn’t come to pass," they reported. "Likewise, Kirsten Dunst was attached to direct a version with Dakota Fanning a decade later, but that also fell by the wayside. It was reported in 2019 that Showtime was developing a series version with Frankie Shaw, but that was ultimately abandoned, too.”

Related: 1981 Stephen King Tale, Named His Scariest Short Story, Has a Haunting Twist Ending

Tragically, Plath committed suicide the same year the book was released, at the age of 30. She was posthumously awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry for her book, The Collected Poems. This book was put together in 1981, years after her death. It was edited by her husband, Ted Hughes.

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available 24 hours a day through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

If you’ve ever felt a tiny pang of parental guilt for packing a suitcase without your kids in tow, Kylie Kelce is here to officially grant you permission to take that trip anyway.

On the latest special episode of her hit podcast Not Gonna Lie, titled "Le Disneyland Paris Spectaculaire," Kelce took to the streets of France for an epic girls' trip alongside Olympic bronze medalist Ilona Maher and her sisters, Olivia and Adrianna.

Right from the start of the episode, which was filmed directly in front of the stunning new World of Frozen at Disneyland Paris, Kelce playfully posed a question that every adult Disney fan has wondered at least once, asking her audience if it's still considered Disney adulting if you happen to be in Paris.

Related: Inside Disneyland Paris' New Belle Époque-Inspired Park Lounge

While the trip featured plenty of quintessential theme park magic—including a stay in the enchanting Disneyland Hotel's Rapunzel-inspired suite, a ride on Frozen Ever After, and a casual glass of champagne served in a Frozen-themed flute—the heart of the conversation zeroed in on a topic that hits incredibly close to home for parents.

Kelce, who left her daughters at home for the European getaway, dove deep into just how vital it is for moms to intentionally step away from their daily routines and take a little time for themselves whenever they can. Traveling without the kids doesn't mean leaving the maternal warmth behind; in fact, Minnie Mouse even made a surprise appearance in her finest Parisian attire to greet Kelce and send a special hello across the Atlantic to her daughters back home.

Related: Disneyland Paris Suspends Outdoor Attractions Amid Historic Heat Wave

"Can I be honest about girls' trips?" Kelce shared. "I rarely get to go on girls' trips. I think a lot of moms probably feel this deep in their soul. And that's why I felt it was really important that if we're not going to bring my girls, to make sure I brought my girls. Do you see what I'm saying?"

She continued, "I feel like it's really important, for moms in particular, to take some time for themselves if they can. Because I always say it, and I will admit it until the end of time, I'm a better parent when I get a little bit of time away from my kids."

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Kelce and Maher spent time tasting their way through iconic French park treats like fresh macarons, eclairs, and crepes, while also sitting down for a royal dining experience with Disney Princesses at The Regal View Restaurant & Lounge. When Maher’s sisters joined the microphones later in the episode, the group broke down the essential dos and don'ts of a proper girls' trip, mapping out the ideal "girl dinner" in Paris and celebrating the unfiltered joy of surrounding yourself with your favorite women.

Beyond the park strategy, the episode also tackled deeply relatable lifestyle topics that women navigate daily, from dissecting internet culture and dating rumors to opening up about body confidence, postpartum body image and handling social media criticism. It's that exact blend of warmth and zero-filtering honesty that has made Kelce a breakout podcast star, recently earning her previous Walt Disney World collaboration a People’s Voice Webby Award.

While Kelce expressed immense excitement about bringing her own daughters back to explore Sleeping Beauty Castle and La Place de Rémy in the future, this Parisian escape serves as a beautiful reminder that taking a breather to recharge with your friends isn't just a luxury—it's often exactly what makes you an even better parent when you finally unpack your bags back home.

Related: One of Disney's Most Popular Coasters Is Shutting Down Until 2027

Them Crooked Vultures, the iconic rock supergroup composed of notable musicians, has added another milestone to its legacy despite being on an indefinite hiatus.

The trio, consisting of lead vocalist and guitarist Josh Homme from Queens of the Stone Age, drummer Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters who also previously played for Nirvana and bassist John Paul Jones from the legendary Led Zeppelin, was ranked among the greatest rock supergroups by Louder Sound.

The list featured the greatest supergroups ever assembled, celebrating bands that brought together some of the most accomplished artists and musicians.

While the legendary British rock band Cream claimed the top spot, Them Crooked Vultures secured seventh place.

The band managed to revive the traditional three-member setup through its core members, combining vocalist, guitarist, bassist and drummer into a powerhouse trio that delivered a fresh, modern sound different from their previous bands.

John Paul Jones and Dave Grohl of Them Crooked Vultures performs during day 1 of the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival 2010.

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Grohl once mentioned that playing with Homme and Jones was his dream lineup.

“I mentioned it in an interview about four years ago,” he recalled as cited by Louder Sound, adding “but I was totally joking. I mean, that was like my bucket-list wish, that was my dream band. For years, people have asked me: ‘If you could have a dream line-up, what would it be?’ So this is actually it. I grew up a Led Zeppelin fanatic, and so obviously John is my favourite rock bass player. I’ve been a huge fan of Queens Of The Stone Age since their first album, and I was a big fan of [Homme’s first band] Kyuss. That’s where I met Josh.”

From forming the dream team, fans first heard their music in 2009 after the band released its self-titled album.

As expected from such a celebrated lineup, their debut was a huge success, selling over 70,000 units during its opening week in the United States alone.

The 13-track album includes their breakthrough song and first single, "New Fang" which won Best Hard Rock Performance at the 53rd Grammy Awards.

