Want the scoop on the biggest music festivals in the us? These massive gatherings pull in millions of fans and are huge in US culture. Forget basic concerts. US fests deliver full-on experiences – mixing killer music, wild art, local eats, and real community vibes. You’ll find the largest music festivals in the us everywhere: desert playas, downtown grids, you name it. Genres? All of them: pop, hip-hop, country, EDM, indie rock… the works.
Below, we break down the heavy hitters. See why these iconic fests stand out and keep fans coming back year after year. Whether you’re a fest veteran or a newbie planning your first rodeo – get ready to find your next must-see show.
The 20 Biggest Music Festivals in the US
1. Coachella
- Time: April 10-12 & April 17-19, 2026.
- Location: Empire Polo Club-Indio, California
- Capacity: Around 100,000 each day
- Attendance: Around 250,000
- Main Acts: Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Tyler, the Creator, and Olivia Rodrigo
Launched back in 1999, Coachella as one of the biggest music festivals in the United States, has grown into a global music powerhouse. Year after year, the valley buzzes with fans flocking to see massive acts from every genre imaginable. Want the real deal? Grab your tent and a folding chair and join the campground scene.
2. Lollapalooza
- Time: August 1-4, 2026.
- Location: Grant Park-Chicago, Illinois
- Attendance: Around 400,000
- Main Acts: Olivia Rodrigo, Tyler, the Creator, Sabrina Carpenter, Rüfüs Du Sol, Luke Combs, Twice, A$AP Rocky, and Korn
Beginning in 2003, Lollapalooza is one of the biggest festivals in the US, with an array of rock, hip-hop, and techno music. It is famous globally for its legendary stars such as Journey and Lady Gaga, and it is now spreading to France, Brazil, Germany, and other cities around the world.
3. Burning Man
- Time: August 24 – September 1, 2025
- Location: Black Rock City-Black Rock Desert, Nevada
- Attendance: Around 80,000
- Main Acts: TBD
Burning Man started for the first time in 1986, and over the years, it has become one of the biggest music festivals in America and is a highly regarded celebration with a unique charm. The type of music played at Burning Man is called tech-house. It is special because this project is organised by a non-profit organisation with community-driven activities. It also has a ceremonial fire activity carried out by Fire Conclave.
4. South By Southwest / SXSW
- Time: March 12-18, 2026
- Location: Austin, Texas
- Attendance: Around 280,000 in 2019 and 230,000 in 2022
- Main Acts: Twin Shadow, La Sécurité, and Shiho Yabuki
South By Southwest is also known as SXSW, and it started in 1987. This is one of the largest music festivals in the US, flooding Austin for an entire week with nearly 2,000 artists, including Duma and Ezra Furman. One unique fun is that it overlaps with a film and gaming festival and it is the location for the debut of the Game of Thrones beer.
5. Summerfest
- Time: June 18-20, June 25-27, and July 2-4, 2026
- Location: Henry Maier Festival Park-Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Attendance: Over 602,000
- Main Acts: Lainey Wilson, Whiskey Myers
Summerfest has long been one of the biggest music festivals in America and the world. It started back in the 60s with s longer history than other festivals on this list. Summerfest provides many enjoyable activities besides beautiful music including folk, pop, and rock, where people can experience various food and virtual reality technology.
6. Ultra Music Festival
- Time: March 27-29, 2026
- Location: Bayfront Park Amphitheater-Miami, Florida
- Capacity: Around 50,000 each day
- Attendance: Around 170,000
- Main Acts: Martin Garrix, Armin van Buuren, deadmau5, and Charlotte de Witte,
Considered to be one of the biggest US music festivals ever in the electronic music area, Ultra Music Festival in Miami provides EDM, techno, and house music to fans around the world. It invites stars like Afrojack, Seven Lions, and Knife Party and it’s famous for the combination of relentless DJ talent and industry-leading production.
7. Austin City Limits Music Festival
- Time: October 3-5 & 10-12, 2025
- Location: Zilker Park-Austin, Texas
- Attendance: Around 170,000
- Main Acts: Hozier, Luke Combs, Cage The Elephant, and Empire of the Sun
Located in Austin, the Austin City Limits Music Festival stands out as one of the largest music festivals in the United States, boasting fantastic weather and featuring around 100 acts on eight big stages, with music types including rock, country, electronic, and hip-hop. What makes it charming is that it provides a festival for children and families, and children under the age of 10 even get in for free.
8. The Governor Ball Music Festival
- Time: June 5-7, 2026
- Location: Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens, New York City
- Attendance: Over 50,000
- Main Acts: Tyler, the Creator, Olivia Rodrigo, and Hozier
For over a decade, The Governor’s Ball has become the largest music festival in the USA – a true fixture on the New York scene. This isn’t your average festival. It throws genres out the window, mixing chart-toppers with underground gems to pull in a wild, diverse crowd. And the setting? Pure magic. You’ve got the whole iconic NYC skyline right there as your backdrop when you enjoy the show. Honestly, the prime location alone is a huge part of the vibe.
