When it comes to attending concerts and music festivals, US is the place to be. All big names in the industry focus on having tours all around the country, so no matter where you are, you can find a festival where you can dance and see your favorite bands perform live. As an avid festival-goer myself, I put together this list of the best music festivals in the US, to help you explore the many options you have, no matter if you like pop, rock, jazz or other. Let’s start grooving!
1. Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
Where: Empire Polo Club, Indio, California
When: April 12 – April 14 & April 19 – April 21, 2024
Lineup: Lana del Rey, Deftones, Peggy Gou, Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, J Balvin & more
Official website: www.coachella.com
Coachella is one of the most well-known music festivals in the world and many celebrities such as the Kardashian sisters, Camilla Cabello or Bebe Rexha were spotted in recent years joining the crowds and having fun on the grounds of the festival. The lineup brings together artists from many different music genres, such as pop, electronic, hip-hop, rock, indie and more. In this 2024 edition, some of the big names hitting the stage of Coachella include Lana del Rey, Deftones, Peggy Gou, Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, and J Balvin. The event takes place over two weekends and you can buy tickets here. Besides the concerts, the festival offers other activities as well, such as games, Ferris Wheel rides, DIY projects and more.
More things to do: If you’re feeling adventurous, besides attending the festival you can further explore Coachella Valley or go to Joshua Tree National Park.
2. Lollapalooza
Where: Grant Park, Chicago, Illinois
When: August 1 – August 4, 2024
Lineup: Not announced yet.
Official website: www.lollapalooza.com
Although the festival extended globally over the years, with venues in countries like Germany, Brazil, Chile or Sweden, the event originated in the US and Chicago is considered its “home”. The festival features artists from many music genres, like rock, hip hop and electronic. Headliners from past editions include Billie Eilish, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Metallica, Green Day, Twenty One Pilots, Dua Lipa, Ariana Grande, G-Eazy and Martin Garrix. In addition to its stellar musical lineup, Lollapalooza offers a range of other attractions and activities, including art installations, food vendors, and interactive experiences. The festival takes place in Grant Park, a sprawling urban oasis located in downtown Chicago, providing a picturesque backdrop for the festivities.
More things to do: Chicago is a great city for admiring the architecture, visiting museums or trying delicious food. Also, make sure you go to Millennium Park, home to the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture.
3. Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival
Where: Great Stage Park, Manchester, Tennessee
When: June 13 – June 16, 2024
Lineup: Post Malone, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, David Kushner, Diplo, Cigarettes after sex, Gregory Alan Isakov & more
Official website: www.bonnaroo.com
Bonnaroo Festival has a very diverse lineup and delivers an immersive experience that combines music and art installations. It takes place in the small town of Manchester, Tennessee, just one hour away from Nashville by car, in a picturesque setting. The festival prides itself on its inclusive and community-focused atmosphere, with initiatives such as the Bonnaroo Works Fund, which supports local charitable organizations and community projects.
More things to do: You can visit Nashville, which is one hour away from Bonnaroo. The city is known as the home of country music, so if you’re a fan of this genre, you can visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum or join other guided tours that take place here.
4. Big Ears Festival
Where: Knoxville, Tennessee
When: March 21 – March 24, 2024
Lineup: Herbie Hancock, Jon Batiste, Digable Planets, Brad Mehldau, Shabaka & more
Official website: bigearsfestival.org
I can hardly find the words to describe this festival. You wouldn’t imagine that the artists that come to this festival can mix, but they do – and very well. Here, you can listen to exquisite performances of classical music, powerful metal, chill jazz, electronic music beats and up-lifting indie-rock tunes.
More things to do: Take advantage of your time in Knoxville to explore the city on your own or with a fun guided tour.
5. Stagecoach Festival
Where: Empire Polo Club, Indio, California
When: April 26 – April 28, 2024
Lineup: Elle King, Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Post Malone & more
Official website: www.stagecoachfestival.com
The Stagecoach Festival is an annual country music festival held in Indio, California, at the same venue as the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Since its inception in 2007, Stagecoach has attracted some of the biggest names in country music, including headliners such as Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Jason Aldean. The festival features multiple stages where attendees can enjoy performances by a diverse lineup of country music artists, spanning traditional country, Americana, bluegrass, and more.
More things to do: Explore the scenic landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park or indulge in a relaxing spa day at one of Palm Springs’ luxurious resorts.
6. Austin City Limits Music Festival
Where: Zilker Park, Austin, Texas
When: October 4 – October 13, 2024
Lineup: Not announced yet.
