Do you enjoy live music? Are you looking for a new and exciting way to experience music? If so, attending one of the many famous music festivals in the United States might be just what you need. From major events like Coachella and Bonnaroo to more niche gatherings like Bottlerock and Ultra Miami, there's something for everyone.
So whether you're looking to headbang at a metal festival or two-step at a country music fest, here are 20+ famous music festivals in the United States this year that you shouldn't miss. Let's discuss this in detail.
Famous Music Festivals in the United States (in no particular order)
1. Coachella
With an annual lineup that always sells fast, the Indio desert has become a fashionable hive of the coolest bands watched by trendy people and celebrities. Near the top of everyone's bucket list of festivals, the Coachella lineup is a constant source of annual anticipation and a hotbed for musical discussion. Held annually in Indio, California, Coachella features various genres, including indie rock, hip hop artists, and electronic dance music.
> Also Read: What is Coachella?
> Also Read: Best Hotels Near Coachella
2. Lollapalooza
Featuring Foo Fighters, Post Malone, Tyler, The Creator, Miley Cyrus, DaBaby, Journey, Megan Thee Stallion, and Marshmello, Lollapalooza is a world-renowned music festival that also provides a platform for political and non-profit artists and groups. Throughout its history, the festival has created many memorable moments for musicians and attendees, cementing its place as one of the most iconic festivals in the world.
> Also Read: What is Lollapalooza?
3. EDC Las Vegas
With its expansion to new countries every year, it's no wonder this festival has become one of the most popular in the world. Every year, the event pulls in a record number of attendees, with fans eager to escape reality and immerse themselves in an electronic music wonderland full of neon decor and walkabout performers. If you're looking for a truly unique festival experience, this is one event you won't want to miss.
> Also Read: What is EDC Las Vegas?
> Also Read: Best Hotels Near EDC Las Vegas
4. Rolling Loud
For hip-hop fans, Rolling Loud is the ultimate festival experience. Featuring a lineup of the biggest names in hip hop, it is a can't-miss event for fans of the genre. The festival has something for everyone, with multiple editions in different cities worldwide. Whether you're catching the action in Miami, New York, LA, or anywhere else, you will surely have an unforgettable time.
The lineup for the 2021 edition of Rolling Loud features some of the biggest names in hip hop, including A$AP Rocky, Travis Scott, Post Malone, 21 Savage, Megan Thee Stallion, Young Thug, and Lil Uzi Vert. If you're a hip-hop fan, this is one festival you don't want to miss.
> Also Read: What is Rolling Loud Festival?
5. Electric Forest
Electric Forest is one of the most famous music festivals in the United States. The festival is held annually in Michigan and features world-class musical performances, magical lights and lasers, and an epic stage. It is a highly sought-after event, and tickets are often hard to come by. If you are lucky enough to snag a ticket, you will have an unforgettable experience. The festival is the perfect way to spend a summer day or night, and you will not be disappointed.
> Also Read: What is Electric Forest?
6. Bonnaroo
With over 150 live performances spread across 10+ stages, Bonnaroo is one of the largest music festivals in the United States. Situated on 700 acres of land in Tennessee, the festival offers a diverse range of music genres for attendees to enjoy.
In addition to the incredible live music, Bonnaroo also features stand-up comedy, a mini film festival, and a variety of food and drink options. One of the best things about Bonnaroo is the community feel – it's not uncommon to see strangers hugging or high-fiving each other throughout the event. Whether you're looking for an exciting adventure or simply a chance to relax and enjoy some live music, Bonnaroo is the perfect festival.
> Also Read: What is Bonnaroo?
7. Stagecoach
Featuring some of the biggest names in country music, Stagecoach is one of the year's most highly anticipated music festivals. Set against the stunning California desert backdrop, this festival is a can't-miss event for any country music fan. In addition to Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Combs, past performers have included Maren Morris, Brothers Osborne, The Black Crowes, and Cody Johnson. So whether you're a diehard country fan or just looking to enjoy some great music in a beautiful setting, Stagecoach is the perfect festival.
