Top 10 US Music Festivals

Top 10 U.S. Music Festivals

From coast to coast, the US offers live music festivals featuring performers from an array of genres. You can transform a music festival into an unforgettable experience with a road trip of your destination. Secure an RV rental (like RVshare), pick your favorite festival, and listen to your favorite acts along with your friends. Psst... check out the top 10 music festivals in the US as you plan your getaway.

Top 10 US Music Festivals
[ photo: www.lollapalooza.com ]

1. Bonnaroo

Pack your tent and head to the Tennessee countryside for Bonnaroo, a four-day music experience. Thousands of music fans pack the hundreds of acres of farmland, which is transformed into a musical paradise with 10 stages. This four-day festival, usually held in June, features about 150 performances. Comedians also perform at this event. Recent artists to hit the Bonnaroo stage include Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Weeknd, Chance the Rapper, Lorde, Travis Scott, and many more.

2. Coachella

Music fans, musicians, and celebrities converge on Indio, California, every April for Coachella. This music festival, which takes place about 2 hours east of Los Angeles, features a diverse lineup that offers a little something for everyone. Past performances have included Gucci Mane, Lady Gaga, Bon Iver, Empire of the Sun, and more. More than 100 food vendors offer everything from pad thai to wood-fired pizza and everything in between. The festival and campgrounds also feature specially designed art installations to explore.

3. Warped Tour

Warped Tour is a one-day music festival that tours around the country, so check the tour schedule for a venue near you. This outdoor music festival brings together dozens of alternative and rock artists who perform across seven stages. Frequent performers at Warped Tour include Hawthorne Heights, Attila, Plain White T’s, Save Ferris, and Knocked Loose.

4. Lollapalooza

Chicago’s Grant Park transforms into a music-lover’s paradise every summer. Lollapalooza, which has been rocking since 1991, is a four-day festival that features an eclectic mix of musicians. The 2017 festival features performances by Wiz Khalifa, The Killers, Blink-182, Arcade Fire, and Big Sean. You can purchase a ticket for a single day of the festival or pick up a four-day pass. If you attend for all four days, you can take in 170 performances across 8 stages. Food vendors from 35 award-winning chefs and restaurants are on site to keep you well fed.

5. SXSW

Austin, Texas calls itself the Live Music Capital of the World, so it’s no surprise you should visit this city for an unforgettable music experience. The annual SXSW Music Festival showcases both up-and-coming and legendary artists from different genres. Performances are spread throughout the city; you can find live music in bars, parks, churches, and hotels throughout the festival. In 2016, more than 2,200 performers from 67 countries showcased their talents at this festival.

6. Ultra Music Festival

Miami, Florida’s Bayfront Park plays host to the Ultra Music Festival, which will celebrate its 20th year in 2018. This electronic music festival is the top EDM festival in the world, bringing together the genre’s top artists at this three-day event. Past performance have included Afrojack, Chet Faker, Caribou, and Jamie Jones. Live art installations offer more entertainment at this festival. The Eco Village features interactive booths from some of the world’s top nonprofits.

7. CMA Music Festival

Head to the Music City to listen to country music’s top artists perform in the capital of country music. CMA Music Fest in Nashville is a four-day music extravaganza. Dozens of artists perform daily across more than 10 stages set up throughout downtown Nashville. Past performers include Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley, Lady Antebellum, Sam Hunt, and many more. While you’re there, check out the Fan Fair, where you can shop, play games, and perhaps even catch a Q&A session with your favorite country music stars.

8. New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

Head down to the Big Easy for a week filled with smooth jazz and good eats. More than a dozen tents and stages set up throughout the city play host to an array of jazz and soul acts. Nine food areas allow you to sample some of New Orleans’ best cuisine, whether you want to enjoy crawfish bread, Cajun jambalaya, or po-boys. While you’re there, check out the craft marketplace where you can pick up a hand-crafted memory of your Jazz Fest experience.

9. Beale Street Music Festival

The Beale Street Music Festival takes place every May on Memphis’ iconic Beale Street, bringing together the best in music from many genres. The 2017 festival included performances by Snoop Dogg, Widespread Panic, Kings of Leon, Ziggy Marley, Machine Gun Kelly, and many more. Three days of performance across four stages offer something for everyone. Food and beverage vendors set up at Tom Lee Park to keep you nourished and hydrated during the festival.

10. Electric Forest

Held at the Electric Forest GA campground in Rothbury, Michigan, the Electric Forest festival is an unforgettable weekend of music. Located about three hours from both Detroit and Chicago, this festival features dozens of performances on seven stages at the three-day event. 

In 2017, the festival expanded to two weekends, giving music lovers two opportunities to camp in the Michigan forest and listen to their favorite artists. Recent performers at this festival include The String Cheese Incident, My Morning Jacket, The Revivalists, and Dillon Francis, among many others.

Live music is plentiful at festivals across the U.S. So, choose a festival near you and get ready for days of live music, dancing, and camaraderie with fellow music lovers.