Music festivals are not just events; they are vibrant tapestries of sound, culture, and connection, echoing the grandeur of our artistic ancestry back to the ancient Grecian festivities that celebrated the essence of beauty. Imagine the timeless reverence for the arts, as competitive melodies once resonated in the precursor to the Olympics.
Fast forward to the year 1952, the Newport Jazz Festival ignited an inextinguishable flame of festival culture within the Western soul. A staggering 13,000 attendees became part of a living, breathing organism of jazz, gospel, and blues, with legendary voices like Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald weaving the fabric of an enduring musical legacy.
But it was the latter half of the 1960s that saw music festivals bloom like wildflowers with unparalleled vigor. The Monterey Pop Festival, Summerfest, and the legendary Woodstock—these are not just names; they are the monumental peaks of musical zeniths, echoing the free-spirited heart of the 1960s, a beacon of hippie solidarity.
The creative evolution spiraled into a new millennium where ‘Music & Arts’ festivals became sanctuaries of eclectic expression. They transcended audio ecstasy, embracing yoga, gourmet indulgences, interactive installations, and artistic performers. These festivals are crucibles where cultural barriers melt away under the fiery spirit of unity, brotherhood, and boundless acceptance.
At a music festival, the world reconvenes under a different sky, where there’s a universal citizenship rooted in love, peace, and an unwavering celebration of individuality. The melodies become the lexicon of souls; a wordless dialogue that everyone understands, a language that speaks directly to the heart, infusing it with unadulterated joy.
Now, imagine a multitude of over 800 music festivals across the U.S.—each a unique universe of artistic rebellion against the ordinary. Our curated list of the Best Music Festivals to attend in 2024 captures the crème de la crème of these sensory odysseys, from the headliners that dominate the stage to the emerging symphonies of tomorrow’s stars. With each date and every note, we eagerly await the fresh revelations and experiences that these music meccas have yet to unfurl.
South By Southwest (SXSW) Conference & Music Festival
It’s not that South by Southwest takes over Austin, Texas — downtown Austin becomes SXSW for nine days in March. Music, art, interactive, panels, comedy, and movies all vie for your attention span. Let’s put it this way. You could skip media for a year, come to Austin for the week, and still come out ahead on pop culture. It’s a cultural smorgasbord that transforms Austin into a nexus of entertainment and ideas, where you can stumble upon impromptu street performances, engage in deep conversations about emerging technology, and discover your new favorite artist in a crowd of music aficionados.
The festival has grown exponentially since its inception in 1987, reflecting the myriad of changes in culture and society, all while cementing Austin’s status as a hotbed for creativity. Whether you’re an industry professional or a curious traveler, there’s something at SXSW for everyone. Imagine walking from a session on future media landscapes to a showcase of up-and-coming indie bands to a film premiere where directors and actors share their insights. SXSW is not just an event, it’s an experience – one that shapes and reflects the trends of tomorrow.
New, developing, and established Showcasing Artists enhance their careers by reaching new audiences and attendees at the SXSW Music Festival each year. Showcases are curated by South By Southwest® in collaboration with record labels, booking agencies, management and PR firms, export offices, publishers, media outlets, lifestyle brands, festivals, and more. With over 90 artists slated to perform the 2024 SXSW Conference & Music Festival will take place March 8-16, 2024 in Austin, TX.
Official Hashtag: #SXSW
Coachella
Held annually at the 78-acre Empire Polo Club in the beautiful Southern California desert, The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is one of the most critically acclaimed music festivals in the world. Coachella mixes groundbreaking artists from all genres of music along with a substantial selection of art installations from all over the world.
As a barometer consistently registering a level of excellence, the initiation of the summer festival season is overwhelmingly characterized by Coachella. The splendor and allure of LA travels east to the Indio Desert for two weekends featuring the most prominent artists in the music industry. Originally a modest electronic music festival, it has now evolved into a cultural cornerstone for the entirety of the festival scene.
Coachella, has also been named the most Instagrammable festival in the US, with over 5,448,100 posts featuring its Instagram hashtag. As one of the most iconic music festivals in the world and a favorite among celebrities, Coachella has an incredibly significant impact on culture – from music to fashion. The highly anticipated event this year will include headliners Lana Del Rey, Tyler, The Creator, and Doja Cat and will be held over two weekends April 12-14 and April 19-21, 2024.
Official Hashtag: #Coachella
Sweetwater 420 Fest
SweetWater Brewing Company is the largest craft brewer in the Southeast and is the presenter of the annual SweetWater 420 Fest, one of Atlanta’s most anticipated music festivals. The festival will be hosted at Atlanta’s Pullman Yards on April 20-21, 2024.
This year’s festival will be headlined by Beck and Slightly Stoopid. There will also be feature performances by Big Gigantic, Black Pumas, Gov’t Mule, Trombone Shorty, Cory Wong, Grace Potter, Moe., St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Larkin Poe, Houndmouth, Ripe, Andy Frasco & The UN, Hayes & The Heathens, Little Stranger, Papadosio, Lespecial, Couch, Fireside Collective, The Psycodelics, Emily Wolfe, Bombargo, Hedonistas, and Connor Clark & Blue Rhythm Revival. Pop chanteuse Kanika Moore and 17-year-old guitar phenom Grace Bowers will also add their talents throughout the festival, sitting with select artists.