Apart from winning a Grammy and swooning fans with their hit tracks, Them Crooked Vultures also toured extensively, booking a string of shows across the U.S. and the U.K.

Unfortunately, after releasing its debut album, Them Crooked Vultures failed to launch a follow-up record, as some of the members returned to their full-time bands, including Grohl, who worked on the 2011 Foo Fighters album Wasting Light.

The same was true for Homme, who was recovering from knee surgery that he later revealed nearly cost him his life due to complications.

As for Jones, he explored a different kind of music and formed the avant-garde improv duo Sons of Chipotle.

Amid their hiatus, Grohl was asked about a possible reunion, but he clarified that the band had not disbanded and didn't rule out the possibility of performing again as a trio.

“Technically we’re still a band,” he told The Guardian. “We practice once every decade, and we’re coming up on another decade, aren’t we? I don’t have any official news, but there’s always something cooking.”

Lo and behold, the long-awaited reunion finally happened, but under the most unexpected circumstances.

After 12 years of inactivity, Them Crooked Vultures reunited in 2022 for the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concerts.

For the first time in over a decade, the public got to see the trio perform together again, delivering a powerhouse three-song set that included Elton John's "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," their own song "Gunman" from their debut album which was performed in London and the Queens of the Stone Age song "Long Slow Goodbye," performed in Los Angeles.

Related: '90s Rock Band's Emotional Post About Late Drummer Moves Fans to Tears

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Here's the thing nobody tells you when you're standing in the skincare aisle staring at a wall of products with "collagen" printed across the front in hopeful fonts: the collagen in most of those creams can't actually get into your skin. Yep.

Collagen molecules are too large to penetrate deeply enough to do the structural work the packaging implies. What they can do is sit on the surface, hold moisture and make your skin look temporarily smoother and more supple, which is absolutely useful, just not quite the revolutionary rebuilding job the marketing suggests. Surprise, surprise!

All that said, it’s not a reason to avoid collagen creams. Instead, it's a reason to understand what you're actually buying and choose accordingly. The best formulas in this category aren't relying on topical collagen alone to justify their place in your routine. They're combining it with ingredients that actually do penetrate, ingredients like peptides that signal skin cells to produce collagen, ceramides that rebuild the moisture barrier, growth factors that support cellular repair and antioxidants that protect whatever collagen you still have from breaking down further.

Used correctly, as part of a consistent anti-aging skincare routine that also includes daily sunscreen, a good collagen cream can improve hydration, texture and the appearance of fine lines over time.

The catch is that "collagen cream" as a category covers an enormous range of formulas with wildly different approaches and ingredient quality, and the word "collagen" on the label tells you almost nothing useful about whether the product will actually perform. Luckily, we've tapped skincare experts to learn more about how collagen creams actually work, what to look for in a formula and which 13 products are genuinely worth your money.

Meet the Experts

To sort through it all properly, we talked to four dermatologists and skincare experts:

• Dr. Robin Smith, doctor of regenerative medicine and co-founder of Exoceuticals
• Dr. Sejal Shah of Smarter Skin Dermatology, board-certified dermatologist in Manhattan
• Dr. Kseniya Kobets, Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care
• Dr. Chang Son, board-certified dermatologist

What Is Collagen Cream and How Does It Work, Exactly?

Topically applied collagen molecules are generally too large to penetrate the skin, which means they don't replace lost collagen the way injectable fillers do, Shah says. Instead, they work primarily as hydrators and film-forming ingredients on the skin's surface.

"Their benefits primarily include hydration, barrier support, improved texture and possibly gradual support of collagen signaling when paired with active ingredients," she tells Parade.

“One of the biggest misconceptions in skincare is that topical collagen directly rebuilds your skin's collagen," Kobets explains. What collagen creams actually do well is hydrate and temporarily plump, softening fine lines and giving skin a healthier overall appearance. The real collagen work happens when they're paired with ingredients like peptides, retinoids and antioxidants that genuinely support collagen production at the cellular level.

Related: The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne That Unclog and Transform Skin, Tested by Dermatologists

Top Collagen Creams

• Best Overall Collagen Cream: Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty Bowe Glowe Microbiome Nourishing Cream
• Best Collagen Cream for Wrinkles:NakedBeauty MD ExoGlow Multi-Action Face Serum
• Best Collagen Cream for Dry Skin: Valmont Hydra3 Charging Cream
• Best Collagen Cream for Sensitive Skin: Derma E Advanced Peptides & Flora-Collagen Moisturizer
• Best Drugstore Collagen Cream:Olay Collagen Peptide Max Moisturizing Cream
• Best Collagen Cream with Exosomes:Doctor Babor PRO Exo Youth Cream
• Best Collagen Cream for Sagging Skin:Exoceuticals EXO PLUS Anti-Aging Cream
• Best Fragrance-Free Collagen Cream:Neutrogena Collagen Bank Daily Moisturizer
• Best Collagen Cream for Crepey Skin:StriVectin Multi Action Restorative Cream
• Best Collagen Cream for Firming:Skinbetter Mystro Active Balance Serum
• Best Lightweight Collagen Cream:Dermalogica Pro Collagen Banking Water Cream
• Best Collagen Night Cream:Elemis Pro-Collagen Overnight Matrix
• Best Budget Collagen Night Cream:Olay Regenerist Night Cream

Why Does Skin Lose Collagen as You Age?

Collagen production starts declining in your mid-to-late twenties at roughly 1% per year, accelerating in your forties and fifties. For women, Shah notes, it drops sharply after menopause due to declining estrogen. Beyond the natural slowdown, environmental and lifestyle factors compound the damage. UV exposure, smoking, pollution and chronic inflammation generate free radicals that break down existing collagen fibers, leaving skin thinner, less resilient and structurally weaker over time.

