Top Music Festivals In The US
If you love a good music festival then this list is for you. From your top celebrities to cultural festivals that support up-and-coming indie artists, the US is the place to be if you enjoy camping outdoors along with some of your favorite bands.
To ensure that you don’t miss out on the best festivals, make sure you add the following names to your bucket list:
1. Summerfest
Branded as the largest music festival on the globe, Summerfest has its roots in the state of Wisconsin. This 11-day festival hosts a whopping average of 900,000 music-lovers every year and is renowned for featuring some of the world’s hottest musicians.
At this festival, you can enjoy over 1000 performances while you dine on the best festival grub and participate in fun interactive activities.
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
2. The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
What type of list would this be if we didn’t make mention of the (in)famous Coachella? Taking place over two weekends, this is one of the best music festivals in the world where your favorite celebs are likely to hangout out. The organizers are also quite fussy on who they allow on stage, giving preference to your big names like Ariana Grande, Blackpink, and Childish Gambino.
Open to happy campers, this music festival isn’t necessarily for the outdoorsy type and you might feel the vibe more if you book into one of the nearby contemporary hotels.
Location: California
3. Form
Form is way (way) more than just your average music festival. Enjoyed as a cultural retreat, the event is home to artists of all types. From cliffside pool parties to rooftop yoga, the experiences are diverse and always intriguing.
Set in the breathtakingly beautiful Arizonian desert, you can expect to see indie-type bands that are deemed by their fans as the “true” artists. Held over 3-days, Form is home to an average of 2000 annual participants.
Location: Arcosanti, Arizona
4. Burning Man
Once a year, thousands upon thousands of individuals make their way to the life-transforming Burning Man festival. Set in the desert of Black Rock City Nevada, this event is a cultural experience that focuses on the raw essence of life. In other words – it’s for the deep folk!
Showcasing incredible music and art installations, the purpose of this festival is to create a temporary metropolis that’s dedicated to art and community – and good food! While music is not necessarily the prime focus, you’ll get a good assortment of tunes in.
Location: Black Rock City, Nevada
5. Stagecoach
This one’s for ya’ll country folk. Popularly known as California’s biggest country music event, Stagecoach’s main attractions are the traditional honkytonk dance hall, a Ferris wheel and, (of course) a beer barn.
A popular hang-out spot for the likes of Keith Urban and Garth Brooks, country music lovers flock to this festival every year to support their favorite honkytonk legends.
Location: Indio, California
6. Lollapalooza
More than just fun to say, Lollapalooza includes a diverse line-up of over 170 bands. The stage is open to smaller up-and-comers but also features many big names to the likes of Muse, Lorde, and Cage the Elephant.
If you enjoy excellent vendor food and the sound of your favorite bands blasting through the streets of Chicago, Illinois, then this A-list music festival is certainly not one to be missed. Go ahead – we’ll give you a moment to add it to your bucket.
Location: Chicago, Illinois
7. Panorama
One of the newer kids on the block, the Panorama festival is somewhat in its infant stages – although it has quickly gained traction in popularity. In fact, it has made the cut for being one of the top 10 festivals in the US – one not to be missed.
The line-up is always incredible and includes A-list names as well as more modest artists. Other attractions include interactive digital art installations and an enormous virtual reality theatre. Indulge in street-style food and camp out in a true boujee atmosphere.
Location: Randall’s Island Park, NYC
8. Bonnaroo Music And Arts Festival
First established with jam bands and folk rock in mind, this music festival has evolved to broaden its horizons and features an impressive array of genres. Held over four days, you can expect a friendly atmosphere and an unforgettable vibe that makes its way into your bones and then stays there.
Unlike most festivals, kids are also welcome to attend the Bonnaroo event and they even have numerous family-friendly activities to choose from. This is one of the ultimate camping festivals and certainly takes after the meaning behind its name – “best on the street”.
Location: Great Stage Park, Tennessee
Sources:
- Music Festivals: What’s The World’s Biggest? – BBC News
- GQ’s Best Music Festivals In The World 2019 – GQ Magazine