The historic Pullman Yards grounds will host an immersive festival experience that features indoor and outdoor stages, charitable and environmental activations, local vendors, workshops, food trucks, an artist market, and more.
Official Hashtag: #420Fest
MerleFest
MerleFest was founded by the legendary Doc Watson to honor the memory of his son who died in a tragic accident. Now, over 80,000 fans gather every Spring on the campus of Wilkes Community College in North Carolina for America’s largest roots festival. This year’s festival will take place April 25-28, 2024.
Leading the breadth of can’t-miss performances this year are Grammy-winning rogue-folk ensemble Old Crow Medicine Show (celebrating both their 25th anniversary and nearly 25 years since thier MerleFest debut in 2000), Red Dirt stalwarts Turnpike Troubadours, decorated blues-rock duo The Teskey Brothers, and recently reunited bluegrass sensation Nickel Creek. MerleFest favorites Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, The Earls of Leicester, Grammy award-winning Béla Fleck My Bluegrass Heart, decorated songwriter Brandy Clark, fast-rising country fixture Nick Shoulders, and over two dozen others are also slated to perform.
With 12 stages of music, there is also a variety of experiences that include nature walks, Acoustic Kids Showcases, Little Pickers Area, a Pickin’ Place, a craft zone, Jam camp, and a pleasing variety of food and craft vendors.
MerleFest continues to deliver one-of-a-kind programming that pays equal homage to pioneers of the folk movement alongside fresh and burgeoning voices. Discover the magical world of Bluegrass, Folk, and Americana where legendary performers join forces with rising stars to create unforgettable collaborations. You won’t want to miss these surprising and captivating musical experiences that will leave you wanting more.
Official Hashtag: #MerleFest
NOLA Jazz Fest
Spanning over two weekends, across 12 stages, and an alumni list that surpasses over 22,000 performers from all musical backgrounds since 1970, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival has hosted some of the greatest artists of the last half-century. This year’s massive lineup is no different, with an array of Who’s Who of Louisiana and Jazz Fest legends, along with first-time performers destined to create unforgettable festival moments.
This year’s Jazz Fest is returning to the New Orleans Fair Grounds April 25 – May 5, 2024. The Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, Chris Stapleton, Neil Young Crazy Horse, The Killers, Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, Queen Latifah, John Batiste, Vampire Weekend, Trombone Shorty and many others are scheduled to perform.
With 12 stages of soul-stirring music—jazz, gospel, Cajun, zydeco, blues, R&B, rock, funk, African, Latin, Caribbean, folk, and much more—the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is firmly established as a singular celebration of both historic and contemporary significance. The event has showcased most of the great artists of New Orleans and Louisiana of the last half century: Professor Longhair, Fats Domino, The Neville Brothers, Wynton Marsalis, Dr. John, Branford Marsalis, Harry Connick Jr., Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, Ellis Marsalis, The Radiators, Irma Thomas, The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Allen Toussaint, Buckwheat Zydeco, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Better Than Ezra, Ernie K-Doe, Vernel Bagneris, The Zion Harmonizers, Beausoleil and many others.
The Festival has always blended in a wide mix of internationally renowned guests, among them: Aretha Franklin, Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Bruce Springsteen, Santana, Sarah Vaughan, Paul Simon, Jimmy Buffett, Max Roach, B.B. King, Dave Matthews Band, Patti LaBelle, Tito Puente, the Allman Brothers Band, Joni Mitchell, Al Green, Pitbull, Linda Ronstadt, Lenny Kravitz, Sonny Rollins, Bonnie Raitt, James Brown, Keith Urban, Kings of Leon, Celia Cruz, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Hugh Masekela, Cassandra Wilson, Willie Nelson, The Temptations, Burning Spear, Van Morrison, LL Cool J, Abbey Lincoln, Neil Young, Erykah Badu, Dave Brubeck, Gladys Knight, Youssou N’Dour and many, many others.
Official Hashtag: #JazzFest
StageCoach
Stagecoach Festival has become the most iconic and renowned country music fest in America. Set amidst the same backdrop as its sister festival, Coachella, Stagecoach provides three days of the genre’s greatest artists, along with activities for the entire family. Stagecoach embraces the country lifestyle with RV camping, Guy Fieri’s Smokehouse, and endless dancing in the HonkyTonk to provide an unforgettable weekend.
The festival’s lineup showcases a diverse range of seasoned pros and up-and-coming artists, attracting attendees of all ages to the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California on April 26-28, 2024.
This year’s festival will feature headline performances from superstars Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, and Morgan Wallen, in addition to performances by Post Malone (Performing a Special Set of Country Covers), Jelly Roll, HARDY, Willie Nelson & Family, Megan Moroney, Bailey Zimmerman, Leon Bridges, Dwight Yoakam, The Beach Boys, Elle King, and many, many more. The festival will see iconic late-night performances by Stagecoach mainstay Diplo, along with Stagecoach newcomers Wiz Khalifa and Nickelback.