But wait, there’s even more bad news! Smith adds that the fibroblasts responsible for producing collagen become less active with age, and the collagen fibers already present become more fragmented and disorganized. The visible result is wrinkles, sagging and reduced elasticity—which is why collagen creams alone can only do so much, and why sunscreen remains the single most effective tool for slowing the process.

Related: 11 Best Barrier Repair Creams To Calm Stressed-Out Skin, Tested by Dermatologists

How To Choose the Best Collagen Cream for Your Skin Type

"I focus less on the word 'collagen' on the label and more on the overall formulation," says Kobets.

Skin Type

Type of Collagen Cream

Oily or acne-prone skin

Lighter gel-cream or lotion textures work better.

Dry or mature skin

Richer creams with ceramides, peptides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid and squalane deliver more hydration and support.

Sensitive or rosacea-prone skin

Fragrance-free formulas that prioritize barrier repair over aggressive actives.

Smith adds that regardless of skin type, "preventing collagen breakdown is just as important as encouraging new collagen formation"—which is the dermatologist way of saying daily sunscreen is non-negotiable no matter which cream you choose.

Related: 11 Best Clean Moisturizers for Women Over 50, According to a Professional Makeup Artist

13 Best Collagen Creams, According to Dermatologists

These collagen creams are expert-recommended to tackle fine lines and dry skin.

Best Overall Collagen Cream: Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty Bowe Glowe Microbiome Nourishing Cream, $95

Dermstore

Kobets says this is a personal favorite, particularly for patients focused on barrier and microbiome support alongside anti-aging. What makes it a strong overall pick is the approach—rather than leaning on collagen alone, it combines hydration with microbiome-supportive ingredients that help the skin function better overall.

"It feels cosmetically elegant," she says, which matters as much as the ingredient list when you're committing to something daily. For anyone who wants a cream that addresses skin quality from the inside out rather than just sitting on the surface, this is the one she keeps coming back to.

Best Collagen Cream for Wrinkles: NakedBeauty MD ExoGlow Multi-Action Face Serum, $345

NakedBeauty MD

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Kobets calls this one of her recent go-to products specifically because it delivers results without heaviness. "It gives hydration and glow without feeling heavy or greasy," she says.

She likes the combination of glycerin, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides and growth factor-inspired technology makes it "gentle enough for sensitive skin" while still addressing fine lines substantively. The multi-ingredient approach is exactly what she advises patients to prioritize over single-hero formulas.

Best Collagen Cream for Dry Skin: Valmont Hydra3 Charging Cream, $290

Rescue Spa

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"One of my favorite HAs in a moisturizer," Saedi says. "It's a luxe, deeply hydrating moisturizer that is great for skin that feels tight, dry or depleted." The combination of humectants like glycerin, urea and sodium hyaluronate with barrier-supporting ceramides, cholesterol and squalane addresses dry, mature skin from multiple angles at once.

Best Collagen Cream for Sensitive Skin: Derma E Advanced Peptides & Flora-Collagen Moisturizer, $28

Derma E

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Shah specifically recommends this one for sensitive skin because of what it leaves out as much as what it includes. "It's formulated without fragrance and other irritants," she explains, "using calming centella asiatica and barrier-supporting squalane." The complex of five well-studied peptides alongside soluble collagen and sodium hyaluronate gives it genuine anti-aging function without the irritation risk that more aggressive formulas carry.

Best Drugstore Collagen Cream: Olay Collagen Peptide Max Moisturizing Cream, $32

CVS

Shah calls this "a luxury formula at a drugstore price" and the ingredient list backs that up. Collagen peptides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid work together to visibly plump and firm, and the formula is lightweight, fast-absorbing and free of parabens, phthalates, synthetic dyes and fragrance.

Best Collagen Cream with Exosomes: Doctor Babor PRO Exo Youth Cream, $180

Babor

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Kobets reaches for this when she wants something genuinely reparative. "It's nourishing," she says, "and still feels lightweight and breathable," which is the combination that separates a truly sophisticated luxury formula from one that's just expensive.

For skin that needs serious overnight recovery without the heaviness that often comes with rich night creams, this is the pick.

Best Collagen Cream for Sagging Skin: Exoceuticals EXO PLUS Anti-Aging Cream, $195

Exoceuticals

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Looking to tackle sagging skin? These eXo³ Exosomes with targeted peptides designed to support fibroblast activity. "Rather than simply applying collagen to the skin's surface, these ingredients help support the biological processes responsible for maintaining skin structure and resilience," Smith explains.

For anyone who has grown skeptical of collagen creams that only work at the surface level, this addresses a fundamentally different part of the equation.

Best Fragrance-Free Collagen Cream: Neutrogena Collagen Bank Daily Moisturizer, $20

Target

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Kobets says this one is a standout example of an "approachable multitasking moisturizer that supports hydration, smoother texture, and overall healthier skin quality without a luxury price point."

Fragrance-free and formulated with collagen-supporting ingredients, it's the kind of daily moisturizer that works quietly and consistently without asking much from your skin or your wallet. For anyone building a routine around sensitive or reactive skin, starting here before layering in stronger actives is exactly the right move.

Best Collagen Cream for Crepey Skin: StriVectin Multi Action Restorative Cream, $79

Dermstore

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Gould recommends this one specifically for crepey skin on the neck and décolleté, where thinning and texture changes tend to show up first. The NIA114 niacinamide complex targets the barrier dysfunction that contributes to crepiness while hyaluronic acid addresses the surface hydration component.

