Do you want to know the biggest music festivals in the US? Music festivals have become a cornerstone of culture and entertainment in the United States, attracting millions of fans from all over the globe.
These events are more than just concerts; they are immersive experiences that bring together music, art, food, and community in unforgettable ways. From sprawling desert landscapes to bustling urban settings, the US hosts some of the most iconic and diverse music festivals in the world, showcasing genres ranging from pop and hip-hop to country, EDM, and indie rock.
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most beloved and biggest music festivals in the United States, highlighting what makes each one unique and why they attract such massive crowds year after year. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or planning your first trip, this guide will help you discover the best of what the American music scene has to offer.
The 20 Biggest Music Festivals in the US
1. Coachella
- Time: April, 2 consecutive weekends, each for 3 days
- Location: Empire Polo Club-Indio, California
- Capacity: Around 100,000 each day
- Attendance: Around 250,000
Since its inception in 1999, Coachella has become one of the premier music festivals in the world, covering many genres like rock, pop, electronic dance music, etc.. Many big names like Travis Scott fill the valley with enthusiastic fans. Pack up your tent and camp at Coachella for the full experience.
2. Lollapalooza
- Time: July to August, for 4 days
- Location: Grant Park-Chicago, Illinois
- Attendance: Around 400,000
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 27 to September 4, for 9 days
- Location: Black Rock City-Black Rock Desert, Nevada
- Attendance: Around 80,000
Burning Man started for the first time in 1986, and over the years, it has become a highly regarded celebration with charming uniqueness. The type of music played at Burning Man is called tech-house. It is special because this project is organized by a non-profit organization with community-driven activities. It also has a ceremonial fire activity carried out by Fire Conclave.
4. South By Southwest / SXSW
- Time: March, for 7 days
- Location: Austin, Texas
- Attendance: Around 280,000 in 2019 and 230,000 in 2022
South By Southwest is also known as SXSW and it started in 1987. This famous American music festival floods 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 to July, 3 consecutive weekends
- Location: Henry Maier Festival Park-Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Attendance: Over 718,000 in 2019 and up to 500,000 in 2022
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, for 3 days (March 22-24, 2024)
- Location: Bayfront Park Amphitheater-Miami, Florida
- Capacity: Around 50,000 each day
- Attendance: Around 170,000
Considered to be one of the most successful 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, 2 weekends for 6 days
- Location: Zilker Park-Austin, Texas
- Attendance: Around 170,000
Located in Austin, this festival bears fantastic weather with around 100 various acts on eight big stages, the music type 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. Pitchfork Music Festival
- Time: July 19-21 in 2024
- Location: Union Park-Chicago, Illinois
- Attendance: Over 50,000
Located in Chicago, Pitchfork is known for its best contemporary indie artists including rockers, hip-hop artists, and forward-thinking musicians. Remaining an ideal size, it has three stages and plenty of room for lounging in the sun or shade, catering to fans with that dives deeper than the mainstream.
9. Stagecoach Festival
- Time: April, for 3 days
- Location: The Empire Polo Club-Indio, California
- Attendance: Around 80,000
Stagecoach is known for 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: April
- Location: Austin, Texas
- Attendance: 5,000 to 10,000
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 provides a one-of-a-kind journey into sound and visuals.
11. Big Ears
- Time: March to April
- Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
- Attendance: Around 15,000
Located in Knoxville, Big Ears 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: June/July for 3 days (July 4-7 in 2024)
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Superdome-New Orleans, Lousiana
- Attendance: Around 500,000
Labeled the “Party with a Purpose”, the Essence party is one of the largest 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, for 3 days
- Location: Citi Field-Queens, New York
- Attendance: Around 150,000
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 and a uniquely urban festival experience. It has brought names like Billie Eilish, A$AP Rocky, Post Malone, and Carly Rae Jepsen.
14. Firefly Music Festival
- Time: September, for 4 days
- Location: The Woodlands of Dover Motor Speedway-Dover, Delaware
- Attendance: Around 50,000
Firefly Music Festival started in 2012 and welcomed everyone to participate. This festival primarily plays indie-pop music with some stars like AMFMS, Atlas Genius, Blink-182, Boy & Bear, The Killers, and Billie Eilish.
15. Electric Daisy Carnival Las Vegas
- Time: May, for 3 days (May 17-19 in 2024)
- Location: Las Vegas Motor Speedway- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Attendance: Around 450,000
Located in Las Vegas, EDC is 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, for 4 days (June 13-16 in 2024)
- Location: Great Stage Park-Manchester, Tennesse
- Attendance: Around 80,000
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: April/May, for 8 days on two consecutive weekends
- Location: Fair Grounds Race Course- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Attendance: Around 500,000
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, for 3 days
- Location: Hard Rock Stadium-Miami, Florida
- Attendance: Around 80,000
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
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
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, it 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!
Conclusion: 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.
FAQs
The biggest music festival in the world is Donauinselfest that lies in Vienna, which has long been home to musical talents like Mozart. It takes place on an island in the middle of the Danube River, drawing an astounding 3.1 million attendees in 2016.
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 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.
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.