9. Stagecoach Festival
- Time: April 24-26, 2026
- Location: The Empire Polo Club-Indio, California
- Attendance: Around 80,000
- Main Acts: Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Zach Bryan, and Lainey Wilson
Stagecoach is known for the largest music festivals in the US, showcasing a mix of country music legends, modern stars, and up-and-coming artists. The lineup often includes a variety of styles within the genre, such as classic country, bluegrass, folk, and Southern rock, including Ben Burgess and Hailey Whitters.
10. Levitation
- Time: September 25-28
- Location: Austin, Texas
- Attendance: 5,000 to 10,000
- Main Acts: Pavement, TV On The Radio, Built To Spill, and Mastodon
Levitation stands out for its focus on creativity, authenticity, and the immersive experience it offers to fans. It’s a celebration of psychedelic culture, blending music, art, and community into a truly unique event. Whether you’re a long-time fan of psychedelic rock or curious about the genre, Levitation as one of the biggest music festivals in the US provides a one-of-a-kind journey into sound and visuals.
11. Big Ears
- Time: March 26-29, 2026
- Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
- Attendance: Around 15,000
- Main Acts: ANOHNI and the Johnsons, Beth Gibbons, esperanza spalding, and Jessica Pratt
Located in Knoxville, Big Ears is one of the largest music festivals in the US and is renowned for its eclectic and adventurous programming, spanning genres such as experimental music, jazz, classical, avant-garde, electronic, rock, and traditional folk. The festival emphasizes artistic innovation and often includes collaborations and unique performances that can’t be experienced elsewhere.
12. Essence Music Festival
- Time: July 3-6, 2026
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Superdome-New Orleans, Lousiana
- Attendance: Around 500,000
- Main Acts: Maxwell, Jill Scott, Patti LaBelle, Jazmine Sullivan, Erykah Badu.
Labelled the “Party with a Purpose”, the Essence party is one of the largest music festivals in the USA. With a celebration of all things in African-American culture, this festival features nightly performances from the most acclaimed Black musical artists, as well as free daytime activities around the city.
13. The Governors Ball Music Festival
- Time: June, 2026
- Location: Citi Field-Queens, New York
- Attendance: Around 150,000
- Main Acts: Arctic Monkeys, Paramore, and Florence + The Machine
The Governors Ball stands out for its seamless integration of world-class music, vibrant art, and the cultural essence of New York. It’s a must-attend event for those looking to kick off the summer with unforgettable performances in one of the USA’s biggest music festivals and a uniquely urban festival experience. It has brought names like Billie Eilish, A$AP Rocky, Post Malone, and Carly Rae Jepsen.
14. Ultra Miami
- Time: March 27, 28, 29, 2026
- Location: Bayfront Park, Miami, Florida
- Attendance: Around 50,000
- Main Acts: Martin Garrix, Skrillex, Calvin Harris, Swedish House Mafia, or Eric Prydz.
Ultra Miami takes over Bayfront Park every March, pulling in massive crowds as one of the biggest music festivals in the United States. Since launching back in 1999, it’s hosted legendary DJs like David Guetta and Armin van Buuren, right in downtown Miami. You can’t miss the insane stage designs – especially that iconic “Spider” setup – with non-stop beats across everything from techno to house for three full days. For electronic music fans worldwide, this festival has become an essential pilgrimage!
15. Electric Daisy Carnival Las Vegas
- Time: May 15-17, 2026
- Location: Las Vegas Motor Speedway- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Attendance: Around 450,000
- Main Acts:Martin Garrix, Alesso, Armin van Buuren, Tiësto, ILLENIUM, and Rezz
Located in Las Vegas, EDC is one of the biggest music festivals in America, also the largest electronic dance music festival in North America. Fans of EDM from all over the world gather to dance to the hottest DJs. Proclaiming love for your partner in the loudest way is possible by choosing their wedding package-you can get married there!
16. Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival
- Time: June 11-14, 2026
- Location: Great Stage Park-Manchester, Tennesse
- Attendance: Around 80,000
- Main Acts: Luke Combs, Tyler, the Creator, Olivia Rodrigo, and Hozier
Long-running Bonnaroo has a reputation as the funkiest of the modern major music festivals, from its backwoods Tennessee location and its hedonistic on-site camping to the slightly hippie-fied lineups, including Zeds Dead, Liquid Stranger, Kendrick Lamar, Odesza, Foo Fighters, Pixies and more.