For anyone treating crepey skin, addressing both the barrier and the hydration simultaneously gets meaningfully better results than either approach alone.

Best Collagen Cream for Firming: Skinbetter Mystro Active Balance Serum, $225

Skinbetter Science

Shop It at Skinbetter Science

Kobets specifically calls this one out for its focus on skin resilience, "antioxidants, inflammation reduction and barrier support," all of which address collagen preservation as much as collagen production.

"It focuses heavily on skin resilience," she says. For skin that's losing firmness, protecting what's already there while encouraging new production is the more comprehensive strategy, and this formula takes both seriously.

Best Lightweight Collagen Cream: Dermalogica Pro Collagen Banking Water Cream, $76

Dermalogica

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Shah chose this for the texture as much as the formula. "It's formulated as a water cream making it lightweight, non-greasy and fast-absorbing," she explains, while still combining a peptide complex with collagen amino acids and antioxidants.

For oily or combination skin that wants anti-aging collagen support without heaviness, or for anyone layering under makeup in the morning, this is the format that makes the most sense.

Best Night Collagen Cream: Elemis Pro-Collagen Overnight Matrix, $250

Elemis

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Shah's overnight pick uses peptides and collagen amino acids in a rich hydrating base designed to deliver maximum moisture and anti-aging benefits while the skin is in its natural repair cycle.

The formula is deliberately richer than a daytime option, which Kobets confirms is the right approach for nighttime. "Some nights are about retinoids or exfoliation, while other nights are more about hydration, antioxidants, recovery, and barrier repair," she says. This one covers the recovery nights beautifully.

Best Budget Collagen Night Cream: Olay Regenerist Night Cream, $28

CVS

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Kobets calls this out as a prime example of an "approachable multitasking moisturizer that supports hydration, smoother texture and overall healthier skin quality without a luxury price point."

"You also absolutely do not need the most expensive cream to get results," Kobets adds.

FAQs

Get more of your questions about collagen cream answered by the pros.

Collagen Cream vs. Peptide Cream: What's the Difference?

Collagen creams contain collagen peptides that primarily hydrate and smooth, staying near the skin's surface for an immediate plumping and softening effect. Peptide creams contain signaling peptides designed to communicate with skin cells and stimulate collagen synthesis. "Peptides are often considered more biologically useful in topical skincare," Shah explains, "because they can potentially stimulate collagen synthesis."

Kobets agrees, calling peptides "more biologically interesting than topical collagen itself, especially when combined with sunscreen and antioxidants." So, look for formulas that combine both, since surface hydration and deeper collagen signaling are addressing different parts of the same problem.

Can Collagen Creams Help Crepey or Sagging Skin?

Kobets explains that collagen creams have their limits. "They can improve hydration, texture, and the appearance of crepiness, but they won't fully reverse significant sagging or replace in-office tightening procedures."

Shah agrees, noting that the benefits are most noticeable when crepiness and laxity are mild.

"I encourage people to look beyond simple hydration and focus on ingredients that help support collagen production and skin renewal, such as peptides, growth factors and regenerative technologies like exosomes," Smith says. For more advanced sagging, Kobets says "creams improve skin quality, while procedures are often needed for more substantial lifting or contouring."

Related:11 Best Skin-Tightening Moisturizers, According to Celebrity Derms

What Results Can You Realistically Expect From Collagen Creams?

The consensus among the experts is that collagen creams provide better hydration, smoother texture, a temporary mild plumping effect and modest softening of fine lines with consistent use.

Collagen creams "cannot dramatically tighten loose skin, erase deep wrinkles, address moderate to severe volume loss, or produce facelift-like changes," Shah says.

Kobets adds that "consistency, sunscreen and choosing the right ingredients for your skin type matter much more than price alone," but no matter what your price point, we’ve got some excellent recommendations below.

Up Next:

“My Girl Lollypop” was written by Robert Spencer from The Cadillacs in the 1950s, but it became a hit when sung by Jamaican singer Millie Small in 1964. The song, which was retitled “My Boy Lollipop," reached No. 1 in Ireland and No. 2 in the US and UK, selling millions of copies worldwide. To this day, it is one of the best-selling reggae songs of all time.

Chris Blackwell, the founder of Island Records, called it “the most important song in his life.” When talking about how Small came to perform it in a 2009 interview, he said, “When I heard ‘My Boy Lollipop,’ I knew it was a hit. I also knew it was way beyond what Island could handle, plus it was much more slick than something that we would put out, so I licensed it to [Dutch Philips Records]. And then that record was indeed a huge hit everywhere in the world. I brought Millie over to England in ’63, the record came out in ’64, and I went with her on a world tour for six months in ’65.”

“It became a hit pretty much everywhere in the world,” he continued. “I went with her around the world because each of the territories wanted her to turn up and do TV shows and such, and it was just incredible how she handled it. She was such a really sweet person, very funny, great sense of humor. She was really special.”

Although no other song was as popular as “My Boy Lollipop,” Small released many other songs throughout her career, including “Sweet William" and "What Am I Living For." Small also received the Medal of Appreciation in Jamaica from Prime Minister Edward Seaga in 1987. This award was established to recognize Jamaican citizens who have made significant personal achievements or contributions to the nation.

Related: 40 Years Ago Today, the Death of a Legendary Singer’s Assistant Inspired This 1988 Classic Rock Song

In a 2016 interview, Small revealed that she hadn’t received any royalties from “My Boy Lollipop.” She also stated, “I focused on being a mother from 1984, when my daughter was born, and since then I’ve been happy living a quiet life, sleeping and dreaming and meditating.”

Small died in 2020 at the age of 72.