Official Hashtag: #Stagecoach
Key West Songwriters Festival
With its vibrant music scene, stunning beaches, and rich cultural history, Key West provides the perfect backdrop for this extraordinary festival
The Key West Songwriters Festival presented by BMI is the world’s largest songwriting festival and serves as a springboard for emerging country musicians. The festival has launched the careers of many popular country music artists like Kacey Musgraves, Florida Georgia Line, Jake Owen, Michael Ray, Randy Houser, and Maren Morris.
Music enthusiasts flock to Key West for the five days and nights of live music, to enjoy storytelling from veteran songwriters and the next big hit-makers.
Celebrating 28 years of music, this year’s festival will take place May 1-15, 2024 in Key West, Florida, and will transform into Music City with an immersive experience of open-air performances showcasing craftsmanship and camaraderie, stripped-down and full band shows all day and night from Nashville’s hit songwriters and local favorites at the island’s most popular venues, including beaches, boats, bars, resorts, historic theaters, and the world-famous Duval Street.
Key West Songwriters Festival has firmly established itself as a must-visit destination for anyone passionate about music, celebrating the art of songwriting and showcasing the next generation of hit-makers. From pool parties to meet and greets, there’s something for everyone.
Shaky Knees
Shaky Knees Music Festival brings a highly desired indie scene to the streets of downtown Atlanta, Georgia. Since its inception in 2013, it has featured a diverse lineup from world-renowned acts to new faces.
Shaky Knees was founded by Atlanta-based promoter and producer, Tim Sweetwood. The name comes from indie-rock band My Morning Jacket’s song, “Steam Engine.” Atlanta’s Central Park has hosted the festival since 2018.
The 2024 festival will take place May 3-5, 2024 at Central Park with headliners Foo Fighters, Weezer, and Noah Kahan. The rock-heavy and alternative lineup also includes Queens of the Stone Age, Arcade Fire, the Offspring, Girl in Red, Young the Giant, Billy Idol, Portugal. The Man, Interpol, the Revivlaists and more.
The festival offers on-site photo booths, official festival merch, artist merch, cell phone charging stations, and free water refilling stations. Grab a bite at one of the many food trucks at the festival offering everything from southern BBQ to vegan corn dogs. VIP ticket holders can enjoy complimentary beer, water, snacks, and access to air-conditioned restrooms.
The festival also includes performances from Songs For Kids, a music mentorship program for kids and young adults with disabilities.
Official Hashtag: #ShakyKneesFest
Lovers & Friends Fest
Lovers & Friends Festival is the brainchild of Grammy award-winning music icon Usher in partnership with Live Nation.
Lovers & Friends is returning to the Las Vegas Festival Grounds this spring, with a star-studded, lineup and the is a must-attend for the 90’s/R&B nostalgia lovers. Usher, Janet Jackson, and Backstreet Boys are set to headline the festival, which will take place on May 4, 2024.
Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani, Nas, Alicia Keys, Nelly Furtado, Ludacris, Mary J. Blige, Ciara, TLC, and Timbaland are also among the many artists slated to perform. As part of the festivities, special sets will include Lil Wayne performing Tha Carter III in its entirety and Usher performing Confessions celebrating the album’s 20th anniversary.
While the first two years of the jam-packed, one-day festival had their hiccups – the festival sold out within one hour of going live for its 2024 event. With a venue that can hold 80,000 attendees, that’s pretty impressive… but I would not want to go GA for a one-day event like this. Our best piece of advice for this festival is to go big or don’t go at all because without the added benefits of the top-tier level of tickets you can’t fully embrace and enjoy all that this festival has to offer.
#loversandfriendsfest
Big As Texas
The independent festival producers behind Big As Texas announced their inaugural lineup last Fall boasting a lineup of some of today’s biggest country and American music acts as well as local Texas favorites – both of which have played an instrumental role in both the long-standing history and modern-day cultural fabric of the Lone Star State. The new outdoor festival is slated for May 10-12, 2024 at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds near Houston, Texas.
For those looking for an elevated weekend experience, their VIP ticket packages are even categorized in true Texan BBQ terminology – Select, Choice, and Prime – that range from private lounges with premium spirits and exclusive food offerings to front-row main-stage viewing and more. There is also a camping option available for a limited number of festival attendees.
Prepare for a schedule chalked full of activities from open-fire grilling with local chefs to custom car shows to equestrian exhibitions, carnival games, immersive art installations, silent auctions, chainsaw carvings, and so much more.
Big As Texas plans to further fulfill its dual mission of providing a positive and substantial economic and cultural impact on Montgomery County and the surrounding area while providing life-saving education and financial support to some of America’s most vulnerable communities that continue to be impacted by suicide by inviting more than three dozen nonprofits to participate onsite this spring.
In addition to onsite activations and panels, organizers will donate ten percent of net proceeds from each ticket sold to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that promote suicide death prevention both in Montgomery County and across Texas.
