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The Ultimate Guide to the Biggest Music Festivals in the U.S.
Discover the top music festivals in the United States where live music, culture, and community converge. This comprehensive list highlights the most popular festivals, perfect for planning your next musical adventure.
Summerfest: A Milwaukee Tradition
- Attendance: Approx. 1 Million
- Location & Date: Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin – June - July
- Background: Established in the 60s, inspired by Germany's Oktoberfest, Summerfest is known for its long history and massive attendance, making it one of the world's largest music festivals.
Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC): The EDM Extravaganza
- Attendance: 175,000 - 450,000
- Location & Date:
- Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas, NV – May
- EDC Orlando - Camping World Stadium Orlando, FL - November
- Unique Feature: EDC, North America's biggest electronic dance music festival, offers a wedding package for attendees, combining love and music in a vibrant setting.
Austin City Limits Music Festival: A Diverse Musical Landscape
- Attendance: About 450,000
- Location & Date: Zilker Park, Austin, TX– October
- Highlights: Featuring over 100 acts across eight stages, this festival caters to a wide audience, including a dedicated mini-fest for children.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival: A Cultural Celebration
- Attendance: About 450,000
- Location & Date: New Orleans Fair Grounds, April - May
- Experience: Celebrating the rich New Orleans culture, this festival is a blend of jazz music, Creole cuisine, and artisanal crafts.
Lollapalooza: Chicago's Global Music Phenomenon
- Attendance: About 380,000
- Location & Date: Grant Park, Chicago, IL – July
- Expansion: Since its inception in 2003, Lollapalooza has grown to include international editions in multiple countries.
Coachella: A Desert Oasis of Music
- Attendance: About 250,000
- Location & Date: Empire Polo Club, Indio, CA – April
- Ambiance: Known for its eclectic mix of music genres and immersive camping experience, Coachella is a must-visit for festival enthusiasts.
South By Southwest (SXSW): A Fusion of Music and Tech
- Attendance: About 230,000
- Location & Date: Austin, TX – March
- Diversity: SXSW is not just a music festival; it's a convergence of film, gaming, and music, showcasing both established and emerging talents.
Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival: San Francisco's Eco-Friendly Gathering
- Attendance: 200,000
- Location & Date: San Francisco, CA – August
- Eco-Consciousness: Set in Golden Gate Park, this festival is known for its sustainable practices, including solar-powered stages and organic farming workshops.
Life Is Beautiful Music & Arts Festival: A Vegas Spectacle
- Attendance: About 180,000
- Location & Date: Las Vegas, NV– September
- Unique Offerings: This festival mixes music, art, and culinary experiences with opportunities for learning, like mindfulness workshops.
Ultra Music Festival: Miami's Dance Music Haven
- Attendance: About 170,000
- Location & Date: Miami, FL– March
- Recognition: Celebrated for its world-class DJ lineup and award-winning production, Ultra is a global phenomenon in dance music.
The Governor’s Ball Music Festival: New York City's Diverse Soundscape
- Attendance: About 150,000
- Location & Date: Citi Field, New York City, NY – June
- Scenery: With the NYC skyline as its backdrop, this festival is known for its eclectic mix of music genres and vibrant atmosphere.
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival: A Tennessee Tradition
- Attendance: About 80,000
- Location & Date: Great Stage Park, Manchester, TN – June
- Activities: Beyond music, Bonnaroo offers art installations, a marketplace, and even a 5k run, with various camping options and a policy allowing outside alcohol.
Rolling Loud Festival: Hip-Hop's Home in Miami
- Attendance: About 80,000
- Location & Date: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, FL – July
- Affordability: Known for its focus on hip-hop, Rolling Loud is notable for its relatively lower ticket prices compared to other major festivals.