Hatebreed, the veteran band celebrated for its influence on metalcore and hardcore punk music, sparked excitement after updating fans with surprising news amid its 2026 tour.

While the five-piece lineup fronted by vocalist Jamey Jasta with Wayne Lozinak on lead guitar, Frank Novinec on rhythm guitar, Chris Beattie on bass and Matt Byrne on drums is in the middle of the Summer Slaughter Tour, the band added more shows to this year’s activities.

In a shared Instagram update, the hip-hop duo Insane Clown Posse revealed that Hatebreed will join the lineup as one of the performers at the 26th Annual Gathering of the Juggalos.

Jamey Jasta of Hatebreed performs at Bloodstock Festival 2024.

Katja Ogrin/Redferns

Set to take place from Aug. 19 to 22 at its new location, Mother Nature's Riverfront Retreat in Macks Creek, Missouri, Hatebreed will once again bring one of the most intense and high-energy performances to the festival.

Insane Clown Posse, which founded the festival in 2000, highlighted the quartet’s “musical footprint that has inspired generations of imitators as well as legions of rabid fans.”

“Far from mindless aggression, Jamey Jasta's distinctive shout carves into the very air lyrics of thoughtful defiance, self-empowerment and palpable challenges to the systems and illusions of daily civilization! All forged in steel behind abrasive chords framing deadly breakdowns, in true hardcore fashion! Hatebreed is ready to move the Juggalos into an absolute pit frenzy, so your only option is to brace yourself or get out of the way!” the caption reads.

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Fans can expect a fun-filled night as Hatebreed will take the festival’s main Kraken Stage along with Insane Clown Posse, Tech N9ne, Vanilla Ice and The Pharcyde.

Meanwhile, other artists and musicians performing at the annual festival are Crossbreed, Bible Belt Massacre, Ouija Macc, Pouya, Fat Nick, Ho99o9, HEXXX, Diggy Graves, DJ Paul and more.

The announcement came after the band kicked off its Summer Slaughter Tour 2026 on Jul. 2 in Reading, Pennsylvania, where it served as one of the headliners.

The 20-date run will conclude on Jul. 24 in Buffalo, New York.

The Summer Slaughter Tour 2026 Schedule:

Jul. 2 — Reading, Penn. @ Reverb

Jul. 3 — Virginia Beach, Va. @ Elevation 27

Jul. 4 — New Jersey for Hellfest

Jul. 5 — Worcester, Mass. @ The Palladium

Jul. 7 — Cincinnati, Ohio @ Bogart’s

Jul. 8 — Nashville, Tenn. @ Brooklyn Bowl

Jul. 9 — New Orleans, La. @ Tipitina’s

Jul. 10 — Houston, Texas @ House of Blues

Jul. 11 — Austin, Texas @ Emo’s

Jul. 12 — Tulsa, Okla. @ Cain’s Ballroom

Jul. 14 — Denver, Colo. @ Summit Music Hall

Jul. 15 — Omaha, Neb. @ The Admiral

Jul. 16 — Wisconsin for Rock Fest

Jul. 17 — Chicago, Illinois

Jul. 18 —Mansfield, Ohio

Jul. 19 — Saginaw, Mich. @ The Vault

Jul. 21 — St. Louis, Mo. @ Pop’s Nightclub

Jul. 22 — Fort Wayne, Ind. @ Piere’s Entertainment Center

Jul. 23 — Toronto, Ontario @ Phoenix Concert Theatre

Jul. 24 — Buffalo, N.Y. @ Town Ballroom

Related: ’70s Rock Icon Announces Special Guest for 2026 North America Tour

In a cool, rustic indoor theater on a recent summer afternoon at Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom, three generations of my family sat shoulder to shoulder, equally dazzled by the classic Disney attraction Country Bear Musical Jamboree. As more than a dozen animatronic bears belted out “The Bare Necessities” in whimsical Nashville-style costumes, it was impossible not to feel utterly enchanted. This was Disney magic at its finest, and we were here for it.

Growing up in Florida, I have fond memories of childhood trips to Disney World with my parents. But while I’d continued visiting the parks into adulthood (especially with my kids), my dad hadn’t been to the Magic Kingdom in decades. When we found an opportunity to add on a park day ahead of a family Disney cruise, I jumped at the chance to spend a nostalgic day at Disney with my dad, my husband and our kids. It turned out to be one of my favorite Disney trips; here's how it came together.

Related: I Ditched My iPhone for a '90s-Style Disney Vacation—And My Kids Actually Loved It

How We Planned It A statue of Walt Disney with Mickey Mouse stands in front of Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.

Photo by Matt Stroshane, courtesy of Disney

Since we were traveling in from different corners of Florida to meet in Orlando before the cruise, we decided to book a night at a Disney Resort hotel both before and after—a small addition to extend our family vacation.

Once that was locked in, we couldn’t resist adding a park day. I’d previously written about a ‘90s-style visit to Disney, and I loved that experience so much that I wanted to dig deeper into Disney history. With my dad, I wanted to prioritize the classic rides and experiences that would have existed in the ‘80s—and introduce that version of Disney to my own kids. A magical vintage Magic Kingdom vacation for all of us.  

We mapped out a plan; while rollercoasters like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad were technically era-appropriate, we wanted experiences that the whole family could enjoy together. I gave my kids a heads-up that this trip would be all about the classics, and they loved the idea. It turns out that no matter your age, the classic attractions still appeal to everyone.

Related: I Went on a Disney Cruise and Ditched My Phone for a 2000s-Style Vacation—Here's What Happened

The Magic Kingdom, Then and Now—Through My Dad's Eyes Animatronic bears sing during the Country Bear Musical Jamboree at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.