Hangout Fest
Hangout takes music festy life to the beach with this springtime party held mid-May on the golden sands of Gulf Shores, Alabama. The huge lineup of just about every genre frequently gives a sneak peek at what’s coming to the summer festival circuit. As far as we know, this is the only festival in the world where you can watch the main stage from a hot tub.
Headed into its thirteenth edition, Hangout has become a state of mind where life is a party, a happy place with good vibes only, and a beachside daydream where sun-drenched lifelong memories are made. This year’s lineup will showcase a slew of leading names in varying genres from pop and country, to electronic music, rock, alternative, rap, and beyond.
Hangout’s 2024 headliners demonstrate the festival’s multi-genre ethos, showcasing three of the most in-demand acts of the moment on the beaches of Gulf Shores. Alt-country superstar Zach Bryan is set to perform his stadium-filling anthems, fresh off of his chart-topping fourth studio album. Joining him for a rare U.S. festival performance will be influential songstress Lana Del Rey and her extensive catalog of dreamy hits. One of electronic music’s most captivating production duos, ODESZA, will also bring their acclaimed live show to Hangout main stage as one of their final shows of their “The Last Goodbye” era.
Beyond the music, a weekend spent at Hangout offers the most perfectly-timed and carefree antidote to winter where adulting takes a back seat to picturesque sunsets and leisurely days spent with toes in the sand. Imagine posting up at Hammock Beach, playing beach volleyball or sliding down a slip-and-slide at Camp Hangout, catching heartfelt vows at the Beach Wedding Chapel, then popping into a beach dance club with direct swimming access in the refreshing Gulf of Mexico, all between sets and before retiring to your condo, beach house, or nearby hotel.
Those looking for an elevated experience can fest in style with a VIP ticket that grants expedited access via a dedicated entry lane, an in-venue pool for midday dips, and complimentary cocktails and bites at the VIP Grove. Super VIPs can take in the sights and sounds from their viewing area and elevated deck at the Hangout Main Stage, zip around on golf-cart shuttles between stages, and enjoy complimentary gourmet meals prepared by award-winning chefs throughout the weekend.
Cave Jam 2024
CaveJam is a new 3-day, multi-stage camping festival at The Caverns in Pelham, TN held over Memorial Day Weekend, May 24-26, 2024. The Caverns is a world-renowned underground venue. The festival will feature 20 artists and bands on its stages above and below the caves. Headliners, The String Cheese Incident will play two nights with three sets above ground and one special set inside.
The Caverns is a world-renowned destination known for live music in beautiful natural settings where festivalgoers can revel in the prehistoric venue’s natural acoustics and otherworldly beauty. The outdoor amphitheater sits at the foot of the Cumberland Plateau with the rolling Tennessee hills as a backdrop. Whether underground or above ground, live music at The Caverns is a bucket list experience that keeps fans coming back time and again.
Get deep at CaveJam by camping on-site at The Caverns campground, where the lively community adds a magical touch to your festival stay. Explore the festival’s vendor row at the campground, offering a delightful array of shopping and diverse food truck options to enhance your experience with a blend of convenience and festivity. There are also luxury camping and VIP options available to elevate your experience including yurts, glamping sites, trailer restrooms and showers, food and beverage, and commemorative swag.
CMA Fest
Country Music’s largest festival and ultimate fan experience takes place in the heart of Music City June 6-9, 2024. Downtown Nashville is transformed into a Country music lover’s dream with some of the biggest names and hottest acts performing across stages and venues in Nashville’s Lower Broadway District.
Four days and four nights of country with 7 daytime stages and 2 nighttime stages set in a little over 2 square miles, there is a stage with every type of country music imaginable. The official CMA stages are also surrounded by the neon lights of the bars and live music venues on Broadway. The best part of all is that the majority of the stages are FREE and open to the public.
If you want to get the full experience though, snag some four-night passes to Nissan Stadium’s nightly concerts or even a single-day pass to Fan Fair X inside the Music City Center where you can do Meet & Greets with some of your favorite Country artists, up-and-comers, catch performances and more.
Keeping up with the times, CMA Fest is a cashless event and all event tickets and event info are mobile and can be accessed through the CMA Connect App.
Bonnaroo
Taking place June 13-16, 2024 on the Bonnaroo Farm, located just 60 miles southeast of Nashville in Manchester, TN, Bonnaroo 2024 will as always host a spectacular roster of top artists performing around the clock across more than 10 unique stages over the four-day festival, with live music and much more through the night and into early morning with special sunrise sets.
Bonnaroovians know that the party at Roo starts when the sun goes down and doesn’t stop until it comes back up!
For the first time in Bonnaroo history, the What Stage (Bonnaroo’s main stage) will power up for a special Thursday night headline set, which will feature an incredible performance by Pretty Lights, who will also perform a second sunrise set on The Other Stage during the weekend. Bonnaroo is also excited to announce that Sunday night’s headline set will mark the only U.S. festival performance by Fred Again.. in 2024.
A very special edition of the festival’s world-famous SuperJam. Set for Saturday, June 15 in That Tent, 2024’s all-star collaboration will be “Once More With Feeling(s) – The Dashboard Confessional Emo SuperJam.”
