Frequently asked questions about 15 best & biggest music festivals in the usa
What is the biggest music festival in the United States?
Summerfest, in Milwaukee (Wisconsin), attracts approximately 800,000 people each year and is the largest music festival in the USA.
What are the best festivals in the USA?
The best music festivals in the US are:
<li>Coachella;</li> <li>Lollapalooza;</li> <li>Ultra Music Festival;</li> <li>Austin City Limits Festival;</li> <li>Electric Daisy Carnival;</li> <li>Bonnaroo;</li> <li>Electric Zoo;</li> <li>South By Southwest (SXSW);</li> <li>Firefly Music Festival;</li>
Is Coachella the biggest music festival in the US?
While Coachella is not the biggest music festival in the United States, it's one of the most-awaited events of the year, attracting around 600,000 people annually.
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The United States is buzzing with a vibrant mass of music festivals that keep tourists and locals on their toes throughout the year.
From pulse-pounding EDM concerts to larger-than-life rock shows and passionate jazz performances, there's something for everyone among the USA’s robust lineup of festivals.
Ready to welcome the festival season? Then say no more! We’ve gathered a list of the top 15 music festivals that should be on every music lover’s bucket list in 2022. Have a look below and take your pick.
The Biggest & Best Music Festivals In The USA
Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival
When: Thursday, June 16, 2022 – Sunday, June 19, 2022
Where: Great Stage Park, Manchester, Tennessee
Line up: Foo Fighters, Lizzo, Tame Impala, Young The Giant, Leon Bridges, Rufus du Sol
Tickets: General Admission $350 | 4-day VIP $1250 | 4-day Platinum $3500 Buy here
Held in the Bonnaroo Farm, in Manchester (Tennessee), Bonnaroo is a vibrant annual four-day music festival that features a sparkling lineup of 150+ musicians and other up-and-coming artists.
With 10+ performance stages, the festival brings some of the most influential acts from pop, alternative rock, indie rock, hip hop, R&B, electronic, funk, and other musical genres, making it one of the most sought after events in the United States.
Noteworthy past performances include concerts by U2, Pearl Jam, Billy Joel, and Elton John, just to name a few.
Of all the amazing music festivals happening in the US throughout the year, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival has got to be one of the most-awaited.
Held annually in the picture-perfect Coachella Valley, in California, the festival features a dazzling array of musical artists from many genres — from rock, to hip hop and electronic dance music —, including names like Beyoncé, Daft Punk, Snoop Dogg, and Amy Whinehouse.
Known for the buzz and vibrance of its lineup, Coachella attracts over 200,000 people each, and in addition to hosting live music, the festival showcases visual artworks, like installation art and eye-popping sculptures.
Boasting 8 stages, and 170+ bands from all around the world, Lollapalooza is one of the most famous music festivals in the USA, and something every music lover should experience at least once in their life.
This worldwide known music festival was created in 1991 as a farewell tour by Perry Farrell, singer of Jane's Addiction, and it's held throughout four days in Grant Park, Chicago, during the summertime.
Thanks to its captivating array of concerts that include a variety of genres, from heavy metal, punk rock to electronic music, Lollapalooza draws a massive crowd of almost 500,000 people each year.
Past performers include big-names like Kanye West, Metallica, Outkast, Nine Inch Nails, Lady Gaga, and Tyler, The Creator, just to name a few.
Consistently ranked the world’s #1 music festival by DJ Mag, Ultra Music Festival is an electrifying event that takes place every March in Miami, Florida.
This massive waterfront festival is a veritable wonderland for electronic music lovers, and it brings together more than 170,00 attendees that are dreaming of seeing performances by names like David Guetta, Armin van Buuren, Justice, Major Lazer, Benny Benassi, and Steve Aoki.
Covering all electronic genres — from house to techno, and EDM —, Ultra Music Festival became so internationally-renowned, that it now takes place in 26 and 29 countries, including Brazil, Japan, Mexico, Croatia, and South Africa.