> Also Read: What is Stagecoach?
> Also Read: Best Hotels Near Stagecoach Festival
8. Hard Summer
Hard Summer Music Festival is an annual two-day event in Southern California. The festival has been a favorite among music lovers for over a decade and always features an amazing lineup of performers, incredible stage production, and an overall great festival experience.
Hard Events is a key player in the growth of the EDM scene in the United States and has been responsible for producing some of the most popular EDM events in the country, including HARD Day of the Dead, Holy Ship, and HARD Red Rocks. If you're looking for an amazing EDM festival experience, attending one of the Hard Events' festivals is a must.
> Also Read: What is HARD Summer?
9. Governors Ball
With a lineup that includes some of the hottest names in music, it's no wonder Governor's Ball has become one of New York's most popular festivals. The three-day event on Randall's Island Park features world-class music, phenomenal stages, and good vibes.
Whether you're a fan of hip hop, EDM, or anything in between, there's something for everyone at Governor's Ball. Plus, with the iconic NYC skyline as a backdrop, it's an incredible experience you won't soon forget. If you're looking for an unforgettable summer festival, add Governor's Ball to your bucket list.
> Also Read: What is Gov Ball?
10. Movement Detroit Heritage Festival
Featuring over 100 performances on 8 stages across 3 days, Movement Music Festival is one of the longest-running dance music events held over Memorial Day weekend. The festival is committed to showcasing authentic electronic music and providing an experience unlike any other. The festival takes place in Hart Plaza – Detroit's legendary riverfront destination. In addition to the incredible lineup of musical talent, Movement Music Festival also offers a variety of food and drink vendors, art installations, and other interactive experiences.
> Also Read: What is Movement Detroit?
11. EDC Orlando
With nearly 200,000 participants in 2019, EDC Orlando is one of the biggest music festivals in the United States. The three-day festival features eight stages with various electronic dance music genres. Also included in the festival are various art installations, carnival rides, and food vendors.
12. Day n Vegas
Another newer festival on the scene is Rolling Loud. It's a hip-hop-focused event and has taken place in Miami, Los Angeles, and New York City. The festival started in 2015 and has quickly become one of the most well-known events for hip-hop fans. The lineup for the 2021 edition included Tyler, The Creator, A$AP Rocky, and Megan Thee Stallion.
> What is Day n Vegas Music Festival?
13. Lost Lands
Lost Lands Music Festival is an electronic dance music festival held in the United States, curated and headlined by Canadian dubstep producer, Excision. The festival features many different genres of electronic music, as well as live performances by dinosaurs.
Also, if you purchase a ticket, you can explore the land before time and see dinosaurs in their natural habitat. This is an event that you will not want to miss! So, buy your tickets and join us for three days of the bass music you have ever experienced.
> What is Lost Lands Music Festival?
14. Hangout Music Festival
Featuring an eclectic lineup of musicians from all genres, Hangout Music Festival is a 3-day beach extravaganza that takes place annually in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The festival features a variety of activities beyond just music, including beach clubs, ocean swimming, sailing expeditions, roller discos, free yoga, beach volleyball, and more. With huge names like Goldenvoice behind it (the company also produces Coachella), Hangout Music Festival is not to be missed for any music lover looking for an incredible vacation experience.
> What is Hangout Music Festival?
15. Life is Beautiful Music And Arts Festival
Another one of the most famous music festivals in the United States is the Life is Beautiful festival which takes place in Downtown Las Vegas. This three-day event promises attendees various experiences in four main categories: Art, Music, Food, and Learning. With popular musical acts like Imagine Dragons, Kendrick Lamar, Major Lazer, Brandon Flowers, and Hozier mixed in with classic performers such as Duran Duran and Stevie Wonder, there is something for everyone at this festival.