Camping is an essential aspect of Bonnaroo outside of Centeroo (the main festival grounds) you will find the Campground Plazas in Outeroo (the campgrounds) which are strategically located public places throughout the campgrounds for Bonnaroovians to gather, explore art & activities, as well as access amenities like medical or safety staff. Expect secret shows, celebrity surprises, late-night/early-morning parties, unique music and art experiences and so much more.
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival released its latest Economic Impact Study, revealing that the 2023 event contributed $339.8 million to the regional economy, including more than $5.1 million in tax revenue to the region. For more than two decades, Bonnaroo has remained one of the most unique and special festival experiences in the country, delivering lineups featuring the best performers in music, along with around-the-clock attractions and activities, all taking place on a beautiful 700-acre farm in Manchester, Tennessee.
New this year is the add-on option to get bleacher seating for performances at the What Stage. They have also added, 1-Day and 2-Day ticket options along with the standard 4-Day Pass. And each of these also have upgrade levels (GA, GA+, VIP, Platinum). Aside from the ticket you also need to either purchase a camping or parking pass that correlates with the number of days you will be attending. There are different levels of camping too.
Over the last decade, no other US music festival has captured the spirit of large greenfield gatherings like the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival. Bonnaroo burst onto the scene grabbing headlines along with our hearts as we watched it grow from scrappy newcomer to a full fledged anchor of the summer. It may not be the oldest or the largest, but Bonnaroo is the spirit of the quintessential American music festival. Long Live The Roo…..Bonnaroooooooooooooo! (IFYKY)
Electric Forest
The legendary Sherwood Forest, beloved by music festival fans worldwide, sets the backdrop for Electric Forest. Located on Double JJ Ranch in Michigan, Electric Forest is set for June 20-23, 2024 and as in years past sold out within a day of the tickets being put on sale to the public. From humble beginnings, the festival has grown into a full-on destination immersive experience. With its astonishing and unparalleled integration of music, art, and community, Electric Forest delivers “The ultimate festival experience.” From the carefully curated musical lineup to the jaw-dropping Sherwood Forest, to the festival’s unprecedented participatory spirit, to the site’s incomparable features and amenities – Electric Forest creates a vibe so thick with “camaraderie and freedom…it must be experienced to be appreciated.” The trees have over a decade of songs and stories to share. Originally known as Rothbury Festival which began in 2008, it took on the name Electric Forest in 2011.
Electric Forest has also unveiled its full slate of Plug In Programs, offering festival-goers the opportunity to contribute directly to the festival’s production while fostering a sense of collaboration and camaraderie amongst attendees. Designed with the festival’s core values of inclusivity, acceptance, self-expression, community, and creation in mind, Electric Forest’s Plug In Programs cater to creators of all stripes. From designers and artists to musicians and content creators, there’s something for everyone to get involved in and contribute their unique talents to the festival experience.
Electric Forest is not just a music festival. It’s a festival about life. A place where you’re surrounded by positivity. A place where you can reflect on what you have done the past year and how you can improve yourself for the next year. The music is just the cherry on top. This is a festival full of magic, love, and acceptance, it’s really hard to describe. The forest is large and full of so much it’s hard to even see everything in the weekend. Simply just wondering about the forest, with new/old friends, and feeling it fully is so fulfilling. It is a festival that is more about the experience than the music. Seeing sets you planned/experiencing ones you didn’t is a huge bonus.
Summerfest
Summerfest presented by American Family Insurance is one of the most iconic celebrations of music in America, hosting the industry’s biggest acts for an unforgettable live music experience. Summerfest lasts for a staggering three-weekend stretch (June 20-22, June 27-29, and July 4-6, 2024) and entertains nearly a million fans. Taking place along the shores of Lake Michigan right in downtown Milwaukee, this massive festival is also one of the most budget-friendly music events of the summer.
During the festival, the spotlight shines on over 800 acts, over 1,000 performances, 12 stages, delectable food and beverages, and interactive activities, all in a world-class festival setting. Announced artists for 2024 include Carly Rae Jepsen, Kane Brown, Motley Crue with Seether and Buckcherry, Tyler Childers, S.G. Goodman, Alana Springsteen, Goo Goo Dolls, REO Speedwagon, Mt. Joy, Adeem the Artist, Alana Keith Urban, Needtobreathe, Lindsey Ell, The War and Treaty, AJR, and Brittany Howard.
Summerfest was billed in the Guinness Book of World Records as The World’s Largest Music Festival in 1999. Milwaukee World Festival, Inc., producer of Summerfest, continues to fulfill its nonprofit mission of bringing the community together and providing a showcase for performing arts, activities, and recreation to the public, through music and special events.
Lollapalooza
Lollapalooza, which started as a traveling show with different locations each year, adopted the Coachella-model in 2003 and is now Chicago’s biggest music festival. With 9 stages, and 170+ bands from all over the world, every Lolla lineup makes hands wave, heads nod, and crowds holler.
It is a full mile inside Lollapalooza grounds, from north to south. The main gates on Michigan Avenue are at about the halfway mark and wide open inside for foot traffic. The food tents of Chow Town and specialty vendor areas usually are the first thing you meet, with Buckingham Fountain and merch sellers just behind. Turn south for the T-Mobile, north for the Bud Light Seltzer stage. Box toilets and aid stations are plentiful almost everywhere. The daily capacity is about 100,000 fans.