Also known as EDC, the Electric Daisy Carnival is the largest electronic music festival in North America.
As soon as you step foot in the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where the event takes place, you’ll be transported to a magical carnival wonderland filled with three-dimensional superstructures, glow-in-the-dark environments, and multicolored LED-infused flora and fauna.
Aside from the mesmerizing setting, this big music festival features thrilling rides, pyrotechnics, circus performers, and exhilarating sets by electronic artists like Armin van Buuren, Calvin Harris, Diplo, Alesso, Martin Garrix, Zedd, Afrojack, and Tiësto.
Over a 10-day span, SXSW brings together a dazzling wealth of parallel events, including film screenings, tech conferences, and comedy shows, all in one place. Held in Austin, Texas, in mid-March, this multidisciplinary festival also features a series of music concerts by nearly 300 showcasing artists, from big-name to new hitters.
While next year’s lineup is yet to be announced, expect to be granted a stellar list of performers like Jack White, Billie Eilish, Post Malone, Dua Lipa, Mumford & Sons, Travis Scott, and more.
An enticing Creole cuisine, gorgeous riverfront parks, lovely townhouses, and well-preserved historic neighborhoods make New Orleans one of the best long weekend getaways in the US. A vibrant musical scene also draws thousands of visitors to the city each year, especially to witness the massive Jazz Fest, which is a lively celebration of the local music and culture.
Taking place every spring, from April to May, this bustling musical festival features multiple stages where attendees can marvel at top-notch performances of contemporary jazz, afro-centric and world music, blues, gospel, and even live cooking demonstrations.
The Jazz Fest also features an array of food trucks, where visitors can sample a variety of authentic dishes like crawfish beignets, cajun jambalaya, jalapeño bread, and fried green tomatoes.
Held in the sun-drenched Black Rock Desert, in Nevada, Burning Man is not a festival. It’s an annual experiment that celebrates art, identity, self-expression, and self-reliance.
The event features larger-than-life interactive installation artworks, electronic music camps, spontaneous musical performances, and dancing.
In 2022, Burning Man will happen virtually with the theme “The Great Unknown” as an invitation to emerge from the world’s collective isolation, and explore the unfamiliar contours of a changed reality.
Electric Zoo
Credit: Instagram @electriczoony
When: September 3-5, 2021
Where: Randall's Island Park, New York City
Lineup: Tiësto, Steve Aoki, Kaskade, Alesso, and Claptone.
Tickets: There are no tickets currently available.
Held over Labor Day weekend on Randall's Island, Electric Zoo is New York's premier Electronic Music Festival, and one of the largest events in the city. Each year the festival brings together the most iconic names in electronic music, including Tiësto, Steve Aoki, and Alesso.
Aside from thrilling DJ sets, the festival also features some delicious food options that are sure to give you extra energy from the beginning to the end! This year’s highlights include Tica’s Tacos, Grilled Cheese Poojas, and Ponti Rossi Pizza.
Where: The Woodlands of Dover International Speedway, Dover, Delaware
Lineup: Billie Eilish, Diplo, Megan Thee Stallion, Portugal. The Man, Tame Impala
Tickets: GA $279 | VIP $699 | Super VIP $2,499
Offering an unlimited variety of spellbinding experiences that go way beyond music, the Firefly Festival is one of the most praised events in the country.
This three-day event is held in The Woodlands of Dover International Speedway, in Dover, Delaware, and in 2021 will spoil visitors with a fascinating lineup of more than 120 bands across 7 stages.
When not frantically dancing to captivating songs in the festival’s concerts, visitors can indulge in a plethora of activities like shopping in the Bazaar Central Market, skating on the Roller Rink, relaxing on the Hammock Hangout, and participating in free yoga sessions in the meadows.
Hungry yet? Then don’t miss the lip-smacking food vendors that will participate in the event. From elaborate cocktails to vegan treats and hearty pizzas, there’s something for everyone.