Official website: www.aclfestival.com
The Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival is an annual multi-genre music festival held in Austin, Texas. Established in 2002, the festival takes its name from the acclaimed television show “Austin City Limits,” which has been showcasing live musical performances since 1976. ACL Festival typically takes place over two weekends in early to mid-October, drawing tens of thousands of attendees each day. One of ACL Festival’s defining features is its diverse lineup, which spans a wide range of musical genres including rock, indie, hip-hop, electronic, and more. Past headliners have included top-tier artists such as Shania Twain, Alanis Morissette, P!nk, Billie Eilish and Miley Cyrus.
More things to do: Dive into Austin’s eclectic food scene by sampling mouthwatering barbecue at one of many restaurants in Austin or explore the vibrant street art in the East Austin neighborhood. Check out these guided tours for inspiration.
7. Hangout Music Festival
Where: 101 East Beach Boulevard, Gulf Shores, Alabama
When: May 17 – May 19, 2024
Lineup: Lana del Rey, The Chainsmokers, All Time Low, David Kushner & more
Official website: www.hangoutmusicfest.com
The Hangout Music Festival is an annual music festival held in Gulf Shores, Alabama, renowned for its beachside setting and eclectic lineup of musical performances. In addition to its stellar musical performances, Hangout Festival offers a variety of other attractions and activities for attendees to enjoy. These include beach volleyball tournaments, interactive art installations, a Ferris wheel overlooking the Gulf, and a wide selection of food and beverage vendors serving up local cuisine and refreshing drinks.
More things to do: Relax on the pristine beaches of Gulf Shores or explore the vibrant nightlife of nearby Orange Beach. You can also hop in a kayak and paddle away to observe dolphins in their natural habitat.
8. Boston Calling Music Festival
Where: Harvard Stadium, Boston, Massachusetts
When: May 24 – May 26, 2024
Lineup: Ed Sheeran, Tyler Childers, Young the Giant, The Killers, Hozier, Jessie Murph & more
Official website: www.bostoncalling.com
Boston Calling boasts a diverse lineup that showcases a wide range of musical genres, including rock, indie, hip-hop, electronic, and more. Past headliners have included artists such as Foo Fighters, Grandson, Teddy Swims, Metallica, Twenty One Pilots and Greta Van Fleet. In addition to its stellar musical performances, Boston Calling offers a variety of other attractions and activities for attendees to enjoy. These include art installations, interactive experiences, and a wide selection of food and beverage vendors.
More things to do: Explore the historic landmarks of Boston, including the Freedom Trail and the Boston Common. For a better experience, join a guided tour to discover everything this city has to offer.
9. Electric Daisy Carnival Las Vegas
Where: Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas, Nevada
When: May 17 – May 19, 2024
Lineup: Alesso, Armin van Buuren, Benny Benassi, Deadmau5, Lost Frequencies, Martin Garrix, Purple Disco Machine, Steve Aoki & more
Official website: www.lasvegas.electricdaisycarnival.com/lineup/
Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) is one of the world’s largest and most renowned electronic dance music (EDM) festivals, known for its vibrant atmosphere, elaborate stage designs, and top-tier lineup of DJs and producers. Spanning multiple days, the festival transforms the Las Vegas Motor Speedway into a sprawling wonderland of music, art, and culture, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees from around the world.
More things to do: Experience the thrill of the Las Vegas Strip, with its world-class entertainment, dining, and nightlife options or take a day trip to the Grand Canyon. Explore your options with a guided tour.
10. BottleRock Napa Valley
Where: Napa Valley Expo, Napa, California
When: May 24 – May 26, 2024
Lineup: Megan Thee Stallion, Bebe Rexha, Pearl Jam, Ed Sheeran, Queens of the Stone Age & more
Official website: www.bottlerocknapavalley.com
BottleRock Napa Valley is an annual music, food, wine, and brew festival held at the Napa Valley Expo, a sprawling outdoor venue located in downtown Napa. BottleRock features multiple stages, each showcasing a diverse array of musical genres including rock, indie, hip-hop, pop, and more. BottleRock is known for its inclusive and laid-back atmosphere, with a strong emphasis on community, sustainability, and social responsibility.
More things to do: Discover the world-renowned wineries of Napa Valley with a guided tour.
Whether you’re rocking out at Coachella, grooving to the beats at Bonnaroo, or soaking up the sun at Hangout, there’s something for every music lover to enjoy. From iconic headliners to up-and-coming artists, these festivals showcase the best of the music industry while providing unforgettable memories for attendees.
But these festivals are more than just concerts; they’re vibrant communities where people come together to celebrate their shared love of music, art, and creativity. They’re places where strangers become friends, where memories are made, and where the spirit of unity and positivity shines brightest.
If you liked this article and you’re also interested in the global festival scene, you might also want to read my ultimate guide to Electric Castle Festival in Romania, one of the hidden gems of Europe when it comes to musical events.
Thank you for joining me on this melodic journey through the best music festivals in the United States. Until next time, keep the music alive and the memories flowing. See you at the next festival!