The Kidzapalooza area caters to the youngest fans, with concerts, music workshops, and interactive art exhibits. For adults, side stages offer up-and-coming artists an opportunity to perform for a wider audience. DJs play a varied selection of electronic music in the festival’s dance tent. Headlining acts appear on a staggered schedule, allowing attendees time to travel between stages, as well as minimizing the amount of excess noise, or “sound bleed,” that could intrude on a given performance.
Chow Town offers the most delicious festival food, drinks, and sweets from the Windy City’s favorite restaurants. Offering patrons much more than the typical “carnival” type fare, with an emphasis on fresh, reasonably priced items from the Chicago area.
As a festival that began as a touring event, it only makes sense that they’d want to keep the tradition alive. In 2011, Lollapalooza marked its territory by expanding into South America, performing its first international show in Santiago. São Paulo became another destination in 2012 as well as Buenos Aires, in 2013. The very first Lollapalooza in Europe was held in Berlin in 2015. Today, the event is part of the cultural identity of Chile, Brazil, Argentina, and Germany — and who knows where it may show up next.
Deep Tropics
Deep Tropics isn’t just a festival, it’s a state of mind. The festival creates an immersive and unforgettable experience where music, art, style and sustainability converge. They are dedicated to celebrating the vibrant and diverse world of EDM, all while fostering community and connection between people and the environment, which they call “deep culture.”
Deep Tropics is held at Nashville’s Bicenntenial Park with the 2024 festival slated for August 16-17. The one-of-a-kind amphitheater in the park ensures every viewpoint is perfect with a beautiful downtown skyline view in the backdrop.
The line up is TBA. Deep Tropics is booked and produced by forward-thinking, dance music enthusiasts at Full Circle Presents. In 2023 it featured artists from six continents.
Festival attendees can expect an entire program of pre-parties, day-time events, workshops and opportunities to connect in intimate settings throughout the weekend. Additionally, multiple off-site afterparty options catering to different musical sub-genres following the main events to carry the festivities deep into the night.
Deep Tropics doesn’t stop at music—it’s a fashion extravaganza too – including a pre-festival clothing swap, a vintage market showcasing the finest local fashion curators, and even a runway/fashion show, packed with stunning designs and bold looks.
Deep Tropics’ mission is to be the greenest festival in the United States. It is a climate-positive event which simply means we create more energy than we use. These efforts are fueled by their non-profit organization Deep Culture, Inc which exists to curate experiences that activate transformation of self, community, and planet. Deep Tropics has a zero-waste initiative to ensure everything is either recyclable, compostable, or reusable. Regenerative design is at the forefront of every aspect of the festival. In 2023 they successfully diverted 96% of waste.
Americanafest
Forget everything you know about music festivals; AMERICANAFEST is not your average fest. The annual festival and conference event, slated for Sept 17-21, 2024, is spread over many different prestigious music venues across Nashville, including hundreds of electrifying nightly showcases, special events highlighting the culture of Music City, comprehensive music industry panels at its conference headquarters, and its hallmark Americana Honors & Awards at the historic Ryman Auditorium. Schedule/lineup is TBA.
You don’t have to be involved in the industry to attend a panel, and you don’t have to be a member of the Americana Music Association to be a part of the community. AMERICANAFEST is a community for artists, fans and industry leaders alike; it’s about finding your tribe and calling it home.
Whether you’re looking to rock out at a dive bar with a beer in hand or immerse yourself in an intimate singer-songwriter moment over a glass of wine, AMERICANAFEST has something for anyone who’s passionate about music.
You will be surrounded by artists and industry professionals at every level. Make the most of your experience and connect with others around you. Make lunch or dinner meetings with people you want to do business with – or with people you just want to get to know!
MERICANAFEST prides itself on showcasing raw talent that has yet to reach the masses, once-in-a-lifetime collaborations and surprises you won’t see anywhere else. This is serendipity in music form. If you can get into a showcasing venue almost at capacity and witness an artist playing an intimate showcase, you will be lucky enough to know what that moment feels like.
Bourbon & Beyond
Bourbon & Beyond brings world-class music to Louisville along with over 40 bourbon brands, a plethora of workshops, and experiences that you won’t find at other festivals. Don’t forget the chefs, restaurants, and supper clubs to keep you full in between the biggest acts touring this year, which is slated for September 19-22, 2024.
The idea for Bourbon & Beyond was born, bringing in an eclectic lineup of music all-stars (including acts such as Stevie Nicks, Robert Plant And The Sensational Space Shifters, Zac Brown Band, Daryl Hall & John Oates, John Fogerty, ZZ Top and Lenny Kravitz among others), alongside top-notch culinary demonstrations and the finest bourbon selections, as well as appearances from master distillers. In short order, the event established itself as the World’s Largest Bourbon & Music Festival, in 2019 bringing in a record attendance of 91,000 people.