Over the course of two weekends, the Austin City Limits Music Festival grants jostling crowds of music lovers with electrifying concerts by over 130 bands across 8 stages.
Covering an endless number of music genres, like rock, indie, country, folk, electronic and hip hop, the festival is attended by almost 450,000 people each year.
Artists who have played at the Austin City Limits Music Festival include Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Arctic Monkeys, Guns N' Roses, Muse, Vampire Weekend, The Flaming Lips, Radiohead, and Pearl Jam.
The event also boasts a mini-fest for kids, and delicious food options like tacos, brews, and more treats for when the hunger strikes.
“Music. Art. Food. Experiences. Community. Surprises”. These are the thrilling offers that visitors can indulge in when attending Governors Ball Music Festival. A bustling event held annually on Randalls Island, in New York City, the festival features an array of genres and styles of music, from electronic and hip-hop, to indie and folk.
While mind-blowing concerts by artists like J Balvin, Billie Eilish, Post Malone, Leon Bridges, Ellie Goulding, and Phoebe Bridgers are 2021’s most popular attractions, the festival also flaunts a multitude of popular New York restaurants and food vendors.
Country music lovers, rejoice! Stagecoach Festival is back in 2022 bringing together some of the top performers of the country, including names like Carrie Underwood, Brothers Osborne, and Luke Combs.
Held in the sun-kissed grounds of the Empire Polo Club, in Indio, California's country music festival will feature a fun-wealth of attractions, like a honky-tonk dance hall, a Ferris wheel, and a pop-up bbq restaurant by the one-and-only Guy Fieri!
The Pitchfork Music Festival celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2021 with an electrifying list of music concerts throughout an entire weekend in September.
Taking place in the Union Park, Chicago, last year's event was headlined by Erykah Badu, St. Vincent, and Phoebe Bridgers, and will feature performances by Cat Power, Big Thief, Angel Olsen, Animal Collective.
The lineup for 2022 is yet to be announced, so stay tuned!
The Afropunk Festival is an annual event that includes live music, film, fashion, and art performances produced by an influential community of black artists.
Last year’s edition happened in Atlanta and offered an exciting weekend-long musical experience that catered to their diverse community. Top performances included artists like Foushée, Rico Nasty, Smino, and more.
This year's lineup is yet to be announced, but expect a dazzling wealth of top-notch performing artists for 2022.
Not to mention that they’ll also have a number of delicious black-owned food trucks to give attendees extra energy between concerts!
Festival rankings by reputation and by attendance tell different stories. By headcount, here is how the major US festivals compare.
Summerfest, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The largest music festival in the US by total attendance: 600,000-800,000 over 11 days across 12 stages. Runs late June to early July. Day tickets cost $30-45. The Henry Maier Festival Park sits on the Lake Michigan waterfront, which makes it unusual among major US festivals. Most are in desert or field settings. Summerfest leans mainstream pop, country, and rock rather than the indie-electronic programming of Coachella or Bonnaroo. Milwaukee hotels on CuddlyNest from $85/night during the festival run.
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Indio, California. 750,000+ combined attendance across two identical weekends in April. Weekend 1 tickets ($549 general, $999+ VIP) sell faster and attract more media coverage; Weekend 2 has the same lineup. The festival runs Friday-Sunday over 3 days. Camping on-site costs $125-400 depending on type; most attendees stay in Palm Springs (30 minutes) or the Coachella Valley shuttle corridor. Palm Springs hotels on CuddlyNest from $95/night for Coachella weekend.
Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), Las Vegas, Nevada. 525,000+ over three nights in May at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Strictly EDM-focused: the largest electronic music festival in the Western Hemisphere. Three-day passes run $350-500. The festival runs 10pm-6am each night; the desert location means daytime temperatures of 35-40C but genuinely cool nights. Las Vegas hotel rates during EDC weekend are among the highest of the year. Las Vegas hotels on CuddlyNest. Book 3-4 months ahead for EDC weekend.