Photo by Linnea Bailey

As we walked through the park, I kept expecting dad to point out what had changed. But the irony is that while a lot has changed through the decades (no more Magic Kingdom SkyWay or 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Submarine Voyage, for example), there’s still so much at the Magic Kingdom that’s familiar and recognizable, all these years later.

When we walked past the Mad Tea Party in Fantasyland, my dad recalled spinning through the teacups on a long-ago trip with family friends. When we soared through Neverland aboard a pirate galleon on Peter Pan’s Flight, he remembered the years when I wanted to ride it repeatedly as a kid. And of course, “it’s a small world” remains magical no matter your age or how many years have passed since your last visit.

Later, I asked Dad what had changed the most. His answer: he didn’t remember seeing as many photographers in the ‘80s. He's probably right—in the film era, photographers had to be far more selective about which photos they captured. It left me feeling grateful for all the Disney photographers stationed throughout the parks today (and the miracle of digital photography). Those cast members are the reason I have so many wonderful family photos from this trip.

Related: Want to Party Like It's the '90s? Head to One of Disney's Water Parks This Summer

The Beauty of a Vintage Disney Day With The Whole Family A scene from Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress at the Magic Kingdom.

Photo by Linnea Bailey

Here's the thing about sticking to the classics at Disney World: the experience really does mirror what it would have felt like decades ago. The rides have been refreshed and refurbished over the years, but the essence—engineering marvels of their era—remain every bit as wondrous now as they were then.

In Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room in Adventureland, we bopped along with a chorus of animatronic birds and flowers, then climbed to the top of the Swiss Family Treehouse for sweeping views of the park below. We rode Pirates of the Caribbean and pretended to be swashbuckling seafarers, then cooled off with pineapple-vanilla swirl DOLE Whip at Aloha Isle.

We wandered down Main Street, U.S.A. for photos with Mickey, savored Italian fare at Tony's Town Square Restaurant and caught the Dapper Dans harmonizing their way down the street. As night fell, we watched the fireworks and the nighttime parade Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away. Watching it beside my dad, I couldn't help but think back to the Main Street Electrical Parade we once watched together in the '80s—a full-circle moment decades in the making.

Related: This Serene Florida Beach Is One of the Best in the Country for a '90s-Style Digital Detox

Why The Best Part Was Time Spent Together The author with her family and Mickey Mouse at Town Square Theater at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.

Photo by Linnea Bailey

Walt Disney World Resort has always excelled at placemaking, or the art of making a space feel like more than just a destination. A multigenerational trip here feels less like a day at a theme park and more like a reunion, staged inside a place built for wonder.

At the Carousel of Progress in Tomorrowland (which we caught just before its scheduled refurbishment), we followed the Progress family through a century of technological change. It was there that my dad mentioned that he'd attended the 1964 New York World's Fair, where Walt Disney himself debuted the very same attraction. It was the kind of historical detail that reframes a memory in the best way.

The trip was a reminder that so many of Disney’s best vintage experiences are still standing, meticulously maintained across generations. A visit to Disney World is a bit of a choose-your-own-adventure journey: you can chase the newest rides or wander back through decades of history—or you can do both. Either way, it's all there, just waiting for you to experience it.

Tips for Taking Your Own Family Back to Where It All Began Cinderella Castle is framed by the shops along Main Street, U.S.A. at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.

Photo by Matt Stroshane, courtesy of Disney

Stay "in the magic." Booking a classic Disney Resort hotel extends the immersion beyond park hours and makes the whole trip feel like a magical vacation. There are so many free things to do on Disney property—and free water park admission is included on check-in day this summer for resort hotel guests.

Consider skipping the rental car. Disney's complimentary transportation network (buses, monorails and the Skyliner) makes it easy to move between resorts and parks without ever getting behind the wheel. For a more private experience, Disney’s Minnie Van Service Connected by Lyft is another option.

Don't try to do it all. Hitting every attraction will wear everyone out, and it means missing the slower moments that make a trip memorable. Pick a few favorites and let that guide your day. Adding a sit-down meal can also provide a break spot; The Crystal Palace on Main Street is a great character dining experience with Winnie the Pooh and friends.

Ask your traveling companions what they remember. Some of the best moments of the day came from spontaneous stories prompted by a familiar ride or spot along Main Street, U.S.A. Build in time to talk about memories and prior vacations from decades past.

The best photos aren't always the planned ones. I love photos in front of Cinderella Castle more than anyone, but make sure to photograph the smaller moments, too. The candid shots—a selfie with my dad in front of a Country Bear Jamboree poster and a photo of the whole family eating Mickey Bars—were some of my favorites from the trip.

Consider adding a park day before or after a Disney cruise.Disney Cruise Line offers dedicated ground transfers to and from Disney Resort hotels and Port Canaveral. If sailing from Port Everglades, the high-speed train service Brightline is an efficient, easy transportation option from Orlando to Fort Lauderdale. Either makes it easy to extend the magic of a Disney vacation.  

Related: Disney Insiders Are Naming This the Best Character Spot in All of Disney World

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What did we actually do before the foldable cart became a thing? There was a time when a trip to the beach meant five separate armloads and a serious balancing act. Tailgating? You made three trips from the car. And don't even get me started on the farmer's market — you basically turned into a pack mule with a tote bag cutting into your shoulder.

But then the foldable cart arrived and changed the rules. Now it's beach chairs, umbrellas, snacks and a rogue frisbee in one rolling load. It shows up for camping trips, school volunteer days where you accidentally said yes to "just a few supplies," and those post-grocery runs where you bought enough to qualify as a small event planner. It even handles the awkward "I'll just carry it all in one trip" optimism we all still try to maintain.