Festival goers get a chance to go behind the scenes on how bourbon is crafted and what it means to be a bourbon distiller. There are also many workshops featured to highlight other bourbon experiences such as distilling, pairing, and cooking with bourbon.
As for the cuisine element, the festival has seen celebrity and high-profile chefs such as Tom Colicchio, Carla Hall, Anthony Lamas, Chris Santos, and more.
The festival debuted in 2017, founder Danny Wimmer of Danny Wimmer Presents (DWP), wanted to push the boundaries that put music, food, and spirits together in festivals. While music a no brainer for his team, they needed to somehow make the festival experience better altogether–starting with better foods and better bourbons.
It’s a simple enough concept, but the execution of it required work. Wimmer teamed up with Fred Minnick and Edward Lee for the task. Minnick is an authority when it comes to bourbon, and Lee is a celebrated Louisville chef. Together, they came up with ways to present the best elements of Kentucky’s soul and spirit into a weekend. The goal was to feature Kentucky’s master distillers, the best bourbons, and the best local chefs and bartenders and they have succeeded at Bourbon & Beyond.
Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival was inspired by friendship, history, experience, and the desire to create an authentic music festival. The founders – Kevin Griffin, W. Brandt Wood, and Michael Whelan – aspired to highlight the diversity and community spirit of the New Orleans Jazz Fest, tailoring the best elements to Franklin– a richly historic town just 20 minutes south of Nashville. Like Jazz Fest, Pilgrimage takes place during the day and offers a diverse yet renowned lineup of rock and roll, alt-country, bluegrass, jazz, indie, gospel, and more. This year’s dates and lineup are TBA.
Pilgrimage always has surprises on stage that include guest appearances, acoustic performances, and unique pairings. Pilgrimage freely mixes genres and musical styles to create an intentionally diverse music experience throughout the day so you can see all of your favorites and discover new ones.
Since its start in 2015, the festival has grown to double down on the music programming, with six stages and heralded lineups year after year, and has expanded its cultural focus by showcasing hundreds of local artisans, restaurants, food trucks, and makers that give context and authenticity to the Pilgrimage experience.
Pilgrimage has always presented itself as family-friendly which means kids are welcomed and encouraged to experience festival culture at a young age. Specifically, at the Lil’ Pilgrims Area with Grammy award-winning producer, Ralph Covert, kids experience numerous activities, and renowned artists, and are presented with musical talent at a high level that has underscored a commitment to the “all ages” experience.
In 2016, Justin Timberlake continues signed on as a partner and producer of the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival. Millville Market is a festival “village” that is a collection of tiny houses and lounge furniture located on the front lawn for folks to chill between sets. It is a whimsical take on a studio of the same name, where Justin Timberlake and his Creative Director Trace Ayala engage in creative pursuits.
Each year Pilgrimage develops new elements to continue to create a music festival with the mission to grow and evolve each year. In 2017 Pilgrimage introduced Farm to Turn-Table, a food truck park with plenty of shade, seating, food trucks, and activities that made it an event in itself. In 2017 Pilgrimage also introduced the Americana Music Triangle Experience which was a collection of municipalities from the rich music heritage of the South in one tent to participate for the first time, collectively in sharing this rich heritage. Thousands of people got to see in one place, where they might want to visit these towns, small and large, to keep this history alive. #MakethePilgrimage
Mempho Fest
Held annually at Radians Amphitheater on the idyllic grounds of Memphis Botanic Gardens, Mempho Fest continues to demonstrate itself as a premier destination for live music, welcoming over 20,000 attendees across three awe-inspiring days. This year’s festival is slated for October 4-6, 2024. Lineup TBA.
Created to blend today’s best sounds with Memphis’ storied musical heritage, Mempho Music Festival delivers a combination of world-class entertainment, innovative culinary activations, and bonafide Memphis soul. Past lineups have included Widespread Panic, My Mornging Jacket, Wu-Tang Clan, Post Malone, Beck, Wilco, The Black Keys, Billy Strings Janelle Monae and Cage the Elephant .
One of the unique features of this festival is the Incendia Dome which is an innovative, interactive, awe-spring experience. The geodesic structure features a spellbinding propane flame effect across its lofty ceilings, which provide light, heat, and wonderment to all those who dwell within
The inaugural event took place at Shelby Farms Park in 2017. In 2021, the festival was moved to Memphis Botanical Gardens. The Radian Amphitheater at the Gardens has been voted the Best Place to See Live Music in Memphis.
Austin City Limits
Back for its 23rd year, Austin City Limits Music Festival (October 4-6 and October 11-13, 2024) brings the magic of the famed public TV series Austin City Limits outside the studio and into Austin’s most beloved park. ACL Festival features a diverse lineup of acts every year with 9 stages, 100+ performances – and, best of all, two weekends. It truly is all about the music … and the food isn’t too far behind.
Inspired by a concert series of the same name, the festival is a celebration of all things music, along with an art market, delicious food and drink, a dedicated family area, and much more. Originally a one-weekend event, the festival successfully expanded to two weekends in 2012 after the local council voted unanimously to allow it to do so.