Lollapalooza, Chicago, Illinois. 400,000 over 4 days in Grant Park each August. The only major US festival in a city's public park, which means walkable accommodation options and no camping required. Four-day passes run $380-450; single-day tickets go on sale closer to the event. The Chicago lakefront setting is the best natural backdrop of any US festival. Chicago hotels on CuddlyNest from $89/night, several within 10 minutes' walk of Grant Park.
Music Festival Practical Guide
Four things that make a material difference to the festival experience.
Book accommodation first, then tickets. Hotels near Coachella, EDC Las Vegas, and Bonnaroo (Manchester, TN) sell out before festival tickets go on sale. Set a hotel booking reminder for 4-6 months before the event. Camping at the festival site is cheaper but requires more gear and prep; hotel-based attendance costs more but is less exhausting over a multi-day run.
The big four festivals for programming diversity. Coachella, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, and Austin City Limits are the "Big 4" that most consistently book the highest-profile headliners across multiple genres. Austin City Limits runs the same lineup over two consecutive weekends in October; Lollapalooza runs a single 4-day event. For pure genre depth in electronic music, EDC Las Vegas and Ultra Miami outrank all four.
Single-day tickets vs. multi-day passes. Most major festivals offer single-day tickets at $80-150 once the festival is imminent. Buying a multi-day pass early gets you $100-200 off the combined single-day cost. If you only want to see specific headliners, single-day tickets released 2-4 weeks before the event work out cheaper and require less planning.
Festival camping vs. hotels. On-site camping at Bonnaroo ($45-90 per car per day) and Coachella ($125-400 per campsite) adds $300-500 to total trip cost, but keeps you inside the festival's atmosphere. Hotels within driving distance save money but require planning the drive back after late-night sets. Shuttle buses from nearby hotels are offered at most major festivals for $20-40/day round trip. Search US hotels near festival cities on CuddlyNest.
Frequently Asked Questions About US Music Festivals
What is the biggest music festival in the US?
Summerfest in Milwaukee is the largest by total attendance (600,000-800,000 over 11 days). Coachella is the largest single-weekend event (750,000+ across two identical weekends). By cultural impact and media coverage, Coachella and Lollapalooza rank highest. By EDM attendance, EDC Las Vegas is the largest electronic music event in the Western Hemisphere.
What are the Big 4 music festivals?
Coachella (Indio, CA), Lollapalooza (Chicago, IL), Bonnaroo (Manchester, TN), and Austin City Limits (Austin, TX). These four are the most consistent for headliner quality and cross-genre programming. Glastonbury in the UK is often cited as a fifth in this tier for international comparison. Within specific genres, Ultra Miami (EDM) and SXSW (indie/emerging artists) rank as high as the Big 4 for their respective audiences.
When do music festival tickets go on sale?
Coachella: October-November for the following April festival. Lollapalooza: February-March for August. Bonnaroo: October-November for June. EDC Las Vegas: October-November for May. Austin City Limits: March-April for October. The general rule is 5-6 months before the event for initial sales. Most festivals have waitlists and additional ticket drops closer to the date, but prices increase and availability shrinks.
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What are the best music festivals for EDM & Dance lovers?
The best EDM and dance festivals in the USA are:
<li>III Points Festival;</li> <li>Electric Daisy Carnival;</li> <li>Electric Forest;</li> <li>Movement Electronic Music Festival;</li> <li>MUTEK San Francisco;</li> <li>Miami Music Week;</li> <li>Time Warp USA;</li> <li>Lost Lands Music Festival.</li>
What are the big metal music festivals in the US?
The best metal music festivals in the US are:
<li>Welcome to Rockville;</li> <li>Aftershock Festival;</li> <li>Full Terror Assault Metal Festival;</li> <li>Rocklahoma Festival;</li> <li>Maryland Deathfest;</li> <li>ProgPower USA;</li> <li>70000 Tons of Metal Cruise Festival;</li> <li>Rock USA.</li>
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