In addition to an amazing lineup of musical talent, those attending the festival can also enjoy a variety of art installations and murals scattered throughout Downtown Las Vegas. There's even an Art Motel where visitors can experience multi-sensory art displays. For those looking for a more VIP experience, there is a special area with celebrity chef cooking demos, free lemonade, and real grass to lounge on, helping you forget that you're in the middle of the desert.
> Also Read: What is Life is Beautiful Festival?
16. Louder than Life Festival
The annual Louder Than Life festival is a must-attend for rock and roll fans. With massive stages and dozens of the biggest names in rock music, the festival offers an unforgettable experience for everyone who attends. The 2019 line-up included headlining sets from Guns N Roses, Slipknot, Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, and many more. In addition to incredible music, tons of delicious food and drink options are spread around the epic festival grounds.
> What is Louder than Life Festival?
17. Ultra Miami
Featuring world-renowned DJs and producers, ULTRA Music Festival is a can't-miss event for any electronic music fan. For over 20 years, the festival has been held in Miami, Florida, attracting visitors from all over the globe. In recent years, it has expanded to include events in other cities worldwide, but the Miami edition remains the flagship event.
While ticket prices may be high for the average festival attendee, it makes perfect sense once you look at the star-studded line-up. The festival always features surprises, both in the musical acts and the fans that attend.
> Also Read: What is Ultra Music Festival?
18. New Orleans Jazz Fest
If you have not been to the New Orleans Jazz festival, you miss out on all the music lovers. This event is one of the longest-running and largest jazz festivals in the USA, and it is the perfect time to visit the great city of New Orleans.
The festival started in 1970 and has since showcased some of the most important names in music, both locally and nationally. With 49 years of musical and cultural memories, it is a unique event that presents different genres such as gospel, blues, traditional and contemporary jazz, rock, Cajun, country, zydeco, and much more.
> Also Read: What is New Orleans Jazz Fest?
19. Austin City Limits
With a lineup that includes Billie Eilish, Stevie Nicks, George Strait, Doja Cat, DaBaby, Erykah Badu, and Megan Thee Stallion, the Austin City Limits Music Festival is a can't-miss event for music lovers. In addition to the eight stages of live music, the festival also features an art market, delicious food and drink options, 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.
> Also Read: What is Austin City Limits?
20. South by Southwest (SXSW)
To say that South by Southwest takes over Austin for nine days would be an understatement. Every year in March, downtown Austin becomes a mecca for music, art, and film lovers worldwide. If you're looking to immerse yourself in pop culture, SXSW is the place to be.
With over 30 years of history, SXSW is one of the world's most well-known and respected events. The conference and festival celebrate the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries and provide a platform for global professionals to network and collaborate.
> Also Read: What is SXSW?
21. Firefly Music Festival
With an annual lineup of the biggest names in popular music, Firefly is the east coast's biggest camping festival. Utterly immersive, with tons of areas to explore, the festival offers an unparalleled experience. You won't find anything quite like it anywhere else.
> What is Firefly Music Festival?
22. Bottlerock
Featuring three stages with 60 bands, BottleRock Napa Valley is an annual music festival held at the Napa Valley Expo in Napa, California. The initial BottleRock was a five-day event and featured artists like Jackson Browne, Train, The Black Crowes, Zac Brown Band, and more. Enjoying popularity since its inception, many people attend the festival. It features multiple musical performances from various genres like rock, indie, hip hop, and electronic dance music.
> What is Bottlerock Music Festival?
Conclusion
With so many amazing best music festivals, choosing which ones to attend can be tough. However, these 20+ famous music festivals are all worth checking out. From Coachella to Pitchfork music festival, there's something for everyone at these incredible events. So start planning your trip and get ready for an unforgettable experience.
Which music festival are you most excited about?
FAQs
Where is the biggest music festival in US?
One of the biggest music festivals in the United States takes place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and is called Summerfest. Summerfest attracts approximately 800,000 people each year.
Why is Coachella famous?
Coachella is one of the most famous music festivals in the United States due to the attraction for the world's top talent as well as featuring many of today's emerging artists.
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