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Baoure Heavy Duty Steel Folding Utility Wagon Cart, $226.08 - $245.74 at Kohl's

Kohl's

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At a certain point, it stops feeling like a convenience item and starts feeling like a life strategy, but then you come across the Baoure Heavy Duty Steel Folding Utility Wagon Cart, and you realize it can be so much more. This wagon not only holds up to 500 pounds, but it also folds into a seat. So if you find yourself looking for a place to sit at a tailgate or another event, just unload your gear and kick up your feet.

Related: Costco's Comfy New Portable Reading Desk Is Even More Useful Than You Think

There's plenty of room for coolers, gear, sports equipment or gardening supplies without worrying about spills or rough use. And the all-terrain swivel wheels make it surprisingly easy to maneuver across sand, grass or uneven paths. You'll also find a folding side table with dual cup holders, adding a practical surface for drinks or snacks on the go.

Beyond all of that (which is already a lot to love), the color selection here is *chef's kiss*. The purple hue is so vibrant, but there's also orange, dark blue, black and gray to choose from. The purple and orange colorways are roughly $20 cheaper than the neutral hues.

This isn't the only compact, foldable Kohl's find you'll see in stores these days. I'm equally as smitten with the retailer's cloud-like reclining floor chair that tucks away to save space when not in use.

Related: Target Is Selling the Sweetest Hooded Throw Blanket Perfect For Getting Cozy While Your AC Is Cranked

Few characters define the Western TV genre quite like Paladin, the educated and sophisticated gun-for-hire at the center of the classic series Have Gun – Will Travel. Armed with intelligence as much as firepower and dressed in his signature black attire, the cultured leading man set the template for the modern antihero, helping redefine the television Western. A new ranking names the greatest Western TV hero of all time, and it should come as no surprise that Paladin claims the top spot.

While many earlier Western protagonists were driven by revenge or survival, Paladin, played by Richard Boone, relied on far more than his weapon to get the job done. His ability to solve problems with strategy rather than violence made him a standout character and introduced a new kind of Western hero. The genre's answer to Robin Hood, Paladin charged wealthy clients premium fees but frequently helped those in need for free, giving the character a moral complexity that was unusual for television Westerns of the era.

Paladin often relied on negotiation, psychology, and impeccable timing before ever reaching for his gun, using violence only as a last resort. His combination of intelligence, restraint, and integrity helped redefine the Western hero for generations of viewers.

A new ranking places Paladin at the top of television's greatest Western heroes, ahead of Gunsmoke's Marshal Matt Dillon, Bret and Bart Maverick from Maverick, and Marshal Wyatt Earp from The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp. Here's why.

“Arguably the best classic Western protagonist is Richard Boone's Paladin, the leading man on the exceptional half-hour horse opera Have Gun—Will Travel. This San Francisco-based Man in Black traveled throughout the Old West on jobs as a gun-for-hire, though he often found himself using his brains more often than his brawn to solve the issues at hand. As educated as he was proficient in his trade, Paladin made good money doing what he did to ensure he could continue the comfortable lifestyle he enjoyed in California.

Still, Paladin was a man of principles, like any good Western TV hero. There were several instances where he forsook payment for his work or found clever ways to help those he was hired to run out when he saw the truth. The true template from which many on-screen bounty hunters and hired guns have copied, Paladin is an intelligent yet clearly Western gunman who is far more than the weapon he carries. Plus, he has a killer theme song.”

Related: 1966 Western With a Legendary 15-Minute Showdown Was Just Named the Greatest Blockbuster Western of All Time

Why Have Gun – Will Travel Was Unlike Any Other Western

Have Gun – Will Travel aired for six seasons beginning in 1957. Alongside Richard Boone, the recurring cast included Kam Tong as Hey Boy, Paladin's loyal ally and hotel clerk, Hal Needham in various supporting and background roles, and a steady stream of memorable guest stars.

The series became known for its intelligent writing, moral storytelling, and cinematic approach to television. Each episode followed Paladin as he traveled across the Old West, accepting assignments that tested his ethics just as much as his skills.

The Iconic TV Western That Influenced a Generation

In addition to its unforgettable lead character, Have Gun – Will Travel featured one of television's most recognizable openings. The show's famous chess knight emblem and calling card reading, "Have Gun, Will Travel," became one of the most iconic introductions in television history and helped distinguish the series from every other Western on the air.

Richard Boone's Lasting Legacy as Paladin @thegoldenage111

#richardboone #johnwayne #rumors #fpy

♬ original sound - The Golden Age

Richard Boone became one of television's biggest stars thanks to his iconic portrayal of Paladin. His nuanced performance helped redefine the modern Western antihero, creating a character whose influence can still be seen in today's movies and television series.

More than six decades after its debut, Have Gun – Will Travel remains one of the most influential Westerns ever produced, and Paladin continues to set the standard for what a television Western hero can be.

Related: 1968 Western With an 11-Minute Intro Was Just Named the Greatest Movie Opening of All Time

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Not only are we celebrating another birthday for America, but it’s a milestone. America celebrates 250 years, and there’s no doubt that you want a few movies to mark the occasion. There is only one that sits at the top of the list for Rotten Tomatoes. It’s all about Hamilton.

The 2020 production isn’t technically a movie, but it’s viewed that way since joining Disney+. It’s actually a stage production, and it was expertly put together to make it suitable for viewers during the pandemic, when Broadway was closed.

Hamilton tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, the man who helped to create the America we know today. He was just a young, scrappy immigrant with the dream to be free, and we hear the story of how he worked with others and was close to George Washington to help succeed.

