Is there anything better than summer? School is out, vacation time is in and a bunch of our favorite artists are on tour!

The summer season always makes way for the best tours of the year, and 2014 in particular has seen so many great acts hitting the road that it was almost impossible to single out any as the best. Between the elaborate costumes, the brilliant light displays and the unbeatable music, 2014 is the year for live shows! Somehow we managed to narrow it down to the biggest and best tours coming to a city near you this summer. Grab your calendars and start scheduling in these artists, because here are five shows you don't want to miss!

  • Beyonce and Jay Z

    Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images
    Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images
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    As two of the biggest names in music, their touring partnership created one of the biggest shows of the summer. Beyonce and Jay Z's On the Run Tour has been landing all over the U.S. since it kicked off at the end of June, creating such a huge wave of success that HBO is going to air a concert special of the tour this fall.

    Though the spotlight is split half and half at the shows, the performances aren't at 50% by any means. Both Beyonce and Jay Z are exceptional talents that go hard and give it their all at every concert. And if their performance at the BET Awards is anything to go by, then the vocals, choreography and visual effects for this tour are all '***Flawless.'

  • Katy Perry

    Dave J Hogan, Getty Images
    Dave J Hogan, Getty Images
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    Is there anyone who can beat the aesthetic of a Katy Perry show? Her detailed costumes are theatrical, colorful and thematically fitting for all of her just-as-elaborate set designs. Oh, and don't expect just one or two changes — on the first night of her Prismatic Tour, she changed costumes nine times!

    Paired with her sets and props, attending a Katy show is like entering a fantasy world. No detail is overlooked, and no corner of the stage is left bare. Everything is decked out in neon, glitter or other eye-catching designs to create a 360-effect. Not to mention the 29-year-old even made a habit of bringing lucky fans on stage this tour. Talk about an experience!

  • One Direction

    Dave J Hogan, Getty Images
    Dave J Hogan, Getty Images
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    If the decibel levels of a screaming audience were any indication of a tour's success, One Direction would take the trophy every time. Directioners will be flocking to the Where We Are Tour when the North American leg kicks off on Aug. 1. The third leg has a lot to live up to, considering all of the dramatics from the first two (including Harry pulling his pants down on stage, and Niall and Liam's separate injuries).

    This tour is the band's first round of stadiums, and they've amped up their stage setup. The sprawling screens and lengthy catwalk ensure that their tens of thousands of attendees catch all five members' every move. (Then they upload every moment to YouTube, so we can watch them on repeat, of course.)

  • Ed Sheeran

    Kevin Winter, Getty Images
    Kevin Winter, Getty Images
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    Ed Sheeran is having a groundbreaking year in his career. His sophomore album, 'X,' skyrocketed up the charts, and in a few short weeks he'll be heading out on his first ever headlining arena tour of North America. The Brit's schtick is as simple as featuring his impressive vocals, clever lyrics and handy guitar. But have you seen one of his live performances? There's not a single dull second when Ed takes the stage!

    Plus, the singer-songwriter opened up for Taylor Swift last year on her Red Tour, so he's no stranger to big stages. We're confident his energetic performances will translate amazingly to his own massive tour.

  • Austin Mahone

    Mike Coppola, Getty Images
    Mike Coppola, Getty Images
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    Mahomies have been waiting a long time for Austin Mahone's album 'The Secret,' and the anticipation is building as we get closer to the start of his North American tour and closer to hearing those songs live. (We're betting that his screaming fans will give 1D's a run for their money.)

    Austin will be performing his new tunes, including his hit 'MMM Yeah' feat. Pitbull, as well as a few covers we're dying to hear (judging by his recent tweet of him singing Chris Brown's 'Forever,' anyway). What really brings this tour over the top is the entire bill, which includes openers Fifth Harmony, the Vamps and Shawn Mendes. Could there be a more perfect lineup?

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