Head to Austin Eats, the festival’s bountiful foodie area to sample some of the state’s delicacies; BBQ wings, tacos, and ice cream. Kids are welcome, with entry for under 10’s free of charge, and a dedicated ‘Austin Kiddie Limits’ festival just for little ones.
While the festival stays true to its southern origins, a progressive environmentalist culture is promoted through the resources provided. The festival only sells paper and aluminum products and encourages the use of reusable water bottles. Volunteers walk around the park picking up trash and recyclables in the hopes of winning a free tee shirt—an incentive offered by Rock & Recycle, an organization dedicated to keeping Zilker Park clean during ACL weekends.
This year’s lineup is TBA. Artists who have played at the festival include Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Depeche Mode, The Cure, Foo Fighters, Shania Twain, Mumford & Sons, Kendrick Lamar, Arctic Monkeys, Guns N’ Roses, Tame Impala, Arcade Fire, Muse, Vampire Weekend, The Flaming Lips, Radiohead, Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, Austin native Gary Clark Jr., and more.
When We We’re Young Festival
It’s the pop-punk emo throwback fest you have been waiting for. When We Were Young is set for October 19-20, 2024 in Las Vegas and for those in attendance, it’s going to live forever in your heart.
In 2024, over 50 bands will each perform an album front-to-back with highlights including My Chemical Romance performing The Black Parade, A Day To Remember’s Homesick, Jimmy Eat World’s Bleed American, Pierce The Veil’s Collide With The Sky, The Used’s In Love and Death, Simple Plan performing No Pads, No Helmets… Just Balls, Dashboard Confessional’s Dusk and Summer, Coheed and Cambria’s Good Apollo, I’m Burning Star IV, along with Nada Surf’s Let Go, in addition to rare reunions from Cobra Starship performing ¡Viva La Cobra! and Chiodos performing All’s Well That Ends Well and much more.
VIP packages include preferred viewing areas, charging stations, a dedicated entry lane at the festival entrance, air-conditioned restrooms, and more. VIP Cabanas are available with exclusive viewing areas, featuring VIP service including food vouchers and select complimentary beverages, expedited entry and more. When We Were Young has partnered with Jampack to offer hotel and ticket packages with exclusive amenities, including discount rates on select Las Vegas hotels.
Suwannee Hulaween
Suwannee Hulaween takes place around Halloween at The Spirit of Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida. It is a “Cheese Fest” headed up by The String Cheese Incident, who play several sets throughout the weekend. For some this is a deal-sealed, for others… just hear us out.
Hula (as it’s fondly called) casts a wide net over multiple genres, including jam, jamtronica, EDM, reggae, bluegrass, soul, rap, hip hop, R&B, indie pop, rock, blues, funk, and bass. You’ll rack up a marathon’s worth of miles over the weekend trying to get to all the stages plus the impromptu pop-up jams and mobile stage that meanders through the park all weekend.
Promoters Silver Wrapper and Purple Hat Productions, along with input from The String Cheese Incident, work tirelessly to piece together a jigsaw puzzle of artists who bring their A-game. The result is mind-blowing and hard to take in completely because there’s so much music to sample – FOMO is sometimes a side effect.
Past lineups have included My Morning Jacket, Bassnectar, Griz, Big Gigantic, Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, Ween, Kamasi Washington, Run The Jewels, Bluesky Greengrass, Lettuce, Damian Marley – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
When it comes to the production of not only the stage sets but the whole aesthetic of the festival, it is hard to put into words. It’s out of this world. There are light shows, lasers, fireworks, humongous floats, acrobats, dancers, mist machines, art installations, stage sets to rival anything on Broadway, live painting, performance artists, jet packs, fire, and live sets that yank your inner wild child out to dance like your life depends on it.
With spooky Spanish Moss draped from the trees like mystical curtains, and big swamp energy infused into every path, there truly isn’t a more fitting venue for a Halloween-themed festival. The grounds are magical. The lake itself is magically lit up with a three-dimensional laser show that runs as long as there is darkness. There’s a hidden DJ booth called Incendia that pumps late into the night and with living sculptures made of wood and metal that are big enough to crawl into all while watching glowing aliens, laser and mist installations, performance artists, fire twirlers, and aerialists.
The campgrounds at Spirit of Suwannee Music Park have a large fully-stocked general store, restaurant, indoor concert hall, bathhouses, horseback riding stables, a beach, walking trails, cabin rentals and well-appointed campsites.
Festival camping goes a little differently here than at other festivals. Unlike many festival sites where you’re crammed with thousands of other campers into an open field to bake in the sun by staff, you have complete free range to find your campsite within the grounds once you drive through the gates. Camping in the woods is best because you get shade in the mornings and throughout the day, which means more time spent sleeping in or taking disco naps.
Since Hula is over Halloween weekend, many people dress up in fun costumes. Each year there is a theme that is picked for the weekend vibe that correlates with Saturday night String Cheese set. Past themes have been Stringier Things, Suwannee Horror Disco Show, Night of the Loving Dead, and Ghoul Train.
Festivals, the really special ones at least, will give you moments that will be unique to the rest of your live music experience in life. In the heart of Spirit Lake where Hula happens is where these magical memories take place.
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