With the story of his success, there are also bad moments, including his affair and the loss of his son. Then there’s his death at the hands of Aaron Burr.

The “movie” ranks as the No. 1 pick on Rotten Tomatoes based on the reviews of critics and audiences. It holds a Certified Fresh rating with a 98% score from the critics. The audiences also loved it even more, with it landing a 99% score and a Verified Hot rating.

One user shared, “I just love this musical so much and I love learning about US history with a good sing along.”

Another shared, “Absolute interpretation of what their characters must have felt living through their experiences with great music and entertaining choreography. Filled with details that enrich the experience, and if you enjoy it, it is a must-watch at least a 2nd time. Casting is almost perfect.”

As for the critics, they praised the performance, the camera work, and the cast. While Lin-Manuel Miranda certainly shone in the leading role, Daveed Diggs, Christopher Jackson, Phillipa Soo, and Renée Elise Goldsberry also received praise for their speed of rapping, cadence throughout, and the heart they put into their characters’ storylines.

While Hamilton is a Broadway production, it was filmed in 2016 as a way to preserve the original company. Disney bought the rights to the filming, and the plan was to release it in 2021. However, the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered both Broadway and movie theaters, and Disney needed some new content for Disney+. Hamilton was added in July 2020 to immediate rave reviews and excitement.

The best thing about Hamilton is that you can play the soundtrack over and over again. So, don’t throw away your shot, and put it on again as we celebrate 250 years of America.

1982 new wave classic "Vacation" by The Go-Go’s may have begun as a breakup song, but it quickly became one of the most enduring seasonal anthems of its era. 

Almost 45 years later, the tune is still finding its way back onto the list of "Best Summer Rock Songs Ever," largely due to its bright, energetic sound and surfy guitars, despite the emotional depth beneath its upbeat tone.

Rolling Stone even placed it in the #9 slot of "Best Summer Songs of All Time" in 2022.

Released as the title track of the all-female rock band’s 1982 album, "Vacation" captured the energy of the MTV-era pop-rock. On the surface, it sounds like a carefree tune, but it uses the idea of a “vacation” as a metaphor for ending a relationship and using the time off to get over a crush. 

It became one of The Go-Go’s biggest commercial successes. Though it never took the No. 1 spot, it climbed to No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of the band’s final Top 10 hits before their split.

To this date, it remains one of the group’s biggest hits, helping define their explosive run in the early ’80s, while also solidifying their place in pop-rock history.

The tune has seen a resurgence decades after its release, keeping it alive for new generations across films and TV shows, including Spider-Man: Far From Home and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. 

Billboard even hailed it a “perfect summer record” for “lazy beach days,” so naturally, it’s made its way onto plenty of summer playlists as the perfect soundtrack for roadtrips, outdoor outings, and social media captures. 

Most recently, The Go-Go's performed "Vacation," along with their other hit, “We Got the Beat,” during the 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

The track serves as a reminder that even something rooted in heartache and the end of a romance can become an unexpected and timeless seasonal anthem.

Related: 1981 New Wave Classic Became a Timeless Sing-Along Anthem Despite Never Reaching No. 1

Alan Jackson is racked up more than 25 No. 1 country hits throughout his legendary career, but one song continues to resonate with fans on a deeper level — especially during patriotic occasions.

Jackson released the poignant ballad "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)," in November 2001, just two months after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The song articulated many of the emotions being felt by Americans across the nation after that tragic day, while Jackson also added an uplifting about hope and love within the lyrics.

"That song was just a gift," Jackson said in a 2011 interview, per Taste of Country. "I've never felt I could take credit for writing it. Looking back, I guess I just didn't want to forget how I felt on that day and how I knew other people felt."

Almost 25 years later, the emotional song and its relatable lyrics still resonate with fans on a deep level.

"Typically, when we kick that song off and the crowd realizes what it is, people hold up their lighters and things," the country crooner said. "And I've seen people crying in the crowds, and they cheer on lines that mean something, like the line about the heroes just doing what they do — they really like that. I don't know. There's a lot of emotion going on in the room during that song, and it always makes me feel good that it has affected people that way."

"Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)" topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for an impressive five-week stay at No. 1, which is the second-longest run of all Jackson's 26 songs that reached the summit of that chart. It follows behind the smash hit "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere," which reigned at No. 1 for 8 weeks.

It won Song of the Year at the CMA Awards in 2002 and it also earned Jackson a Grammy for Best Country Song in 2003, the first of his two career wins. (He won his second Grammy in 2011 for his collaboration with Zac Brown on "As She's Walking Away").

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All of Alan Jackson's 26 No. 1s on Billboard's Hot Country Songs Chart:

1. "Drive (For Daddy Gene)"
2. "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere"
3. "It Must Be Love"
4. "Where I Come From"
5. "Gone Country"
6. "Remember When"
7. "Small Town Southern Man"
8. "Good Time"
9. "Country Boy"
10. "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)"
11. "I Don't Even Know Your Name"
12. "Tall, Tall Trees"
13. "I'll Try"
14. "Little Bitty"
15. "There Goes"
16. "Right On the Money"
17. "I'd Love You All Over Again"
18. "Don't Rock the Jukebox"
19. "Someday"
20. "Dallas"
21. "Love's Got a Hold On You"
22. "She's Got the Rhythm (And I Got the Blues)"
23. "Chattahoochee"
24. "Summertime Blues"
25. "Livin' on Love"
26. "As She's Walking Away"

Related: 74-Year-Old Country Icon With the Most No. 1s Is Surging on the Billboard Charts Again