17. New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
- Time: Thu, Apr 23, 2026 – Sun, May 3, 2026
- Location: Fair Grounds Race Course- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Attendance: Around 500,000
- Main Acts: Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews Band, Luke Combs, and Lil Wayne
New Orleans loves parties, and the Jazz & Heritage Festival is up next to Mardi Gras as the finest representation of lively New Orleans culture. It is one of the biggest music festivals in the US with a ten-day-long celebration featuring the best of Creole cooks, artisans, and of course, jazz.
18. Rolling Loud Festival
- Time: July, 2026
- Location: Hard Rock Stadium-Miami, Florida
- Attendance: Around 80,000
- Main Acts: A$AP Rocky, Playboi Carti, and Peso Pluma
The Rolling Loud Festival is the largest hip-hop festival in the world is celebrated for its star-studded lineups and energetic performances. It has become a cultural phenomenon, showcasing the biggest names in rap and hip-hop and drawing fans from across the globe.
19. Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival
- Time: October, for 3 days
- Location: Golden Gate Park-San Francisco, California
- Attendance: Over 200,000
- Main Acts:Tyler, The Creator, Hozier, and Doja Cat
Taking place in the legendary Golden Gate Park of San Francisco, Outside Lands is the largest independently owned music festival in the United States. The lineup features big names and emerging artists alike, spanning genres and decades, including Tame Impala, The Strokes, and J Balvin, etc.
20. Life Is Beautiful Music & Arts Festival
- Time: September, for 3 days
- Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
- Attendance: Around 180,000
- Main Acts: Kendrick Lamar, Odesza, and The Killers
Life is Beautiful stands out for its holistic approach to festivals, combining world-class music, immersive art, culinary delights, and cultural experiences into one unforgettable event. Set against the backdrop of downtown Las Vegas, this biggest music festival in the US offers a perfect mix of urban energy and creative expression, making it a standout on the U.S. festival circuit.
What You Need to Prepare to Enjoy Music Festivals
- Tickets and ID: Bring your festival pass, valid ID, and any necessary confirmations.
- Clothing: Comfortable, weather-appropriate outfits and sturdy shoes; add a jacket for chilly nights.
- Essentials: Sunscreen, portable phone charger, and earplugs.
- Bag: A lightweight backpack or fanny pack for carrying items.
- Camping Gear (if needed): Tent, sleeping bag, and camping essentials.
- Snacks and Hydration: Pack lightweight snacks and stay hydrated throughout the event.
- Festival Map/Schedule: Plan to catch your favorite acts and navigate the grounds.
Great preparation will ensure a smooth and enjoyable festival experience!
Which Festival Is For You?
After learning about the biggest music festivals in the US, are you interested in them and ready to participate in the big bash?
If you are going to enjoy yourself in music, remember that no matter which festival you choose, don’t wait for tickets. A lot of festivals will sell out pretty quickly, and you can always resell it if plans change. Consequently, don’t hesitate.
Pack your bags, grab your tickets, and get ready to experience the magic of the biggest music festivals in the US! There’s nothing quite like the energy of live music and the community it creates.
How uhomes.com can help you?
uhomes.com offers plenty of student housing in the USA, and some popular cities like New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Davis, and more, featuring diverse room types like private studios, 1-bedroom apartments, and shared bedrooms (2B1B to 4B4B), and multi-bedroom suites—all fully furnished for move-in readiness . You’ll find extensive shared amenities such as study lounges, 24/7 gyms, resort-style pools, game rooms, and a movie room in most apartments. Our platform places you right where you need to be. Many of our student apartments are just a short walk from campus – think 6 minutes to NYU or 10 minutes by bus to Columbia University – and close to public transport. Plus, you’re perfectly positioned to enjoy all the nearby fun: grab coffee or hit up Asian restaurants, shop at supermarkets like QFC or Whole Foods, explore malls such as Macy’s and Nordstrom, or hit the trails for biking and jogging. Best part? Essentials like Wi-Fi, water, and trash are usually bundled into your rent, making life simple.
FAQs
The biggest music festival in America by attendance is the Summerfest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with over 800,000 attendees annually. It typically takes place over 11 days in late June and early July.
Brazil’s Rio Carnival is the world’s largest festival, drawing over two million people daily at its peak. Why is learning about global festivals important for students? They provide valuable lessons in history, geography, social values, and cultural appreciation.
The biggest concert in America is performed by the Grateful Dead at Raceway Park in Englishtown, New Jersey. There are 100,00 people joining it and it holds the record for the most ticketed concert in US history.
- Coachella
- Lollapalooza
- SXSW
- Ultra Miami.
- New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
The most famous music festival in the USA is undoubtedly Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. It typically takes place over two weekends in April and it is famous for its status as a cultural phenomenon, blending music, art, fashion, and celebrity culture.
EDC is arguably the world’s biggest EDM festival. Packed with incredible art installations, wild art cars, massive stages, carnival rides, and non-stop music, it’s an experience like nothing else.
